DIY Mid Century Modern Side Table

Get the stylish and functional mid-century look for less with our step-by-step tutorial on building an easy DIY Mid Century Modern Side Table from scratch.

DIY Mid Century End Table | By top Houston Lifestyle Blogger Ashley Rose of Sugar & Cloth #midcentury #modern #sidetable #homedecor #livingroom #diy #diydecor

We weren’t really wasn’t messing around when we told you that we were currently obsessed with all things mid century modern.

But the style can be pricey so instead, we decided to build mid century furniture ourselves.

If someone doesn’t stop to intervene soon, we might start making pet furniture with tapered wooden legs and watch the Brady Bunch before bed every night while sipping tea out of a Starburst cup.

We’ve already made some mid century planters and a DIY daybed.

And our latest project is this easy DIY Mid Century Side Table that has a storage feature to house your little but important things like your TV remote controls and chargers.

DIY Mid Century End Table | By top Houston Lifestyle Blogger Ashley Rose of Sugar & Cloth #midcentury #modern #sidetable #homedecor #livingroom #diy #diydecor

Step 1 -DIY Mid Century End Table | By top Houston Lifestyle Blogger Ashley Rose of Sugar & Cloth #midcentury #modern #sidetable #homedecor #livingroom #diy #diydecor

Materials and Tools Needed to Make a DIY Mid Century Side Table

Round wood circle — You can buy pre-cut circles at the hardware store or cut your own from scrap wood or any wood board of your choice. Ours has a 18″ diameter.

Round cake pan — We used a pan measuring 16″x 2″. You can use a deeper or wider pan for a larger end table. Just be sure it’s heavy so that the end table isn’t wobbly from being too light!

Tapered round legs — Ours are 16″ tall.

Angled leg mounting plates

Drill and 11/64″ drill bit

#10-24×3/8 inch round head screws with nuts and bolts

Wood stain — We used American Walnut brown.

Foam brush

Spray paint — Optional in any color of your choice. Our cake pan/storage base was painted Shrimp Pastel Pink, and the table legs were painted gold.

DIY Mid Century End Table | By top Houston Lifestyle Blogger Ashley Rose of Sugar & Cloth #midcentury #modern #sidetable #homedecor #livingroom #diy #diydecor

How to Make a DIY Mid Century Side Table

1 — Using a foam brush, stain the wood round circle top and table legs. 

2 — Once the stain is dry on the legs, tape off the wood to spray paint the feet gold. This is optional. But if you are wanting to achieve the mid century look, gold tones are very prominent in this decor era.

Step 2 - DIY Mid Century End Table | By top Houston Lifestyle Blogger Ashley Rose of Sugar & Cloth #midcentury #modern #sidetable #homedecor #livingroom #diy #diydecor

3 — While the legs are drying, place the cake pan upside down. Lay the angle plates where you want the legs to be positioned and mark with a pen.

We made the mistake of putting the legs too close together originally. (Hence, the extra screw holes!) This mistake made the end table seem unsteady. So be sure that the legs are far enough towards the edge of the table. This way, it isn’t rickety and unstable when it’s built.

Use the drill and 11/64″ drill bit to make holes for each of the four corners on every plate.

Step 3 -DIY Mid Century End Table | By top Houston Lifestyle Blogger Ashley Rose of Sugar & Cloth #midcentury #modern #sidetable #homedecor #livingroom #diy #diydecor

4 — Attach the plates to the pan with the nut and bolts in all corners.

It is more ideal to use bolts instead of screws so that there are no sharp edges when the storage pan is being used.

Step 5 - DIY Mid Century End Table | By top Houston Lifestyle Blogger Ashley Rose of Sugar & Cloth #midcentury #modern #sidetable #homedecor #livingroom #diy #diydecor

5 — Once the plates are attached, spray paint the entire pan and plates the color of your choice. Allow to dry completely.

6 — Once dry, screw the tapered legs into the plates, and flip the cake pan upside down. The top of the end table will just rest on the storage.

