How to Build a Mirrored Coffee Table

Building your own furniture is a great way to save money and create a customized look for your home. A mirrored coffee table, for example, requires little more than wood and mirrors to construct and is sure to become the focal point of your living room. Though constructing your own furniture is often less expensive than purchasing from a furniture retailer, unless you follow the proper procedures your piece may not last long. Save yourself money, time and hassle by constructing your coffee table well the first time to avoid costly repairs and replacements. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Measure the dimensions of the space you intend to fill with your coffee table using a measuring tape in order to determine your table's length, width and height. Record these measurements on a sheet of paper. A standard coffee table is generally under 14 inches tall and between 24 and 36 inches long. When determining the length and height of your table, consider the dimensions of the square mirror tiles you are going to use and be sure the measurements divide evenly.

2

Cut two sheets of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) using the length and width measurements for the top and bottom of your coffee table using a table saw. Cut two pieces for the sides and two pieces for the ends of the table using the width and height measurements. Using these six pieces you will construct a rectangular, boxlike frame for your coffee table.

3

Lay the bottom panel flat on the ground in front of you and apply a bead of wood glue around all four edges. Set one of the long side panels upright on top of the bottom panel, aligning the edges, and have someone hold it in place while you drive nails from a nail gun at a downward angle through the outside of the side panel into the bottom panel to secure it in place. Set the nail gun to countersink the nails into the surface of the wood.

4

Repeat this process to attach the second long side panel and both of the end panels. Position the end panels so the bottom is flush with the top of the bottom panel and the sides are flush with the ends of the side panels. After nailing the bottom of the end panels to the bottom panel, drive nails through the outside of the end panels into the thickness of the side panels to further secure the frame.

5

Apply a bead of wood glue to the top exposed edges of the side and end panels, then lay the top panel flat on top of the frame, aligning the edges. Press the top panel gently into the glue and secure it in place by driving nails from the nail gun down through the top panel into the thickness of the side and end panels.

6

Fill the nail holes with wood filler and allow it to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions before sanding away the excess to create a smooth surface on the wood.

7

Paint the wooden frame using silver interior-grade latex paint. You may choose to lay down a coat of primer before you paint and, after applying the first coat, you may decide whether one coat is sufficient to achieve the desired color or if a second coat is necessary. Allow the paint to dry completely before moving to the next step. This could take up to 24 hours.

8

Paint four 4- by 4-inch wooden blocks black and allow them to dry completely. Once they have dried, flip the coffee-table frame upside down and arrange the blocks on the underside of the frame, about 2 inches from each of the corners. Secure the blocks in place by driving one 3-inch wood screw through each side of all four blocks at a downward angle into the underside of the coffee-table frame.

9

Set the coffee-table frame upright and dry-fit the mirrored tiles to be sure they will all fit. Once you have ensured that they do, apply a generous bead of clear silicone adhesive to the back of the tiles and arrange them on the sides and ends of the coffee table. After placing each tile, use strips of painter's tape along the top and bottom edges to hold the mirror in place as the adhesive dries.

10

Use a single, large mirror for the top of your mirrored coffee table. If you have the mirror cut by a professional at your local home improvement store, have it cut to about 1 inch less than the width and length measurements of the table. Apply the clear silicone adhesive to the back of the mirror and lay it flat on top of the coffee-table frame, then use painter's tape to hold it in place as it dries.

11

Allow the adhesive to set for the amount of time recommended in the manufacturer's instructions, then remove the painter's tape and enjoy your mirrored coffee table.