Choose coffee table ik. Advantages and disadvantages of each material. Which table should you choose for your interior? Do you need shelves and drawers on a coffee table? Photo ideas for inspiration: transforming table. We make a coffee table with our own hands.
Choice of material, pros and cons
coffee table It is considered the most functional and versatile piece of furniture in any interior. It is present in almost every living room. It can often be found in. The coffee table will even fit on yours if you like to sit there while reading or working on the computer. With its help, the space will become more comfortable and aesthetically beautiful. We will tell you what types of coffee tables are divided into, what materials exist for their manufacture, as well as the pros and cons of each.
| Classification: | Classification characteristics: |
|---|---|
According to the form; By height; According to the material from which the frame is made; According to the material from which the countertop is made; Depending on the method of movement; Depending on the presence of a folding mechanism. | Circle, oval, square, rectangle, triangle, polygon, arbitrary (unusual) tabletop shape; The average height of a regular coffee table does not exceed 50 cm (however, there are models of lower and higher tables); Wood (driftwood, stump), glass, metal (forged products), plastic; Wood, chipboard (laminated), “wicker” (wicker), upholstery made of fabric or leather, tempered glass (including tinted glass), plastic, veneer, metal sheets, mirror surface, stone, mosaic; On wheels (mobile) and without (stationary); Transformable or regular tables. |
A coffee table is considered the most functional and versatile piece of furniture in any interior. It is present in almost every living room. It can often be found in a spacious bedroom.
Made of wood
Wooden coffee tables are the most popular option and can easily fit into almost any interior. It is enough to choose a shade that will harmoniously combine with the rest of the furniture in the room. It is desirable that the decoration of such a table be made in the appropriate style.
Made from glass
Decorating your home in modern style, people began to pay more attention to models of coffee tables made of glass. They look quite “airy” due to their transparency. However, the most unusual materials can be selected as support for such tables - tree snags, deer antlers, corals and others.
Made of metal
Metal is difficult to process, which is why models of such coffee tables are expensive. They are also heavy in weight, which makes moving them around the room much more difficult. But they are durable, they are not afraid of any damage.
Choosing a coffee table depending on the overall style of the room
Look at examples of interior design, including the presence of a coffee table, in the catalog - you can see how diverse they can be (in shape, materials, decorative elements and purpose):
When choosing a coffee table for the living room, clearly think about what “responsibilities” you assign to it.
Classical
IN classic interior The most ordinary small coffee table made of wood will fit best. The only exception may be the bright decor of the base and legs of the table, matched to all other pieces of furniture and decoration. It is very important in such situations to take into account a careful selection of wood tones so that the furniture looks like a single set.
Provence
Feature provencal style pastel shades of furniture are considered, including natural (unpainted wood), no less popular carved legs the tables have an antique design ( artificial aging). For example, massive coffee tables will fit better into a large living room. But for a small room, small models are ideal. If you prefer french style, then these tables are for you:
Country
Most ethnic styles (by the way, which includes country) are amazing original ideas And unusual use the most common materials. Some surprise with models made of bamboo, others with multi-colored complex mosaics laid out from small shells. Country is able to accept into its interior a table made of rough-hewn wood or logs. Also by appearance models of this style are represented by the roughness of the surface of unpolished wood. See for yourself:
Modern
Where there really is no end to designer imagination is in the modern style. Fortunately, materials for making such coffee tables can be found everywhere - wood, stone, glass, metal, plastic. The most important thing is to keep the shapes and lines laconic. A little creativity and a unique coffee table will appear in your interior.
Pop art
The main goal of the pop art style is to transform ordinary things into something out of the realm of fantasy. By creating such “works of art”, this style allows you to transform drab everyday life. bright elements decor. Coffee tables were no exception here. Designers spare no inspiration, improving existing simple things.
Loft
The presence of rough metal parts and roughly processed wood, as well as the creation of a distinctive look " outdoor furniture“This is all loft style. He is original and brutal. At the same time, everyone without exception likes it. If you see a coffee table that resembles a cart, know that this is also a loft. Many ideas came to the designers’ minds when they visited “specific” places - semi-abandoned old factories and manufactories, where they drew their inspiration.
