My Perfectly Imperfect Hall/Radiator Table

This post is sponsored by Minwax. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.

Today on IG I shared the process of building my DIY hall/radiator table, and now I’m going to outline the process here and show you how I finished it with my favorite Minwax® stain!

This post is sponsored by Minwax.  As always, all opinions are 100% my own.

I’ve always wanted a foyer. And now that we have one, I realized there wasn’t much space for decor, so I came up with the idea to build something to go over the small radiator to add a little personality to this space and to create a little drop zone as all entry ways should have.

Since space was limited, I needed to create something that was either wall mounted, like a shelf to go over the radiator with shelf brackets, or something a little more substantial, that would help ground the newly thrifted mirror I recently hung in this space.

The inspo for this table came from the  “Perfectly Imperfect Coffee Table” I built a couple of years ago.

I began to sketch out exactly what I was envisioning and then I got to work!

This little table was built as I went, so I had to get a little creative and improvise on some parts to make it work how I wanted it to. If anything, I hope it inspires you to create something similar.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

WHAT TO DO:

  • Cut down the 1×6 board to 4-24″ pieces (only 3 are shown)
  • Next cut down a 1×2 board into 3-8” pieces.
  • Next decide on the height of your table, taking the height of your table top into account.  I decided that I wanted the height of my table to be about 34″, so I cut my 2x2s to 33″.

  • Line up 2-1x6s boards leaving space between them and use the 3-8″ 1×2’s as a sort of mending plate for the table top, spacing them out evenly and attaching them to the 1x6s with 1 3/4″ screws. Do the same with the other two 1x6s for the shelf.

  • Next, line up the 2×2’s at the front corners of the table and screw them in 2 spots diagonally using a 2” wood screw
  • *Remember to pre-drill using a 3/32 Drill bit to avoid the wood splitting*

  • Flip the table over. Measure and cut a 1×2 to fit snugly in between the table legs to serve as an apron. And also cut 1×2’s to fit between the legs and back of the table (these are the side aprons).

  • Using 2” screws, I secured the aprons to the underside of the table, pre-drilling the holes first.

  • Next, cut another 1×2 to fit between the two legs, secure with 2′” screws from the outside of the legs.

  • This piece will serve as support for the shelf.  On the front of the shelf boards, trace a 2×2 in the front 2 corners.

  • Using a jig saw or oscillating tool, cut out the front corners so the shelf  will fit in with the legs. I rested the shelf on the 1×2 support bar, and attached it with brad nails.

  • Lastly, I used a piece of scrap 2×2 to support the back side of the shelf  and attached it with 2″ wood screws.  I also used a corner bracket to attach the table to the wall.

In hindsight, one piece of 1×2 placed in the center of the back, with predrilled holes, would have worked better, and the table could have been anchored to the wall by the 1×2, rather than using a separate corner bracket.  

  • Lastly, cut 6 -1x2s triangular pieces on the miter saw, by setting the blade to 45 degrees, to serve as a decorative corner bracket.

Finishing the Table

Although Minwax offers limitless color options, I’m partial to Special Walnut, as I’ve used it on several different projects.  I gave it a light sanding and then began staining it using Minwax Wood Finish Penetrating Stain.

I applied the stain using a rag, wiping the stain onto the table in the direction of the wood grain.

Once my stain was dry, I applied Minwax Fast-Drying Polyurethane in Satin with a natural bristle brush to protect the top and shelves.

Gahhhh! I just love how this turned out!  Just how I envisioned it, maybe even better!

I just love the warmth the wood stain adds to this foyer, not to mention the functionality of this perfectly imperfect little table.

 

 

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This post is sponsored by Minwax. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.

2 Comments

  1. April 6, 2022 / 4:29 am

    So clever. I just put slate or marble slabs on ours. This is next level.

    • madebycarli
      Author
      April 6, 2022 / 1:21 pm

      Thanks Kym! I love that idea too! And would totally do that too in other rooms 🙂

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