So I’ve been quite busy the past few months trying to set up and organize an art studio out of the spare bedroom. After perusing Pinterest and some furniture sites I came up with the idea for a two-sided craft table that could split apart to reveal inner storage for my large tablets and outer storage for all the random supplies I have accumulated.

I originally wanted to build the table out of old wine boxes but couldn’t get my hands on any that wouldn’t cost an arm and a leg. I then stumbled upon some good crate options at Joann Fabrics.

I worked out a plan on paper:

Then I painted the boxes and decided to build a bedside tower stand using the same idea. This helped me work out any kinks before starting the larger table. I put this on a 1/2″ piece of plywood, set on wheels and included some hidden storage in the back. The boxes are both glued and screwed together.

I enlisted the help of my very talented father-in-law to assist with the construction of the table. It needed to be more finely tuned so that the table top would match up nicely when the two sides meet. He has the patience and skill set to refine things as needed. It was a tad challenging because the crates are not very consistent and the drawer crates are a slightly different size than the open crates. A little sanding, planing and filling of gaps worked it all out though.

My studio also doubles as a guest room so I designed the table to pull apart so I can push it against a wall when I have company and it will be out of the way.

and it has hidden storage for my large tablets and unhung paintings. Both sides utilize four wheels which makes it very easy to roll around, get in and out of doors and move as needed.

The cost for the table:
Crates, including the ones with drawers  $250. The maple plywood top, standard 5/8 plywood bottom, wheels, latches and few misc items cost another $200. The total ended up being around $450 for the table.

The bedside tower was about $120 with all the crates, wood, wheels and glue.

I’m sure this is going to be an investment well made over the coming years!