Transformable coffee table
When choosing a coffee table for, think clearly about what “responsibilities” you assign to it. If you need a decorative element of the interior, then take a closer look at the tables unusual shape, which are often offered by various designers. However, if you want to get not only a coffee table, but also a dining or computer table all in one, then you should look at folding models -. With a little effort in just one minute, you can turn your tatty coffee table into a full-fledged one. dining area for several people. Isn't this what you dreamed about?! It would be great if such a model is on wheels - this will make it easier to move the table around the room.
DIY transforming table:
Coffee table as an element of a storage system
Its very name - “magazine” - suggests that this table is intended for storing magazines, as well as books, newspapers and other small items (remotes) remote control, chargers from phones and the like). In order not to clutter its surface, most models have shelves or drawers that create extra seats for storing necessary things. Such elements of the storage system will not necessarily be located outside - in plain sight, they can also be built-in (hidden, secret), which only you will know about. Here are just a few models with original ideas:
DIY coffee table - video and drawings
| Materials and tools: | Work progress: |
|---|---|
Prefabricated parts made of fiberboard or wood. 2 wheels. Special glue for wood. Drill and drill bits for it. Electric screwdriver, screwdrivers. Jigsaw, wood saw. Screws and tongues. Roulette and level. Sandpaper or sanding machine. Wooden hammer. | We cut out the parts according to the drawing. We make holes for the tongues in the rectangular partition and in the center of the base of the tabletop, at an approximate distance of 10 cm. Now, at a height of 36 and 48 cm, we make 2 holes on the partition itself for the subsequent fastening of 2 semicircular shelves on it. Dowels can be installed. We assemble the table, first making sure that the overall structure is even. We disassemble it again and make several holes in the rectangular blanks (36, 48, 23 cm). Let's start the final assembly. To do this, we sequentially assemble - the base, the central and lower partitions, semicircular shelves, the upper partition and the tabletop itself. We collect using wooden hammer and tongues placed on glue. We complete the assembly process by attaching the wheels to the screws (when the table moves further, they should not touch the base). That's it - the table is ready! |
We invite you to watch several videos with vivid examples of original models of coffee tables that can be made without leaving your home.
The coffee table is a decoration and highlight of the interior. And an item made with your own hands is doubly valuable. It can be made from wood, glass, plastic and other materials. It's not difficult at all. You will need drawings and a little patience. A beautiful table will be a place where you can relax and read the press or sit with friends over a cup of tea. Step-by-step instructions with photos will simplify the manufacturing process.
Preparatory work
In order to make a coffee table yourself, you will need not only drawings, but also materials and tools. Stock up on the following construction equipment:
- wood (solid wood);
- water-based coating varnish;
- solvent;
- acrylic paint;
- brushes;
- self-tapping screws;
- jigsaw;
- screwdriver;
- grinding machine;
- milling cutter;
- drill.
As for wood, then best choice there will be a solid pine tree 2.5 cm thick. In accordance with the drawing, the parameters of the coffee table, which you plan to make yourself, are 1.5 m x 0.5 m.
Attention! The table does not need separate legs.
Varnish is necessary to cover the finished structure; in total you will need about 0.3 liters of it. It is better to purchase acrylic paint with glitter. With its help you can give unusual look interior item. The table will be assembled using self-tapping screws. Their size should be 4 x 60 and 4 x 40 mm. As for other tools and materials, then special requirements no to them.
Installation features
The first stage of making a coffee table is selecting drawings and cutting out the corresponding parts. Suitable diagrams can be found on the Internet or drawn up yourself.
Attention! It is much easier to use ready-made drawings and the table manufacturing process will be completed faster.
So, when all the parts are ready, you can start assembling the future interior decoration.
- All joints and roughness wooden parts needs to be primed. This can be done using wood glue or PVA. Then let all components dry completely.
- The slats and legs should be fastened with the self-tapping screws specified in the list of required materials.
- The resin content of a coffee table can be easily removed with a solvent. The most popular product remains white spirit. Moisten a dry cloth a little with the product and wipe the surface of the table.
Advice. Do these manipulations in an open space, because in the apartment this smell will not disappear soon.
- The table is almost ready. But it needs to be decorated. To do this you need to mix the varnish and acrylic paint with shiny splashes. Cover the entire surface of the table.
