How to build a bottom shelf on a Queen Ann side table?

Hi,

Picked up this little side table and thought of maybe trying to add a bottom shelf, as I don't have much display space in my dining room. What do you think? Should I add a shelf before painting it, or leave it as is? If you think I should add one, how would I add a shelf with the rounded legs? I new to re-vamping furniture. :)

Thanks

Margie

  9 answers
  • Gk Gk on Oct 14, 2018

    It would be hard to add a shelf to these legs and make it look appealing to the Queen Anne style. I think I would find a basket--wicker or metal that fits between the legs and use the basket either for storage or a planter. You could change out the planter with the seasons.

  • Ili Ili on Oct 14, 2018

    Margie, I would not add anything, I think will detract of the nice lines of legs...If needed, you con place a nice basket underneath...JMO

  • Margie Ellsworth Margie Ellsworth on Oct 14, 2018

    I was thinking it could look something like this bigger one.

  • Sil21711524 Sil21711524 on Oct 15, 2018

    You could drill small holes to accept pegs or shelf supports on the inner side of the legs then rest a round wood shelf on those

  • ISRAEL ISRAEL on Oct 15, 2018

    I WOULD SIMPLY PUT A DECORATIVE VASE UNDER THE TABLE.

  • Seth Seth on Oct 15, 2018

    Hi Margie,

    From a woodworking perspective, a table with a shelf like you want would be made with mortise and tenon stretchers and the shelf wood rest on those. You would cope the shape of the legs onto the shelf to make it look good. That's a lot of work to pick up a small amount of storage. If your willing to take a chance on it not coming out well, stretch your woodworking chops and go for it. Otherwise, follow the other good suggestions you received and leave it as is.

    • Margie Ellsworth Margie Ellsworth on Oct 16, 2018

      When searching for answers, I found this idea and wondered if that would work, Seth?

      "The lower shelf had the corners cut, to fit the leg (which were round but that shouldn't matter). An “eye” hook was screwed into the leg, shelf sat on top of eye hook and a panhead screw was placed through the hook, into the shelf. Surprisingly, it was quite strong, and easy, and invisible."


      Like I said, I'm not sure we are going to do any of this, just checking opinions and options. :)

  • V Smith V Smith on Oct 16, 2018

    I'd say get some foam-core, work out a pattern and go for it. I doubt that weight would be an issue on such a small shelf supported on four corners. If it is use the eye screws as your shelf supports and span the space under the shelf with picture hanging wire, to keep the legs from splaying.

  • Seth Seth on Oct 16, 2018

    Margie,

    If you go the screw and eye hook route, add a lip to the shelf with decorative trim. It will hide the eye hooks and look more finished. Use a piece of cardboard to make a template of the curve of the leg and then transfer it to the trim so it will fit snuggly against the leg. Sand to get the fit just right.

  • Christine Dufresne Christine Dufresne on Feb 24, 2022

    Margie, did you try it? How did it turn out? I want to do the same thing.