How can I strengthen the legs on this entrance table?

Sal
by Sal

My entrance table looks cheap, is not very sturdy and does not look attractive in my foyer. Apart from painting it and changing drawer handles, what can I do to make it bigger, wider, sturdier and more appealing. Possibly giving it a more expensive look? I thought of changing the legs. But the current ones are not the screwed in rype. They are actually part of the side panel. I posted this question before and appreciate the answers but need suggestions about the legs and making it sturdier and larger. Thank you all in advance.

  9 answers
  • Lifestyles Homes Lifestyles Homes on Sep 22, 2019

    Since this forum is typically about being frugal, I would put a new much larger top on top of the existing top with some corbel-type brackets on the sides.


    The new top could be 3/4” hardwood-veneered plywood with a 2” hardwood trim “edging” that would cover the existing top’s edge profile. You can buy half a sheet of this plywood at many DIY big box stores, so I would shop around.

    If you want to furr-out the legs, then I would use hardwood trim & select a profile that works with the corbels.

    Stain to match or contrast, your choice.


  • Lifestyles Homes Lifestyles Homes on Sep 22, 2019

    I answered it in the above-question, as I see this question posted twice. LMK if you can’t see my answer.

  • Jewellmartin Jewellmartin on Sep 22, 2019

    The handles are properly sized for your table. If you make the table larger, but the handles still show, then remove the handles and fill the holes with wood putty. When the putty has dried, color over it with wood or permanent markers the same color as your final table so that even if someone peeks under the tabletop, the holes won’t show. You can also lift the whole table height by adding wheels, casters, woodblock lifts. Don’t forget to put stick-on floor protectors on the bottoms of legs that are wood, metal or plastic.

  • Robyn Garner Robyn Garner on Sep 22, 2019

    I think it would make far more sense to seek out a replacement piece for the existing table. By the time you work on reinforcing it, enlarging the top, prepping/painting, and new hardware you still won't be certain that you like the result. And you'll have spent money doing all this.


    Make the rounds of Goodwill, flea markets, garage sales and local online postings. I'm sure you'll find something that you will end up loving! 😎 Just be patient.

  • Dee Dee on Sep 22, 2019

    Habitat for Humanity, estate sales, and such have furniture. We have a Hotel clearance center here and you can pick up a nice piece for under $20. Look to see if you have one in your area.

  • SBlizzard SBlizzard on Sep 22, 2019

    I would add a shelf about 8-10” up from the floor. That would definitely strengthen it up. Then I’d either try to match the stain or paint the whole table.

  • Sal Sal on Sep 23, 2019

    Thank you all for your answers they are very helpful.

  • 17335038 17335038 on Sep 23, 2019

    I agree with Robyn that it instead of spending money and time trying to transform this piece, sell it, and use the money towards getting a sturdier one that you really like.

  • 34354174 34354174 on Sep 23, 2019

    Apparently you like this or you wouldn't be asking how to make it better.

    I agree that adding something to the bottom ... a shelf, crisscross, others ....I am adding pictures to show what I am saying. If you use metal instead of wood, it will modernize it and you can match the pulls with the metal, but I think wood would be the better option.

    Paint it black, you can use any accessory with black or grey.

    I know the pictures are not like your table, but just to give an idea. I personally think the last one would work the best with your style table.

    Keep in mind, it is not always about the size of the piece but how you accent it and what you place around it.