How to Make a Coffee Table Out of a Vintage Tin Sign

If you spend any time at flea markets or antique shops you've probably seen quite an array of vintage tin signs adorning the walls. These usually range in size from small poster-sized signs all the way up to enormous signs that were used for outdoor advertising back in the day. While there is no doubt that they make for wonderful accents when hung on the walls, you can also use them to make a one-of-a-kind coffee table that is sure to be a conversation starter and a fun addition to your decor.

Here are some step by step instructions on how to turn a vintage tin sign into a coffee table.

Supplies:

- An old sign
- Several 2x4s
- A saw
- A drill
- Flat headed screws
- Black paint
- 4 coffee table legs

Step 1 - Find a Sign

First things first, you need a vintage sign to start with. Hit your local flea markets and antique shops to find a sign that you would like to use for this project. Before you head out to start shopping take measurements of the space where you plan to put it so you have an idea of how big the sign should be to fill the area.

If it is too big it won't fit and if it is too small the scale won't look right when compared to the space and the other furniture. The great thing about vintage signs is that they come in a huge range of sizes so with some careful shopping you should be able to find one that is the perfect size.

Step 2 - Measure and Build a Frame

If you tried to just attach legs to the sign the table would be too flimsy. To fix this problem you are going to build a frame out of 2x4s that the sign will be attached to. The frame will keep the sign from bending and will make your table much more stable.

Start by taking measurements of the sign that you bought in the first step. Next, usings those measurements build a frame that is the exact same size as your sign out of the 2x4s. Cut two pieces to the length of the sign and two smaller pieces for each end. Screw them together to make a box.

Paint the box black (or another color that compliments your sign)

Step 3 - Attach the Sign

Using a metal bit, drill a small hole through each corner of the sign. Then, using flat headed screws and your drill, screw the sign onto the top of the frame that your just built.

Step 4 - Attach the Legs

The final step is to attach the legs to the table. You can either paint them to match the box that you just built or paint them another color to compliment the sign and your decor. Screw them on the table.

That's it! Now you have a totally custom, one-of-a-kind table made from a vintage sign that is sure to be a conversation piece.