Step 6 - DIY Mid Century End Table | By top Houston Lifestyle Blogger Ashley Rose of Sugar & Cloth #midcentury #modern #sidetable #homedecor #livingroom #diy #diydecor

Project Notes

Choosing your round wood circle:

Your round wood circle can be any size. Even though ours has an 18″ diameter, you can customize yours to have a larger or smaller table top. Just make sure that it is as least 2″ larger in diameter than your cake pan.

Choosing your cake pan sizing:

Our cake pan is 2″ tall which is just big enough to store our TV remotes, magazines, or notebooks and pens. Your cake pan can be any size in depth and width. Keep in mind that the cake pan needs to be 2″ smaller in diameter than your wood circle.

This is such an unconventional material, right?!? We creatively turned cake pans into DIY hanging planters too.

Where to place your table legs:

Be sure to adjust the placement or the table legs to be far enough apart so that they hold the weight of the top evenly.

Make sure to use round head screws:

It’s important to use round head screws or even flat bolts with the accompanying nuts so that there are no sharp edges in the storage pan.

  DIY Mid Century End Table | By top Houston Lifestyle Blogger Ashley Rose of Sugar & Cloth #midcentury #modern #sidetable #homedecor #livingroom #diy #diydecor

More Easy Modern Furniture DIY Projects

This is definitely a simple project for a last minute weekend DIY on a rainy day. And it’s so budget friendly that you could even make one for each side of your couch.

We even love the idea of painting them different colors for a punch of color in a space!

If you love our DIY mid century round side table, then check out a few of our diy mid century modern furniture ideas below —

photo of a modern diy mid century side table by top Houston lifestyle blogger Ashley Rose of Sugar & Cloth

 

DIY mid century end table | sugar & cloth

DIY Mid Century Modern Side Table

Print
5 from 14 votes
A colorful and budget friendly DIY Mid Century Modern Side Table that's easy to make, inexpensive and the perfect addition to your home.
Prep Time30 minutes
Dry Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 30 minutes
Course DIY
Category Coffee Table

Equipment

  • Drill and 11/64″ drill bit
  • Foam brush

Materials

  • 1 round wood circle
  • 1 cake pan
  • 3 wooden tapered round leg
  • 3 angled leg mounting plate
  • 12 #10-24×3/8 inch round head screws with nuts
  • Wood stain
  • Spray paint optional for the cake pan/storage base color
  • Gold spray paint optional for the feet of the legs 

Instructions

  • Prep the wooden top and legs by staining the unfinished wood the color of your choice with wood stain and a foam brush.
  • Optional: Once the stain is dry on the legs, tape off the wood to spray paint the feet gold.
  • While that’s drying, place the cake pan upside down. Lay the angle plates where you want the legs to be positioned and mark with a pen.
    Be sure they’re far enough towards the edges of the table so that it isn’t rickety and unstable when it’s built.
    Use the drill and 11/64″ drill bit to drill holes for each of the four corners on every plate.
  • Attach the plates to the pan with the nut and bolts in all corners.
    The reason for the flat bolts instead of screws is so that there are no sharp edges when the storage pan is being used.
  • Once the plates are attached, spray paint the entire pan and plates the color of your choice. And let dry completely.
  • Once it’s dry, screw the tapered legs into the the plates, and flip it upside down. The top of the end table will just rest on the storage.
Cost: $110
KEYWORD: diy mid century modern side table

DIY Tables

Please note that we may earn a commission for some of the above affiliate links. However, products featured are independently selected and personally well-loved by us!

5 from 14 votes (1 rating without comment)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Leave a Rating:




