How to Make a Concrete Side Table With a Cool Optical Illusion

Tools and materials:

• Old towel
• Concrete
• Buckets
• Water
• Marker
• Scissors
• Tarp
• Cardboard
• Sandpaper
• Spray paint
• Gloves

Here are some illusion tables I was inspired by.

1. Mix the concrete

Mix concrete with water until the consistency is as smooth as possible.

2. Make the shape

Stack two buckets one on top of the other, then drape the towel over them to create the shape you want. I’m using a marker for where I want the table “legs” to end.

Cut away the excess fabric.

3. Dip the towel in the concrete

Now it’s time to get messy! Dip the towel in the concrete. You’ll need to twirl it around until it absorbs all of the concrete and there’s no part of the towel that is not covered.

Tip: use gloves!

4. Make the tabletop

Draw and cut out a circle in the shape of your bucket top; this will be the tabletop. 

Place the circle on top of the buckets.

5. Drape the towel

Drape the towel over the buckets and make sure the ends are even. Remember, all four corners of the towel need to touch the bottom for the “legs” to balance.

Then, adjust the folds to the places that you like the best.

6. Remove the buckets

Two days and many, many showers later, the concrete table is almost completely dry. This is actually the most delicate stage of the project. You want to remove the buckets without breaking or cracking the concrete.

Tip: shake it from side to side and be very careful.

7. Sand

Sand the concrete to make it as smooth as possible.

Tip: mixing your concrete well at the start will make this step so much easier.

8. Paint

Spray-paint the table with your preferred choice of color. I wanted something neutral, so I went for white.

Leave the paint to dry for 2-3 hours.

Concrete side table

Here’s the finished concrete side table! What do you think of this DIY illusion table? I really like the effect, plus it was so simple to make.

Let me know your thoughts and feedback in the comments section below!