- After the paint and varnish have dried, the coffee table can be placed indoors and used for its intended purpose.
Table made of wooden boxes
This is the simplest and original way make a decorative table. Designer item self made will rightfully take its place in the living room or bedroom. To make a table you will need wooden boxes. Precisely wooden ones, not plywood. Wood has good performance qualities, which cannot be said about plywood.
But still, this material will also be needed for a coffee table made of drawers. Take a few minutes for the instructions and you will definitely succeed!
- Prepare a sheet of plywood. This is done so as not to burden the structure. Wooden boxes are not perfect geometric objects.
- In this regard, the boxes should be laid on a horizontal flat surface. Before cutting the plywood sheet, draw the contours. And cover the sheet of plywood with varnish or stain.
Advice. For a coffee table made from drawers you will need wheels. They can be purchased at any hardware store or hypermarket. It is best to buy wheels that are small and low.
- The wheels should be fixed at the corners, and the drawers should be attached to the lower tabletop.
- All that remains is to varnish the coffee table. After applying the varnish, you need to let it dry and only then cover it with a new layer. This procedure is repeated several times.
Advantages and disadvantages of wooden tables
Wooden tables are a popular option that will easily fit into any interior. It is only important to choose a suitable shade that will be in harmony with the rest of the furniture. Like all objects, such designs have their positive and negative sides. The advantages include:
- large selection of wood (soft, hard);
- variety of shades and textures;
- ease of manufacture and pliability of the material;
- naturalness and environmental friendliness;
- versatility.
Besides positive aspects, it is necessary to note the disadvantages. There are few of them, or rather, only two: the high cost of the material and susceptibility to mechanical actions(scratches, abrasions, etc.).
Popular ideas for making coffee tables from wood
Instances made of wood have always been environmentally friendly and beautiful. How much interesting ideas can be made a reality! It would seem that a simple table made of wood, what could be original about it? We offer you several popular options for making a coffee table.
- Table made from pallets. For its manufacture, ordinary pallets are required, to which the wheels are fixed. Distinctive feature This design has a small height. Just screw on the wheels and the table is ready. Some go further and decorate it with a tabletop and various shelves.
- Table made of old door. If you recently replaced the doors, then the old ones can be used as material for making a coffee table. The door needs to be cut into three parts: a table top and two legs. They are attached to each other using corners.
- Table made of wooden logs. It's very simple. You need to select or cut identical pieces of wood. A plywood base is taken. Movable wheels are attached to its lower part, and tree logs are attached to the top. The material used is birch, aspen or beech.
- Table made from a stump. It is enough to attach wheels to it, coat it with varnish and the decorative table is ready.
A handmade coffee table is an original way to decorate a room. The design, dimensions and other characteristics of the item depend entirely on the selected drawing and your preferences. It is worth noting that to make a table, you will need minimum quantity materials.
DIY wooden coffee table: video
Wooden coffee table: photo
A coffee table cannot be called essential furniture, but it occupies an important place in arranging a living room or bedroom. Modern tables are endowed with a lot of functions, representing a storage system not only for the press, but also for other useful things. Many models are equipped with spacious drawers and compartments, a transforming system, turning into an oversized dining table. Among other things, the coffee table acts as a significant decorative element that successfully complements stylish design. It’s quite possible to make such a thing with your own hands if you apply some imagination and patience, and our article will provide interesting ideas for designing a coffee table at home.
Materials for production
Many different materials are used in the manufacture of modern coffee tables. Unlike previous times, when standard rectangular structures were stamped from MDF, today's models surprise with their diversity. One of the more expensive options is wooden tables made from natural solid wood. Such a thing will decorate any interior and will always look chic and respectable. The designs come in a wide variety - from strict, rough tables to Scandinavian style to classic ones, decorated with forging or carved decorations.
Since wood is quite expensive, chipboard and MDF boards can help replace it. If we talk about durability, they are, of course, inferior to wooden ones, but they look no worse. Design tricks, for example, transformable tabletops, built-in sockets, etc., allow you to compensate for the simplicity of the material.
Metal also takes part in the design of coffee tables. From metal pipes form frames, then supplementing them with countertops made of other materials. The graceful curls of forged elements with glass tabletops look very beautiful. Sometimes you can find designer designs in which the table consists entirely of metal.
