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.
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.
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Trina @ Let's Just Build a House says
beautiful coffee table!! i love this style too. and my dad is a welder sooo maybe i can put him on another project for me ๐
Vel Criste says
Awesome table! looks better than the store-bought one! I am an actual fan of this table because i have one in my living room too! ๐
Oonafey says
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.
Kelly @ Corner of Main says
It’s beautiful! Great job Ryan =) And poor Lola!
Amanda Sevall says
Lola KILLS me. That pic is AWESOME!! And so is this coffee table — great job Ryan!! ๐
Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says
Wow!! Ryan did an excellent job! This is absolutely so beautiful! I love it!
Gretchen says
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 :).
Amy@BuffaloRoam says
He could totally sell those because I. want. one.!!!
Sara @ Russet Street Reno says
Shut the front door – I am SICK! SICK with jealousy over that table, Ryan is a genius and you are so lucky. I love it! Great job!
AlliFerg says
I’d buy one! I love it!
Stephanie says
This is beautiful! I wish Ryan would come down here and teach my husband how to make something like this!
Mindy@FindingSilverLinings says
I’m in love with this table!!!! It’s so Restoration Hardware!!! Lucky lady!
Deb says
Perfect…and I agree with Lyndsey (above)!
The Atwoods says
What a beautiful table! That hubby of yours sure is handy!
Lyndsey says
Looks great, I’d like to place my order.
Nikki says
Oh, nice table! He did a great job!
Becky says
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 ๐
Christine says
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.
Justine says
Wow, he did a great job! Handy husbands are the best. He could definitely sell those!
*claire* says
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!)
McKae @ Kaes Corner Design says
Its gorgeous! He did a great job on it’
Gabbi @ Retro Ranch Reno says
Soooo very awesome! I think he did a fantastic job. He could make a boat load of money selling these!
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
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.
Amber @ Wills Casa says
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!
Estephania says
SO awesome! I want one! ๐
2littlehooligans says
i love it!!
daisy says
What a thoughtful gift. Homemade is always better.
I can picture Master Henry throwing a sheet over it and using it as a fort!
Kenz @ Interiors By Kenz says
That coffee table is really really beautiful. Tell him to write a tutorial!!!
Perfectly Jenn says
Ryan did an amazing job with the table! Love it!
Mrs. Chic says
The coffee table Ryan built for you looks amazing!! Its the pefect combination of rustic and sleek!!! ๐
vanessa says
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?
Liz @ It's Great To Be Home says
Such a handy hubby!! It looks great, I love the design.
Rachel says
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!
DecorandtheDog says
Nice work Ryan. Actually, nice work Kim for having fantastic taste. It’s so pretty. I can’t wait to come over and pet it.
Leigh @ Kesler Expressler says
Beautiful work, Ryan!
Jenny @ Words on Wendhurst says
I think you could totally sell these babies and build your dream house from the proceeds. I’d buy one! ๐ It’s beautiful!
Heather says
This looks so awesome! If you need my address to make one for me, let me know!! ๐
jennylovespink says
It looks awesome! I wish I knew someone who could build me a coffee table like that! I’m jealous! And love the pic of Lola ๐
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
It looks great, Kim! Handy hubbies are the best. He did such a nice job!