DIYer Turns $10 Side Table Into A Stunning Home Popcorn Station
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.
Going to the movies is a great way to spend a date night or an afternoon with the kids, but sometimes, there's nothing we'd rather do than cozy up on the couch and watch a flick at home. The only problem? Microwave popcorn doesn't quite hit the spot the way the stuff you get at the theaters does. Nathan of the TikTok account ivathan has shared a tutorial for a DIY home popcorn station that might get you a little closer to that real cinema experience.
To build your own stand, you'll need to hit the local vintage stores, thrift stores, and yard sales to find a suitable secondhand side table and, if you don't have one already, a popcorn machine. You could also look for these items on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Ideally, you should look for a table with a shelf where you can keep the popcorn, salt, seasonings, and other movie-night snacking must-haves. You'll need some tools as well, including an electric sander and a jigsaw.
Finally, grab the following supplies from a hardware store or online retailer: primer, red spray paint, painter's tape, white paint, a paintbrush, and clear sealer. If you want to copy Nathan and make a sign and backboard for your popcorn stand, you'll also need a couple of sheets of wood and a Cricut or a set of letter stickers. In terms of price, Nathan said he spent $10 on the table and $20 on the popcorn maker. Your final cost will vary depending on what supplies and tools you already have or what you need to buy and the price of these items in your area.
Craft your bespoke popcorn station for movie nights
When you're ready to start building your popcorn station, the first step is to prepare the table. There are several ways to clean wood furniture — arguably the easiest way is to use dish soap, warm water, and a microfiber cloth. Then check the screws, drawers, and legs of the table. If any parts needs to be tightened or replaced, now's the time to do it. From there, smooth the surface of the table using type of electric sander that's best for wood. Done? Wipe away any wood dust and apply a layer of primer to the table.
@ivathan turning $35 into $200 with a bit of upcycling 🍿 #garagesalefinds #diyprojects #flippingfurniture #homedecor #upcycled
When decorating the table, Nathan uses red spray paint for a classic movie theater look. You can use any color — like, for example, butter yellow to match the popcorn inside the maker. While this base layer of paint is drying, grab the wood sheets and trace the backboard and sign for the table onto them. Cut these pieces out with a jigsaw. Spray the backboard with the same color paint you used on the table and attach it to the table. Now, you can add white stripes to the entire piece using painter's tape, white paint, and a paintbrush.
To create the sign, cut out the word "POPCORN" using a Cricut or spell it out with Azureal Letter Stickers. You could also use paint and letter stencils. Screw the sign onto the table's backboard. Then, to put the final touches on your project, apply a layer or two of clear sealer to the stand. Once this final finish cures, set the stand in your living room, top it with the popcorn machine, and fill the shelf with your favorite seasonings. You now have the perfect home theater for watching blockbusters at home!