Make a Fold Out Wall Table that Doubles as Art

Versatile furniture creates better flow, especially in tight quarters. Whether you love the minimalist movement, inhabit a small apartment, or simply want to create an alternate workspace with flair, this art-turns-table might be just the DIY project you’re looking for.

Since canvas art already has a wood frame, this project uses that structure to support a small table, both of which can fold back onto the wall, disguising the table and displaying the art portion. To use, you’ll simply unhook the art and lower the folding table into position. Not only is it functional when needed and easy to remove when it’s not, this table will be one of a kind, accented by your favorite canvas art piece.

Step 1 - Pick the Art

Your canvas art will create a “leg” for your table, essentially supporting it and setting the height for your table. You may already have a large canvas around the house. If so, measure the height to see if it would sit at the desired spot you have in mind. If not, keep table height in mind as you shop for the perfect art canvas. There’s some flexibility here, depending on what you hope to use it for.

You could make it a standing station, or match the height of existing stools or chairs. Just remember that when folded back into the wall, the lower the table is, the lower the art will be as a part of your decor. If you want to make a kids’ table that's lower to the ground, for example, make your canvas the lowest art piece in a cluster of wall decor so it looks natural while hanging.

Step 2 - Cut the Plywood

Once you have your art, the next step is to source plywood for your tabletop. Measure the height and width of your canvas art to ensure the plywood is the same size. Cut 1” plywood to the same size as the canvas, or have it cut for you at a home improvement center.

Step 3 - Paint the Edges

When the project is complete, the sides of the table will show, so paint them to match the canvas. If your print has a black edge, paint the edge of the plywood black. If the canvas is white, paint the plywood edge white.

Step 4 - Apply Contact Paper

You could also paint the top of the table (plywood), but you can create a smooth and slightly shimmery surface by using contact paper instead. Unroll the contact paper and press it onto the surface of the plywood, smoothing out wrinkles and bubbles as you move across the board. Use more than one strip of contact paper if necessary. Again, match the color to the canvas, or create a contrast if you desire.

Step 5 - Attach Hinges

The hinges are an essential hardware addition to the project, as they will allow the table and art to fold neatly back onto the wall. Pay attention to which way your hinges face so they fold in the right direction when needed. To attach, accurately measure the height of the table and mark the spot on the wall. You can use the art as your guide. This set of hinges will move the table up and against the wall and create the bottom of the art when on the wall.

Place two hinges, one a few inches from each corner on the end of the plywood. Screw the hinges into wall studs or use countersinks to ensure a secure attachment. Ensure the board will move up and down as you desire. Next, place two hinges on the other end of the plywood (the part furthest from the wall).

Screw them into the top of the plywood and also into the back of the vertical art canvas. When properly attached, the hinge should allow the art canvas to fold into the bottom of the plywood.

Step 6 - Apply Latch and Hook

To keep the art in place once folded back onto the wall, secure a latch to the top of the canvas. Fold up the table and canvas and mark a spot where the coordinating hook should mount. Then attach the hook to the wall. Try out the mechanisms and make adjustments as needed.