20 Creative Ideas to Repurpose a Coffee Table

Last updated on May 23, 2024

Got an old coffee table and don’t know what to do with it? Don’t throw it away just yet. Here are 20 ways to repurpose it.

Ottoman Conversion

Transforming a coffee table into an ottoman is a great way to add extra seating and comfort to your living room. To do this, you will need some foam padding, fabric of your choice, and a staple gun.

First, measure the top of the coffee table and cut out foam padding in that size. Then wrap it with fabric tightly around the edges using staples on the underside of the tabletop until it’s fully covered.

Attach four legs or casters at each corner for stability if desired. You can also add decorative elements such as tufted buttons or nailhead trim for added style points!

Planter Display

You can use the tabletop as the base for your plants or create compartments within it to hold individual pots. To prevent water damage, line the bottom of each compartment with plastic and add drainage holes.

Choose plants that thrive in low light conditions if you’re placing them indoors, such as snake plant or pothos vine. Alternatively, you could opt for succulents and cacti if you prefer something more drought-tolerant and easy to care for.

A planter display on a repurposed coffee table adds natural beauty while also serving as an eye-catching conversation piece in any room of your home!

Bookshelf Addition

First, remove the tabletop and sand it down to create a smooth surface. Then, attach wooden planks or crates to the base of the table using screws or nails.

These will serve as shelves for your books and other decorative items. Paint or stain the entire piece in your desired color scheme to match your existing decor.

This repurposed coffee table bookshelf is not only practical but also adds character and charm to any room in your home!

Mini Bar Setup

Start by adding some shelves or racks to hold bottles and glasses. You can also add hooks for hanging wine glasses or bottle openers.

To make it more functional, consider adding an ice bucket and cocktail shaker as well as some coasters to protect the surface of the table from spills. With these additions, your coffee table will become a stylish and practical mini bar that’s perfect for entertaining guests at home!

Desk Transformation

With some simple modifications, it can become the perfect workspace for your home office. Start by adding legs or raising the height with blocks to make it more comfortable to sit at.

Then, add storage solutions such as shelves or drawers underneath for organization and functionality. Finish off with a fresh coat of paint or stain to match your decor style and voila! You have transformed an old coffee table into a stylish and practical desk that will serve you well for years to come.

LEGO Play Area

This is an excellent way to keep the little ones entertained while also keeping their toys organized. To create this, simply remove the top of the coffee table and replace it with a large LEGO baseplate that fits perfectly on top.

You can then add storage underneath for all of your child’s bricks and accessories, making clean-up easy after playtime is over. The best part about this repurposing idea is that it doesn’t require any major construction or renovation work – just some creativity!

Gaming Station

You could also install power strips and USB ports for easy charging. Add some LED lights underneath the table for an extra cool effect.

With this setup, you’ll have everything in one place and be ready to game at any time!

Pet Bed Creation

You can remove the legs and add some padding to create a comfortable sleeping area for your pet. Use fabric that matches your decor or choose something fun and playful for added personality.

This is also an excellent way to keep pets off of furniture they’re not supposed to be on while still giving them their own special spot in the room.

Bench Seating

By adding some cushions or pillows on top of the table, you can create a comfortable and stylish seating area for yourself or your guests. This idea works particularly well for small apartments where every inch counts.

You can also use the space underneath the bench as storage by adding baskets or drawers that slide out easily. With this simple transformation, your coffee table will become an essential piece of furniture in any room!

Shadowbox Showcase

This idea works particularly well for those who love collecting items such as seashells, rocks, or other small trinkets. Simply remove the top of the coffee table and replace it with glass or plexiglass.

Then arrange your collection inside and voila! You now have a beautiful display case that can be used to show off your treasures while also serving as an interesting conversation piece in any room of your home.

Kitchen Island

This is an excellent option for those who have limited counter space in their kitchens. To create a kitchen island, add casters to the bottom of the coffee table so that it can be easily moved around as needed.

Then, attach hooks or towel racks to one side of the table for hanging utensils and towels. Install a cutting board on top of the coffee table to create additional workspace and protect its surface from damage caused by knives or other sharp objects during food preparation activities.

With these few changes, you’ll have an affordable and functional kitchen island that will make cooking easier than ever before!

Mosaic Artwork

You can use broken tiles, glass pieces, or even seashells to create intricate patterns and designs. This is an excellent way to add color and texture to your living room while also repurposing an old piece of furniture.

Plus, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you created something unique and one-of-a-kind for your home decor!

Puzzle Storage

A coffee table can be repurposed into the perfect storage solution for your puzzles. Simply remove the top of the table and replace it with a piece of plywood or MDF board that fits snugly on top.

Cover this new surface with felt or another soft material to protect your puzzle pieces from scratches.

Once complete, use this new surface as a workspace for assembling puzzles and store any unfinished ones inside the hollowed-out base of the coffee table.

Vertical Garden

This is an excellent option if you have limited outdoor space or want to bring some greenery indoors. To create this look, remove the tabletop and add shelves at varying heights along the legs of the table.

You can then place potted plants on each shelf and hang additional planters from hooks attached to the underside of the tabletop. Be sure to choose plants that thrive in low-light conditions if you plan on keeping your vertical garden indoors!

Fish Tank Base

This repurposing idea is perfect for those who want to add an aquatic touch to their living room or office space. To create this, simply remove the top of the coffee table and replace it with a custom-made glass top that fits snugly on the frame.

Then, fill up the bottom of your new fish tank base with water, add some colorful rocks or sand at the bottom and decorate it with plants or other aquarium accessories as desired. Not only does this repurposing idea provide an interesting focal point in any room but also creates a relaxing atmosphere for you to enjoy while watching your beautiful fishes swim around in their new home!

Shoe Rack

Simply remove the top of the table and add shelves or cubbies to store shoes. This is a great way to keep your entryway organized while also adding some unique decor to your home.

You can even paint or stain the coffee table for an extra touch of personalization that matches your existing decor style.

Sewing Station

By adding some storage compartments and a sturdy surface, you can create the perfect spot for all your sewing needs. Use baskets or drawers to store fabric, thread, and other supplies underneath the table.

Add hooks on the sides of the table to hang scissors or measuring tape within easy reach. Covering the tabletop with corkboard will provide an ideal surface for pinning patterns and fabrics in place while working on your projects.

With this repurposed coffee table as your new sewing station, you’ll have everything organized in one convenient location!

Kids’ Art Center

Simply remove the legs and add casters to make it mobile. Then, attach a roll of paper to one end of the table and provide storage for art supplies on the other end.

This will create an all-in-one space where children can draw, paint or craft without making a mess elsewhere in your home. Plus, it’s easy to clean up after they’re done!

Mobile Workstation

You can add wheels or casters to the bottom of the table so that it’s easy to move around. Then, you can set up all of your office essentials on top – laptop, notebook, pens and pencils – and roll it wherever you need it.

This is especially useful if you have limited space in your home office or if you like working while sitting on the couch or even outside on a nice day!

Vanity Table

Add some legs to the bottom of the coffee table and attach a mirror on top of it. You can also add drawers or shelves for storage space, making it perfect for storing makeup, hair products, and other beauty essentials.

A vanity table is not only functional but also adds elegance to your bedroom decor. With this repurposed piece of furniture, you’ll have everything you need in one place while getting ready each day!

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