Bliss Barracks Lanai Makeover: Side Tables from Columns

Today, we’re sharing how to make side tables from store bought columns which came about as a simple solution to a problem we faced on the lanai makeover at Bliss Barracks.

I’m not sure if you guys remember this little seating area or not but it was a tricky area to decorate. One part of the seating area sits underneath the covered portion of the lanai and another part sits just outside in the screened in portion.

We talked about several different ideas for this space before ultimately, deciding to keep it in tact because it was one of the only areas available that could be used strictly for visiting. Using the furniture we already had on hand, we grouped together a two seater rocker as well as chairs that compliment the outdoor dining room space that could flank a table to make it as functional as possible.

My Mom decided against using a coffee table between the seating spaces because she thought the area was kind of small so while adding the table between the two chairs helped on one end, it didn’t help the side with rocker at all.

After several weeks of searching to find the right size and style side tables for the rocker area and coming up empty handed, I finally decided we should just make our own with white columns and a precut tabletop.

Here’s a look at how you can easily make these outdoor side tables too…

Outdoor Side Tables Supplies:

• Columns (make sure columns can be used outside and will weather the elements ok)
• Precut Tabletop (we picked this one up at Lowes)
• Silicone Caulk
• Caulk Gun
• Tape Measure
• Pencil
• Tarp (to protect surfaces, my Dad was rebellious and didn’t use one, but you should)
• Paint (color of your choice)
• Sealant (we used dark furniture paste wax because this area is covered, but you’ll need to make sure you use a proper sealant to ensure the side table top is protected from the elements)

Outdoor Side Tables Steps:

Step 1

Lay the precut tabletop (bottom side up) on your tarp and work surface.

Carefully place the column on top of the tabletop, then measure around each side to make sure the column is in the center of the tabletop.

Use a pencil to mark around the sides of the column, then carefully set the column to the side.

Using a caulk gun, place dots of silicone on the tabletop (remember the tabletop should be bottom side up). This is another reason you’ll want to mark where the column will fit on center of the tabletop. That way you don’t overdo it with the silicone and have it squishing out of the sides of the tabletop.

Once you have the silicone dots in place, carefully set the column on the tabletop.

Allow the silicone to dry and set completely upside down.

After the silicone has dried, paint or stain the top of the side table. We chose white paint, but you can choose whatever color you like best.

When the paint dried, we layered dark furniture paste wax over the top of the side table to add a bit of age.

Keep in mind, this table will be under a covered area so exposure to the weather elements will be pretty minimal.  If your side table is going to be impacted by weather though, you’ll need to make sure you choose the right paint and sealer for those conditions.

All in all, we were able to make these side tables for around $20 or $25.

They’re the perfect size to place a drink, dessert plate, or plant on which makes them functional and the columns are neutral enough to compliment the simple color palette we’re using on the rest of the lanai.

I still have a few pictures to go through before I can share the final reveal but for now, here’s a peek at how this seating area came together.

I’ll see you guys back here tomorrow with a look at the outdoor dining table transformation.  It is totally bandannas! Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

Many blessings,

CoCo