In modern furniture production, you can increasingly find glass interior items that bring a certain lightness and airiness to the atmosphere. Products are made from heavy-duty tempered glass resistant to various kinds influences, so you don’t have to be afraid that such a piece of furniture will break or become deformed under the influence high temperatures. In some models, only the surface of the tabletop is covered with glass.
Plastic is used much less frequently, as it is not very durable, but has greater color palette and low cost. Most often it is found as components of a wooden or metal structure.
In the home production of original coffee tables, the choice of material increases significantly, since, in addition to traditional materials, various improvised means are used.
How to make a coffee table: beautiful ideas
To make coffee tables with your own hands, plywood is most often used, which is relatively inexpensive and easy to process. You can also use various available materials and build the most bizarre designs. More complex parts, for example, curly handles, legs, wheels, fittings and others decorative elements, can be purchased at a furniture store.
Modern style plywood coffee table
Making such an original coffee table will not require much time, but the product will take its rightful place in any interior with a touch of minimalism. To work, you need to purchase a sheet of plywood, three legs with fasteners, thick thread, a pencil, a tape measure, a jigsaw and paint (preferably white or black).
So, the first thing you need to do is cut out the tabletop. On the back side of the sheet, select a point that will be the center and drive in a small nail. Cut a piece of thread the length of the radius of the future table. We attach one end of it to a hammered nail, and to the other we tie a pencil and, pulling the structure, draw round shape countertops. Next, you can dream up and give the canvas more original form. It is noteworthy that to make such a table you will not need any drawings or measurements at all. We cut out the drawn shape of the tabletop using a jigsaw, sand it and paint it. When the structure is completely dry, we attach the legs. The table is ready.
Coffee table made from pallets
This original design fits perfectly into many styling. It will most successfully complement a daring loft or natural eco-style. It is not difficult to design such an exclusive table: for work you need to get a tray, metal legs or wheels (at your discretion). You also cannot do without screws and a screwdriver, a saw, paint or varnish with a brush.
Step by step, all work on constructing the table will take place in the following order:
1. Mark the dimensions of the table on the pallet and saw off the excess part.
2. We take planks from the leftovers and cover the gaps in the main structure with them to create a continuous surface, fixing them with self-tapping screws.
3. Turn over and make five cross bars: two on the sides (the legs will be attached to them) and one in the center for stability.
4. We mount the supports and open the structure with varnish or paint.
Tire coffee table
An old worn-out tire can be a great base for creating a beautiful home coffee table. Additionally, you need to prepare the plywood. Before you begin construction, you must thoroughly wash and dry the tire. Next, you need to measure the diameter of the tire and cut two circles from plywood: one - the tabletop - should correspond to the diameter of the tire, and the other - the base - should be a few centimeters smaller. You can immediately attach legs, wheels to the base, or leave it without supports at your discretion. Round sheets We attach the plywood to the tire using self-tapping screws or sit it on construction glue - the base is ready.
Next, we choose one of two methods: we wrap the rope either completely around the structure, or only at the sides. In the first option, you need to think about how to treat the countertop - perhaps paint it or coat it with a shiny varnish.
You should start wrapping from the center: fix the end of the rope with a self-tapping screw or glue gun and begin movements with winding circles, gradually moving to the sides. There is no point in wrapping the base, unless you decide to make the table half two-color. At the end of the winding, the entire structure should be coated with transparent varnish to extend its service life.
Coffee table made from drawers
If you have wooden vegetable boxes lying around your household, don’t rush to throw them away. Just four of these containers can turn into a beautiful and useful part of your living room interior. If you don’t have drawers, the hardest part of making a table will be getting them. Then everything is simple: the boxes need to be sanded, painted and folded, as shown in the photo. We use a sheet of plywood, which must be screwed to the bottom side of the structure so that it does not fall apart. So our coffee table is ready. The advantage of this design will be the organization of spacious storage areas for various magazines, books and other things.
Coffee table for travel lovers
Nowadays, traveling around different countries became available to many. But there is a special category of people who simply cannot live without constant travel to remote corners. They are the ones who will surely like a coffee table reminiscent of certain pleasant voyages. Any old suitcase with hard walls that is not suitable for its intended purpose will be suitable for production. You will also need a sheet of thick plywood, a screwdriver with screws, paint and, if desired, legs or wheels.
