Coffee Table With Basket Storage

This demo is from the Maximized Spaces show.

Materials:

• 12 square wicker baskets (ours were from IKEA)
• 3/4-inch thick Medium Density Fiberboard
• Finish nails
• Tape measure and pencil
• Table saw
• Safety glasses

1. Measure the outer dimensions of one of the wicker baskets for height, width and depth. These measurements will determine the size of the coffee table. Our table had four baskets on each side for a total of 12 baskets. Place four baskets side by side, move them apart slightly so they can slide in and out easily, and measure the combined length of the baskets plus the spaces between. Since our baskets were square, both the length and width of the coffee table were the same.

2. Cut a top and bottom for the coffee table from 3/4-inch MDF the desired dimensions. Divide each piece into quadrants and mark the placement of the upright supports.

3. Cut one piece of MDF the length of the coffee table by the height of the baskets plus 1 inch. This piece will serve as the center support for the table. Nail this support to the bottom of the table so that it is centered and bisects the table evenly. Cut two additional pieces of MDF to fit from the center support piece to each edge of the table and attach with nails to the table bottom, forming a cross and dividing the table into four equal sections.

4. To reinforce the three upright supports, nail four squares of wood into each corner where the supports meet. All four of the corner support blocks should measure so that they would be about the same size as one basket. These will also act as "stops" to prevent the baskets from sliding too far underneath the table.

5. Divide each quadrant in half and nail a small piece of wood to the table bottom as a spacer between baskets.

6. Nail the top of the table in place by securing it to the upright supports.

7. Paint or finish the table as desired. Place baskets between the top and base of the table.