How to Make Your Own Cafe Table

Cafe tables offer just enough space for a book, a glass of wine and a little snack, making them perfect for that tiny breakfast nook or intimate space on the patio. They're often lightweight, making them easy to move and multi-functional. When not on duty in your favorite relaxation spot, cafe tables can work as side stands for your couch or favorite comfy chair. These little tables also provide the perfect solution for overcrowded dinner parties. Scatter cafe tables filled with goodies across the space instead of piling everything on one long table. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Mark the center of one of the short sides of both 3 1/2-foot by 1 1/2-foot boards with a pencil. Lay each board flat on a circular saw bench and cut from the marked edge to about 21 inches down the board, creating a 1/2-inch wide to 3/4-inch wide slit in the center of each board.

2

Slide the slits in the boards together, creating an X shape. Slide the boards apart, line both slits with wood glue, and slip them back together. Allow the glue to dry overnight.

3

Place the X formation on top of a 2-foot-square board, lining up the center of the X with the center of the board.

4

Place an L-bracket against the right side of each arm of the X, arranging them so one arm of each bracket sits against the X and the other arm sits flat against the 2-foot-square board.

5

Screw the brackets into place with 1/2-inch steel screws. Lift up your new cafe table, and flip it over; the X acts as the legs and the square board is the top.

6

Sand the entire table with fine sandpaper. Wipe it down with sticky tack cloth to remove the sawdust.

7

Paint the table with acrylic paint. Choose bold colors, like creamy yellow or rust red, rather than neutrals. This way, you don't have to use a tablecloth to jazz up your living space.