We cut out two sheets of plywood with an area equal to the base of the suitcase, attach them with inside to the base and lid. Screw on the legs or wheels. Next you need to decorate the table - for this they use different ways. One of simple options- paint it in white, and when the structure is dry, use sandpaper to make abrasions indicating the antiquity of the item. This product will suitably decorate a living room in a shabby chic style. The black color of such a table will harmoniously fit into a loft living room, and the decoration using the decoupage technique will become a real masterpiece of Provencal design.
Coffee table made of driftwood
The uniqueness of furniture made from stumps and driftwood lies in its uniqueness - what is created by nature itself does not have similar patterns and textures. Such products always attract the eye with their curves and weaves. In addition, getting the source material is not so difficult - it can be found in the forest, on the shore of a reservoir. The snag needs to be washed, cleared of bark, and rotten waste removed. Next, you need to make adjustments, level the shape to fit the tabletop and base, and let the workpiece dry thoroughly (if there are large holes in the wood, it can be puttied).
The dried driftwood is carefully sanded, covered with stain (you can choose the shade you like best) and varnish. The base is ready. The table top can be attached using construction adhesive or self-tapping screws (depending on what it is made of). Very popular now glass table tops, through which the winding wooden branches are clearly visible.
DIY coffee tables – photo ideas
We looked at only a few options for making coffee tables with our own hands. Our gallery will provide much more information and photos of finished products, where you can get a lot of interesting ideas. Enjoy watching!
For starters, for the amateur self-made furniture, you should learn how to create a stool, since it is the easiest. And then it’s time to study the issue of creating a table.
Table designs vary, however, the simple version is very similar to the process of creating a stool.
A simple table for use in the country or during a picnic can be assembled in just a few hours. To do this you will need a hacksaw, hammer or drill.
However, a table based on a similar approach can be made for a living space. Because it can ideally replace the current extra-large option purchased from a retail outlet or furniture store.
The process of creating a table yourself is interesting on the other hand, since with its help the author has freedom of creative expression. It can be presented as a noticeable element of the interior of the room.
Creators of handmade amateur furniture are called carpenters for a reason. The usual definitions like: sofa holders or bedside tables, or maybe cabinets, do not apply to them.
Having gained experience in this area, over time it will be possible to create exclusive types of tables with advanced characteristics.
Now let's look at the issue of creating wood-based tables yourself.
Wood is clean and affordable, and is not as difficult to process as other materials. It conveys the maximum energy of the aesthetic filling of the style of the living room.
Due to its properties, it is lenient towards the mistakes of beginners in the field of independent furniture creation. However, thinner versions of the tables will require an advanced level of craftsmanship.
To begin with, having learned to work with wooden things, further, it will be easier to use as a material: glass, plastic or even metal.
Selection of tools and work space
To study independent creation tables or other wooden elements furniture, it is necessary to use only non-residential premises.
This is due to the specifics of working with wood. It leads to the formation of large amounts of dust, shavings and other waste.
And the process of tinting or creating protection for a stain-based material can create dangerous emissions into the air. Actually, nitro varnishes can also be dangerous.
Because of this, for a personal carpentry workshop you will have to take care of ventilation of the room. Experts advise creating artificial ventilation of the room.
Many people use a garage for this, however, production waste can pollute or damage the car, so this is not the best option.
Carpentry tools include modern and traditional types
For the most part, to begin with, you can limit yourself to a simple carpentry tool, however, later you may need modern versions in the form of:
- A rotating version of the miter box, which helps to create cuts based on two planes, adhering to the required size.
- This tool will open all your beneficial properties, first of all, with bow saw. This pair is considered universal; it can be useful for many jobs.
- Manual version of universal electric jigsaw, featuring a tilting shoe that helps create cuts based on the required angle in relation to the vertical plane.
- Disk version grinder. It will help beginners complete wood surface treatment in about 5-15 minutes. An experienced carpenter and some sandpaper can do the same job in about an hour.
And there is also a regular grinding machine draw machine and for grooves with recessed places, characterized by a protruding version of the working part.
