Affordable and Easy DIY Side Table- Plus Other Side Table Ideas

Are you interested in making an affordable and easy DIY side table? This tutorial shows you how to construct a side table with minimal tools.

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Back Story

Side tables are one of those essentials that go hand in hand with entertaining.  People like to sit down and need a table next to them where they can place their drinks, phones, or books.  We have had a number of celebrations during the last several years where almost 20 people have been in our home eating, drinking and socializing.  As such, I had to get creative with making some side tables that could be used for these occasions. 

It’s also worth noting, I didn’t want to use crates or stools.  I wanted tables that would blend with my existing decor and that could be used in my living room or any indoor living space. So, in this step-by-step tutorial I am going to show you how to construct a very simple side table. It’s an easy DIY project that can be completed in a few hours. 

Also, I am going to give you some ideas on other ways to create side tables using existing items in your home, link to some other tutorials on the web and share some inspiration for refurbishing an existing side table.

Easy DIY Side Table

 If you want to make your own DIY side table or your own end table, then this simple project is for you.  Good news!  You won’t need wood glue, a pocket hole jig, nail gun or complicated cuts list to make this side table.  However, you will need a drill, drill bits and a tape measure.

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Supplies

This side table could not be easier to make!  I made this during a Sunday afternoon in a matter of hours.  The only power tool used was a cordless drill.  (No need for a circular saw or table saw)

Below are the supplies needed for the project.  Where possible, I have linked to online sources. However, most of these items can be purchased at any big box home improvement store such as Lowes or Home Depot. 

Tools List

• Tape Measure
• Drill and drill bits
• Screw driver 

Shopping List

• Unfinished 18 inch wood table top. I purchased a circular pine table top for around $14. 
• Hairpin legs with wood screws. I used hairpin legs 19 inches in length. 
• Wood stain. I used a water based stain for easy clean up.
• Top coat. I used a water based top coat.
• Rag for applying wood stain
• Paint brush

Apply Wood Stain to Table Top

The first step is to apply the wood stain to the wooden table top.  Using an old rag, gently apply the stain in the same direction as the wood grain.  Be sure to apply the stain to the edges of the table top too. To ensure easy clean up, I used a water based stain by Behr.  

Once the wood stain is dry, apply three coats of a polycrylic or other water based clear sealer.  I used General Finishes flat-out-flat.  Just a quick note:  I prefer wood with a natural flat finish.  So, I used a matte top coat.  However, you could easily opt for a top coat with a gloss finish. 

Attach Legs

Using the drill, drill bits and screws – attach the hairpin legs to the underside of the table top.   To prevent the wood top from splitting, be sure to make a pilot hole for each wood screw.  Also, check the length of your screws to ensure they won’t puncture through the wood.  Use your measuring tape to ensure the hairpin legs are evenly spaced.

Other Easy DIY Ideas for Side Tables

 Here are some of my favorite hacks for assembling some side tables.  If you need a little side table – these are simple projects that can be put together in a matter of minutes. These side tables are particularly useful if you have a large gathering of people in your home.  These are perfect when you want some side tables that are easy to assemble (no power tools required) and that can be easily stored away after use.  Those of you who don’t have a lot of extra space in your home may appreciate these ideas.  

Table Bases

In general, these tables are improvised using the following bases :

• Plant stand
• Small concrete pillar 
• Any type of metal pedestal base 

Tops for Table Bases

The easiest way to turn any base into a side table is by putting a marble board on the top. These round and rectangular marble pieces can be found at any big box store including Target, Home Goods, or Walmart. They can also be found online.

Example Side Tables

The plant stand below was purchased from Target several years ago and I topped it off with a 13 inch round marble platter.  The weight of the marble creates a solid and sturdy surface.  

Similarly, the concrete pillar was intended to be used in a garden.  I purchased it in Maine, cleaned it up and found it’s a great side table when topped off with a piece of marble.  

Finally, any type of metal pedestal style base could work well as a side table.  Although the base of this table may not look pretty, when topped off with a round marble board, it becomes a great side table. 

​Refurbishing Existing Side Tables

Of course, you can always buy an existing table and give it a new life.  However, this usually takes more time and requires a few more tools.  For example, an orbital sander, sand paper, paint and top coats were used for each of the projects below. Here are a few simple side tables I refurbished.  Click on the image or the link to access the step-by-step directions. 

• Pine Side Table Makeover.  This sweet little table was found in Tennessee and was given a new life. 

• Drop Leaf Table Makeover.  This project was a life lesson in what to do when things don’t go as planned.

• DIY Small Table Makeover.  Loved this project.  This charming little table sold in a just a few days.

• DIY Painted Side Table.  Another cute little table that sold quickly. 

You can find side tables at flea markets, thrift stores, antique stores, yard sales, on Facebook Marketplace and more. Refurbishing an existing table is fairly easy to do if the piece is structurally sound. 

DIY Side Tables from the Web

Here are a few other DIY easy side table tutorials you might enjoy.  If you already use power tools and enjoy making creating furniture from plans, then the projects below are for you.  Most of these projects are for those with an advanced woodworking skill level.  (For example, some of the tutorials call for a jig saw, a kreg for pocket holes, pocket hole screws, corner clamps, orbital sander etc) 

• Fluted Side Table – a modern end table 
• 30 DIY End Table Plans – there are free plans on this website
• 12 DIY End Tables
• Rustic Wood Table – this project turned out amazing. The same process could be used to create a rustic end table.

New Side Tables

Finally, you can always buy side tables.  There are a number of really affordable side tables that can be purchased online.  Below is a roundup of my favorites.  A number of these tables are perfect for small spaces.  You can also purchase side tables from a big box store such as Target, Home Goods, TJ Maxx and more. 

In Closing . . .

Thank you for stopping by the blog today!  I hope you found some inspiration and ideas for making easy DIY side tables.  Whether you build a side table from scratch, create tables from existing items or refurbish an older table – enjoy the process.  Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more informative content like this. Happy DIYing, happy building, or happy shopping!