NewlyWoodwards

an unconventional home

A DIY metal and barn wood coffee table

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A coffee table has become a must for the Woodwards. We like a place to set our drinks and our feet when relaxing in the living room. But the coffee table that we received from Ryan’s folks was just too big. Here’s an old photo, before we moved the chair and added a playard and about 600,000 baby things.

It’s always hard for me when we get a really nice piece of hand-me-down furniture that just doesn’t work in the space. Because it seems wasteful to spend money on something when you already have it. Even though it was clear that this coffee table was just too big and bulky. When Henry started spending more time on the floor playing, it just took up too much floor space, too.

So, when Ryan asked me what I wanted for Christmas, I asked him to make me a coffee table. Thank goodness, Ryan would prefer to make a gift like this then brave the crowds at the mall to buy something. I’ve always been smitten with the look of the coffee tables sporting metal bases and a wood top. In fact, much of my Pinterest living room inspiration board sports this look.

And the new coffee table has the feel of the inspiration images. It’s quite lovely, if I do say so myself. It was set up in the living room on Christmas morning and the old table went to live with my brother. Win-win.

The top is made of barn board from the barn Ryan disassembled. After some research, he decided to just sand a bit to avoid splinters and then use tung oil instead of stain or poly. It gives it a nice finish.

He welded the base from about $20 in angle iron. And then he sprayed it matte black.

All in all, I love the look of the new table. It’s almost half the footprint of the old table and makes the room seem much more spacious because the bottom is open.

While I was taking photos, Lola got right in my line of shot and gave me this look. I imagine she wonders why she is no longer the subject in my frequent “photo shoots.”

The room is still a little overcrowded for my taste, due in part to the playard that is still set up and is super handy for baby play time and diaper changes. But, the coffee table makes a huge difference to the open feel in the room.

Someday, I would still love to get a new sectional sofa, that fits the space a bit better. (Or maybe fits our new house nicely?) But, I’m quite pleased with how the table fits in the space and with the current furniture.

What do you think of Ryan’s DIY coffee table? I told him he could totally sell these puppies, after making me a few more piece of furniture to match. You know, for practice.

Comments

  5. He could sell one to me, for sure! I know I’ve said it before, but you are a lucky girl Kim! What an amazing Christmas present.

    I love that pug nose! She’s adorable.

  7. Lola KILLS me. That pic is AWESOME!! And so is this coffee table — great job Ryan!! 🙂

  8. Wow!! Ryan did an excellent job! This is absolutely so beautiful! I love it!

  9. love it! I think I’d better hurry and ask DH to make furniture for me for my birthday….that will give him a few months to work on it :).

  19. Nice job Ryan! The weathered wood looks beautiful. Now that my hubby has finished building my parents a pantry for Christmas, he has a couple coffee tables on his to do list. Hopefully I’ll have a new one by my birthday in March 🙂

  20. It’s gorgeous!! I often admire that style of table as well! He could totally sell them. If he needs another person to “test them out on” – I’m definitely available for that. haha.

  22. this is amazing. you are one lucky gal!! it does look a lot better – much more open and airy. and i totally know what you mean about the baby stuff making it seem like the walls are closing in on you!

    (he so should sell those!)

  25. I love it! You’re right, it does make the room seem more spacious. And I love how Ryan used the barn wood to make it. I’m excited to see what else you guys do with all the extra barn wood.

  26. It looks awesome!! I love the wood/iron look. Nick’s been wanting to build something similar for a console table or bookshelf. Good to know Ryan did it and survived!

  29. What a thoughtful gift. Homemade is always better.
    I can picture Master Henry throwing a sheet over it and using it as a fort!

  33. Such a great gift! I’ve had my eye on this style for a while but I’m still trying to talk myself into getting rid of the old coffee table. Did he have to weld the base?

  35. Incredible! I LOVE the table. I can hardly believe it’s homemade. That Ryan’s a good egg. And it really makes your room look so much bigger and more open! It looks fantastic. Great work, both of you!

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