Making a wooden plant stand with a mid-century modern design is an exciting project that can add a stylish touch to your home. Mid-century modern furniture is known for its clean lines, geometric shapes, and minimalist aesthetic, so the plant stand you create will reflect these qualities. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making a wooden plant stand with a mid-century modern design.
Materials Needed:
- Wood (preferably hardwood like oak, walnut, or maple)
- Wood glue
- Wood screws or nails
- Sandpaper (80, 120, 220 grit)
- Stain or paint (optional)
- Clear finish (polyurethane or lacquer)
- Drill
- Saw (miter saw, table saw, or hand saw)
- Wood clamps
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Square or carpenter’s square
- Corner brackets (optional, for added stability)
Design Elements:
- Clean, straight lines
- Simple geometric shapes
- Tapered legs
- A small, rectangular or circular top for the plant
- Minimal ornamentation or decorative features
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Plan and Design
Start by sketching a design for your plant stand. A typical mid-century modern plant stand consists of:
- A flat top to hold the plant.
- Tapered legs that give the stand an elegant, slightly retro look.
- A simple, geometric shape, often square or rectangular for the top, and legs that angle outward slightly.
Here’s a basic design:
- Top dimensions: 12” x 12” (for a small plant), but you can adjust this depending on the size of the plant you want to hold.
- Leg length: 18” to 24” for an elevated look.
- Leg tapering: Typically, the bottom of the legs should be thinner than the top for that signature mid-century modern style.
Step 2: Cut the Wood
- Top piece: Cut your wood into a square or rectangular shape for the top of the plant stand. For example, a 12” x 12” piece.
- Leg pieces: Cut four pieces for the legs, ensuring they are all the same length (around 18”-24” depending on your design). To achieve the signature taper, use a miter saw or table saw to cut the bottom part of the legs at an angle.
- Tapering the legs: A common angle for mid-century legs is around 10-15 degrees from vertical. You can use a miter saw to cut the legs at this angle or use a hand saw for a more rustic approach.
Step 3: Sand the Wood
- Sand all pieces of wood to smooth out rough edges and surfaces. Start with 80-grit sandpaper, then move to 120-grit, and finish with 220-grit for a smooth, polished surface.
- Pay special attention to the edges of the legs and the top, ensuring they are clean and crisp.
Step 4: Assemble the Legs
- Attach the legs to the underside of the top piece. To do this:
- Mark the positions where you want to attach the legs on the top piece.
- Apply wood glue to the ends of the legs, then attach them to the marked positions on the underside of the top.
- Use screws or nails to secure the legs further for added stability.
- Optional: For extra support, you can use corner brackets to reinforce the connections between the legs and the top.
Step 5: Attach a Cross Support (Optional)
- Some mid-century modern plant stands include a cross support between the legs to add additional strength and balance.
- Cut a small piece of wood and attach it between the legs. This can be done using wood glue and screws.
- The cross support can either be positioned near the top or bottom of the legs depending on your design preferences.
Step 6: Finish the Stand
- Once the stand is fully assembled, you can apply a finish to enhance the wood and protect it. You can either stain the wood to bring out the natural grain or paint it in a color that fits the aesthetic of your room.
- For a more natural look, use a clear finish like polyurethane or lacquer to protect the wood and give it a glossy appearance.
- Let the finish dry completely before handling.
Step 7: Final Touches
- After the finish has dried, do a final inspection of the stand. Check that all legs are securely attached and that the stand is stable.
- You can also lightly sand the finish between coats if needed to achieve a smooth surface.
Conclusion:
Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll have a beautiful mid-century modern wooden plant stand that adds a touch of elegance to your living space. The sleek, clean lines and simple geometric design will complement any room’s decor. Whether you’re using it for a small potted plant or showcasing a larger indoor plant, this plant stand will enhance the look of your home.
For more woodworking projects and inspiration, check out Teds Woodworking Course here.