We started with this r
aw piece, which I found last month in an alley in Old Irving Park.
The metal legs and wood top held lots of possibilities. I first thought of this one: a colorful cube table. By ordering sheets of colored plexiglass, I could cut them to size, then glue them onto the four sides. Two blue and two orange came to mind, with the top sanded to its natural wood color. Putting a light inside would make a cool side table. But I couldn’t find a local source for the plexiglass, and shipping for the large sheets was pricey.
Another idea: attaching a grow light on the underside of the cube top. Then, put a shelf on the lower level to hold small pots. Herb garden on the bottom, side table on top.
In the end, I did something relatedly multifunctional by creating a plant table. I gave the piece a light sanding to remove paint drips. Then I cut a circle from the top with a jigsaw. Next, I sprayed the piece with two shades of green. When dry, and those Montana paints dry fast, I inserted a plant.
I don’t have a ficus (killed the last one), but here’s a substitute corn plant for the similar effect of a tall plant growing through the table top. This piece could work inside or on a porch, especially since the paint I used is weatherproof. What do you think?
Subscribe today 
Got a question? Email me at didurkes@yahoo.com
susan
6 months ago
No, don’t care for this solution. You are extremely clever and I really enjoy the whole premise of your site, but this particular re-do…not my favorite.
The piece had so much potential as a useful table or as seating. This is just decorative and has me cocking my head to the side and wondering, “Really?”
Know you can take the negative…
Diana
6 months ago
Love ya, Susan! All feedback is good. What if the plant table was sitting beside a low modern sofa, something CB2 looking. Would that work for anybody?
rdb66
6 months ago
I think this would be great if you used it with a taller, skinnier plant, maybe even a tree that’s been trimmed/trained to give you enough height to make the table top around the hole functional, especially for drinks on the patio.
Diana
6 months ago
I’m with you on that thought. The corners are roomy enough to hold a glass and small plate.
susan
6 months ago
Have to say I too agree with rdb66 on the suggestion of a trained tree…
I totally adore the latest coffee table…the star burst design is something I will steal.
Knew you were strong enough to take the constructive response. I am a long time dumpster diver and was happy to discover that there are other people who see potential and beauty in other people’s junk.
Happy thrifting!
Jill
6 months ago
i am sad to see the metal painted over. i would have liked to refish the metal or leave it for a more industrial look. i would also take off the wood, refinish one side for use as a table and the other as a cusion (using a cool vinyl fabric).
Diana
6 months ago
Really good idea, Jill. Thinking this one’s a do over.
Stan Williams -- The Elegant Thrifter
6 months ago
Hi there,
I noticed you are following me on Twitter, and I followed back. Thank you. I fell upon this entry and, even though we are new acquaintances, I just wanted to share an idea. I LOVE the idea that you cut a hole in this table. Now I would have preferred seeing it kept in its industrial state, but that’s beside my point. Why not just use it as a table and put a piece of glass over the top? The hole adds a visual element that surprises the eye and makes this piece delightful. Have a fantastic day. Come visit me at http://www.theelegantthrifter.com! Stan
Diana
6 months ago
Love your idea, Stan. The majority has ruled on keeping the industrial look of the metal vs painting. Your idea for the tabletop is inspired.
DHFabian
4 months ago
At the risk of being contrary, I think this has a lot of potential. I would raise up the plant pot, so that the top of the pot was flush with the bottom of the table-top. I might set a couple smaller pots (contrasting colors, maybe with cactus plants)on the table top, around the center plant. Then, I might paint a simple vine in a darker green along the table legs. But I think the main thing is to find a creative, interesting way to raise up the flower pot.
Diana
4 months ago
Well, love your support, DHFabian! I’m curious what you think of the remake makeover.