Ikea Hack: Lack table

The finished product

I mentioned earlier about my design dilemma--curtains that couldn't close, thanks to a new furniture arrangement. My plan was to repurpose an old piece of furniture as a console table behind one of the couches. I was just waiting for the legs I ordered to be delivered.

Well, they're in, and I couldn't be happier!

These are the 14" gams I bought. They're sleek, strong, and absolutely eye catching. When they're all lined up, I half expect them to launch into a can-can.

Attaching them couldn't have been easier. I lined them up, drilled pilot holes, and screwed them into place. I actually got extremely lucky. I didn't even think to measure the corners to see if the supportive hardware would have enough space. It did, but by millimeters. 

My next issue was to address the hole on the top of the console. I didn't take a picture of it at that point, but you can see how the Lack table is designed--with a big opening in the center. You can get an idea of what I was working with here:

I knew I wanted to have a piece of wood cut down to fit, and I knew that I would support it with L-brackets. But how I wanted the finish, I wasn't sure. I didn't see any stain that wow-ed me at the big box home improvement store. I was going to settle with a cherry color that I figured would give a decent contrast. I wasn't 100 percent, but I could live with the choice. And if I couldn't do that, well, there's always sand paper. 

Then I came across a section of funky craft paints and glazes from Martha Stewart. I saw the dark and shimmery Black Coffee glaze, and fell in love. It almost has the look of a silvered teak wood, but with lots of shimmer. I was hooked just by looking at the sample.

I took it home and got to work on the piece of pine I had cut down. I used an old sponge brush, and painted a single coat. I let it dry, and the put it into place.

Before

After

The contrast is my favorite part. The Ikea particle board is very smooth and sleek. But the wood insert is rustic, but extremely glam. It's like your back woods cousin grew up and became the prettiest girl in town--that's what the wood is channeling. I absolutely love it.

Anyway, I placed the wood onto the L-brackets (which I anchored 1.25" from the opening), and then screwed the wood in place from the underside. Then I slid the finished piece behind the couch.
It's exactly the right height, and the blinds close fully.

Closed blinds! Hooray!

I'm writing this off as success!

Here's my cost breakdown:

Lack console table: free (from my basement)

hairpin legs: $56

sponge brush: free (already owned)

glaze: $5.99

L brackets: free (already owned)