Such tools are distinguished by their price and narrow specialization of work, experienced craftsmen It is recommended to rent them for a short period of time.
The most the best specialists, using various grinding machines can even create the effect of artificial aging of wood, however, this is very difficult work, as for beginners.
Which tree is best?
To create wooden table Any wood that is moderately resistant to decay will work well, however, you should refrain from soft versions like poplar, willow, ailanthus wood, aspen and even alder.
Of the domestic types of wood, it is best to use:
- soft options in the form of pine, fir, cedar, horse chestnut, plane tree, juniper or spruce.
- solid in the form of ideal oak, beech, maple, walnut or ash, larch, suitable for many works, as well as fruit species represented by apple, plum, pear, apricot and quince. And also elm and rowan should be included here.
- fairly hard species based on acacia, yew, stone birch, dogwood and boxwood.
Conclusion
I would like to decorate a table and probably all types of furniture created with my own hands with an artistic version of painting, and not with ordinary stripes.
However, over time, the design may deteriorate; to prevent this from happening, it is necessary to rub the paint into the depths of the wood before the varnishing process. This can be done using the technique of glazing. We are talking about layer-by-layer rubbing of the paints used.
Photos of tables with your own hands
Many things can be done with your own hands. This is difficult in most cases, only at first glance. The new review collected examples of unique and amazing coffee tables that craftsmen made with our own hands.
1. Old suitcase
Old suitcases are real finds for designers and out-of-the-box thinkers. Through simple manipulations, suitcases are transformed into unique furniture and decorative items. For example, you can turn unnecessary suitcase into an original coffee table by simply screwing the legs to it. This table will add charm to both a bachelor’s apartment and a family living room decorated in a classic style.
2. Boards
Instead of going to furniture store and buy a finished product, be creative and go to a construction store wooden blocks and metal legs. Next, you should connect the boards together and screw the boards to them. A table made by yourself is a unique and universal thing, as wooden furniture fits perfectly into any interior.
3. Battery
Have you purchased new batteries? However, do not rush to throw away the old one. cast iron radiator. Buy a piece of glass and turn it old battery into an original coffee table, which you definitely won’t see either in the store or with your friends.
4. Framed window
An old framed window is a wonderful material to create a charming coffee table for your living room. Screw legs wrapped in coarse rope to the frame and decorate the table top with beads and shells.
5. Logs
A stunning low table can be made from small logs. First you need to assemble the base of the table from plywood, glue it around the perimeter wooden beams, and cover the middle with a plywood lid. Next, you need to glue thin wooden cuts onto the plywood cover so that it seems as if the table is made entirely of logs, screw on the legs and carefully seal all the cracks.
6. Wooden cuts
Large wooden cuts are an amazing material for creating a beautiful and original table that will become a real highlight of the living room and will last for many years. Making such a table is as easy as shelling pears. You need to carefully process the wood and fasten the two cuts together, glue a wide wooden block-leg in the center and open the surface with varnish.
7. Pallet
Wooden pallets- an excellent material for creating a wide variety of furniture: sofas, beds, chairs and of course tables. To begin with, you should get a pallet, thoroughly clean it and paint it in the desired color. All that’s left is to screw the legs and put the glass tabletop on top.
8. Wire reel
A large wooden reel for wires is a practical ready-made coffee table. Of course, it’s not so easy to get it, but if you’re lucky enough, you know what to do with it.
9. Tire
There are many ideas for creating original furniture from unnecessary car tires. For example, you can make a charming table out of a tire, a piece of plywood, a few pieces of wood and some rough rope.
10. Glass
A budget and very original table for a modern living room, the creation of which will require glass square shape and low wheeled legs.
11. Glass and books
An original idea for recycling unwanted books. Of course, we are not talking about fiction and the works of classics, but about old textbooks that gather dust idle on the shelves. In addition to books, you will also need a small piece of glass and a frame. Insert the glass into the pre-painted frame and attach the finished structure to the book posts.
12. Chest
Wooden table and basin.
Sometimes even a broken trough can do a good job. For example, it is useful for creating coffee table. In addition to the metal vessel that acts as a leg, you will also need a round tabletop made of chipboard or wood.
15. Old table
An old coffee table can be an excellent material for creating a new table. You just need to paint the legs and cover the table with fabric of the desired color.
