How to Make a Vintage-Style Side Table

Repurposed Stove-Bottom Table

• 1

  Peruse your local flea market or antiques stores until you find an old, wood-burning iron stove bottom. If you are unable to find just the bottom, take an old wood-burning stove to your local blacksmith. Instruct her to remove the kettle from the base and legs.

• 2

  Sand the rough edges with steel wool. Spray paint the stove bottom in a color that complements the rest of your decor. Another option is to leave it unpainted for an authentic vintage look.

• 3

  Order a piece of glass for the stove bottom. Instruct the glass company to cut and bevel a 1/2-inch piece of tempered glass to rest on top of the iron base. Make sure the glass edges don't overlap the iron. If you prefer to be more involved with the creative process, use tin snips to cut the edges of a piece of tin. Run a line of hot glue around the edge to prevent cuts or nicks before placing it on top of the stove bottom. Use nail glue to adhere it to the table base, completing your side table.

Stackable Table

• 4

  Purchase several old suitcases and attaches. Inspect the interiors for mold or mildew and remove any such growth with a bleach-soaked sponge and rubber gloves.

• 5

  Play with the arrangement of four or five suitcases until you are satisfied with their placement. To prevent floors from scratching, hot glue 2-inch round felt pads to the bottom corners of the suitcase you choose as your base.

• 6

  Mark the positions of each additional suitcase with pencil. Position an attache on top of the base with the lid open. Drill two holes into the bottom of the attache.

• 7

  Screw two bolts into the openings. Place washers over the bolts and tighten nuts around them to secure the first two pieces of your table together. Add the third suitcase and affix it to the one beneath it following the same procedure. Repeat until all of the cases are in place.

• 8

  Latch the top suitcase shut. Complete your vintage side table with a small jewelry box screwed on top to hold your remote control, keys or spare change.