DIY illuminated table: 10 amazing projects with step-by-step photos

-Have you seen a light table with an infinity effect , but not in the photograph? It's really cool, like a fairy tale. In fact, making a backlit table with your own hands is quite simple. There are different options, here you will learn ways that will help you make your own glowing table with your own hands with different effects. LED tables are great for creating interesting decor in your home. They will immediately create a festive atmosphere anywhere - a great thing for a party. Check out this selection of ten tables; there isn't a single example you couldn't make yourself. These are mainly backlit coffee tables , but there are also practical options for backlit desktops , on which you can draw, sketch, solder and do many other useful things. Check out all these wonderful projects and today, with the help of the instructions and step-by-step photos presented here, you can start making your own light table .

With or without legs?

There are two main options on sale - with and without supports. Let's look at all the main features:

• Options without legs - can be placed anywhere. It is much more convenient for small children to play on the floor, so this option is perfect. In addition, they can be placed anywhere - even on the kitchen table, even on the desktop. Essentially, this is a box that moves to the right place, it is convenient to transport and carry.
• Models with legs . There are two varieties - with stationary supports and with telescopic legs. The second option is much preferable, since you can adjust the height as the child grows and he will always be comfortable. In addition, you can change the height depending on whether children are playing standing or sitting, this is also important.

The design on adjustable legs adapts to the child and allows you to quickly change the height of the working surface

• There are options with removable supports . They combine the advantages of the two options described above. While the child is small, a structure without supports is used, then the legs are placed, and you set them to the required height.

When choosing a design with legs, always check that the height is easy to adjust and that it is securely locked in the desired position. The process should be easy and quick. It is best if the structure is set according to certain marks, then you do not have to set each leg separately.

What to remember

1. Select the material of manufacture . Wood is best.
2. Pay attention to important details : the size and shape of the tabletop, the presence of legs, the quality of lighting and the height of the sides.
3. You can make a light table yourself . To do this, you will need a table of a suitable size, LED strip and plexiglass.

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February 14, 2022

Furniture

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Football battles

Who among us doesn't love football? The cohort of amateurs includes not only players, but also crowds of fans around the world. So why not bring football into your home, even in this slightly eccentric form?

Soccer ball

With such “accompaniment” why not play a game on Nintendo, and who said that football is a purely male activity?

For active boys (girls) who love football, this lamp is just a godsend. Already upon entering the room, it will be clear what the owner’s hobbies are. If the opportunity arises, you can say to a stunned friend: “Yes, I was playing football here the other day...” The kit comes with the previously mentioned “crack in the wall” sticker. However, nothing prevents you from creating your own football on your own field. For this, use photographs or the coat of arms of your favorite team, a green map of the football field.

Design option

The “Football” lamp is suitable not only for a child’s room or a true fan’s room. It is quite appropriate to install it in an editorial office commenting on world football. You can also designate it as a cup during a school friendly match.

LED strips

When making the table, LED strip is used,

which creates the effect of infinity.
The most convenient are self-adhesive
tapes.

Operating principle

The LED strip consists of two diodes - single-chip,

having one color spectrum, and
three-crystal,
consisting of three
color
spectrums (green, blue, red).

Emissions from crystals

mix to form a wide
range of colors.

Specifications

1. The type of LED is
   the main difference between all LED strips. The most common LEDs are SMD 3028 and SMD 5050. The abbreviation stands for “surface-mounted device”, and the numbers indicate the dimensions of the LED lamps: 3.0 x 2.8 mm and 5.0 x 5.0 mm.
2. Density.
   The more LEDs there are per linear meter, the brighter the glow from the tape.
3. The color of
   the LEDs can be any. The most popular colors are white, yellow, cold and warm tones.
4. Moisture protection.
   IP 20 - open, IP 65 - moisture resistant, IP 68 - the highest degree of moisture protection.

Advantages

• High light output;
• High strength
  and vibration resistance of the tapes;
• Long
  service life (about 100 thousand hours);
• Various tones and shades
  of lamp glow;
• The inertia of
  the tapes is low, which allows you to use the
  highest
  brightness from the very moment you turn it on;
• The number of cycles
  does not affect the service life of LED strips;
• Environmental friendliness;
• Safety;
• Budget cost;
• Not susceptible to breakdowns due to low temperatures.

