9 How to Convert a Table into a Corner Bench

The last time we talked about the entryway, we cleaned up the room by adding new Tarkett flooring (this whole area is temporary as part of our phase 1 upgrade). This time we’re going to show you how we accomplished this $0 project by converting a free table into a corner bench and using supplies left over from various projects.

We’re huge fans of using roadside treasures, freebies, or salvaged pieces and this project was no different. We ended up spotting this table (complete with 4 chairs) with a ‘free’ sign on our way home from work and could hardly get home quick enough to switch vehicles and throw that bad boy in the back of our truck. We decided to pass on the chairs, since we already have more than we know what to do with.

Admittedly, the beau was a little skeptical at first as he didn’t quite understand my vision. After explaining that we could rework the piece into an L-Shaped bench with a little sketch, he was up for the challenge.

Besides being sturdy, we had three more requirements. The corner bench needed to:

1. Be removable (we’d like to reuse it elsewhere someday, remember our entryway is only in phase 1).
2. Fit our existing white shoe shelves (the beau picked them up from a big box store years ago) underneath.
3. Be constructed as close to free as possible, you know the ‘use wacha got’ mentality.

The supplies we ended up using were:

• Free table
• White paint (left over from our painting marathon) + painting supplies
• Sand paper, left over
• Wood putty, left over
• Shoe Shelf (we bought this years ago) like this one from Target
• Shoe tray (also bought years ago) like this Yaktrax one from Amazon
• Screws, left over
• Wood glue, left over

The tools we ended up using were:

• Kreg Jig
• Handsaw
• Clamps
• Miter saw

At first we imagined we’d fit two of our existing storage shelves underneath the bench but we quickly nixed that and opted for a taller section along the long side of the “L” to fit our vast collection of winter and work boots instead. In place of the second storage shelf we fit one of our deep plastic black ‘rugged’ shoe trays to collect all that slushy winter snow, mud, etc.  This set up proved more practical this way since we wouldn’t have an awkward corner to dig out missing shoes.

We took a couple rough measurements in the entryway including the total length on each side and the approximate height. The measurements ended up being similar to an actual “L” with a long side and a short side. Then we just dug right in and disassembled the table by popping off all the screw covers, unscrewing the legs, and removing support bar.

He then cut the table top and legs in half and dry fit the pieces to see where additional cuts needed to be made. He overlapped the table top and marked where they came together. Then flipped each board over and drew a line where the 45 degree miter cut needed to go. He also used this time to decide how high the seat needed to be by holding the bench at various levels. We decided that a couple inches below our electrical box cupboard was perfect.

After triple checking his measurements, he made a 45 degree cut with his miter saw and attached the corners together using his Kreg Jig and wood glue. To secure them, he used long clamps and let them dry overnight.

Since the original leg feet were made to support the table at its full width the beau had to reduce their size by doing a little reconstructive surgery. Picture really long bench feet jetting out into the walking area, can you say cursing-as-you-stub-your-toes- hazard?!

So he cut those feet in half then trimmed each side until he was comfortable with the size. One side was cut shorter than the other to accommodate the wall + trim. We didn’t mind a tiny gap between the wall and the bench as it provided stability, achieved the standalone requirement, and reduced the chance that we’d need to drill the bench into the wall.

He then drilled holes using his Kreg Jig again to piece the feet together:

The very last piece needed for assembly was to support the corner of the bench. He achieved this by measuring the gap between our shoe shelf and the bottom of the bench. Using the wood piece from the center support bar, he attached again using his Kreg Jig.

By the end of all the reconstructive surgery, he had successfully reused just about every piece of wood from the original table.

He again brought all the sections to dry fit the entire bench. Ahhh…. Perfection.

With all the pieces finished, he drilled pilot holes in both the legs and the table and left them un-attached for prep and paint.

It was now time for me to take over and prep the piece for painting. All the major holes were filled with paintable wood filler and dried overnight.

A quick palm sanding, wipe down, two coats of primer, and one coat of heavy duty cabinet paint was all it took to cover up the patchwork.

Then we ended up with this beaut:

Of course we had to snazzy that corner up a bit with some pretty pillows.

Don’t mind our door, it only has one coat of primer on it at this point.

When our DIY’ed outdoor pillows aren’t in use, they make the perfect accessories to soften up the area. The lime green, peacock teal, and navy blue leaf pattern are perfect all year round.

Oops there’s a little sneak peek of the finished cabinet.

We had no idea how much convenience this tiny addition would bring to our entryway. I mean besides shoe storage (our #1 requirement) it also provided the perfect space to set our shopping bags. Let me tell ya, our pup expects appreciates a full-on petting/slobber/excited tail-wagging greeting every time we come home (as if we’ve been gone FOREVER). So having the bench there really helps us so we don’t end up dropping everything, or worse hurting her (remember she’s half moose).

We’ve surly come a long way since the beginning and still have yet to spend a whole lot of cash. All that’s left? Adding shelving + storage to the little nook (on the left side of the entrance), then finishing the cupboard doors.

Not bad for free materials we had lying around, eh?! What freebies have you reimagined lately? What do you think, better after?

P.S. We were not paid or perked from any of these vendors; we just happily used our supplies and tools we already had on-hand to finish the job.

Want to follow along with the Entryway progression? Here’s the $5 Drum Shade, Intro/Plan, Doorway Removal, adding storage using creative materials, the magic of paint, and installing the floor.

Linked at: The Scoop, Get your DIY On, and Tutorials & Tips.

Remember...