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Struggling with what to do with an uninspired side table? We’re big advocates of a makeover. Our motto: Why toss it when you can transform it? Modernizing this living room staple is easier than you may think. A fresh coat of paint instantly perks up a tired piece. Consider adding a pattern for extra pizzaz. And that just scratches the surface of DIY ideas. Scroll on for nine simple side table upgrades.

DIY Mudcloth Side Table Makeover

Furniture in need of a facelift? Jazz up a plain wood piece with a mudcloth pattern. All you need is painter’s tape, a ruler,

black paint

pen, and varnish.

Get the how-to on Make and Tell.

Color Blocked Side Table

Rainbow bright done right! Proof that sometimes paint can make a world of a difference. The combination of white, mint, and aqua livens up just about anything—including a sleepy side table.

Get the how-to on A Kailo Chic Life.

 

Upcycled Pineapple Stenciled Table

Whether you live in a lush, leafy paradise or just want your living room to radiate vacation-worthy ambience, inject tropical charm by upcycling a junk store console table with pineapple stencils and knobs.

Get the how-to on Pillar Box Blue.

Mint and Metallic Makeover

A reclaimed yard sale find gets a mint and metallic makeover. A trellis fabric-wrapped wood inlay—affixed to the front using hammered upholstery tacks—really makes this piece pop.

Get the how-to on DIY Passion.

 

Revamped Teal Mid-Century Side Table

The difference between a discarded mid-century side table—found in a leftover pile at a garage sale—and a show-stopper? Sanding, priming, painting, and new polished brass drawer pulls.

Get the how-to on The Weathered Door.

DIY Wooden Side Table Ikea Hack

We love an Ikea hack. It only takes a trip to the lumber yard (to pick up a wood slice) and some ingenuity to repurpose an inexpensive Ikea stool into a rustic accent table.

Get the how-to on Burkatron.

DIY Faux Marble Table

A polished faux marble surface and metallic legs ooze glamour. Pair with bright aqua and black-and-white printed pillows for a touch of fun and flair, or velvet for an ultra luxe look.

Get the how-to on Petite Party Studio.

 

DIY Suitcase Side Table

Infuse some global flair into your abode with this well-traveled accent that comes together with an old table and a vintage suitcase.

Get the how-to on The Weathered Door.

DIY Wire Side Table

Modern minimalism at its best. Okay, so this isn’t so much an upgrade as a build-it-yourself but, it’s so simple and stylish we had to include it.

Get the how-to on The Lovely Drawer.

More easy DIY ideas:

3 Easy Hacks to Upgrade Your Boring Ikea Shelves 8 Easy Storage Solutions If You Don’t Have a Closet 9 Easy DIY Projects Using Leftover Wallpaper