This Is the Cheapest, Cutest End Table Idea for Your Small Space

published May 25, 2022
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Furnishing your home takes <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="a%20lot%20of%20creativity%20and%20time,%20but%20it%20doesn't%20have%20to%20take%20a%20lot%20of%20money.%20Whether%20you're%20<a%20href=" https:>decorating your first apartment or you’re a seasoned vet refreshing your space for the hundredth time — sticking to your budget is a must. This small-space dweller found a creative and budget-conscious solution to her furniture needs.

Madison is a self-proclaimed “film geek, fervent reader, and very unsuccessful amateur baker” who lives in a 570-square-foot studio apartment in Seattle, Washington. She describes her design style as colorful, creative, and comfortable. “I definitely lean towards maximalist decor,” she says. “I also want my space to feel lived in — like you could be locked inside for a rainy weekend (or a two-year pandemic).”

Because Madison lives in a smaller studio, there isn’t anything structurally dividing her spaces. “I’ve really tried to make this rectangular space feel like two separate rooms,” Madison says. The living space is separated from her bedroom by a beautiful blue sectional that she and her friends, absolutely love. “I joke a lot that I should be making an affiliate commission because I’ve had three friends now who have bought it after my referring them,” she says. A $2,500 sectional is a bit of a splurge, so Madison went a cheaper route for the end table and used a wooden chair instead.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative to an end table, a wooden chair is a clever option. You can often pick up a single chair at a secondhand shop for just a dollar or two (and sometimes even for free!). A wooden chair offers a sturdy, flat surface to place a vase, a lamp, or a stack of books like Madison did. Madison painted this chair-turned-table a pretty shade of green, but if you opt for the same color as your walls, it will almost disappear visually (calling less attention to the fact that it’s not fulfilling its usual function!).

Best of all, you can always clear off the books, if you need an extra place to sit when friends come over.