Woman Dupes Stunning West Elm Side Table Using Cardboard & the Result Is Amazing

Ever fallen head over heels for a piece of furniture only to be brought back down to earth with a thud by its price tag? You're not alone. We've all been there, drooling over some sleek, designer piece online, only to run screaming in the opposite direction when we see the cost. But what if I told you that you could recreate that high-end look without emptying your wallet? Enter Tina Le Mac , the DIY queen from TikTok who turned a pile of cardboard into a stunning West Elm side table dupe.

Tina's secret weapon was her abundant stash of cardboard . She gathered the pieces and started designing the base and frame. With a trusty pair of scissors (though she kindly advises us to use a box cutter instead), she carefully cut out the basic shapes. To hold everything together, she wielded her mighty tape, creating the skeleton of her masterpiece. For added stability, she attached a scrap piece of wood to the bottom, ensuring it wouldn't collapse under the weight of a plant or a stack of books.

Related: Woman Uses Cardboard to Form Decorative Concrete Edge in Patio Slab

Next came the important step of filling in the frame with more cardboard. Tina cleverly alternated horizontal and vertical pieces to boost stability, transforming what could have been a flimsy structure into a way stronger one. The entire table was then covered in masking tape , providing a smoother surface for the next phase of the project.

With the table taking shape, it was time to break out the plaster . Tina used cloth plaster for the curvy bits and plaster of Paris for the straighter sections. Now, she does admit that plaster isn't exactly beginner-friendly, so expect some trial and error at this stage. But don't worry, it’s all part of the fun!

After letting the plaster set overnight, Tina embarked on the most labor-intensive part of the project—sanding. And sanding. And when you think you're done, a little more sanding. After about an hour of elbow grease, the table was finally ready for the finishing touch—paint. Tina opted for a peachy shade that had a terra cotta vibe, but the beauty of DIY is that you can choose any color that tickles your fancy.

What If You Don't Have Plaster of Paris?

One insightful commenter noted that instead of using plaster of Paris, you could opt for joint compound , which is easier to work with yet still delivers a similar look. This tip showcases the collaborative spirit of the DIY community, always ready to lend a hand—or a handy tip—in the quest for crafting perfection.

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