How To Make A Trunk Into A Coffee Table

How To Make A Trunk Into A Coffee Table

As someone who loves vintage decor, I have always been drawn to old trunks. They have a certain charm and character that you just can’t find in modern furniture. So when I came across an old trunk at a flea market, I knew I had to have it. But instead of just using it for storage, I decided to turn it into a coffee table. In this article, I will share with you my step-by-step guide on how to make a trunk into a coffee table, as well as some tips and ideas to help you get started.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Clean and Prepare

The first step is to clean and prepare the trunk. Depending on the condition of your trunk, you may need to give it a good scrub to remove any dirt or grime. You may also want to sand down any rough spots or peeling paint. Once your trunk is clean and smooth, you’re ready to move on to the next step.

Step 2: Add Legs

The next step is to add legs to your trunk. You can use pre-made legs that you can find at any home improvement store, or you can make your own using wood or metal. The height of your legs should be proportional to the size of your trunk, and you should make sure that they are sturdy enough to support the weight of the trunk and anything you put on top of it.

Step 3: Add a Base

Once your legs are in place, you’ll need to add a base to your trunk. This can be as simple as a piece of wood cut to the size of your trunk, or you can get creative and use something like an old door or window frame. Make sure that your base is secure and level before moving on to the next step.

Step 4: Add Glass

One of the best ways to turn a trunk into a coffee table is to add a piece of glass to the top. This will not only protect the surface of your trunk, but it will also give it a sleek and modern look. You can have a piece of glass cut to the size of your trunk at any glass shop or home improvement store.

Step 5: Decorate

Now that your trunk coffee table is complete, it’s time to decorate it! You can use it to display books, plants, or any other decorative items you have in mind. You can also add a tray or a set of coasters to make it functional for serving drinks and snacks.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

1. Choose a trunk with a flat top for easier transformation into a coffee table.
2. Consider the height of your legs carefully to ensure the right balance and stability.
3. Experiment with different types of legs, such as hairpin, tapered or turned legs.
4. Use casters on the bottom of your trunk to make it easy to move around.
5. Paint or refinish your trunk to match your decor style.
6. Use your trunk coffee table for storage by adding a tray or baskets inside.
7. Add decorative hardware, such as handles or hinges, to give your trunk some extra character.
8. Use your trunk coffee table as a focal point in your living room or family room.
9. Consider adding a piece of foam padding under the glass to make the surface more comfortable for resting your feet.
10. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make your trunk coffee table unique!

Pros and Cons

Like any DIY project, making a trunk into a coffee table has its pros and cons. Here are a few to consider:

Pros:

• Unique and personalized piece of furniture
• Can be a great conversation starter
• Provides extra storage space
• Can save money compared to buying a new coffee table

Cons:

• Requires some DIY skills and tools
• May not be as sturdy as a traditional coffee table
• May not fit with all decor styles
• May take some time and effort to complete

My Personal Review and Suggestion

Overall, I absolutely love my trunk coffee table! It’s a unique piece of furniture that adds character and charm to my living room. I chose to paint my trunk a bright red color to make it more fun and playful, and I added a set of tapered legs to give it a mid-century modern look.

One suggestion I have is to make sure you choose a trunk that is in good condition and has a flat top. This will save you time and effort when it comes to preparing the surface for the glass top.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to add a base to my trunk coffee table?

A: Yes, adding a base is important for stability and to prevent the legs from sinking into any carpet or rugs you may have in your living room.

Q: Can I use a trunk with rounded edges?

A: While it’s possible to use a trunk with rounded edges, it may be more difficult to add a piece of glass to the top. You may need to have a custom piece of glass cut to fit the shape of your trunk.

Q: How much does it cost to make a trunk into a coffee table?

A: The cost will vary depending on the type of trunk you choose, the legs you use, and any additional materials you need to purchase. However, it’s generally cheaper than buying a new coffee table.

With these tips and ideas, you’re ready to make your own trunk coffee table. Whether you’re looking for a unique piece of furniture or just want to try your hand at a DIY project, a trunk coffee table is a fun and rewarding project to tackle.