Repurposed Mirror Coffee Table

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How to make an “X” legged coffee table with a reclaimed framed mirror from an old dresser as the table top. 

I have been busy DIYing some big projects around my house the past few weeks. I am excited to show you one that I have completed.

I made a coffee table by repurposing an old mirror that I no longer wanted in my bedroom along with some 2 x 4’s.

Table made by repurposing a mirror

The coffee table came out better than I expected. I got the idea to make the table after seeing this dining table by Ana White.

I loved the table, but didn’t have a need for it. I did however need a coffee table for my family room and used the table as my inspiration to make this coffee table. I wanted a substantial table and the size of the mirror fit the bill.

Furniture makeover using mirrors

Here is the “before” of the mirror. I wrote about its replacement in this post:  New Mirror For Bedroom

Coffee table made from an old mirror and 2 x 4's

I am not one to submit to any particular style of decor or trend. I gravitate to many different decorating styles and like to mix it up in my home.

Coffee table styling ideas for coastal beachy decor

If I had to sum up my decorating style in one word, I couldn’t. It would have to be a few… Coastal, Casual, with a little Glam thrown in just to add a little bit of the unexpected.

Easy breezy coastal vibe decorated home

This repurposed mirrored coffee table fits that description perfectly.

White adds the coastal vibe, making it with 2 x 4’s …. surely says casual and the mirror adds the glam factor. It all equals the perfect style for me.

“I decorate with my heart. If I get an idea or see something that speaks to me I make it work, knowing that it will fit into my own style.”  – me  :-)  

Coffee table styling ideas

 

Driftwood finish wood stain

How to Repurpose a Mirror into a Coffee Table

supplies needed:

  • lumber:  5 – 2 x 4 x 8 | 2 – 1 x 4 x 8
  • wood strips for underside for mirror safety
  • miter saw
  • drill
  • drill bits
  • sanding block
  • sandpaper – 60/100/220 grits
  • measuring tape
  • Kreg Pocket hole Jig
  • Kreg 2-inch and 2 1/2″ screws
  • pencil
  • wood glue
  • caulk
  • Spackle
  • Spackle knife
  • Primer/Paint/DIY chalk paint
  • paint brush

For the repurposed mirror:

  • CitraStrip paint stripper
  • rags
  • sanding block and sandpaper
  • Rustoleum Driftwood Stain and paper towel
  • Folk Art craft paint: Buttercup #905

I figured out how to make the table as I went along.  I am not a master carpenter or furniture builder, but if I were to make another table here is what I would do differently:

  • pick out the best 2 x 4’s that are straight, smooth, free of knots and raised swirl patterns
  • pre-drill all holes
  • prime all pieces and sand every edge and corner smooth before assembling

How to Build a Table Base Using 2 x 4’s

My table’s measurements:  Mirror is 32″ x 38″  Height of table is 18″

I made this table using the mirror as the size guide for the base.  I didn’t have a set of plans and if you make this your measurements may need to be different.

Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes when cutting and working with wood.

1. Cut lumber to size needed:

  • 4 – 2 x 4 @ 30-inches. Ends at 45 degree angles
  • 4 – 1 x 4 @ 27-1/2″
  • 8 – 1 x 4 @ 3-1/2″ squares
  • 1 – 2 x 4 @ 29″
  • 2 – 2 x 4 @ 26″ Ends cut at 23 degree angle
  • 2 – 2 x 4 @ 13″ ends cut at 23 degree angle

2. Sand all cuts to smooth rough edges.

pocket-holes-to-join-wood

3. Pre-drill holes or use a KREG pocket hole jig to make assembling the table easy. Having this tool, made this table do-able for me. Without it, it would have been impossible for me to create strong joints.

How-to-drill-a-pocket-hole-with-a-Kreg-Jig

I got the Kreg Jig R3 at a blogging conference. It is the best little gadget for joining wood EVER!  It is so easy to use. To see how to use it, check out the Kreg website to watch a video.


How-to-assemble-a-2-x-4-table

You will need to create two identical side pieces for the table base. Construct one side first.

The center 2 x 4″s that cross are created by using 3 pieces of cut 2 x 4’s. The first is cut to fit on an angle from one top side to the opposite bottom.  The second and third pieces are smaller cuts to make the “X”

Wood Cuts and Measurement Details:

How to make a table using 2 x 4's

The two sides that make up the base are created with 2 x 4’s and 1 x 4’s.   The angled cuts on the top and bottom 2 x 4’s are 45 degrees. The angled cuts to create the “X” are approx 23 degrees.

Wood spacing for a 2 x 4 table base

I first used wood glue to attach the cut wood as shown above. Once pieces were glued and dry, I used 2- 1/2″ wood screws to create solid wood joints.  See lumber length measurements in supplies needed list.

How to make a table base using 2 x 4's

Check for level by placing the two sides on mirror, then remove.

How-to-attach-2-pieces-of-wood-to-make-a-joint-to-make-a-joint-on-a-piece-of-furniture

Using 2-1/2″ wood screws, attach the two sides with a 29″ long 2 x 4 to create table base as shown in photo.

