I've been saving up for months for a February how to splurge, and I am particularly proud of this one. Loving Frosta stools for their low price and solid wood construction, I've keep finding new things to do with them. This one solved the problem of slim bedside tables, which we were missing for nearly two years.
For both sides I purchased four Frosta stools from IKEA ($12.99 each) and two thick glass tops from Capitol Glass ($175 each). The felt pieces added texture and they came from Sutherland Felt.
What You Need
Materials
2 Frosta stools
1 ¾" Thick Clear Polished Glass in 16½" diameter
Organic Paint (I used Farrow & Ball)
1 Thick Round Disc of Wool Felt
Equipment
Hand Saw
Drill
Measuring Tape
Paint Brush
Gorilla Glue
Pencil
Instructions
This is a really easy project. The only real hurdle is measuring correctly and shelling out for the glass (which I think is worth it).
First, you order your glass from a local glass shop. I wanted a wider bedside table than the stool allowed, so I went out on all sides to 16½". It's a funky look, but I like it. I also ordered really thick glass (¾") which is much more costly. You could easily cut the price down by using thinner glass.
Second, you cut down only three of the four legs provided for each of the low stools. I wanted the space to appear divided in half, so I cut the legs roughly at 8", since the seat is 17½" tall.
Third, you need to site the three legs tripod style. Since IKEA gives you holes for four legs, I used one of the pre-drilled holes and then divided the rest of the circle into thirds. I didn't use complicated math. I simply stretched the tape around the circumfrence of the seat and divided by three.
When attaching the legs, I always use a little Gorilla glue to make sure that the legs are really strong. IKEA screws alone rarely do the job and it can be wobbly.
When you have attached all the legs and can place the lower stool inside of the high stool, place tape around the edges of the high stool and give the top a nice two coats of paint. I used a blue-grey tester can from Farrow & Ball because I wanted to try the paint, I was painting in our kitchen and doors and because the testers are cheap.
Finally, when the paint is dry, you place 3-4 small rubber glides under the glass on top of your painted stool and install (I also added a piece of thick felt ordered from Sutherland Felt). I arranged the stools so that you could get books easily in the front but you can try other variations. The tripod legs are fun to play with.
Enjoy!
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Your little girl is soooo cute I JUST CAN'T STAND IT! NonNomNom :)(:
what grade of felt do you order for your projects? i've been looking into felt for a headboard but can't tell what grade would be good for home use and what the texture is like based on internet photos (obviously!).
The design might be better with a square glass top (with rounded edges), instead of the disc.
Great project. Adorable child. I'd take out the lower set up legs and have the secondary shelf float. Otherwise, perfect!
BTW. If you don't mind, how much did the glass top discs cost?
I was *just* talking about using one of these stools as-is for a bedside table; your improvements make the idea even more appealing. Thanks for the inspiration!
That kid is getting so big!
Nice adaptation. I love the glass. An alternative is pre-cut discs (Lowes, Michaels) cheaper and can be easily painted, but you lose the glass transparency, of course.
I actually like that you kept the two stools independent...allows to other alternatives (I'm thinking low chaise with lower stool.)
Nice project!
do you mind telling me where you got the rug in your bedroom? i'm in the market for one in my living room. thank you! great job on the nightstands! jennifer
Expensive glass but worth it for a really pro look.
Just wanted to point out that in NYC, Action Glass is a cheaper source for glass cut to order than the source you mentioned. I paid far less for large pieces of tempered 3/4" thick glass through them.
Did you have to cut the felt down or did Sutherlands do it for you? How much was that one thick piece? I just got some samples of their stuff the other day...
My nightmare scenario for my house: the cat runs under the bottom shelf, misjudging his ability to turn on a dime, and topples the whole thing! But in your home? I love it.
Is it possible to make this higher by adding the cut legs to the legs of the upper Frosta? How would you do that?
Love it and your creativity and handiness are so inspiring.
wonderful project! a perfect match for bedside lamps to boot.
Hmm, in the third photo down a little someone looks like she's ready for dad to finish up with the drill and move on to playtime! The tables look great though. Might give this a try but without the glass tops, which are beyond my budget right now. I think they'd look great with the felt on both surfaces, too, or maybe thick cork. Marble might work too.
Holy moley, I remember when Ursula wasn't even born yet! Can she be this old already?
I think I just found the tiny side table I've been looking for! Thanks for the inspiration. I think I will go with a chocolate brown and red color scheme.
Uh, under materials, you forgot to list "have on hand cute little girl to prance around in jammies".
Just GREAT!
This is so well done! Very polished results.
I think they're kinda nice, but at $200 per table, seems like a spendy DIY project.
Nice, but I agree w/ PDX -
For $300 you could get a really nice pair of vintage nightstands off Craigslist or your local fleamarket and have $100 left over for paint and new handles.
I agree with pdx01 and bepsf. For the price of the glass alone, you could buy gorgeous bedside tables. To me, 200 per table is really expensive for any type of bedside table, let alone a DIY project. But if that's the look you wanted, it does look good in the space.
A GR8 find for the small tight spaces. One can still get the look with a 3/8 - 1/2 inch piece of tempered glass and not have to break the bank.
also curious re : source of bedroom rug. thanx.
If I am paying $300, I don't want to have to do any work for a table that little!
Why not just add brackets and a round to the legs to make the lower shelf? I don't see the point of the glass, personally. You could probably make these from scratch for less.
I'm sorry. US$300 (and that amount of time) is too much to invest in totally reworking anything from Ikea.
But I *do* like that rug. Where's it from?
what a great idea! just curious where you got your bed and bedding from? so cute!
Love this idea - have to try it for side tables in the living room! I also like the lamps - could you give us the source please?
That picture of Ursula in the kitchen is hysterical!
I love the look!
The smooth three pod leg with the smooth thick glass and the thick textured grey felt on the lower stool, inside.
My heart jumped when I saw the book on Waldorf Education, too.
Steiner was a genius.
Unfortunately, there were no Steiner/Waldorf schools in the area where I was raising my kids, so we resorted to Montesorri, tho.
My favorite stool just got better. Very creative. I want one now!!
PS: Btw,your baby girl is ADORABLE!!
Ahh, love these -- disappointed they're so expensive though -- I've been looking for a couple tiny side tables for almost 2 years now, but can't afford to pay 3 bones. bummer.
When the iPad comes along, those bedside lamps may become obsolete, since (I presume) their function is to provide light for reading.
Just noticed this stool/nightstand hack. I love it!
So sad they discontinued the Frosta :c
I use the same stool as a side table and I've topped it with a Planisphere (star chart) luckily exactly the same diameter as the top of the stool -- the bottom disk with the stars on it is dark blue and the second/top rotating disk is clear and black. The top disk is heavy duty plastic and just wipes clean.
Looks great and cost about $15
I can't pay attention to the project because the kid is so darn fun. I bet she's a big ol' help too dad.