How to illuminate a computer desk using an LED strip, watch the video:

The place of the meal - well-deserved honor

Why is it important for the dining area to be well lit? Of course, even in general light we won’t be able to carry a spoon past our mouths, but nevertheless:

• Illumination of the dining table has an important aesthetic function and creates the right atmosphere.
• Draws attention to the scene, no matter what you are doing: eating, talking or playing board games.
• It will create the necessary light accent and dilute the uniformity of general lighting.

Lighting affects appetite and mood. It helps create an atmosphere for both formal meals and intimate gatherings. To do this, it is enough just to provide the ability to adjust the brightness.

What determines the depth of the tunnel?

The depth of the backlit coffee table tunnel depends on several factors:

1. Degree of transparency of the top surface. If you apply a 70% automotive film to the glass, the depth will be less than when using the 92% option.
2. The depth of the table tunnel with LED lighting (LEDs) also depends on the distance between the mirror surfaces.
3. The brightness of the light source - the more intense it is, the greater the illusion of depth.

An illusory infinity mirror occurs when LEDs are repeatedly reflected between a real and an imaginary mirror, creating a tunnel that tends inward and toward the center. In this case, the translucent surface experiences the main reflection losses, and each subsequent one becomes weaker by a percentage of its transmission capacity. Therefore, the greater the distance between them, the deeper the tunnel will be.

The reflection coefficient can be calculated using the formula: (n2 - n1)2/(n2 + n1)2, where n are the refractive indices of the two media.

Transparency of the top surface

Distance between mirror surfaces

Light source brightness

Connecting LED strip

Let's move on to the tape itself. Measure the LED strip of the required length according to the dimensions of your aluminum sheet.

In total you will need two segments. Solder them together in parallel.

Then glue it onto an aluminum backing.

Please note that for greater safety in places where contacts are soldered, it is advisable to place paper tape under the tape.

It will act as an insulator and prevent a possible short circuit to the housing.

Technically, the lamp is almost ready. You can apply voltage to it and turn on the toggle switch.

However, it all looks rather unattractive. Additionally, direct light from LEDs without diffusion is not very good for the eyes.

Process

Getinax needs to be cut into several strips (1 cm wide). We cut a plastic bottle in the same way as getinax. Next in the getinaks you need to make places for the LEDs. The diameter of the holes should be about 5 mm. There should be approximately 16 holes per half meter. We insert the LEDs into the holes and start soldering. We combine groups of 4 LEDs into one circuit. It will be rated for 12 volts. Using enameled wire, we solder our four chains into one chain. Soldering runs parallel. We check the performance of the LEDs under voltage. If everything is in order, put on the heat shrink tube and heat it. This is best done with a hair dryer, but in extreme cases a regular lighter will do.

Interesting table lighting options

A table with an infinity mirror can add an ultra-modern look to any interior. It will fit well into futuristic design, where the latest technologies and materials are welcomed. There are several options for lighting mirrored tables.

Table lighting with LED strip can be single-color, multi-color, flashing or even, and can be operated from an outlet or remote control. It is recommended to experiment with furniture lighting by placing one shape into another, for example, a square into a circle or a circle into a rectangle. Interesting ideas for decorating tables for various purposes with LED lighting:

• toilets with lights or tape around the mirror;
• with a glass tabletop and lighting, but without a mirror;
• computer;
• magazine;
• kitchen and other models.

So, if there is a shelf on stands above the computer, then it can be illuminated with LEDs along the top and sides, attaching them in the shape of the letter “P”. Since, in the absence of a separate office, the work area is often located in the living room, a stylish table will come in handy. Lighting would also be quite appropriate here. A coffee table with an infinity effect, made independently, will also look good if the tabletop is made of transparent, translucent glass and illuminated with an LED strip, especially if the overall design of the room is minimalist or hi-tech.

Interesting, unusual pieces of furniture can highlight the dignity of the interior. And original tables with an infinity effect can become its main accent. If you make it yourself, you can not only save money, but also create a truly exclusive item.

Preparation of tools and materials

For work you may need:

• drill or screwdriver with a set of bits and drills;
• jigsaw or hand saw;
• electric milling machine, folding cutter or zenzubel - types of planes for cutting quarters under the top glass;
• a plane if the boards are not planed or sandpaper with a holder;
• screwdrivers;
• miter box and file, square;
• ruler, pencil;
• brushes, paint trays.

A garland is used as lighting.

