The No-Build Trick To Turning An Old Stool Into Extra Table Storage

DIYers love jumping into repurposing projects that offer inexpensive shortcuts to something fresh, functional, and fabulous. In many instances, it's only the prospect of building that makes them hesitant to begin. Sawing, drilling, and other construction steps test your skill set and tool collection, and sometimes it's nice to move through a project from start to finish without all that hassle. If you need a relaxing break (and a new end table), take it easy on your next DIY with a no-build trick that only takes an old stool and minimal materials. With some basic decoration, you'll have a perfect accent table in only a few short minutes!

Since end tables are typically 18 to 24 inches tall, this is a great way to repurpose old bar stools after a kitchen renovation and gain extra storage elsewhere. A standard counter stool is often just the right height and ready to use as-is for holding plants, decor, and accessories, only requiring you to style it. Stools present an easy DIY paint project you can complete in less than an hour, so choose the paints or stains that will best mesh with the rest of the room. Consider how you want to decorate the table itself as well to find paint colors that will blend beautifully with the accessories. The rungs connecting the legs create a shelf to layer in stacks of books or small sculptures. You can even put decor on the floor, using the stool to frame it. On top, a runner can sit under vases, lamps, and other decor, though you may want an expanded top for even more storage.

After prepping and finishing your stool, think about how you want to use it and where you'll place it to decide on any other modifications. If you're using it as a living room end table, for instance, the top should be within 1 to 2 inches of the sofa arm's height, which may take some cutting with a hand saw. Measure and mark equal distances up each leg. Make your cuts, and sand the rough ends to smooth them over.

The rungs, meanwhile, make the supports for storage shelves, a great place to store keys and bags in the entryway, charging devices in the bedroom, or games and coasters in the living room. If you can find hardcover books that are the right size, you can use these as stylish surfaces to sit on the rungs. Alternatively, you can pull out the saw and use a wood pallet DIY to add extra storage. Cut some leftover pallet slats to sit loosely over the rungs, painting them to match the stool.

As stools taper to the top, you'll likely need to expand the seat to make it a practical storage surface for a table. A simple solution? Add a decorative tray. An ornate serving tray supplies effortless style, with a finish you should consider when painting or staining the stool. For a more rustic look, an inexpensive round wood board can settle on top. Center the board over the seat's center, and use construction adhesive to secure it in place to complete this super-simple and inexpensive "non-build."