This Clever DIY Turns Old Buckets Lids Into The Cutest Side Table

If you have a random bucket lid lying around, don't toss it in the recycling bin just yet. Try this clever DIY project that turns plastic lids into upcycled home decor instead. It's a fun, easy, and affordable activity. Plus, it uses other supplies you likely already have at home. Whether you're looking for a side table alternative for your couch that's way more functional or want a new nightstand for your bedroom, this DIY will do the trick. The bucket lid becomes the tabletop, attached to a length of PVC pipe with bolts and L-brackets. Then you paint the table, giving it a brand-new look. The original creator of this idea, crafty YouTuber Creative_Shriya, adorned their side table with faux flowers and added a sheet of transparent plastic or glass to the top. However, you can customize your table with whatever decorative touches you prefer.

To recreate Creative_Shriya's side table, you'll need a bucket lid made of sturdy plastic that will hold its shape under heavy objects. A 5-gallon bucket lid typically has a 12-inch diameter, which is perfect for this DIY, though you could also use a slightly larger or smaller lid. The standard height for a side table is 18 to 24 inches. A new 8-inch-wide and 18-inch-long Schedule 40 White PVC Pipe will set you back almost $60. If that blows your budget, peruse Facebook Marketplace or your local freecycle community to see if anyone is giving old pipe away. You'll also need a drill, some nuts and bolts, and four L-brackets. To decorate the DIY, get some spray or acrylic paint that's suitable for plastic in your preferred color, plus a 2-pack of 12-inch-round Zonon Clear Acrylic Sheets for about $10 — or in whatever size fits your lid.

The first step in turning a bucket lid into a side table is to mark the bolt holes. Place the lid upside down on a flat work surface and center the PVC pipe on top of it. Place the L-brackets into position and mark the holes using a permanent marker in a visible color. Remove the L-brackets and use your drill to create the bolt holes at the marked spots on both the PVC pipe and bucket lid. Secure the L-brackets in place using the nuts and bolts. Once everything is sturdy, you can paint your side table, ideally working outdoors for good ventilation. Voila! You have the perfect DIY narrow side table for a small living room.

If you're worried about the stability of your new side table, you can prevent it from toppling over by adding a second bucket lid to the other end of the PVC pipe to form a base. Attach it with four more L-brackets. Before you add the transparent acrylic round to the tabletop, take the opportunity to zhuzh up the lid. You could add faux flowers like Creative_Shriya did. This 10-pack of FaFaVila Pink-Orange Plumeria Flowers for almost $10 would add a tropical vibe. Or adorn it with patterns using a paint stencil and some glitter or metallic paint. This set of Felixcraft Geometric Stencils costs about $10. Another option is to skip the acrylic round altogether and use the bucket lid as the tabletop.