Have you ever come across something that you could immediately envision in your home? That’s been the story behind this coffee table from CB2. Shortly after snagging the red couch for the playroom, I was reminded of it, and I knew the two would be the perfect pair. The modern, clean table in front of the sweet, tufted sofa was the mix I crave, and the scale was spot on. But, the thing is $500. Now, I could justify spending that on a table that was going to be in one of the adult living areas, but to spend that kind of money on something that was likely going to be painted on, spilled on, written on – no way. Plus, while the honed stone is gorgeous, it’s probably not great around my rather clumsy daughter.
So, when I came across this image on Pinterest, I decided to search for a basket and attempt a DIY. It’s certainly not as stunning as the CB2 table, but I knew it would give a similar mix and be a fraction of the cost. A few days later I happened upon a big basket at Target in the storage section I searched online but couldn’t find the exact one and finding the perfect basket set this project into motion.
I picked up an MDF board from Home Depot and Micah got to work cutting out the top. The boards come 4×8′, so I had it cut at the store into two 3×4’s to make it easier to work with (and get home). Micah found the center of the board and placed a screw in part way. Then he tied a string around it and the other end around a pencil to draw out a perfect circle. We made our top 3′ in diameter.
To cut out the circle, Micah used a jigsaw. As he cut, I went ahead with the shop vac to suck up all of the sawdust: a handy tip for when you’re working inside. He sanded the edges with a palm sander, and then I painted the top and bottom with a coat of primer and two coats of Rustoleum’s Protective Enamel. It’s important to let the paint dry about 24 hours before flipping to the other side, so while the process is easy, it’s a bit slow.
Once the paint was cured we attached the base. First, Micah removed the handles from the basket.
Then we centered the basket on the top’s underside.
These are the plates and screws we used to attach the two.
The plates will bend slightly as you tighten.
We used 4 plates to secure.
And that’s it. For about $50 all in, we have a nice-looking table that the kids can enjoy, and I don’t have to worry about. We’ve been busy making some other changes to this room, and I’ll be back next week to share.
Thank you to all who entered the Rug Pad USA giveaway. The winner is Brittany Cramer – congrats!
Emily A. Clark says
You smarty 🙂 Fun project.
Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says
Love it! Such a perfect mix of styles and colors going on here!
Lela B says
So pretty!!!!
Kelly Lynch-Stange says
so great! is it sturdy???
themakerista@gmail.com says
Surprisingly, yes! The size of the basket makes a rather sturdy base. 🙂
Kristin@bliss-athome.com says
I really love these kinds of DIY's for kids spaces. Like you said, you can still get a nice look and not worry about them ruining an expensive piece. xoxo
themakerista@gmail.com says
Exactly!
megitys says
It looks fantastic!! I crave color and I've let my space become neutral. Your style makes me so happy everytime I see it. I can't wait to see the rest of the changes you have made!
Kat says
This is brilliant! You could also cover the top in marble contact paper. This project reminds me of one of Jenny's projects: http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2012/10/diy-wire-console-table-or-how-i-got.html
themakerista@gmail.com says
Anything Jenny touches is gold. 🙂
Kat says
Agreed! And even though that table gave her tetanus, it's fabulous.
Julia Konya says
How awesome. And it's even perfect for little kids sized chairs!
Meghan @ Simple Life Soliloquies says
Probably the only time I've ever been inspired to fall in love with my hand-me-down red couch! Love this!
Gypsy Heart says
Awesome! It really looks as though you purchased it in a name brand store. I love the pillow on the red sofa ~ did you make it? I have a red love seat and trying to figure out "warm weather" pillows. 🙂
xo
Pat
Bethany DeVore says
Such a great idea!
theanatomyofdesign.com says
love that glossy finish on the table. and, i love that with a little spray paint that base and top could be completely revamped for a whole new space.