Mirror-&-2-x-4-Coffee-Table-Base

The table base will look like this.

Prime the wood.  Run a line of caulk along all joints and smooth with finger. This will make the wood look seamless. Let dry and then paint

I was going to use chalk paint, but then realized I didn’t want to distress the table and have to wax and buff into all the tight angles on the base. I switched gears and used primer and Glidden latex paint in the color White on White in a satin finish.

How To Attach Mirror To Table Base

Mirror-&-2-x-4-Coffee-Table-

If you make a top for a table using solid wood, you will be able to drill screws into it anywhere to attach to the base.

Since I didn’t want to break the mirror, I could only use the outer frame as a place to join it to the base.

  • I added 4 – 3-1/2″ blocks using a 1 x 4 piece of lumber. I used 3 short wood screws to attach each to the corners of the frame.

I added a thin piece of molding in the center as a brace for the mirror.  (I added two more braces on either side of this to add even more protection. I bought them at The Home Depot. Photo below.)

Repurposed-Coffee-Table-1

These blocks became part of the design as well as giving me something to be able to attach screws so I could attach the top securely.

How to attach a mirror to a table base to create a coffee table

Note: The frame around the mirror only has about 3/4″ to drill into without hitting the mirror.  I made sure the angle of the screws would not cause them to penetrate too deeply and crack the mirror. Adding the 3-1/2″ square block to each corner on the underside of the mirror provides an attachment point for the screw. 

1. Lay mirror right side down on flat padded surface.

2. Pre-drill two holes on each angled end of table base so that you will be able to countersink screws.

3. Attach using 2″ long wood screws. Make sure screw heads are below wood surface.

4. Spackle over holes, let dry, and then sand smooth.

5. Touch up with paint. Let dry.

How to Stain Wood to Look Sunbleached or like Driftwood

The mirror frame had 3 layers of paint that I stripped off using CitraStrip. Once the paint was removed, I was still left with a very red wood stain.

Mirror-2-x-4-Coffee-Table-

I sanded off as much as I could, but the red color was ingrained into the wood.

How to stain wood a driftwood or sunbleached color

I went over it with Rustoleum stain in Driftwood. It lightened the wood, but the wood still looked too red. I wanted it to look more like the wood tray on the table. It needed more yellow to my eye…

How-to-paint-a-driftwood-finish-on-furniture
…so I grabbed a bottle of yellow craft paint in the color Buttercup and rubbed it on top of the Driftwood stain. I wiped the excess off and when I did, it looked just as I hoped it would…the changes warmed up the color.  You can see the difference on the horizontal portion of the frame.

driftwood stain on table top

After it dried, I rubbed clear Johnson’s wax over the frame and buffed to add a layer of protection.

Beachy DIY coffee table

If I can make this, anyone can…as long as you believe in yourself.

You do need a miter saw or box to make it and the Kreg jig made me feel like a pro.  Ed helped me when I needed two extra hands to lift or hold something in place. :-)

Coffee table styling ideas

I just finished it this morning.  Today is my birthday and Ed gave me a new book, Beach House Happy as a gift. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect gift. It looks perfect on my new table.

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61 Comments

  1. what a amazing way to make the coffee mirror table. to impressive I’m gonna try to at my workshop.

  2. You make it own. This is beautiful table. This creativity is has to be in the exhibition. I learn one amazing thing to make mirror table. I am also excited to make it at home.

  3. Their beautiful organic piece of furniture is made with sustainability in my mind. The designs are beautifully aged timber is sourced from historical buildings, demolition sites, local farmhouse and hotel room living.

  4. After going over a handful of the blog articles on your website, I truly appreciate your technique of writing a blog.

  5. It’s Realy Nice REPURPOSED MIRROR COFFEE TABLE I Love your Table Designs. you have hug Collection of table so availble for all type of interior Designer

  6. This is stunning and I can hardly wait to make one of my own! Do you think it would work with a cool old animal dwellingplace window I found (no broken sheets!) rather than a mirror in the event that I painted the inside prop an indistinguishable shading from the table base? I’d need to check the measurements of the window yet I think it may be sufficiently huge for an end table top

  7. Oh my god.. You make it own. This is beautiful table. I love your this creativity. I learn one amazing thing to make mirror table. I am also excited to make it at home.

  8. Hi, Diane

    Now I also say that I can also have a beautiful table for my home in low cost. Your table makes my drawing room look beautiful. Thank you.

    Regard
    John Smith

  9. Hi Diane! I am sure most of the men would be embarrassed to take handy advises and ideas from a woman, just because it is not manly enough for them. Anyway, I am not like the most men, so I just wanted to thank you for the beautiful and well done project! I am a professional handyman and I am interested in applying it. I need a table for my guest room. I think it will fit perfectly and all of my guests will be pleasantly surprised by the design. Of course, I will tell them where I got the idea from:)

  10. I love this table and white theme. Nice use of accessories to complement the interior. Every nook and corner is just perfect.

