DIY Dovetail Round Coffee Table - Easy Beginner Woodworking Project

The Beauty of a Handcrafted Round Coffee Table

A coffee table is often the centerpiece of a living room. It ties the space together and provides a spot to set down drinks, books, remotes, and more. Many homeowners opt for simple rectangular coffee tables, but a round coffee table brings a special charm to the room.

The Warmth of a Round Shape

The circular shape of a round coffee table creates a welcoming, inclusive feel. Rather than having sharp corners that delineate boundaries, a round table invites people to pull up chairs from any direction. Its soft, organic lines blend seamlessly into curved sectionals or rounded furniture arrangements.

A round coffee table also enables better flow and traffic patterns in the room. People can easily maneuver around it without bumping into hard edges. This makes circular coffee tables especially nice for smaller living spaces.

Choosing the Right Size

When incorporating a round coffee table into your living room, take care to choose the right size. Measure the length and width of your seating arrangement, then pick a table diameter that is no more than two-thirds that length. This leaves enough leg room and space to walk through.

Also consider the height carefully. Coffee tables typically range from 16 to 20 inches tall. Make sure yours is low enough to rest feet on but high enough to not appear dwarfed by the surrounding furniture.

DIY Dovetail Round Coffee Table

Looking for a budget-friendly option? One great round coffee table project for beginner DIYers is a dovetailed table. The dovetail joint has an iconic appearance, featuring interlocking fan-shaped patterns along the edges of woood pieces.

Though dovetails may look intimidating, basic through dovetails are actually quite easy to cut with a jigsaw using a dovetail jig. This allows even amateur woodworkers to incorporate the beautiful and strong joint into projects like a dovetail round coffee table.

Materials Needed

To make your own dovetail round coffee table, you will need:

• 1-inch thick circular wood tabletop
• 4 table legs with dovetails cut into the top ends
• Wood glue
• Sandpaper
• Wood finish, stain, or paint

Instructions

Follow these steps to put together your dovetail round coffee table:

1. Cut a circle out of 1-inch thick wood to make the tabletop. The size is up to you.
2. Make four legs out of 1x4 boards.
3. Use a dovetail jig and jigsaw to cut tails into the top ends of the legs that will interlock with the tabletop.
4. Sand all pieces smooth, wiping away dust.
5. Apply your choice of finish, stain, paint, or just a clear coat.
6. Once fully dry, glue legs into place in the circular tabletop. Place heavy objects on top to hold joints snug until the glue dries.

Decor Options

A bare bones dovetail round coffee table has charm in its simplicity. But you can also dress it up with decorative accents like:

• Wood burning designs into tabletop
• Attaching hairpin legs instead of straight legs
• Drilling holes for flowers or succulents
• Adding a second shelf halfway down legs
• Painting or staining legs in a contrasting color

The possibilities are endless! The circular table shape provides the perfect canvas for your creative touches.

Cohesion Within a Dovetail Theme

For the optimal aesthetic payoff, decorate the entire living room around the dovetail theme. Bring in dovetail accents throughout the space like:

• A wooden dovetail clock
• Curtains hung from dovetail curtain rods
• Candles displayed on a small dovetail shelf
• Dovetail inspired throw pillows
• Picture frames with a dovetail edge

Let the unique interlocking shape shine through as a subtle recurring motif. This creates a special custom look you won't find in mainstream furniture stores.

The Joy of DIY Furniture

While a basic round coffee table starts around $100, your labor of love dovetail version brings personal value money can't buy. The pride of building a custom coffee table with your own two hands is part of what makes DIY projects so enjoyable.

Don't be afraid to give this dovetail round coffee table project a try. The creative possibilities are endless! With a simple jig, a jigsaw, and some glue - plus wood, sandpaper, and finish - you can build a coffee table sure to become a conversation piece in your living room.

FAQs

What size should I make the dovetail coffee table?

Measure the length and width of your seating arrangement to calculate an ideal diameter for the round coffee table. A good size is to choose a diameter no more than two-thirds that length, to leave sufficient room for legs and walking space.

What type of wood should I use?

Durability is important for a coffee table. Hardwoods like oak, maple, or ash work best. Softwoods dent and scratch too easily. The tabletop should be made of 1-inch thick wood for stability. Use 1x4 or 1x6 boards for the legs.

How do I cut the dovetail leg joints?

Using a dovetail jig and jigsaw simplifies the process. The jig holds the wood at an angled guide to cut precise fan-shaped dovetails. Follow the template in the jig to first cut tails into the leg tops, then remove wood from the table bottom to create the sockets for the tails.

Should I finish, stain, or paint the table?

Finishing the wood protects it from scratches, stains, and spills. An oil-based stain enriched the grain. Painting allows you to create bold colors. Or apply a clear coat to showcase the natural wood beauty. Choose the option that best suits your style!