This cardboard coffee table is now the centrepiece of my living room. It is not immediately recognizable as made from cardboard as it is painted and covered with a glossy finish. I put coffee cups on top and lots of magazines in the bottom part.

The table is easy to make because of its simple design. I saw a similar table many years ago, I wanted one then but found it too expensive (although it was probably made out of paper too). The one I’ve built now out of cardboard wasn’t expensive, just the cost of paint and varnish how awesome is that.

Supplies

Sturdy cardboard
Hot glue gun
Utility knife
Metal Ruler
Acrylic paint
Paintbrushes
Glossy varnish

Step 1: Pattern Making

In the picture shown you can see my measurements. Of course, you can change them to whatever size of table you would like to make.

Round discs are 20in diameter, you will need 4 discs, 2 for each surface for sturdiness.

Disc frames are 65.5" long and 4" wide, cut two.

Spikes: 11" long and 1.5 " wide. I used 11 spikes, you could double them if the cardboard feels too thin to carry the weight of the tabletop.

Step 2: Cut Cardboard

Cut out all the cardboard pieces you need. Cut the spikes with a utility knife along a metal ruler to get them straight.

Step 3: Cut Slits and Attach Spikes

Decide where you want to attach the spikes. I left some space between groups of spikes to have easy access to the room underneath the tabletop.

Glue two discs together for the tabletop and repeat for the bottom disc.

Mark the slits on the discs making sure they match up on both top and bottom surfaces.

Cut the slits into the discs by cutting through one layer of cardboard. Then glue the spikes in place using a hot glue gun.

Step 4: Attach Disc Frames

Drag the frame straps along a table edge this will make them bendy. Attach the frame straps to both discs using the hot glue gun.

Step 5: Cover Table in Newspaper

To cover the raw edges, smoothen the cardboard and strengthen the structure cover the cardboard with newspaper strips. I used a home-made glue (a mixture of water and flour) to paste the newspaper onto the table.

Step 6: Decorate the Table

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