We use this mid-century bar cart to hold office supplies, and it's one of our favorite craigslist finds from the last few years. In an effort to bring a little more color to this area, we came up with a quick & cheap solution we can change or reverse on a whim.

We simply cut a piece of colorful wrapping paper and put it behind some glass we had cut to fit at our local hardware store (the glass cost us less than $20.) When we get tired of the current pattern or color we can just switch it out. We're happy to get some more color and pattern in the room, but also happy that the piece remains in original condition, just in case we ever want to go back to classic black.

This is a treatment that can easily be done to any surface - although be warned that if you want glass with rounded edges things can start to get much more expensive.
Very cool! I like that a lot!
view burpchick's profile
I like it with the black top too. Good find!
view jenny!'s profile
Awesome idea. Looks great.
view graefix's profile
soooo "how to change the look of a table for under $25, or $5 if you already have the glass" im just being an a$$ haha sorry
view E.M.H's profile
LOVE the poppy paper! Where is it from?
view sfDREW's profile
both the poppy paper and the blue stripes are from Paper Source, I just buy their single sheets and cut them down to size.
view Elizabeth's profile
If you fall in love with certain paper at Paper Source (I can and have), it can cost more than $5. I don't have a bar cart, so .... I'm trying to think how this tip helps me.
view K T G's profile
love the cart
view LaDonnaNichole's profile
such a clever idea and nice execution.
view HeatherAB's profile
hmmm ... i've done this w/a round glass-topped end table i had except i used a black backing & 'papered' it with photographs & concert ticket stubs & other memorabilia.
view loislane's profile
Who makes the green boxes?
view Andy's profile
the green boxes are the Office Basics file boxes from See Jane Work, we wrote about them here.
view Elizabeth's profile