Additionally prepare:

• bars with a section of 40x60 mm;
• boards 24x60 mm;
• boards for decorative frames;
• self-tapping screws 4x50 mm;
• Chipboard or laminated chipboard according to the size of the table;
• silicone glue or double-sided foam tape;
• mirror film;
• wood glue;
• mirror and glass according to the size of the table;
• wood stain, paint or varnish.

The missing tools can be rented from construction stores or you can find such a service in advertisements of private companies.

Examples of finished tables

Let's consider what tables with a 3D effect can be and how they look in the interior.

1. A neat wooden table with white LEDs that give off a light blue tint.

Table with white LEDs.

1. Low wooden table with green and olive LEDs. Shades of green and wood combine harmoniously with each other.

Table with green lighting.

1. A futuristic table with lilac diodes is complemented by three details that create the effect of endless columns.

Table with lilac lighting.

1. Tables can be of any shape, for example, as in the photo - in the form of a cylinder. The silver color of the case goes well with the white LEDs.

Cylindrical table with white diodes.

1. In the next example we see a beautiful combination of red LEDs and dark wood.

Table with red LEDs.

1. In conclusion, consider a table made of dark wood with white LEDs on a blue background.

3D table with blue background.

Thus, we learned how to make a table with an infinity effect with our own hands. The cost of such an exclusive item will be small, but the effect will be stunning!

Video: making a table with an infinity effect.

What is special about the design of a table with an infinity effect?

The originality of the design of such a table lies in the use of two mirrors and LED lighting placed in the tabletop. This table is most appropriate in a recreation area, that is, in the living room. It will fit into such interior design styles as modern, high-tech, minimalism. By attaching wheels to the legs of the table, you can easily move it around the house.

Such tables look good in various interior styles. Using a mirror as a tabletop allows, on the one hand, to prevent scratches, and on the other hand, makes the structure fragile and susceptible to strong mechanical influences.

Mirror surfaces are afraid of high temperatures, high humidity and direct sunlight.

A mirror surface is used as a tabletop for this table.

Tabletop dimensions

There are many options, it is important to choose the optimal and convenient solution:

• Rectangular designs are the most common . As practice has shown, this is the most convenient solution. Sizes vary from 30x50 to 70x130 cm.
• You shouldn't choose the smallest option . It is inconvenient for even the youngest artists to draw in it. I advise you to choose designs with parameters from 50x75 cm. This is the minimum, which provides the necessary freedom of creativity and allows you to make fairly large drawings.
• There are square, polygonal and even round tables . The choice depends on your wishes, but still the most universal solution is the classic rectangle. You can make vertical and horizontal paintings, but other forms still do not provide different layout options, and it is often difficult for children to navigate and do what they have in mind. And there are many nuances with the dimensions; due to the shape, most of the surface is used little.

Experts advise using a rectangular surface as the most optimal for children's creativity.

• An important parameter is the height of the structure . If you just have a tablet, keep in mind that due to the sides, the top edge is noticeably higher than the main surface. Because of this, problems may arise when using the structure on a table or other surface.
• Another parameter that should not be forgotten is the height of the sides . Ideally, they should be 5-6 cm higher than the light surface. If the fence is lower, then a lot of sand spills out during the creative process. And if the sides are higher, access to the internal niche is not very convenient. Therefore, choose the middle option, it is universal and children are comfortable using it.

Very high sides make access difficult, and children have to lean over the edge, which is not very comfortable

Useful tips

• You should not start making a glowing table if you are not sure that you will correctly connect the LED strip to the battery or network. Incorrect or careless connection may result in short circuit and fire.
• We remove the films that protect the glass from external influences last - this way it will preserve its appearance.
• Before cutting the plexiglass, we attach a piece of wooden block to the middle of the circle with double-sided tape. It will serve as a support for the router.
• The glue must be waterproof.
• You need to glue the LED strip with good, strong double-sided tape. If the tape comes off when the table is completely ready, you will have to open the entire structure to fix this problem.
• We place the minicontroller in a box and attach it to the bottom of the tabletop.

To power the tape, you can use electrical networks or build a small battery. When powered by a battery, the table will become even safer and will not depend on the power grid. It can also be installed in a country house where there is no power supply.

LED strips are safe and durable. To illuminate the table, you can use a single-color or multi-colored LED strip (they differ only in price). The luminous table will delight the owners and their guests with its unusual design.

How to install lamps to illuminate your desktop in the kitchen, see the following video:

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