Another Project Made at 173
A custom-built accent table designed specifically for the challenging end of the upstairs hallway.
Upstairs Hallway Table Part 1 - 3/4/19
So, the class I'm in is winding up and I have a couple days off work so I wanted to get in the workshop and do something. One thing I've been wanting to do is make an accent table for the end of the upstairs hallway. Here's where we left of in October:
Always an Odd Spot
It's really difficult to get a good picture up there, but you get the idea. The problem with that spot is that there are two doorways at the end of the hallway so whatever piece was to go there certainly could't be particularly big, otherwise you'r have to squeeze by whenever you went into a room. I don't like that idea, so I had to come up with a solution. I decided to make the table top in a half-round shape. Lowes sells some round boards for making end-tables and the like, but they were too thick, which would throw things out of scale at the cramped end of the hallway. So I figured I'd have to do something I've never done - cut my own circles. I started with one of these boards from Lowes:
Drawing a Half Circle
From there, I watched a bunch of videos on how to calculate circle dimensions, arcs, etc. To be honest, it got way too complicated for me - quickly! So I searched around for something to use as a template. Trash can lids were too big, 5 gallon buckets were too small, then I found the perfect thing:
That's right kids - the laundry basket! Laugh if you will but it worked! Of course it took a little trial-and-error:
Cutting the Shelves
Then I used the old saber saw to cut them out:
Then I clamped the all together and sanded them to the pencil line so they were all the same size...
After that I cut out the notches for the rear legs.
She's Got Legs!
I laid out the legs for a little design idea. I didn't want just straight boards,
I know the table design isn't for everyone, and it's taking a little getting used to myself, but it sure was fun to build!
But I don't have the tools to get too creative...so I decided to go with various size holes cut on the drill press using my Forstner bits:
Then it was time to fix some knot holes and do some sanding...
I Love Elmer's Wood Glue
This is by no means an ad, but I've used this Elmer's product a couple times and it works great! Just thought I'd throw that out there in case anyone was considering it. Then I thought I needed some piece of hardware to support the front of the table with the dowel. Oh, I haven't really told you about the design yet, but read on - it'll all make sense soon! I found some brass flanges at Lowes and thought I'd put a hole in the side to use a set screw:
The cool thing was, this was my first real opportunity to use one of the drill press vises I made back in January:
Again, this will all make sense in a few minutes. Then is was back to the drill press to pre-drill holes in the back of the rear legs. Mostly I did this on the drill press so the holes would be straight, making it easier to assemble the pieces.
Putting it All Together
Then came assembly. Not too difficult, but to make sure everything was properly aligned, level and plumb took some time and extensive use of my invaluable Workmates.
This is where those flanges came into play. The design of the table was that, instead of two legs in the front, there would be just one dowel running down through each shelf, supporting each with these flanges. Here you can see the set screws I used...
From the outside you can't see the screws, just brass flanges:
And here's the table - unfinished:
I have it taped for painting, but here's a shot of the table in what will soon be its new home:
Now, sanding, priming, painting!
Upstairs Hallway Table Part 2 - 3/24/19
A couple weeks ago I finished the build of the little accent table for the upstairs hallway...
The Inspiration
Then it was a matter of putting on the finish. Here's a picture of the table that was my inspiration for this little project:
Back to the Legs
I have no idea where I found that picture so if you recognize it please let me know so I can give proper credit. Anyway, I had to make some alterations to my plan. I really wanted to have the back legs look like this but I just couldn't cut them to look half way decent. I mean, they were so bad I didn't even take a picture. I really need to get a band saw! But I didn't want those legs to be just plain slats, so I laid out where the shelves would go and figured where I could place some holes...
...then used my Forstner bits to drill some holes of different sizes, just for interest.
Prepping for the Finish
Anyway, after the build was complete I prepped all three legs with some wood conditioner...
My Proprietary Stain Mix Formula for 173
Then I stained them using my stain formula mix of two stains... 2 parts General Finishes Antique Walnut to 1 part Georgian Cherry that I finally figured out when I stained the dining room built-in baseboards and put on four coats of amber shellac.
The Paints
Then, using paints I already had on hand, I painted the shelves.
Sighting in the Natural Habitat
And here it is in the hallway:
Let's get a closer look...
The 173 was just a lucky find at some home store but I think it works. and here's a shot of how those flanges worked out as supports:
I now it's different, but different is what we wanted. That end of the hallway has always felt a little off, so this will give it some interest. And the colors tie in with the sconce and the painting...
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best table shape for a narrow hallway?
Half-round and demi-lune tables are often ideal because they provide display space while projecting less into the walking path than rectangular tables.
How deep should a hallway accent table be?
In narrow hallways, tables are often kept between 8 and 14 inches deep to avoid interfering with traffic flow while still providing useful surface space.
What is a demi-lune table?
A demi-lune table is a half-round table designed to sit against a wall. The shape makes it popular for hallways, foyers, and other tight spaces.
How do you cut a perfect circle without specialized tools?
Many woodworkers use homemade trammels, router jigs, or everyday objects as templates. Sometimes the perfect solution is simply finding an object with the right radius, like a laundry basket.
Are Forstner bits good for decorative woodworking?
Yes. Forstner bits produce clean, flat-bottom holes and are often used to add visual interest, lighten components, or create decorative details in furniture projects.
Why use wood conditioner before staining?
Wood conditioner helps softwoods absorb stain more evenly and can reduce blotching, especially when using darker stain colors.
What is shellac used for on furniture?
Shellac provides a warm finish, enhances color depth, dries quickly, and can be built up in multiple coats for a traditional furniture appearance.
Can brass hardware be used as a structural furniture element?
Yes. Decorative hardware such as flanges can sometimes be incorporated into a design when properly sized and installed.
Why build custom furniture instead of buying it?
Custom furniture allows exact dimensions, colors, materials, and designs that may not be available commercially, especially for unusual spaces.
How do you make a small table feel more interesting?
Contrasting colors, decorative leg details, mixed materials, unique hardware, and unusual shapes can all add visual interest without increasing the table's size.
What makes a successful accent table?
The best accent tables solve a practical need while looking like they belong in the room. Scale and proportion are often more important than elaborate details.
How do you design furniture for an old house?
Taking cues from existing trim, colors, architectural details, and room proportions helps custom furniture feel like it has always been part of the home.
Keywords
accent table, hallway table, DIY accent table
Secondary, demi lune table, custom furniture, woodworking project, narrow hallway furniture, half round table, handmade furniture, Made at 173