Functional frame

Finding a coffee table to go with the couch in our home has not been an easy feat. The couch is modular and can be transformed into a sectional, pulled apart to make individual seating, or pushed together to make an almost bed-like sitting arrangement. It is my favorite piece of furniture in the house, and I plan on keeping it for many years to come. The problem with finding a coffee table to match this piece of furniture, is finding one that will work no matter what arrangement the couch is in.

I decided to take a step back and think about what I want from the table. To me, function is most important, so my biggest concern is having a place to set a drink or snack down easily. Then, it dawned on me. Perhaps we don’t need a coffee table after all.

Instead, a serving tray can do the trick. It can provide a hard surface for placing items and also can move around as often as it needs to. Serving trays can range in price and style, but they also are relatively easy to make on your own using a picture frame and a few simple items. If you’re interested in making one yourself, follow these steps:

First, gather your materials. Choose a large wooden frame, a size of at least 12-inches by 16-inches works well. You’ll also need two pieces of glass. One piece of glass should come with the frame. For the other, measure the first piece of glass, and bring those dimensions to a hardware, frame or glass store. They should carry precut glass or can make a piece for you. You’ll also need two drawer pulls with screws. To add visual interest, gather a piece of fabric, photos or woven material that complements your ex isting décor. This will sit between the two pieces of glass. If you want to paint or stain your frame, get materials for that along with tools for attaching the drawer pulls such as an awl and a screwdriver.

Next, paint the frame and allow it to dry completely. Then, attach the drawer pulls. Center them on the short sides of the frame and attach using the supplied screws and instructions.

Flip the frame over so that it is lying with what would be the front side facing down. Place the glass inside the frame. Then, layer in your decorative piece. Top it off with the other piece of glass. If you want to switch up the look, you always can replace the decorative piece later.

Have a comment or question for Joanne? Email thefix-isinhawaii@gmail.com.