Steps to Make a Coffee Table

Designing and building a coffee table can allow you to add your own personality to a room. Whether simple and understated or complex and outrageous, building your own coffee table lets you decide whether it blends in with the design or becomes the focal point of the room. Does this Spark an idea?

Size and Shape

To visualize the size of your coffee table, cut out a template from paper or other scrap material and place it where you will be putting the coffee table. Adjust the size by adding or cutting as needed. The height of your coffee table should be just a couple of inches higher than the couch cushions.

Materials an Color

Choose materials and colors that will complement the existing design in your living room. Coffee tables can be made of wood, metal, PVC pipe, topped with mosaics or just about any other building material.

Design

Draw out a design for your table, indicating materials, colors and dimensions. As you draw, try to visualize how the materials will connect together. This will help you determine what hardware or adhesives may be necessary.

Assembly

Starting with the top of the coffee table, assemble it to the size that you laid out with your template. Place the top upside down on the ground and attach the legs as needed.