I know that DIY pallet furniture is not for everyone, but it’s worth considering, especially if you have access to wood pallets.
The pallet is actually ideally shaped as a starting point for a coffee table. It’s essentially a square slab of wood. You can sand a pallet, stain it, and slap on wheels or legs with a top (wood, metal, or glass) and you have a coffee table. You can also completely disassemble the pallet and start from scratch.
26 Unique Pallet Coffee Table Ideas
Wood pallets are an inspired choice for certain types of projects. They can work with various aesthetic styles and save you a lot of money. Below, I share all kinds of pallet coffee table designs, ideas, and projects.
1. Maritime Motif
This room, decked out in blue and white, combines coastal and industrial elements. The repurposed pallets were used to make a number of items. In this example, I like how the DIY furniture acts as a unifying feature that complements the maritime details throughout the space.
2. Rustic Charm Courtesy of Two Pallets
Source: Chrismo @ Instructables
I like how the smooth, clear glass tabletop contrasts with the coffee table’s rugged, natural finish. The polished wooden floor also complements the table’s natural tones. Stamped markings on the side add a rustic charm. The table does double duty as a creative way to store wine bottles between the gaps. With the wheels, you can slide it into the dining room.
3. Paint It White
This long, rectangular coffee table features a sleek finish with white paint that matches the color scheme. The glass-top coffee table anchors the space and fits right in with a room inspired by modern minimalism and functional design.
4. Rough and Tumble
The seating and coffee table in this outdoor patio lounge area have been made out of untreated wood, giving it a raw vibe. The clear glass surface was an inspired choice as it provides a sleek contrast to the rough and tumble texture of the material.
5. Pallet Project for an Eclectic Space
The pallet table in this family room is made from reclaimed material, giving it a rugged look. A transparent glass top adds a contemporary touch. The room is filled with decor items that tell a story, making the space feel personal. It is a house inspired by eclectic tastes, but everything is cut from the same cloth.
6. Beach Party Pallet
The coffee table, made from a repurposed pallet, has a distressed white finish. This gives it a casual charm that fits right in with the beach aesthetic of the room. The table is built on casters and has open slats, which can be used for storage or display.
7. Industrial-Strength Coffee Table
Sitting on industrial-style casters, this coffee table looks right at home in this contemporary setting. Made from a reclaimed wooden pallet, the funky furniture retains its natural, aged look with visible grain patterns.
8. Whitewashed Coffee Table
This coffee table is made from a whitewashed wooden pallet giving it a weathered, coastal appearance. Industrial-style casters are attached to the base, and it also features small drawers for additional storage. The table top has a clear glass surface with wooden slats below.
9. Low-Profile Zen-Inspired Coffee Table
Inspired by zen design the table has a low profile. No need to attach wheels here as it has found the perfect resting spot. Positioned between two stylish club chairs, the table acts as a central focal point and functional element for both seating areas.
10. Multi-Tiered Coffee Table
This coffee table has been made by stacking pallets, providing height, and creating a multi-tiered effect. The build allows for storage below the surface. Positioned in front of the sofa, the coffee table serves as a focal point.
11. Crates Reconfigured into Outdoor Furniture
Arranged in a square configuration, crates have been shaped into a multifunctional table on an outdoor patio. Their slatted design serves as both an aesthetic element and a functional storage space. A vase filled with red flowers adds a splash of color and texture to the setting.
12. Polished Coffee Table
Source: Etsy
Made from two pieces, this coffee table displays a well-worn and rugged texture, with visible nail heads and grain patterns. The table includes shelves and compartments within the design to serve as storage and display spaces. The spaces have room for favorite magazine articles, books, and even a laptop. The tabletop has a polished finish and has been treated or sealed to provide a smoother surface for users.
13. Matching Pallet Table and Seating Area
The patio table matches the seating in this outdoor setting. I like how the surface has been lightly treated, keeping the natural color and texture to give it an authentic, raw appearance. The table’s layered construction uses two pallets to give it some height and sturdiness. Not only does it have a weathered look, but its bulk should be able to handle whatever the weather comes up with.
14. Natural Materials Create Warmth
Sanded down for a smoother finish, pallet coffee tables can look right at home in a contemporary space. Even though it’s a rustic piece, the table works in tandem with the wooden beams, light flooring, and tone accent wall to create plenty of warmth.
15. Mid-Century Modern Metal Pallet Table
Source: Etsy
The grains, knots, and natural imperfections give pallet coffee tables a raw feel. In this case, the hairpin-style, mid-century modern metal legs provide an industrial flair and lighten the overall look of the table. Treated with a clear varnish, the table retains the natural color of the material.
16. Matching Shelves and Coffee Table
This interior blends modern design elements with upcycled materials. The coffee table matches a series of shelves set up against the wall. Made from crates and decorated with white paint, the multi-tiered pallet units are available for display and storage. Orange cushions and a mustard-yellow rug add splashes of color.
17. Natural Tones Add Organic Element
The rugged texture and natural tones of this table introduce an organic element into the modern space. The broad surface of the table is ideal for game boards and other decor. With all due respect, the wheels are superfluous as the coffee table is perfectly positioned in front of the sofas and doesn’t need to move anywhere.
18. Sanded Finish Preserves Aged Look of Pallet Table
Source: Etsy
This pallet coffee table has a lightly sanded finish, preserving its natural, aged look while making it smoother to the touch. The thick wooden blocks provide the table with tons of stability.
19. Coffee Table Works with Neutral Tones
Glass adds modern flair to the industrial look of the pallet coffee tables. The design of the table includes recessed storage space for books, magazines, or other items. The raw appearance of the coffee table maintains a neutral color tone, allowing it to blend in with the interior design.
20. Raw Finish Contrasts with Soft Textures
All of the furnishings in this space have been constructed from wooden pallets, giving the room an industrial vibe. The texture and raw finish contrast with the soft fabrics of the pillows and cushions.
21. Pallets, Pallets, Everywhere
The centerpiece of the room is a white-painted wooden pallet coffee table. Above it hangs a matching, cushioned pallet, which serves as a suspended tray or secondary table surface. There is also a pallet daybed-style seating area with blue cushions and patterned throw pillows. The use of white paint was an inspired choice as it gives everything a clean, modern look.
22. Lift-Top Function Adds Versatility
Source: Etsy
I love lift-top coffee tables. They provide a great surface when I use my laptop to work on my website in the living room. If you’re like me, you’ll like this pallet lift-top coffee table design. It’s a bit rough around the edges, but all the essentials are there. You can easily stain it, and you can opt to leave the lid up while working.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Make a Coffee Table Out of Pallets?
Pallets are a versatile and sustainable choice for DIY tables. Making a coffee table out of pallets is relatively easy, and they can be built to fit specific design preferences.
How to Make an Expensive-Looking Coffee Table?
The key to an expensive-looking coffee table lies in the details, quality, and craftsmanship. Investing time and money in selecting the right materials and finishes will produce high-quality coffee tables.
What Is a “Palette Table?”
A “palette table” is an incorrect spelling of “pallet table.” It is a piece of furniture made by repurposing pallets, which are wood structures used in shipping and warehouses. The pallets are used in the supply chain to transport goods by a forklift or pallet jack.
Conclusion
My guide details how you can transform wood pallets into stylish coffee tables. The wooden structures, originally designed for logistical purposes, can find new life as home furnishings. By repurposing pallets, DIY projects not only contribute to a sustainable world but also introduce unique coffee tables to their living spaces.
