I found these darling side tables at Deseret Industries for $15.00 each. They sold them to me as a set for $25.00.
I went to JoAnn’s and bought 4″ memory foam to top them. I made sure to use a coupon because memory foam is pricey.
Then I went to Home Depot and picked up 1/4″ 2×2′ medium density fiberboard.
I had them cut at Home Depot to size. I picked up some wood glue, and extra staples(5/16″ light duty) for my staple gun there too.
I had found a bunch of fabric remnants at a garage sale the week before for .50 cents to a dollar a piece and I planned to use one for each table.
Once I had all of the supplies ready, I began.
First, I washed the tables a few times as they were very dirty. The wood and paint was already—either purposely or not—worn for a nice vintage look.
Then I traced the fiberboard on to the memory foam and used a knife with a sharp edge to cut the sides.
IMPORTANT- I learned by trial and error, do not saw back and forth on the memory foam. Only cut in one direction (similar to going with the grain when you are cutting wood). If you saw at it, it will end up looking like this. I now have to hide this side by facing it towards the wall.
You can see the difference, this side was cut correctly (going in only one direction and lifting the knife to cut again).
Next, I glued the board to the memory foam using wood glue.
Then I measured and cut the fabric accordingly, making sure to leave enough to fold the edges over so it wouldn’t fray.
Finally, I took my staple gun (Stanley Sharpshooter) and stapled the fabric to the board pulling tightly.
I set it on top of the end tables I bought to finish it off.
I made two of these side table toppers each in a different color.
Then I added some decor.
I love these memory foam side table toppers! They can hold a lamp, books and other items I want to set on them yet are cushiony for my kids. I moved them from my guest bedroom up to my master early this year. My kids are always crawling on them and then onto my bed and like them as much as I do.
I’m glad I made this project, it was inexpensive (about $30.00 total a table) and continues to be very functional and cute.
Supply List
Side Tables
staple gun (Stanley Sharpshooter)
Memory foam (4″ or as desired)
Fiberboard
Fabric
knife, scissors, marker, and measuring tape.
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Carol Jollymore
Monday 29th of March 2021
I am wondering why memory foam?
Anita
Friday 12th of November 2021
My little kids used to crawl over them and sit on them. I thought it would be fun to try, it turns out it was a nice resting spot for them.
Sharry
Sunday 28th of March 2021
Just a little hint for next time...an electric knife cuts the foam like butter.
Anita
Friday 12th of November 2021
Thanks for this tip! I'll remember it as I have another memory foam topper project coming up!
How to Easily Up-Cycle an Old Trunk | Live Like You Are Rich
Saturday 20th of August 2016
[…] project. I was able to use the same fabric I used in my DIY fabric wall art (found here) and on my DIY memory foam side tables (found here) so that the trunk would tie together with the other items in my guest […]
Ashleigh
Monday 30th of May 2016
These came out awesome!!! They look super simple to make too:)
I'd love it if you shared this at my weekly link party! http://www.twentysomethinginthe2010s.com/peace-love-linkup-009/
Anita Fowler
Tuesday 31st of May 2016
Thank you that is so nice to say! Yes they are simple and super functional too :)
Suzie
Thursday 26th of May 2016
Just to stinking cute. I love those girl great job!
Anita Fowler
Tuesday 31st of May 2016
Thank you!