Cheap Meets Chic: Craft a Tub-Side Table for Your Bathroom

In just a few steps, you can easily upcycle an old luggage rack (that you probably never use, anyway) into a handy folding table that's just the right height to keep spa essentials or a glass of wine handy while you soak in the tub.

From: H. Camille Smith

Photo by: Sarah Busby; Styling by H. Camille Smith

Sarah Busby; Styling by H. Camille Smith

By: H. Camille Smith

Related To:

Materials Needed

wooden luggage rack (check estate or garage sales for budget-friendly options)
tray or wood board to top it (ours measures 18" x 24")
chalk or craft paint
chip brush

sandpaper in medium and fine grits
staple gun
twill tape
scissors

Prep Luggage Rack

Remove any existing fabric straps and set them aside if they're in good shape. Note: Ours were beyond saving so we opted to add new twill tape straps instead. Thoroughly sand all areas to rough up the surface so paint will better adhere.

Photo by: Sarah Busby; Styling by H. Camille Smith

Sarah Busby; Styling by H. Camille Smith

Paint Luggage Rack and Tray

Using a chip brush, paint all areas of the wood tray that will serve as the table's top and the luggage rack. Tip: Unfold the luggage rack to ensure you paint all areas that will be visible when the rack is both unfolded for use and folded for storage.

Photo by: Sarah Busby; Styling by H. Camille Smith

Sarah Busby; Styling by H. Camille Smith

Add Twill Tape

Drape twill tape over the unfolded luggage rack to determine how much you'll need; cut off excess leaving an inch or so on each end for attaching the fabric to the frame (Image 1). Flip, luggage rack over, wrap the ends of the twill tape around the frame, then staple to the underside (Image 2). Voila, your old luggage rack is now better than new (Image 3).

Sarah Busby; Styling by H. Camille Smith

Photo By: Sarah Busby; Styling by H. Camille Smith

Display (or Fold Away)

Topped with the coordinating tray or board, this foldable table makes a great tubside-stand that's just the right height and size for holding bath-time necessities (Image 1) or a glass of wine and your favorite read (Image 2). Best of all: This handy table can easily be folded and stored out of sight when not in use.