A faux marble coffee table is a simple way to refresh an existing piece without replacing its top. With marble-print contact paper, a few basic tools, and a little patience, a plain glass table can take on the look of a polished stone surface. This makeover used a VITTSJÖ coffee table found in an As-Is section for $40, and the contact-paper application took about 10 minutes.
How to make a faux marble coffee table
The idea is to cover the glass tabletop with adhesive marble-look paper. The result offers the glossy appearance of marble, while keeping the original glass underneath. It is a decorative update rather than a stone replacement, so handle and clean the surface with that distinction in mind.
This project was inspired by designer-style marble-topped metal coffee tables. The table used here was marked down by 50% and cost $40. With the contact paper included, the total remained under $50. The bottom shelf was left off to create a cleaner outline, but it can be kept in place if extra storage is useful.
Materials and tools
- Marble-print contact paper
- An X-Acto knife and/or scissors
- A wallpaper smoother, or an old credit card
Before beginning, make sure the glass can be removed safely and that the work area is clean and level. A smooth, dry surface helps the adhesive lie flat. Keep the cutting tool pointed away from your hands, and take care when lifting or moving the glass.
Step-by-step instructions
- Remove and measure the glass. Take the tabletop out of the frame and set it on a flat surface. Roll out the contact paper and trim a piece long enough to cover the full glass top, leaving extra material to wrap around its edges.
- Start at one end. Peel away about an inch of the paper backing. Align the exposed adhesive with one edge of the glass, then press it down gently. Starting with a narrow strip makes it easier to keep the pattern straight.
- Apply the covering gradually. Continue peeling away the backing a little at a time while smoothing the contact paper across the glass. Work from the applied section toward the loose section, using the smoother or card to push air outward as you go.
- Deal with any remaining bubbles. Once the sheet is in place, smooth the surface again. If a small air bubble remains, use the tip of the knife to make a tiny puncture, then press the trapped air out carefully.
- Wrap the edges and replace the top. Fold the excess paper around the glass edges, much as you would wrap a present. Check that the paper is secure and does not interfere with how the tabletop sits in the frame, then return the glass to the table.
Finishing the faux marble coffee table
The contact-paper makeover took about 10 minutes. Its glossy finish gives the tabletop a smooth, polished look, and the metal frame pairs well with the marble pattern. The finished piece has the visual effect of a much more expensive designer-style table, without the cost of a solid marble top.
For a similar clean-lined appearance, the lower board can be removed if the table design allows it. Leaving the shelf in place is also an option and provides a spot for books or other living-room items. Choose the arrangement that works best for the room and the way the table will be used.
Contact paper is a decorative surface covering, not a structural upgrade. Avoid placing heavy or sharp objects on it, and use gentle cleaning methods that are suitable for the paper’s finish. As with any glass-topped furniture, check that the glass is seated securely before using the table. A glass table may also require extra care around young children.
Where else can marble-print contact paper be used?
The same look can inspire updates to other smooth surfaces, such as a small shelf or tabletop. Before covering a different surface, check the product instructions and test a discreet area if removal could affect the finish beneath it. For areas exposed to heat, moisture, or frequent food preparation, confirm that the specific contact paper is appropriate; decorative film should not automatically be treated as a durable countertop material.
This quick project is most useful when an existing piece is in good condition but needs a new look. Measure before cutting, apply the paper slowly, and smooth as you work to help achieve a neater finish. The faux marble coffee table can then bring a fresh, polished accent to a living room at a modest cost.
Other contributors featured in the monthly furniture makeovers:
Clockwise from top left: Prodigal Pieces, Confessions of a Serial DIYer, Girl in the Garage, and Artsy Chicks Rule.