  11. Bom dia.
    Que mesa linda, fico cada vez mais inspirada em aprender para conseguir fazer estes móveis lindos que você ensina, tem o cuidado de colocar as fotos com detalhes e com as medidas, eu sou do Brasil e queria uma opinião sua, qual é a melhor madeira que eu posso usar aqui para fazer esta mesa, tenha um ótimo dia com muitas inspirações para nos encantar cada vez mais, fique com DEUS.

  12. Good work!! I love this Coffee Table, and also the way you’ve styled it! You’ve enlivened me to break out some more summer stylistic theme, as well!

  13. Happy belated birthday, Diane.

    Well, I see another incredibly beautiful project on your blog. It’s always such a pleasure to read your blog. Every blog is always complete with explicit directions and snapshots of the item being created — thank you.

    Kay

    1. Hi Kay – Thank-you for the b-day greetings. I had a nice day. I am such a visual person. I try my best to get each step photographed so readers can do the project themselves. Much better than having to guess at how things were put together or completed. :-)

  14. This table is stunning. Goes to prove that a bit of upcycling can have a gorgeous effect!

    Jess at Wallpaper Ink

  15. I was looking at pinterest to see what I might do with a window in my home when I saw your curtain rod made with glass door knobs. I remember taking a book out of the library where we once lived that had the same idea…then I realized that you were the author of that book…so very glad to have found you. You have such wonderful, creative ideas. I just subscribed and I’m looking forward to following your blog.

    1. Hi Kathy – Your comment put a BIG smile on my face. My book came out when the internet was just starting to take hold and way before blogs came into existence. Thanks for subscribing and taking the time to say hi! XO

  16. yes, she has done eclipsed herself! a very nice project. I’m on my way to go get a Kreg jig, and I’ll have to check on the mitre box! thanks for another great piece!

  17. This is incredible. I love love love it! Another fabulous idea I want to try. I have been really busy and not able to comment but have to say that I read your all of the posts since subscribing and and browse through for ideas frequently. I had to let go of most of the blogs to which I’d subscribed. Yours is one of three I kept, and the only one I never miss reading. If I accidentally miss one, I always catch it later. Just recently I went back and read your post on painting the brass to nickel, took notes and headed to the store for primer, paint (Champion-new to me-is FABULOUS!!), tack cloth (that was also a new one for me), mask, etc., to paint a brass chandelier. From that post I ended up on the painted chair post and am going to try it on an old chair in our bedroom. I am beyond grateful for your creative mind and the endless ideas it continues to churn out, but even more so that you are willing to share with others. Our family has benefitted SO MUCH from your generosity and creativity. Thank you!!

    1. Hi Lore – Thank-you so much for taking the time to leave me such a nice note. XO It makes me so happy to hear that what I post about has helped you in so many ways. I love what I do and sharing with others. I hope to continue doing it for many years to come. Thanks for subscribing.

  18. This is gorgeous and I can’t wait to make one of my own! Do you think it would work with a cool old barn window I found (no broken panes!) instead of a mirror if I painted the center brace the same color as the table base? I’d have to check the dimensions of the window but I think it might be big enough for a coffee table top.

    This is so great… What would we do without you, Diane?? Happy Birthday!!!

    Lara
    New London, NH

    1. Hi Lara – An old barn window would work perfectly. You would have to make the size of the base fit the window. It would dictate the size of your table, but could be attached the same way I attached the mirror. I wrote a decorating book back in the 90’s called Instant Decorating. One of the projects in in was a table made from an old window sash. The base was made using deck rails and molding. I used it for years so I know your idea will work.

      1. Fantastic! I wasn’t sure what to do with that window other than lean it against a wall for decoration. But now it’s going to become a table top.

        I’m suddenly feeling ill and think I need to leave work early… ;)

        Thanks again, I’ll send a pic when I’m done!
        Lara

    1. Hi Stephanie – I am not that talented when it comes to woodworking. I have only done easy wood cutting, but very little wood joining. The little Kreg pocket hole jig really made it possible for me to do.

  19. Hi Diane ~
    Your table is beautiful, and it has inspired me ~ I do not think I could do this, but I know my sister could.
    I love the look of the table, but the best part is you can make it to fit any size room.

    Thank you for sharing this wonderful craft.
    Have a great day.
    Rose

  20. I love the table and the re-purpose of something older into something brand new! You are so creative.
    I also love this statement : “I DECORATE WITH MY HEART. IF I GET AN IDEA OR SEE SOMETHING THAT SPEAKS TO ME I MAKE IT WORK, KNOWING THAT IT WILL FIT INTO MY OWN STYLE.” – ME :-)

    I so very much agree with that statement! I, too, decorate from my heart. My home is an eclectic mix of things I love from family, treasures that I have found, and pieces that I have fallen in love with myself. Every piece in my home not only reflects me as a person, but is my very own comfortable nest!

    1. Thanks Sharon – Yes yesterday was my bday. They are coming way too fast these past few years. After 50 I tried to stop counting. :-) Thanks for the b-day greetings.

    1. Hi Mandy – I bought the rug on Overstock .com about 2 years ago, but I think they still sell it. Type in seagrass rug and a few different styles and sizes will show up.