COFFEE TABLE TO ENTRY BENCH


A few months ago I scored a free coffee table from my friend Kristi.  She warned me that it needed a little TLC.  It actually wasn't too bad it had some scratches but it was solid.  I thought that I would sand it down and paint it for myself but then I got it home and it was huge, like half the size of my couch.  It would take up my entire living room.  So now what do I do with it? 

I left it in the carport and ignored it for awhile.




Then a couple weeks ago while in the middle of another project I was inspired.  So I dropped the other project and went to town on this one.  I decided to make it into an entry bench.  I mean doesn't this table just scream make me a bench.   I initially thought it would make two benches but that didn't work out. 

I started by taking the top off. It was glued and screwed in from underneath.  Next I cut the sides and the bottom in half lengthwise with a skill saw.  I then realized the problem.



This is what the cut in half panel looked like.  Weird I couldn't just slap plywood on the back it would look unbalanced.  I got irritated and dropped the project.

The next week I picked it back up.  I ended up using the 3x3 front side piece from the other side to complete the end panels.  I first removed the sides from the bottom. Then I could cut the side down to accommodate the other 3x3 piece.  Of course this meant I could only make one bench. Oh well moving on.



To attach the end piece I used my kreg jig to make a pocket hole so that I could screw it together.



for the back I used a 1/4 inch panel.  There ended up being a groove for the back to fit into on the side pieces so that was a nice surprise.



I used the feet from the other side to make four matching fancy feet.


Here it is with a coat of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Old White.  I splurged on the paint for this table when I thought I was going to use it as my coffee table.   I didn't want to prime.  I have used the paint on lots of other projects and of course I ran out.  I had to order some more. 



My plan is to re-stain the top.  I am liking that two tone look I see all over the blogisphere.  If it doesn't turn out I will just paint it. 


I already had the baskets, I use them for storage in my bathroom closet.  Looks like I might have to give them up they could not fit any more perfectly.    



Here it is with the top sanded.  It needs one more coat of ASCP then I will distress and finish with wax.  With the left over pieces from the other side I plan to make a cubby shelf with hooks that can be hung on the wall above the bench.  I started that project today but got frustrated and dropped it.  See a pattern here.  I need to think about it a little more and pick it up when I feel inspired.  I was going to wait to post until I was finished but good lord who knows when that will be. 

Whatcha think?  Would you have cut this table in half?  




Linking up to:

tdc before and after

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shabby creek cottage

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