Ideas to Make a Coffee Table Base

It is possible to make a coffee table base from just about any object, provided it will allow the table top to sit flat across it. When using interesting and unusual materials to make a coffee table base, it is best to use a clear glass or perspex top for your table to show off the base you have created.

Rubber Tires

Car lovers can create a themed coffee table base using old car tires. This type of base will work well with a round glass top. Simply pile sufficient tires on top of one another till you reach the desired height. Secure together using liquid latex. The texture of the rubber will prevent the glass from slipping, so all you need to do is place the glass on top of the final tire.

Old Books

Pile up old books to create a literary-themed coffee table. Do not lay them directly on top of each other, but set them at angles, so corners stick out. Keep the most interesting or decorative book for the top. You will need one or two piles depending on the size of the table top. If using two piles, use a ruler to ensure they are the same height. Tear pages out of an old damaged book from the middle of one pile (so it cannot be seen) till you get them even. When even, glue books together with craft glue and top with glass.

Papier Mache

Turn a simple wooden block into an abstract coffee table base with papier mache. Select a block of suitable dimensions for your table top. Rip up strips of old news paper, dip in PVA glue (poly vinyl acetate, a very versatile water-based crafts adhesive), and stick onto the block, building it up in layers. Mold as you go, adding extra layers of paper in different places to create curves, lumps or bumps. Leave to dry overnight every four layers. When finished, leave to dry, paint with acrylic craft paint and varnish with a final layer of PVA glue.

Mosaic Base

Turn a plain cement outdoor plant holder into a coffee table base. Pick a large planter of suitable dimensions and make sure it has flat edges. Collect old pottery with different designs, lay on a hard flat surface outdoors, cover with a cloth and smash with a hammer. Paint the clay pot with a coat of clear PVA glue to make it less porous. Cover the pot with grout (you can purchase colored grout from DIY stores to suit your decor), and start to press the shards of pottery into the clay until the entire pot is covered. Leave to dry before adding your table top.