This Pinterest-Approved Idea Turns A Vintage Door Into A Stunning Coffee Table
The saying "They don't make them like they used to!" can be applied to many things in older homes. Later 19th-century and early to mid-20th-century builds often entail home materials and elements that boast high quality and exquisite craftsmanship in a way rarely rivaled in modern construction. This attention to detail can be especially seen in utilitarian elements like interior doors, which, unlike today's generic standard hollow core variety, are often solid wood with classic lines and carvings that can be beautiful works of art in themselves. If you're looking for a way to repurpose a lovely old door, they can make great tables, including perfect low-slung coffee tables with a few easy modifications.
Not only are these antique doors well-constructed, but they often sport additional lovely signs of age and use, like chipped paint, old hardware, glass doorknobs, and other accents that are rarely seen today. Old doors can be found often in places like antique vendors, estate sales, and flea markets, as well as architectural salvage shops, which usually carry a wide selection. You may even have one tucked away in your garage or basement.
Creating a vintage door coffee table
One of the most striking variations on this DIY project uses a single door to fashion a small coffee table by simply using pieces of the door as both top and legs. To create it, begin by measuring the entire door to determine where to make cuts with a table or circular saw. You will need one larger piece for the top, with two equal-height sides. Make sure the pieces meet at a 90-degree angle, and use a Kreg jig to create pocket holes for screws that hold the pieces together. Another variation on this DIY project employs the same cuts but uses wood glue as a sealant between the joists, reinforced by finishing nails and if necessary, metal bracing underneath at the corners.
For a larger sofa or space, use the entire door as a tabletop, attaching pre-made legs directly to the door with the hardware provided. For a more simple streamlined look, try metal hairpin legs. For a heavier rustic table, add carved wood or spindle legs. With some scrap lumber, you can even create a simple framework to use an inset whole or a partial door as the top.
Customizing your DIY coffee table
Options for customizing your vintage door coffee table are endless. Many leave the door in its original state, with all of its signs of age proudly on display. Other DIYers sand and paint or refinish old doors for a cleaner more modern look. You can also add additional shelves underneath braced between the table legs or casters if you want to be able to move your coffee table easily. If you have a carved door but would prefer a smooth top, add a sheet of glass the same size as the door over it. You can also use an old French door with glass panes for a lighter, transparent tabletop.
These doors are perfect for cottage core, farmhouse, and shabby chic design schemes, where they add a touch of texture and vintage charm. They can be a perfect way to maintain and honor your home's past in a new and very functional way.