How to Choose the Right Round Coffee Table for Your Space: A Step-by-Step Guide

Rounding a coffee table can seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, it’s a project that can be completed at home. This comprehensive guide will take you through the step-by-step process of rounding the corners of your coffee table, giving it a unique and stylish look.

Materials You’ll Need

• Coffee table with sharp corners
• Router with a round-over bit
• Safety glasses
• Dust mask
• Sandpaper (various grits)
• Wood filler (optional)
• Tack cloth
• Finishing materials (e.g., stain, paint, polyurethane)

Safety Precautions

• Always wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using power tools.
• Secure the coffee table firmly before starting to cut.
• Keep hands clear of the router bit while operating.

Step 1: Prepare the Coffee Table

• Remove any hardware or accessories from the coffee table.
• Clean the surface of the table to remove any dirt or debris.
• Mark the corners where you want to round them.

Step 2: Set Up the Router

• Choose a round-over bit that matches the desired radius of your rounded corners.
• Install the bit into the router and adjust the depth of cut to match the thickness of the table.

Step 3: Round the Corners

• Position the router over the marked corner and start the machine.
• Slowly move the router along the edge of the corner, following the marked line.
• Repeat for all four corners.

Step 4: Sand the Edges

• Use sandpaper to smooth the rounded edges.
• Start with a coarse grit to remove any rough edges, then switch to finer grits to create a smooth finish.

Step 5: Fill Any Gaps (Optional)

• If there are any gaps between the rounded corners and the table surface, you can fill them with wood filler.
• Apply the wood filler and smooth it out with a spatula.
• Allow the wood filler to dry completely.

Step 6: Clean the Surface

• Use a tack cloth to remove any dust or sanding residue from the table surface.
• This will ensure a clean and smooth finish for the final coating.

Step 7: Apply Finishing Materials

• Stain or paint the table to your desired color.
• Apply polyurethane or a clear finish to protect the surface and enhance its durability.
• Allow the finish to dry completely.

Finishing Touches

Once the finish has dried, reattach any hardware or accessories. Your rounded coffee table is now complete and ready to add a touch of style to your living room.

Quick Answers to Your FAQs

1. Can I round the corners of a coffee table made of any material?

Yes, you can round the corners of coffee tables made of wood, metal, plastic, or even glass. However, the specific techniques and tools required may vary depending on the material.

2. How do I choose the right radius for the rounded corners?

The radius of the rounded corners is a matter of personal preference. A larger radius will create a more subtle curve, while a smaller radius will result in a sharper curve.

3. Can I use a jigsaw to round the corners instead of a router?

While it is possible to use a jigsaw to round the corners, a router will provide a more precise and consistent cut.

4. How do I prevent tear-out when rounding the corners?

To prevent tear-out, use a sharp router bit and make multiple passes with the router, gradually increasing the depth of cut with each pass.

5. Can I round the corners of a coffee table with a live edge?

Yes, you can round the corners of a coffee table with a live edge. However, it is important to be careful not to cut into the live edge itself.