Certain shapes and styles of 1950s tables are hard to find, and when you do, they are often in terrible condition. Here I have taken an old coffee table that was beyond repair and used the legs to create a new version of a popular style; the kidney table.
MATERIALS USED:
- 3 screw on legs from an old table
- The back plates that were on the table that the legs screwed into
- A piece of MDF (other woods can be used)
- Brightly coloured paint suitable for wood
EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
- Sand paper
- Jigsaw
- Black shoe polish and cloth
- Screw driver or drill
- Paint brush or roller
- Dust mask
- Pen
HOW TO MAKE THIS PROJECTÂ
Step 1: Find an old 1950s-1960s table with screw on legs where the top is beyond repair. Remove the legs and the backplates that the legs screw into using a screw driver. You only need three legs/backplates for this design.
TOP TIP
These legs can be bought separately on auction sites such as eBay.
Step 2: Depending on the condition of the legs you may want to paint them. I used black shoe polish rubbed in with a cloth, to give them a higher shine and cover up any scuffs rather than painting them.
Step 3: Draw out on a piece of wood a kidney shape. You could draw this onto a large piece of newspaper first and use it as a template if you wish.
Step 4: Cut out the shape using a jigsaw and wearing a dust mask.
Step 5: Sand the sides and top of the wood to give it a smooth finish.
Step 6: Paint the top and sides of the wood with paint. I did not have enough paint for underneath but you may wish to paint this too. Leave to dry and apply a second coat.
TOP TIP
Use a paint roller for a smoother finish.
Step 7: Position the back plates onto the back of the wood at an even distance from the edge. The plates are angled so the legs stick out also at an angle; make sure you position these in a way that the legs point out in the right direction. Screw on using a screwdriver or drill.
Step 8: Screw the legs back on.
