This project kicks off a whole new set of fun! While I was doing some inspiration seeking for this series of kiddo furniture, I remembered something from my own child hood. When I was about 10 or 11, I picked out a bedroom set that was modular furniture with all sorts of storage and rearranging options. For me and my A-type personality, this was the most amazing fun.
I would sit for hours trying to decide on the most perfect organization for my stuff (ok, so I was the strangest 10 year old known to man, but design has ALWAYS been in my blood) and how best to set up vignettes of all of my pretty things and toys for display. I never did much playing with toys for me it was always about how they would look out on display and arranged with other things.
Alright so as I put this in type, I am realizing just how truly weird I might have been (still am?)! But, the point remains… I found some fabulous inspiration for toddler to young adult rooms that will keep your kiddos happy for hours on end, and allow them the fabulous creativity of designing their own lives just as I was able to do! This is just one piece of the pie. I will be creating dozens more over time and you (and perhaps your child) can determine which you like best and which fit your lifestyle needs most.
I want bold and fun colors people! If you aren’t sure how to pull that off, send me an email, I respond quickly (unlike other bloggers I know…ahem!) and I am glad to put my passion to work! Bold and fun are well balanced with neutral and sophisticated colors. I am not talking primary colors folks…let’s just pretend that is a thing of the past, shall we?
Here is the activity table with the simple floating display shelves and a few extra cube shelves which I will share later with an explanation on how to make this kid safe:
Showcase: Built From These Plans
Estimated Cost
$25-$50
Tools
- Tape Measure
- Square
- Sander – or a Sanding Block.
- Saw – to cut your pieces to size.
- Drill
Lumber
- 1 – Sheets of 3/4″ MDF
- A sheet is typically 4’x8′.
- 2 – 1×3 @ 10′ or 3 – @ 8′
Materials
- ** Optional – Qty 6 – 2″ Casters – plastic will work fine or you can purchase casters with a break as well, to hold the table in place when desired.
- #6 – 2″ Coarse Thread Screws (or drywall screws)
- #6 – 1 1/4″ Coarse Thread Screws (or drywall screws)
- Wood Glue
- Wood Filler
- Sanding Supplies
- Spackle or Iron on Edge Banding
- Finishing Supplies
Cut List
- Note: If this table is too large for your space, you can alter the length or width of it. Just make sure to allow for that in the remainder of your cuts. **If you plan to add casters, consider altering (lowering) the height of the Cubes and the Legs by 3 1/2″ or so to keep this table low enough for young children. If your kiddos are older this is likely not necessary.
- 2 – 3/4″ Sheet of MDF @ 12 x 30″ (Top & Bottom of Cubes)
- 2 – 3/4″ Sheet of MDF @ 14 5/8 x 12″ (Front Cube Sides)
- 2 – 3/4″ Sheet of MDF @ 12 x 12″ (Back Cube Sides)
- 1 – 3/4″ Sheet of MDF @ 30 x 36″ (Top)
- 4 – 1×3 @ 28 1/2″ (Top and Bottom of the Leg and Sides of Trim for Table Top)
- 2 – 1×3 @ 13 1/2″ (Sides – Leg)
- 2 – 1×3 @ 37 1/2″ (Table Top Trim – Front and Back)
Instructions
Before beginning to build, always check in on my site to make sure you have the most up to date set of plans, I occasionally update and change the plans to make the building process easier or to allow for less expensive purchasing of materials! Read through the entire set of instructions and all comments before beginning this project. If you print out or save plans, be sure to check in on my site to be sure you have the most up to date set of plans, as I occasionally update things for ease of building or buying. If you are new to building, read through the GETTING STARTED section and other articles found under the BUILD tab in the menu on my site, it has valuable information about how to get started, tools and techniques. If you are unfamiliar with the finishing process, visit my Finishing school for some tips and tricks for painting like a pro and for special finishing practices. Use glue to secure your joints and Consider Painting or Staining individual sections prior to assembling. This makes the paint application virtually flawless. Coat with a spray on Poly or Wipe on Poly to protect your finish and your piece and it will last for ages. Adhere to all safety standards and guidelines, and be sure you follow safety protocol throughout your build. If you are unsure about whether you are building safely, run a quick online search for the tool or technique you are using, or contact me via email or post to the forum before you move ahead. My contact info can be found in the menu of my site.
Build the Leg and Bottom and Sides of Cubes: Use 2″ Screws and Glue. The outside of the Leg and Cubes will sit 3′ apart from outside edge to outside edge. The dimensions are shown below.
Attach the Top to the cubes: Use 2″ Screws and Glue.
Attach the Table Top to the Leg and Cubes: Use 2″ Screws and Glue.
Attach the Trim to the Table Top allowing it to extend 1″ above the top of the table top. This will create a lip to keep those toys and fun contained! Use 1 1/4″ Screws and Glue.
If you plan to add casters, you can add them as indicated by the circles below.
Fill any Screw, Nail or Pocket Holes, Sand and Finish as Desired. For Finishing Tips and Tricks visit my Finishing School
**Disclaimer: Some rights reserved. Private use only. Feel Free to link to any of my plans so long as you provide an adequate link back to the appropriate post! Plans from this page are not to be used for commercial purposes or republished without the express written consent of Rayan Turner, The Design Confidential I hope to provide accurate plans, however, I cannot guarantee each plan for accuracy. Not every plan that I post has been built and tested, so you are building at your own risk. It is recommended that you have a clear understanding of how the project works before beginning any project. Please contact me if you find an error or inaccuracy so that I might fix it.
