DIY Lego Table Transformation

While the 80s was a great era with the big hair, rock music and neon bright colors, (they are making a comeback!) one thing that wasn’t was the furniture.

It was like a time traveler from the future got lost and ended up decorating our homes with relics from a cyberpunk movie set. But despite its questionable aesthetics, those pieces have a certain charm to them now. They remind us of the days when everything was a little more tubular and a lot more totally rad.

The parquet insets and rounded corners – ugh! The smoke glass inset tables – no thanks!

Engaging Kids in the DIY Process

When it comes to DIY projects, involving your kids can be a fun and educational experience. Not only does it give them a sense of ownership and pride in their creations, but it also helps develop their creativity and problem-solving skills.

Here are some tips for engaging kids in the DIY process of transforming a piece of furniture into a Lego table:

Assign Age-Appropriate Tasks

Depending on the age and skill level of your child, assign them tasks that they can handle safely. For younger kids, they can help with simple tasks like sanding the furniture or painting small sections. Older kids can assist with measuring and cutting materials, using non-toxic adhesives, or attaching Lego baseplates.

Encourage Their Input

Let your child have a say in the DIY Lego table design choices. Ask for their opinions on how the Lego table should look, what features it should have, and what main and accent colors to use. This not only makes them feel involved but also fosters their decision-making abilities.

Incorporate Their Favorite Themes

If your child has a particular interest or favorite theme, consider incorporating it into the table project design. For example, if they love space, you can add some space-themed stickers or paint the table in colors reminiscent of the night sky. This personal touch will make the Lego table even more special to them.

Make It a Learning Experience

Use the DIY project as an opportunity to teach your child new skills. Explain the importance of measuring accurately or demonstrate how to safely handle tools. Talk about the different materials used and their properties.

This hands-on learning will not only enhance their DIY skills but also broaden their knowledge.

Celebrate Their Achievements

Throughout the process of creating a nice looking table, provide positive reinforcement and celebrate your child’s accomplishments. Praise their efforts, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Display their Lego creations proudly on the table, showcasing their hard work.

This will boost their confidence and motivate them to engage in more DIY Lego table projects in the future.

Fortunately, with a little bit of DIY creativity, those outdated and unattractive pieces of 80’s furniture can be transformed into modern and stylish works of art. You can turn an ugly duckling into a sleek and beautiful swan.

So before you toss that old piece of furniture out, why not try giving it a makeover? You never know, it might just surprise you and become the centerpiece of your home.

Those rounded corners come in handy when you are trying to make a Lego table and looking for something with soft corners for a rambunctious boy.

Transforming an Old Table into A Lego table

I found this smoke glass inset table on Craigslist for a steal. It was skanky and the neighborhood was sketchville but it was just the piece I was looking for to make a Lego table.

After we fixed the shelf underneath by adding new screws we were ready to begin the transformation.

How Do You Make a simple Lego table?

There are many ideas you’ll find online, Ikea Lego tables (I made this one too), coffee tables and anything you can stick Lego plates on really. I even made a Lego lamp!

But let’s stick to the repurposing of this oldie, you’re going to be pleasantly surprised. Promise.

Supplies:

• Ghetto fab 1980’s parquet table with glass insets
• Liquid Nails
• Air nailer
• Saw
• 2″ x 4″ x 1/2″ piece of MDF
• Paint
• Primer
• 6 LEGO Baseplate
  
• Sharp scissors
• Tape measure
• Paintbrush
• Minwax Polycrylic
• Sandpaper

Budget-Friendly Alternatives

If you’re on a tight budget or simply looking for more affordable options, there are alternative materials and furniture pieces that can be repurposed into Lego tables. Here are some budget-friendly alternatives to consider:

Repurpose Old Desks or Tables

Instead of purchasing a brand-new table, look for old desks or tables that can be transformed into a Lego table. You can often find them at thrift stores, garage sales, or even in your own attic.

Give them a fresh coat of paint, add Lego base plates, and voila! You have a cost-effective Lego table.

Use Plywood or MDF

Instead of using expensive solid wood for the tabletop, consider using plywood sheets or medium-density fiberboard (MDF). These materials are more affordable and can be easily cut to the desired size and shape. Just ensure the edges are sanded and smooth for safety.

DIY Lego Tabletop

If you already have a sturdy table or desk, you can create a Lego tabletop using Lego base plates and adhesive.

Measure the dimensions of the entire table and cut the base plates to fit. Attach them securely to the tabletop using adhesive or double-sided tape. This way, you can have a Lego surface without the need for an entire DIY Lego table.

Utilize Storage Containers

Instead of incorporating built-in drawers or compartments, use affordable storage boxes or containers to hold the Lego pieces. Look for plastic bins or containers that can fit under your fascinating table or on shelves nearby. Label them for easy organization and access.

How To Make a DIY Lego Table

1. Cut the 1/2″ MDF to cover the inside of the table.

I chose 1/2″ because I needed that size for the insets to be flush with the table.

You want to create a lip so that the MDF insets will sit flush with the bottom ridge of the table when you put them in from the top of the table.

Use Liquid Nails and an air nailer to set it in place.

2. Cut the MDF to the size of the insets.

Mine were a bit rounded so we took some sandpaper to round the corners so that the pieces would fit in.

You can see how the Lego bases fit on top of that.

3. Prime and paint everything.

I used Stonewall Jackson from Dutch Boy which was leftover from my striped painted curtains.

I also gave it 3 coats of Minwax Polycrylic (sanding with a fine grit in between coats) just to give it some extra protection.

4. The Lego baseplates.

We cut with some sharp scissors to fit the MDF. Then I used some Liquid Nails to adhere those.  

What is great about is now Isaac has 6 different stations to build.

And the insets are still removable so he can move them if he wants to -although I threaten encourage that the Lego mess stay in his room.

My son is pretty proud of his Angry Birds Lego creation that he thought of all by himself.

And lets show a good before and after!

Repurposing Furniture for Lego Fun

Transforming an old piece of furniture into a modern-style Lego table can be a rewarding and budget-friendly DIY project.

By engaging your kids in the process, you not only create a special bonding experience but also encourage their creativity and problem-solving skills. Remember to assign age-appropriate tasks, incorporate their input and favorite themes, and make it a fun learning experience.

For those on a budget, consider repurposing old desks or a basic table, using plywood sheets or MDF for the tabletop, creating a Lego surface on an existing table, or utilizing affordable storage containers.

With a little creativity and imagination, you can create a personalized Lego table that will be cherished by your child for years to come. Happy building!

Have a child obsessed with Legos?

Here is another option for a lego table that is a bit thinner and easier to tuck on a wall.

Lego Table Cubbies

Painted Lego Bins

Check out this Lego Ninjago Birthday Party

or this DIY Lego Lamp