111 Comments

  1. Pingback: 100 Functional Diy Nightstand Builds To Instantly Impress Your Guests – Rustic Bright
  2. Pingback: 20 Clever Diy Hidden Storage Ideas (Learn How To) - Diy Folly
  3. Pingback: 29 Stunning And Diverse Diy End Table Ideas - Fresh Diy Home
  4. Pingback: 50 *Actually Cute* DIY Side Tables & End Tables
  5. Pingback: 37 DIY End Table Ideas (Sayon ug Dekorasyon) - lineup-mag
  6. Pingback: 20 Clever DIY Hidden Storage Ideas - DIY Crafts
  7. Pingback: 15 DIY Side Tables And End Tables To Try - DIYCraftsGuru
  8. Pingback: 10 Affordable DIY Living Room Decor Ideas - Craftsonfire
  9. Pingback: 10 DIY End Table Plans Perfect For Beginners - Craftsonfire
  10. Pingback: DIY Favorites - Side Tables - Spinster Simone
  11. Pingback: 36 DIY Living Room Decor Ideas On A Budget - Think Home Now
  12. Pingback: Our Most Popular Posts from 2015 - Sugar & Cloth
  13. Pingback: 17 DIY Dรฉcor ร€ La Maison Moderne; Projets de budget facile sur un budget – Une vie qui vaut la peine d'รชtre vรฉcue
  14. Pingback: Amazing Hidden Storage Ideas For Your Home
  15. Pingback: 17 Decoraciรณn casera moderna de bricolaje; Proyectos de presupuesto fรกcil con un presupuesto – Hola, que tengas un buen dia
  16. Pingback: 20 Amazing DIY Side Table Ideas for a Cozy Space | 3DsRender.com
  17. Pingback: Garden Stones: DIY Faux Grass Decorative Stepping Stones - Sugar & Cloth DIY Home Decor
  18. Pingback: 36 DIY Living Room Decor Ideas On A Budget – PinkDIY.com
  19. Pingback: Our 10 Most Loved Posts of 2017! - Sugar & Cloth
  20. Pingback: DIY Pendant Light: How to Make a Basket Light Fixture - Sugar & Cloth
  21. Pingback: IKEA Hacks: The Ultimate List of over 230 Amazing Hacks! - Make Calm Lovely
  22. Pingback: The Ultimate List of over 230 IKEA Hacks! – Make Calm Lovely
  23. Pingback: 15 Best DIY Side Tables and End Tables | Awareness
  24. Pingback: DIY Mid Century Side Table | Sugar & Cloth Home Decor DIY - Diy Poject Ideas - Most Popular DIY Craft Project Ideas
  25. Pingback: DIY Mid Century Side Table | Sugar & Cloth Home Decor DIY – Diy Poject Ideas – Most Popular DIY Craft Project Ideas
  26. Pingback: DIY Mid Century Side Table | Sugar & Cloth Home Decor DIY - Diy Furniture Ideas - Most Popular DIY Craft Project Ideas
  27. Pingback: 75 DIY Table Makeover Ideas to Upgrade Your Tables ⋆ DIY Crafts
  28. Pingback: 32+ Clever DIY Hidden Storage Ideas and Designs For Every Room – Lesley
  29. Pingback: 32+ Clever DIY Hidden Storage Ideas and Designs For Every Room
  30. Pingback: 17 DIY Modern Home Decor; Easy Budget Projects On A Budget - VCDiy Decor And More
  31. Pingback: Home Decor DIY's : DIY Mid Century Side Table - Decor Object | Your Daily dose of Best Home Decorating Ideas & interior design inspiration
  32. Pingback: 40 IKEA Mid Century Modern Style Hacks for your Home - Make Calm Lovely
  33. Pingback: 31 DIY Living Room Projects Brighten Up Your Home – Top Reveal
  34. Pingback: 12 Affordable Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
  35. Pingback: 21 Sneaky Hacks For A Secret Place To Hide Your Valuables – Survival NEWS
  36. Pingback: 21 Sneaky Hacks For A Secret Place To Hide Your Valuables | Social Marketing
  37. Pingback: 21 Sneaky Hacks For A Secret Place To Hide Your Valuables - Box Office Factor
  38. Pingback: 8 Marvelous Ideas To Have Hidden Storage That No One Will Guest - talkdecor.com
  39. Pingback: 25 Cost-Effective DIY Home Decoration Ideas Without Spending a Penny - Hercottage
  40. Pingback: 35 DIY Living Room Decorating Ideas – Top Reveal
  41. Pingback: 35 DIY Living Room Decor Ideas – Top Reveal
  42. Pingback: Super Affordable DIY Living Room Decor Ideas - Craftsonfire
  43. Pingback: 17 Pastel Storage Ideas To Keep Your Apartment Organized - The Gorgeous List
  44. Pingback: 16 Examples of Affordable DIY Mid-Century Furniture Ideas That Will Inspire You • Grillo Designs
  45. Pingback: DIY Plant Stand & Side Table – The Simply Essential
  46. Pingback: 7 Easy DIY Side Tables to Help You Save the Money - GODIYGO.COM
  47. Pingback: 101 Easy DIY Spring Craft Ideas and Projects - DIY & Crafts
  48. Pingback: The Best Hiding Places To Hide Your Valuables From Thieves – Buzz Dollar
  49. Pingback: 38 Stylish DIY Side Table Plans with Tuitorials - Lemon Slide
  50. Hey girl! Thank you a lot for your idea! Based on that, I made similar one, with a pizza board, a cake pan (painted yellow) and drumsticks. It turned out great and now I’m very proud of it!

