Nothing is more satisfying than creating a special piece of 
furniture for your home! And probably no major furniture piece 
allows more creativity than a coffee table. But you think you 
are about as imaginative (and colorful!) as white walls and a 
popcorn ceiling. Take heart! There are ways to release that 
little creative spark you are sure just isn't there! 

Here's how to begin to allow that dormant creative instinct to 
grow:

1. Immerse yourself in books and magazines to find a coffee 
   table you love. Don't limit yourself to a certain decor or 
   style. Just find something that brings you joy!

2. Break the shape of the coffee table down into elements:
 o Are the legs bowed, turned, straight or rounded? Clawfoot or 
   plain? Or maybe it has not legs, only a center base.
 o Is the top rustic or sleek, clear or opaque, smooth or rough? 
 o Is the base round or square or indefinable? 

3. Look around you. Is there something that has the same general 
   shape as each of the elements you have defined? Don't limit 
   yourself to something you expect coffee tables to be made 
   of. Just check shapes which mimic those you have discovered.

4. After you find a shape that is approximately the same as 
   the one you want, check the materials from which it is 
   constructed. 
 o Are the materials strong enough to hold up to frequent use?
 o Is there a way to attach a base or top? Or will the top 
   simply rest on the base anchored by its own weight. 
 o If it is to rest on the base, will the top remain stable? 
   If you have children, it is better to use a base which can 
   be securely attached to the top. 
 o If the top is not to be attached, make certain the top rests 
   on at least three even points on the base. 
 o Also make certain that the top you chose is not too big to 
   balance on the base. 

5. After you find the shape and stability you want, check for 
   color and texture. Ask yourself: 
 o Do you want color? 
 o If so, do you want the table to be a focal point or an 
   accent?
 o Do you want texture? If you have small children, chose 
   materials and textures which are safe and free from textures 
   which have sharp edges. 
 o Do you want to keep the original look of the object or shape? 

6. If you have decided to change the color, paint or sand the 
   pieces which you have chosen. A good sanding and a coat of 
   black or white paint or a quick stain can work wonders!  If 
   you want a more decorative look and you have no artistic 
   talent, there are wonderful touches which you can easily 
   apply available at your hobby/sewing store. Or use cut-out 
   shapes from wallpaper! You can even print an appropriate 
   pattern from the internet onto photo paper and decoupage 
   (get supplies from your local hobby store!)

7. Assemble the shapes or elements into an original table!  
   Combine the top and base to make your one-of-a-kind coffee 
   table! And you thought you weren't creative!

Utilitarian or purely decorative, the possibilities for 
expressing yourself with your own coffee table are endless. 
Elegant, rustic, romantic, sleek, colorful or subtle, coffee 
tables can make a visual impact in any room.  Want 100+ other 
ideas for an imaginative coffee table? Check out my new book!