furniture {incarnated} : Mirrored Sawhorse Desk

I'll admit it, I have expensive taste (ask Jeff, I have no doubt he would agree...). I am always running across gorgeous pieces of furniture only to turn over the price tag and sigh. That said, I also seem to constantly be looking at these fabulous finds and thinking to myself "I could create that, and for a fraction of the cost!" Below is one of my favorite pieces on my (very long) "to-make" list, along with an explanation of how I could do it more cost effectively.

Williams-Sonoma Home Mason Glass Top Desk: approx $2000 retail

From my experience designing furniture, this is no more than a couple of laminated 2x4s with a glass top. For my version, I would laminate the 2x4s (legs) with with a mirrored laminate...... ok, I would solicit my friends in the shop to laminate it for me with Abet Laminati 2705 (pictured above). This is from the Silver Collection and will probably run a few hundred dollars per sheet (we will only need one sheet). Combine that with an Ikea glass top for $40 and this piece would be exactly like the one in my dreams (with an extra touch of detail in the laminate) while spending only a minimal amount!

I did a 3D model of the piece to get my proportions correct and create a cut-list. This way, when I have the wood cut, I know the exact lengths I need. My overall dimensions are 27-1/2"D x 51-1/8"W x 30-1/4"H.


I am actually going to build this, but I am taking my sweet time trying to decide on finishes. I am considering using this as an opportunity to learn the finishing techniques in my previous post. This would give it a much more rustic feel rather than the crisp, modern look of the mirrored laminate. I am also thinking about the function of it. While this is very sleek and clean, unless I put bins on the cross beam, there is not a single place for me to hide my mess..... hmmm. I may create some type of storage top. Think American Girl Molly's flip up desk top, only better! Do you follow me???