  51. Pingback: 18 DIY Sofa Side Tables Perfect to Rest Your Cup of Coffee
  52. I found this DIY project the other day and I’m obsessed! I bought all the supplies – will be building soon! :)

  53. Hi there! Where did you find your 16″ cake pan? I canT find one at kroger, walmart, pr target and was wondering whEre yoU found yours.

  54. This is awesome! How tall is the entire side table? Just trying to plan my own version of this and want to get the height right for my couch. Thanks!

  55. Thank you for this wonderful tutorial. I’m always looking for things to build but only have a power drill. I love how resourceful and creative you are with your beautiful creations!

  56. Pingback: 7 Easy Hidden Storage Ideas Your Can Actually Pull Off
  57. Pingback: Diy Small Round End Table – Luna S Ramsey
  58. Pingback: Do It Yourself Stunning Side Tables | Decorating Your Small Space
  59. Pingback: 25 On-the-Cheap DIY Ideas to Make Your Living Room Look Expensive – Pioneers Discovers
  60. Pingback: 35 DIY End Tables - DIYCraftsGuru
  61. Pingback: Moodboard // Avril | October 25th
  62. Pingback: A Swedish Home On A Hill With Lovely Lake Views | Bloggsom
  63. Pingback: 5 Must Try DIYs for the Home – STYLE CURATOR
  64. I know this post is over a year old, but I’m really curious how you measured where each top plate would go? How did you space them evenly on the bottom of the pan?

    1. Measure and mark with a piece of thread and a pencil if you want to be sure of the exact center all the way around :)

  65. Pingback: 33 Expensive Looking DIY Projects | Hi Cydia
  66. Pingback: 9 diy da provare questa settimana! - Blog a Cavolo
  67. Where did you find the rounded hardwood top? Besides buying a circular cutting board, I’m not sure where I might find this. Thanks! New homeowner and decorating with mid-century modern furniture. This is the exact side table I’ve been looking for!!

  68. incredibly clever! love the pop of pink, and the hidden storage. this is very inspiring!

  69. One idea for keeping the top on. Trace the edge of the cake pan on the bottom of the wooden top and carve out a small indent just on the inside of the tracing so the pan rests inside the lip.

  70. Florence Henderson participated in NPR’s Wait, Wait! Don’t Tell Me this past weekend. Brady Bunch is in the ether. Great table! Can’t wait to try it out.5 stars

  71. Love this DIY, will certainly be trying it out. That pink/peach color is EXACTLY what I’m looking for to redo an amazing, yet terribly shiny, metal mcm chair! Could you share the brand/color?!

  72. Shut the front door! You made that with a cake pan? Pure genius, and a place to stash the remotes is always a bonus. Love this project!5 stars

  73. What brand and colour of spray paint did you use? I absolutely love this. Almost as much as the planters posted previously!!

  74. Did you think about having a dowel or something for the top to spin on (but be attached to the bottom)? I love the idea but can only imagine my dog running in to it and having the top go flying.

    1. That would be awesome! I don’t know that I’m that handy yet, but I’ll keep it in mind for future projects, thank you for your feedback! :)

  75. I adore this! If only you had more time (ha ha, right?) to make these so anyone who fails at DIY could buy them!! I may give it a try this weekend though. xo5 stars