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.
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.
Here is the “before” of the mirror. I wrote about its replacement in this post: New Mirror For Bedroom
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.
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.
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 :-)
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
Check for level by placing the two sides on mirror, then remove.
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.
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
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.)
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.
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.
I sanded off as much as I could, but the red color was ingrained into the wood.
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…
…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.
After it dried, I rubbed clear Johnson’s wax over the frame and buffed to add a layer of protection.
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. :-)
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.
jithin Samuel says
Awesome table. thanks, I need to try this one in Teakwood
Trends says
Ideas on Mirror Coffee Table is so creative. Loved it.!
pert says
I like the way it turned out.Very amazing.Good Job.
TheTimberGuy says
very informative blog, nice coffee table idea. thanks.
Nisha kaur says
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.
Online Fabric Store says
Interesting post.
Keep sharing such good post.
louise sarah says
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.
DbSouq says
After going over a handful of the blog articles on your website, I truly appreciate your technique of writing a blog.
Karma Bhingradiya says
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
Rainforest Italy says
Nice Information. Thanks for sharing this post.
Karma says
You make it own. This is beautiful table. I love your this creativity
makemyorders says
Nice post. it looks like amazing. I love this post thanks for sharing.
Ashley says
What a genius u r! basically make the base and add a mirror its look amazing.. :)
Ashiyana says
Really nice idea, thanks for sharing, I’m also gonna try this :)
karan says
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
Diane Henkler says
Hi Karan – I think it would work perfectly and the best is that you will be creating something truly unique.
Anita Patel says
Very descriptive, i loved it :)
Ash says
Thanks for sharing!
FashionFiza says
Really nice concept, thanks for sharing, i’m also gonna try it :)
Mahi Punjabi says
This is a really informative post. I am really surprised by seeing the way you have explained it.
Keep up the good work.
Shrigal Divine says
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.
John Smith says
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
Tom S. says
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:)
Rent Furniture says
I love this table and white theme. Nice use of accessories to complement the interior. Every nook and corner is just perfect.
Elisabete M. da Silva. says
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.
Deepti says
WOW. It is really nice. And I even liked your carpet a lot.
Coffee Table says
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!
Kay says
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
Diane Henkler says
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. :-)
Jess @ Wallpaper Ink says
This table is stunning. Goes to prove that a bit of upcycling can have a gorgeous effect!
Jess at Wallpaper Ink
Kathy says
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.
Diane Henkler says
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
Linda Weeks says
oh, and happy belated birthday!
Diane Henkler says
Thanks Linda – Happy 4th of July. Enjoy!
Linda Weeks says
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!
Lore says
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!!
Diane Henkler says
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.
Lara says
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
Diane Henkler says
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.
Lara says
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
Megan Roy says
I think this was an amazing project! I would love to do something like this for my new home. Good work!
Elizabeth @ Pineapples and Polka Dots says
I love this table, as well as the way you’ve styled it! Your tutorial is so helpful. You’ve inspired me to break out some more summer decor, too!
Lynne says
Happy belated birthday!
Diane Henkler says
Thanks Lynne- I couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day. XO
[email protected] Casa Watkins says
Great table!!it looks fantastic. I haven’t dabbled in carpentry but your easy tutorial makes it sound easier for me. Thanks for sharing.
Diane Henkler says
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.
Rose says
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
Catherine D says
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!
Arli says
Happy Birthday! You made yourself a gorgeous bday gift. Enjoy!
Diane Henkler says
Thanks for the b-day greetings Arli. XO
Sharon H says
That’s really very nice, Diane. Good Job. Today is your birthday??? Happy Birthday!
Diane Henkler says
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.
Mandy says
Lovely table! I have to ask – where did you get the rug?!
Diane Henkler says
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.
Anita Garg says
It’s so nice
Kimm at Reinvented says
Oh how I LOVE this table! What a genius idea to build the base and add a mirror. And styled perfectly, of course. :)