Asked on Oct 25, 2016

Glass top coffee table into sitting bench?

Dana
by Dana
This table is just sitting in the basement. I am redoing our guest bedroom and would like to make use of what we already have. So I'd like the room to have a bench at the end of the bed; is it possible to turn this into a bench?
  12 answers
  • Char. Char. on Oct 26, 2016
    I would like to see the input on this also.
  • Bob2468236 Bob2468236 on Oct 26, 2016
    Remove the glass and replace it with a kidney shaped piece of plywood with padding and fabric.
  • Susan Caswell Susan Caswell on Oct 26, 2016
    Maybe should take the four knobs off that appear to be holding the glass? Then are there some holes in rim to attach the plywood to or are you able to punch some?
    • Dana Dana on Oct 26, 2016
      I was going to ask how to affix it, you just answered! thanks!
  • April Monaco April Monaco on Oct 26, 2016
    I was actually going to say almost what Bobanddee said except oval but now that I read Kidney shaped that sounds even better. Padding over plywood is so easy and you have the option of adding some Arms up past the seat to the floor by attaching it to the plywood. Good luck.
    • Dana Dana on Oct 26, 2016
      ooooo Arms, I like that. I'm a newbie to this whole thing. Will I need to drill holes and screw the plywood at the existing holes? (I hope that makes sense)
  • Melissa V Melissa V on Oct 26, 2016
    My concern would be the strength of the hollow "brass" to hold up to someone sitting on it. Does your piece have crossbars at the bottom also? If you're unsure, lay a piece of wood across it and "test drive" it to see if it is sturdy enough to sit on ( unless you have a chair in the room, people might still use while putting on shoes, etc). The item pictured looks like it has casters, I would definitely remove those and replace with nylon/plastic plugs. Let us know how it goes!
    • Dana Dana on Oct 26, 2016
      I'm going to add an actual picture of the piece because strength is my concern as well
  • Amy Ferguson Amy Ferguson on Oct 26, 2016
    If the table is truly similar to the one in the photo, you might consider selling it. The one pictured is (I believe) vintage Ethan Allen and could easily bring several hundred plus dollars which you could then turn into the bench of your dreams. https://www.etsy.com/listing/291618363/ethan-...
    • See 1 previous
    • Dana Dana on Oct 26, 2016
      No Amy it isn't I've added actual photos
  • Jeanne Martin Jeanne Martin on Oct 26, 2016
    If yours has those bottom "rungs" like the one in the pic maybe you could turn it upside down so your plywood would sit on that extra reinforcement.
    • See 2 previous
    • Dana Dana on Oct 26, 2016
      I like the way you think! Thank you!!!!
  • Deanna Nassar Deanna Nassar on Oct 26, 2016
    I'll add 1/2 inch or better wood for strength. If it has those little knobs, they may be the kind that screw off. I wonder if the glass could be painted with mirror finish and turned into a mirror. Another option for the glass would be frame it and add pictures.
  • Susan Hutchins Susan Hutchins on Oct 26, 2016
    In my opinion, this table could be turned into a bench. I would have a piece of oak cut into a rectangle. The piece of oak must be secured to the frame. Depending on where the bench is placed, pillows could be added. A pad could be made to give softness. When finished, I would think it would be beautiful.
  • Deanna Nassar Deanna Nassar on Oct 27, 2016
    Slightly different support system for the top. What is holding the glass on the arms? I can see the arms are attached by screws or rivets to the base. See if you can remove the glass. It may take a solvent to break the bond of the arms to the glass. Check with a paint/hardware store as to a solvent. You may have to attach wood to the glass. But the question is would the bench tip over if someone sat on end? Also I'd worry about glass breaking . If you can't get the glass off It might be better to leave it as a table.
  • Melissa V Melissa V on Oct 28, 2016
    Okay, now that I see your actual table, and knowing that you want to make a bench for the foot of the bed in your guest room, makes me wonder two things - what size is the bed, and how much space do you have in the room at the footboard ? This table is going to make a large bench. And I would not turn it over unless you want a footstool or dogbed and would have to lose the arches. Again try the sturdiness test first - I'm guessing it's ok since the glass looks pretty heavy (held on with suction cups, right?). Keep us updated on your progress.
  • Dana Dana on Dec 16, 2016

    I finally got the bench done

    • Melissa V Melissa V on Dec 17, 2016

      Dana, this is gorgeous! I hope you took some pictures while you were working on this and are you planning on posting the process?

      Looks beautiful in its new home-great job!