Build this table in 15 minutes and the only tool required is a drill! 
I am participating in a one tool challenge, and the only tool that can be used is a drill. 
Originally I thought, no problem this will be easy. Then when it came down to it, every project I thought of needed wood cut…GREAT 🙁 . Then I remembered the hardware stores carry edge-glued round boards, perfect for a table top. All you have to do is drill a few holes and attach angle leg plates and ta-da, you have a mid-century modern side table.
How to Build an Easy Mid-Century Modern Side Table
Materials
- 1 – 17 3/4″ edge-glued round board (there are lots of different sizes to choose from)
- 3 – 22″ tapered legs (or whatever height you want)
- 3 – table leg angle top plate
- paint/stain
- Approximate cost – $31
Mark the location of the table leg plates. I wanted the bottom of the legs to be directly below the table edge, so I placed mine in about 3 7/8″. To divide the circle in thirds, I measured around the outside edge of the circle about 18 5/8″, made a mark then measured in 3 7/8″.
Mark the table leg plate hole locations.
Drill pilot holes in the hole locations. Choose a drill bit that is the same size as the screw shank (solid part).
Use the provided screws, and secure the table leg plates. 
Then thread the legs into the plates. Sweet we are done building!
I painted my table with Amy Howard One Step Paint – Atelier. I painted it directly onto the bare wood, after the first coat I lightly sanded any raised grain. After the first coat the paint went on very smooth, leaving a perfect flat chalky finish. 
To add a subtle accent around the top rim and ‘dipped legs’, I used Modern Masters metallic silver (left over from the Star Wars Shelf).
Check out the other projects that only need a drill to make.
Loading InLinkz ...Linked to: Parties, Savvy Southern Style, Remodelaholic
Amy, I love this table! I’ve seen the legs in the store and already have a round top that I bought and haven’t used. I know what my next project will be 🙂 Thanks for joining in and sharing your One Tool Project!
Great idea! Super-easy and it looks stylish as well… Love the paint color!
Amy,
I love your little one tool project! The DIY mid century modern table looks fabulous–love the color!
gail
What a quick and easy way to create a side table! Great instructions too. Love the silver accent! XO
It’s really simple looking and cute! And I have a drill. I think I can do this one!
You bet you can 🙂
Fabulous tutorial!!! and I”m loving those dipped legs! 🙂
Nancy
Great idea and super cute!
That looks great! The silver is what elevates it from ‘nice’ to ‘great’!
(And next time you have a drill-only challenge, you can think about making a Mason Bee house http://www.nwf.org/How-to-Help/Garden-for-Wildlife/Gardening-Tips/Build-a-Bee-House.aspx . Not sure if Mason Bees are in to the whole (hole?) Mid-Century Modern look, though.)
Oh that is a great idea, not sure if they are into MCM either 🙂
This turned out adorably! What a great one tool project- pinning to remember it! Fun to be on this challenge with you Amy:) Have a great weekend!
Very cute! You know, I love these little $5 round pieces of wood from Home Depot. I have used two of them to make a lazy susan. They don’t sell them year-round, so you really do have to snatch up as many as you can while they’re there. Great job!
Serena
So simple and functional. Great job, Amy!!
Hello beautiful! This looks so amazing. Pinned and tweeted. I hope to see you on Monday at 7pm because we love to party with you! Happy Memorial Day! Lou Lou Girls
Thank you!
Very stylish, I love the color as well! Thank you for sharing.
Amy-
I am going to build the mid-century modern desk for my son’s dorm room tomorrow. I saw where someone said they built the desk and the legs were wobbly. I’m using Lowes modern legs and angled brackets. I’m building the box top with one divider. Any tips or suggestions to make sure the piece is super sturdy?
Hi Michelle,
Ya someone left a comment on Remodelaholic saying their legs are wobbly and I’m not sure why. When I used the modern legs and angled brackets from Lowe’s my table turned out great. If you have any issues, you can shim the bracket if needed. Also make sure the legs are all of the same length. Last time I bought some there were some older and newer legs on the same peg and they weren’t exactly the same. Let me know if you have any issues, I’m sure we can trouble shoot it.
It might also help to have the legs flare out towards the corners, I’m not sure that’s how I drew it, but I think it might help.