How to make a coffee table: DIY furniture for your living room
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Use the included brackets to attach the hairpin legs, applying clamps to hold them in place if necessary.
- 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.
- Add a coat of wood filler to smooth out any existing knots or holes in the surface of the wood.
- 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
Daniel Martin, Higgins Group Private Brokerage, Licensed in CT, Lic. #RES.6767971
With over two decades of experience in Connecticut real estate, Daniel Martin is a seasoned Realtor at Higgins Group Private Brokerage, renowned for his exceptional market insight and unwavering client dedication. A lifelong Connecticut resident, Daniel's deep roots in the community, coupled with his extensive professional background, provide an invaluable advantage to both buyers and sellers across Fairfield and New Haven Counties.
Daniel's distinguished career is marked by consistent achievement, earning him the prestigious Connecticut Magazine 5 Star Realtor award from 2014 to 2025. He is a perennial Top Producer, recognized as both a Top Listing Agent and Top Selling Agent, a testament to his strategic approach and keen understanding of market dynamics. His expertise spans a broad spectrum of real estate needs, including guiding First Time Home Buyers, navigating transactions for Single and Multi-Family Homes, Land, New Construction, New Residential Developments, Condominiums, Downsizing, and Rentals.
Beyond his impressive track record, Daniel's professional affiliations include memberships with the National Association of REALTORS (NAR), Connecticut Association of REALTORS (CAR), Bridgeport Board of Realtors, Smartmls and Greenwich MLS. His foundational education in real estate from Naugatuck Valley Community College, complemented by studies at Connecticut School of Electronics and Housatonic Community College, underpins his comprehensive understanding of the industry.
Daniel's unique blend of customer service acumen and technological proficiency sets him apart. He leverages every available marketing resource to ensure his clients' homes gain maximum exposure and stand out in the competitive market.
When not orchestrating successful real estate ventures, Daniel cherishes time with his family, including his wife, two children, and four grandchildren. A passionate musician and golf enthusiast, he embodies the vibrant spirit of the Connecticut communities he serves. Daniel's network extends globally, allowing him to facilitate referrals anywhere in the world.
