DIY Furniture: Make your own coffee table

by Kevin Kelleher 07/22/2024

To stretch your crafting skills while saving money on home decor, consider DIY furniture for your living room. From benches to shelving to accent tables, there are many projects for DIY enthusiasts of all experience levels. Here’s a guide for a new DIY hairpin leg coffee table to get you started:

DIY Furniture materials you’ll need

  • Scrap wood or plywood cut to size (your choice)
  • Measuring tape
  • Metal hairpin legs (found online or from local hardware retailers)
  • Screwdriver and wood screws
  • Sander or sandpaper
  • Wood filler
  • Paintbrush
  • Paint or finish

DIY Coffee table: Step by step

  1. The first step in this DIY furniture project is to clean and sand the plywood or scrap wood. Use either an electric sander or sandpaper to buff out any scratches and remove splinters.
  2. Decide which side of the plywood you want to face up. On the back, measure and drill holes in each corner for attaching the legs.
  3. Use the included brackets to attach the hairpin legs, applying clamps to hold them in place if necessary.
  4. Flip the table upright and double check for any wobbling or unevenness in the table legs. It will be easier to fix mistakes before you’ve finished the wood.
  5. Add a coat of wood filler to smooth out any existing knots or holes in the surface of the wood.
  6. Once the filler is dry, add your choice of paint or wood stain. Allow it to dry completely before using the table.

Now you have a unique piece of stylish, modern DIY furniture for your living room. You can use this same method to create additional pieces to match. Try making a bench, stool, accent table or dining table. Experiment with different surface materials like concrete, marble, stone or metal. Just make sure to check the specifications on the legs before you start.

While the combination of natural wood and metal hairpin legs is peak mid-century modern style, there are no limits when it comes to DIY furniture. Consider these ideas the next time you want to craft something all your own.

About the Author
Author

Kevin Kelleher

The thing that sets me aside from other agents is my experience, I started out a young man in construction learning everything from anyone that could teach me so before long I had my own company as a remodeling contractor then specialized in historical renovations by the end I had the pleasure of working on great jobs with great clients for 30 years. For the past 12 years, I have been enjoying the process of assisting my faithful clients with real estate transactions my knowledge of houses has given my clients a huge advantage when viewing properties and what is needed when selling. I have always enjoyed working with people and helping them in probably the largest investment they will make. I hope you will give me the chance to show you that honesty and hard work does pay off in the end whether you're buying or selling.