With A Lamp And Microwave Plate, You Can DIY The Perfect Side Table

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If there are two activities that go perfectly hand in hand, it's DIYs and thrifting. This is where practicality and creativity meet affordability. With a few select thrifted items and some clever tips and tricks, you can craft chic household furnishings and decor, elevating your space with items that resemble high-end pieces yet mostly cost you peanuts. For example, with a microwave plate and a lamp, you can make a custom side table with a stunning DIY pedestal design that'll instantly elevate any room in your house.

For DIYer @therurallegend, this project cost only about $12 total: $10 for the lamp and $2 for the microwave plate. The lamp serves as the stand or base, while the microwave plate forms the table's flat surface. When picking out the lamp, the most important thing to keep in mind is that it must be sturdy and heavy enough to support the weight of the microwave plate and anything else you'll be placing on top as you use the table, e.g. a flower vase. So perhaps go for a wooden or brass lamp that feels heavy and has a relatively wide base.

This project is one of the easy DIYs that even beginners can handle. Begin by cutting the cord and removing the socket from the lamp so you remain with a flat top. Next, apply a heavy duty adhesive on the top of the base. E6000 Eclectic Clear Adhesive is a great choice and you can get it on Amazon. You will then attach your microwave plate to the base on the glued surface. Use a spirit level on top of the plate to confirm that the table is perfectly straight. After you finish gluing the lamp stand and plate together, allow the adhesive some time to cure, which might take anywhere between 24 to 72 hours, depending on the type of adhesive you've used.

After you've painted it and let it dry, your side table is practically ready to use. However, feel free to spruce it up further and pick one of the many tips to decorate your side table and elevate your living room aesthetic to a whole new level. You can add a marble top to add a touch of glamour, and finish it off by placing a potted plant for a warm, inviting feel. You can also add a stylish lamp, or a small decorative picture frame on the table top — just make sure to avoid crowding the table, as this can make it look chaotic. Other simple variations of this DIY pedestal table can involve replacing the microwave plate with other unique flat tops, e.g. a wooden cake stand or a round serving tray. This is also one of those opportunities to reuse a thrifted glass platter to make this an adorable home decor you'll love.