Piano Leg Makeover: How to Turn an Antique Piano Leg into a Small Accent Table
What Would You Do with 17 Antique Piano Legs?
Have you ever come across antique piano legs and wondered how to repurpose them? When I found myself with seventeen—yes, seventeen—I knew they deserved a second life. After years of waiting, I’ve finally transformed one into a stunning DIY accent table, and I’m excited to share how you can do the same!
The Story Behind the Piano Legs
Several years ago, my husband contacted a gentleman about four piano legs he had for sale. When we arrived, he asked what we had in mind for them. As a former music teacher and antique piano repairman, he was delighted to hear we wanted to incorporate them into our home. Then came the unexpected question: “Would you be interested in more?”
Why, of course, we would be!
Next thing I know, he and my husband are loading seventeen legs into our car. He even sold them all to us for the same price as the four he originally advertised. I was flabbergasted—but thrilled. I had big plans for every single one of them.
Life had other plans, though—delays, detours, and a global pandemic. But good ideas have a way of resurfacing. Last summer, I finally gave one of these piano legs a new life.
A Long-Overdue DIY
Now that winter has arrived, I’m finally sharing this summer project. It took me longer than expected, but good DIYs are worth the wait!
Looking back at my sun-kissed arm in these photos, I remember how Bentley and I found every excuse to be outside, soaking up the warm weather. Funny how I needed that reminder—it’s currently 30 degrees with ice pellets falling from the sky!
If you’ve ever stumbled upon an antique piano leg and wondered what to do with it—or maybe you have an old table leg that’s too beautiful to toss—let me show you how to transform it into a charming accent table.
DIY Piano Leg Table: Step-by-Step Upcycling Guide
Materials:
1 antique piano leg
1 wood round plaque
Stain of your choice
Sponge brush
Screwdriver
Plastic gloves (to protect hands from antiquing wax)
Titebond Wood Glue
Something heavy (I used a decorative concrete casting that I made many years ago)
Instructions:
Clean the leg with soapy water or bleach wipes, ensuring all the detailed carvings are free of dust and grime.
Remove the wheel from the bottom of the leg with a screwdriver (I missed photographing this step!).
Remove the hangers from the back of the wood plaque with a screwdriver.
Put on plastic gloves to protect your hands from the antiquing wax while handling the wood plaque.
Apply antiquing wax (I used Waverly Antiquing Wax) to the wood plaque, then set it aside to dry, OR pull back wax if desired.
Apply Titebond wood glue to the top of the piano leg, then place the wood plaque on top to create the tabletop.
Place a heavy item—such as a decorative concrete casting—on top of the plaque to ensure it adheres properly.
Once dry, move your new accent table to your desired location. Congrats! You just made a small, one-of-a-kind table.
Why This DIY Piano Leg Table Works Perfectly in a Small Bathroom
I chose the wood plaque for several reasons:
It was already in my stash—no need to spend extra money.
The small tabletop size was ideal for our narrow bathroom walk-through space.
Before we renovated our bathroom, I used to hang my towel on the shower curtain rod. The original rod had been in place since the house was built, and it was sturdy. The contractor was supposed to rehang it, but after seeing some of their other handiwork, I decided a tension rod was the safer bet, and something I could install on my own.
But this left me with a new problem—where would I put my towel? Being a short gal, the reach from the tub to the sink counter is too far of a stretch.
How Inspiration Struck
One day, while doing laundry, I glanced at the stack of antique piano legs waiting for their moment. That’s when inspiration struck—one of them belonged in our bathroom!
The next challenge was finding the perfect tabletop. I needed something small but functional. As I sorted through my craft supplies, I spotted a wood plaque originally intended for another project. Could this be the solution?
Why not give it a try?
Bentley and I headed outside, supplies in hand. Once I glued the wood round to the top of the leg, I had a moment of doubt—was the top too small? I tried to remove it, but it was stuck. I mean, really stuck. I even lifted the heavy piano leg by the tabletop, and it didn’t budge.
I laughed, realizing Titebond was doing exactly what it was made to do!
When I brought the table upstairs, it fit perfectly into the small space next to the tub. And for months now, it has been my go-to solution for keeping my towel within reach.
A Reminder to Get Creative
With a little ingenuity and items you already have around the house, you can create just about anything your heart desires. This piano leg accent table is proof that sometimes, the best projects come from forgotten materials just waiting for their second chance.
Have You Tried Upcycling?
Have you ever transformed an old furniture piece into something new? Or maybe you have an antique piano leg waiting for its own makeover? Let me know in the comments! And don’t forget to pin this project for later.
Source List:
- Tabletop: Dollar Tree, Plus Section
- Titebond: Walmart
- Sponge Brush: Walmart
- Waverly Antique Wax: Walmart
- Antique Piano Leg: Online Find
- Pearl Necklace: Gift
- Cameo Necklace: Wedding Gift
- Striped Hand towel: Homegoods
- Towel Ring: Vintage, purchased more than 20 years ago
- Soap Dish: Vintage, purchased more than 20 years ago
- Photo: Gift from original photographer
- Frame: Hobby Lobby
- Shower Curtain: Better Homes and Garden, Walmart
- Vintage Chair: see Recover Chair Seats: a Beginner's Guide
That is a very clever idea. It’s very cute!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Susan! I was so happy to get one of them out of the basement, 16 more to go! LOL My goal is not to make purchases this year, and see what all I can come up with. I really do have a lot of stuff floating around here.
Delete