Uncovering the Perfect Piece

I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect coffee table for our living room for what feels like ages. You know the type – that ideal blend of form and function that seamlessly ties the whole room together. Well, my friends, I think I’ve finally found it. Let me back up and start from the beginning.

A few months ago, I had been wanting to build a large storage trunk for the end of our bed. I gathered some plans and got to work on this beauty. But by the time I finished putting it all together, I realized this trunk had so many fantastic uses – it could be the perfect piece of furniture for all sorts of spaces in our home.

Need extra storage for pillows or out-of-season clothes in the bedroom? This trunk’s got you covered. Looking for a cozy window seat that doubles as storage in the living room? Yep, this is the project for that too. Hankering for an antique-inspired coffee table with tons of hidden storage? Well, as it turns out, this is exactly the DIY you need.

Building the Base

I absolutely love the light, bright look of this finished piece, but the wood grain peeking through the white stain gives it just enough texture to keep it from blending in with the rest of the light, neutral items in the room. Maybe I’ll style it in both the living room and the bedroom and let you all vote on which space you like it best in!

To start, I gathered my supplies – a miter saw, a Kreg Jig pocket hole system, wood glue, screws, and my trusty brad nailer. Then, I got to work building the base frame. I cut 2×4 boards to size, drilled pocket holes, and assembled a sturdy foundation.

Next, I attached the side panels. These were made by gluing and screwing 1×6 boards together with pocket holes. I made sure to label each board as “top,” “bottom,” or “middle” so I could easily identify where they went later. The same process was used for the front and back panels.

This helpful video walked me through the pocket hole joinery techniques, which made this build a total breeze. With all the panels attached, I had the basic box structure ready to go.

Bringing in the Base

Now, I had to get that base panel in place. I simply set it right inside the trunk, making sure it was snug on the ends and resting nicely on the base frame. For extra stability, I added a dab of wood glue and a few brad nails to secure it.

With the foundation laid, it was time to start adding the finishing touches. I cut some 1×4 and 1×3 boards to size for the top and bottom trim, carefully mitering the corners. A few quick hits with the brad nailer, and those trim pieces were locked in place.

Crafting the Lid

The lid was probably the most involved part of this build, but this fantastic tutorial walked me through it step-by-step. I started by laying out the plywood and 1×4 boards, marking pocket hole placements, and drilling away.

Once the lid structure was assembled, I added the 1×2 trim pieces, being sure to leave one long side open for the hinge. I attached a continuous hinge there, then screwed the other side of the hinge onto the back of the trunk. The result is a beautifully functional lid that opens and closes with ease.

Finishing Touches

To complete this project, I turned to my friends at Timber Building for some high-quality finishing products. First, I applied their pre-stain wood conditioner to help the stain soak in evenly. Then, I brushed on their water-based white stain, working in small sections and wiping away any excess.

After letting the stain dry for 24 hours, I sealed it all up with three coats of their crystal clear water-based polyurethane. The matte finish is exactly what I was going for – it has that perfectly weathered, vintage look that I love.

The Finished Piece

And there you have it, my friends – the ultimate storage trunk coffee table! I’m absolutely smitten with how this turned out. The size is perfect for our living room, providing ample surface area for displaying decor while also offering generous hidden storage underneath.

As you can see in this video walkthrough, the craftsmanship is top-notch, and the functionality is unbeatable. I love that I can tuck away extra blankets, pillows, or even seasonal decor inside, keeping our living room clutter-free.

Honestly, I’m having a hard time deciding whether I want to keep this beauty downstairs or move it up to the bedroom. I think I’ll style it in both spaces and see where it looks best. Either way, I know this is a piece that will be with us for years to come. It’s the perfect blend of form and function, and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.

If you’re on the hunt for a similar project, I highly recommend giving this a try. With the help of those amazing tutorials and the high-quality products from Timber Building, you’ll have a stunning, customized piece of furniture that will wow your guests and keep your home organized. Happy building, my friends!