Waxed-Canvas Coffee Table

Here's a weekend twofer: You can give an older table new life while creating a spiffy surface for books and board games.

waxed canvas coffee table
Photo: PERNILLE LOOF

Stretch easy-to-wipe waxed canvas around its top; you don't need special upholstering skills—just a staple gun and a little patience. (The trick to a neat finish is folding 90-degree hotel corners.) Tap in upholstery tacks to secure the fabric, and polish off a sophisticated place to play.

Instructions

  1. A side at a time, fold canvas over table edge, using 1 staple in center to secure each side underneath.

  2. Continue to add 1 staple at a time on opposite sides of table, spaced about 1 inch apart, keeping canvas evenly stretched as you go. Stop within a couple of inches of each corner.

  3. At each corner, staple one side close to corner. Fold around corner and tuck inside canvas on other side, making a 45-degree angle. Fold and staple neatly in line with corner.

  4. Add upholstery tacks, if desired: Measure and mark with a pencil for even spacing (ours are about 3 inches apart on centers); pre-poke holes with awl. Insert tacks; gently hammer in using mallet.

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