This DIY Glass Block Side Table Is Perfect for Those Looking for That Funky, Mid-Century Modern Look
It seems like trendy furniture and home decor keep getting funkier and funkier. While the modern, clean look is still in style, many people have started leaning more toward individual eclecticism, quirkiness and overall fun when styling their homes.
With that lean towards individuality, mid-century modern has quickly become increasingly popular as a style. And this DIY glass block table from Matt Turner, aka @rugturner, is the perfect way to get that look for way less.
@rugturner DIY 1960's Lightup Glass Block Side Table! Craziest $50 DIY yet! #DIY#MCM#homedecor#interiordesign#woodworking
original sound - Turner
What Is Mid-Century Modern?
While mid-century modern was popular from the mid-1940s to the early '70s, many of us instantly associate the style with the 1960s aesthetic.
It's known for blending elements of the indoors with the outside, mixing materials and natural woods and using earth tones with mustard yellows, funky blues and yellowish greens.
This DIY side table perfectly encapsulates many of the factors that define this design style, with its mixed materials, clean lines and natural feel. It's the perfect project to replicate the mid-century modern aesthetic.
Related: Woman Turns a Boring Beige Cabinet Into a Dreamy, Anthropologie-Inspired Coffee Station
How Do I Make My Own Table?
Firstly, you want to get your hands on glass blocks. While you can buy these at your standard home improvement store, they may be more expensive. So, if you can, I would follow Turner's lead and find these blocks cheaply on Facebook Marketplace.
Once you've acquired and cleaned your blocks, you want to glue them together in rows of three. After those dry, glue the three individual rows together and let them dry. Repeat this two times per table you want.
Then you want to get 23-by-14-inch wood planks or plywood, which you can either purchase from a home improvement store or cut yourself.
Related: This DIY Transforms Ordinary Planter Pots Into Storybook-Like Floral Fairy Houses
However, if you use or buy non-sanded wood, you may have to sand it yourself. Also, depending on the wood and color, you could stain it a richer or darker color.
Finally, drill or screw together three pieces of wood for each side table. You can line them up to do this by placing two pieces around your wooden blocks and one on top of them.
Once you have your blocks and wood together, you simply have to stack them. To do this, place one section of your nine glued-together blocks beside another, and place the attached boards on top.
Pro tip: you could also place lights in between the two sets of blocks to get a pretty, subtle light effect.
Whether you want to make one or a set of these sidetables, they are the perfect addition to your couch or beside your home.
Not only can they be incredibly cheap to put together if you find materials online at low prices, but they're also incredibly quick and easy to do. Plus, the result looks like something from a luxury furniture store or an antique shop.
Related: This DIY Transforms Ordinary Planter Pots Into Storybook-Like Floral Fairy Houses
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This story was originally published June 16, 2026 at 8:30 PM.