Every living room needs a coffee table. However, they can get pretty expensive. So, I understand if you want to DIY your own coffee table!

We have shared 4 DIY coffee table tutorials:

• DIY driftwood coffee table
• How to build a modern coffee table
• Live edge wood + hairpin leg coffee table
• Coffee table paint makeover

How to decide on a DIY coffee table design

If you're trying to decide what kind of coffee table to make, keep in mind:

• The tools and skills that you have available to you
• Your design style
• The size of your space including height of table
• Your storage needs
• The finish that will best coordinate with your space

Coffee table shapes

There are a lot of choices for the shape of your coffee table. Some of the most popular coffee table shapes include:

• Round
• Oval
• Square
• Rectangular
• Live edge

To pick your shape, take a look around your room. I don't like to have everything in the space either round or striaght. For example, in our sunroom we had a rectangular TV stand, couch, and TV. So, a round table added some balance to the space.

What shape coffee table works best with a sectional?

Following the above rule, I love a circular or oval coffee table paired with a sectional that has sharp right angles. If the sectional is more curved, go for a rectangular or angular coffee table. This makes it look less like a matchy-matchy set and more interesting.

How much space should I have between my sofa and my coffee table?

You want to allow for 18" of clearance in between the coffee table and any wall or other furniture.

How tall should a coffee table be?

The height of your coffee table is going to depend on the height of your seating around it. You want the height of the coffee table and the seats to be within 2" (up or down) of each other. Any bigger difference starts to look funny.

What materials are best for a DIY coffee table?

Tons of different materials will work for a coffee table. What matters most is your design style and functionality.

For your design style, make sure both the material and the design fit your style. For example, if you like farm house style, you don't want a lucite or acrylic table. That material is too modern for your home.

Just as important as style is functionality. Think of how you will use the table. Are you a coaster type of person? If not, it's ok - just get something that won't stain easily. If you have kids, keep that in mind and maybe glass table tops aren't for you in this season of life.

Coffee table topper ideas

Want to add a new top to an old coffee table? Here are some ideas!

• Butcherblock countertop
• Old door or window (cut to size)
• Countertop scraps
• Glass or mirror - can be cut at a glass store
• Wooden cutting board
• Cover existing top with contact paper
• Tile or peel and stick tile
• Use wood slats to create a design
• Pour a concrete or terrazzo top
• Chalkboard
• Large tray
• Pallet wood

Don't forget the table legs!

Materials-wise, table legs are a great place to have fun and express your style. Since they don't get the wear and tear that the table top tends to get, you have more room to play with fun materials and really express your style.

Here are some cool DIY coffee table leg ideas:

• hairpin legs
• mold concrete legs
• old staircase balusters
• logs or branches
• piping
• tree trunk
• saw horse
• vintage wood
• old window or door (chopped up)
• off the shelf tapered legs
• use legs or base from an old vintage table

What kind of storage can I add to my DIY coffee table?

Storage can be really important. Coffee tables are a great place to stash things. Some ideas for coffee table storage are:

• baskets or bins
• hidden storage such as a lift up top coffee table
• ottoman style table with removable lid
• set baskets on top of the table

Making over an old coffee table

While it's great to build a coffee table from scratch, there is always the option to make over an old, thrifted or reclaimed coffee table. Paint can go a long way and this is often a super beginner level, low budget project!

Coffee Table Refinishing Ideas

Some of the best ways to refinish a coffee table are:

• Paint with chalk paint - no sanding required!
• Sand + re-stain or paint
• Add a new table top
• Save the table top and add new, interesting legs
• Paint the legs one color and stain the top another color
• Add contact paper to cover the top
• Remove drawers and replace them with storage baskets or bins
• Replace the knobs or hardware with something more your style
• Stencil a design onto the coffee table
• Use a colored wax to give the coffee table extra dimension

I rounded up some of the best DIY coffee tables from bloggers that I love. Check it out!

What are your favorite DIY coffee tables?