Sometimes I get the itch to try a project just for the heck of it. Even if I think it will fail, or look horrid, or be a total time-suck…I just want to give it a shot. These tables are one of those projects.
I’ve been wanting to bring some gold into the house somehow, and I figured guest room bedside tables would be a great way to do that. The first thing that popped into my head was a gold wire table, mostly because I’ve seen them all over the internet (Pinterest) and they are stuck in my head. I could never get away with putting them in the main part of my house (every time I mention gold Adam stops me mid sentence and says “No gold! Veto”), but in a funky southwestern bedroom that he never enters? I’m doing it.
There is quite a bit of inspiration out there, here are a few pieces that I found…
My first stop was Amazon (of course), and I quickly found a table that would work perfectly.
And good news…it’s marked down $188 off of retail! Only $517 per table! Whoop! So for the slamming deal of $1,034 I could own two of these babies. Two end tables and no husband.
Overstock had more affordable options, these Safavieh tables were all between $100 and $200 each.
Then I took to Pinterest and discovered all the tables I had been seeing were from Target.
They were all about $50-$100….but everything was out of stock/discontinued. Evidently I’m really behind on this gold table trend.
So I decided to experiment and make some out of stuff I had lying around the house. And what I had was tomato cages, wire, spray paint, and lots of scrap wood. Challenge accepted.
First I cut off the long prongs.
Then I started to add wire, first stringing it vertically….
…and then weaving it in horizontally.
The result? It looked like a kindergartener made it. The wires weren’t straight and it reminded me of when my four-year old writes his name. Of course his squiggly little name is the best thing ever, so maybe this could be considered cute and whimsical as well. I should probably paint it and see.
Paint and primer helped…a ton. Could this actually work? I guess the only way to see would be to make tops and see if they are sturdy.
Using scrap pecan, a kreg jig, a jigsaw, an sandpaper my husband made some circular tops. (Home Depot sells pre-made ones for less than $5, but the goal here was to spend zero dollars).
I rubbed them down with some finishing wax and then attached them to the tomato cages with some metal clips and screws.
Done!
Now, let’s be honest… these aren’t the best looking tables. It kinda looks like Spiderman played a role in their creation. But they’re not terrible either, considering. I’d call them a semi-success. The tables are fairly sturdy…they have a little jiggle to them but they’re not gong to fall over or collapse under the weight of normal bedside table stuff. I’m going to leave them for now, but if I find a legit gold wire ones on clearance I’ll pick them up. Or maybe a wire laundry hamper turned upside down with the current tops attached. That would work great, actually.
Anyway, there you have it…my completely free tomato cage table experiment. I can’t very well end this post without mentioning the wall. It’s amazing right? I freaking love it and am hoping to have it finished by Thanksgiving! 
Barbara Griffey says
November 25, 2014 at 6:15 amNot sure if I’m more impressed with the tables themselves or the fact that you made them from stuff laying around your house. Either way, I’m impressed and envious! Great job!
Katie says
November 25, 2014 at 6:25 amOoook I love the table but once I scrolled to the pictures that wall basically stole the show and took over this post! Holy moly! I love how the room is coming together!
Debbie says
November 25, 2014 at 7:51 amSmart AND creative. Paying that much for tables is ridiculous :) I like yours better and I went looney tunes over the WALL!
Mary H. says
November 25, 2014 at 9:54 amI love these and the room is gorgeous. I would like to tell you how I kind of got this look. I went to the Salvation Army and Goodwill and got large lamp shades. I ripped all the cover off the shades and I was left with the frames. I have them in my pantry nested with a large cutting board on top. I have room for a bowl of fruit, baskets with kitchen linens, etc.
Bethany says
November 25, 2014 at 11:14 amCall me crazy, but I kinda love them?? Also, that wall is wonderful!!!
sctvgirl says
November 25, 2014 at 11:35 amThevtables are a modern teist on shabby chic, very cute. So did I miss the bricked wall post? It looks nice.
Sam Pereira says
November 25, 2014 at 6:47 pmUm, WOW! They look amazing! they also really suit the room… they’re like western glam or something :) And the wall… brilliant!
Kari says
November 27, 2014 at 12:07 pmTable, what table? ;) That wall is a show stopper!! Waiting with bated breath for the post on it…
Jan Elizabeth says
November 27, 2014 at 2:02 pmThe tables are cute, and the wall is gorgeous! The room is looking incredible. :)
Ursula @ Home Made by Carmona says
January 8, 2015 at 4:35 pmSO smart!! That is a beautiful and absolutely brilliant DIY!
nancy says
January 9, 2015 at 7:51 amBopped on over to this project while looking at your sunburst mirror (love it). Question: What gauge wire did you do the weave with….I am so doing this tomato cage table for the Do It Herself Workshop ladies at my Home Depot (I’m the workshop captain–aye aye)
Amanda says
February 3, 2015 at 7:24 amOK- SERIOUSLY impressed! I love this! I have the perfect spot for a small table like this and a whole lot of cages lying around…they say imitation is a form of flattery, right?! Thanks for sharing!
Amanda @ The Hatched Home
Anna @Annabode says
February 3, 2015 at 8:48 amThis is so adorable! I would never guess it was a DIY!
Gilly @ Colour Saturated Life says
February 3, 2015 at 3:27 pmWow! You did an incredible job in this and it looks just as good as your inspiration photos! Such a great DIY!
Corey @ Tinysidekick says
February 6, 2015 at 4:40 pmI actually really like these. I could see why you would want “legit” ones if they are a bit wiggly, but I love that you went for it. Not bad! Thanks for linking up at The Makers!
Virginia Fynes says
February 8, 2015 at 5:53 amThese are PURE GENIUS!! They are so cute, I want to make some NOW!! Great work
lynn says
March 14, 2016 at 8:15 pmCute tables!! All u need is a simple base so it won’t jiggle…thrift stores are great & i’m sure you can find the perfect base for them there
……Oh, the possibilities!!!!! ALSO: That wall is beautiful ??
cafe table says
April 17, 2017 at 7:16 pmWow! those are nice looking tables. I’d like to have one of those on my house.
Karen Quinn says
March 11, 2018 at 5:56 pmIf you weren’t really concerned with the gold look you could make little tablecloths that draped to the floor to match your room!
Linda says
November 24, 2018 at 8:29 pmI love it! The thing I like the most is that you made it and can say it proudly. That is what I always think of when I am decorating my craft/ reading room. It may not be perfect but I made it!