This project was built and designed by Mark from Gunflint Designs. It’s a sleek, multifunctional hallway table made from black walnut, designed to replace a clunky changing table with something more refined and long-lasting.
Mark combines elegant joinery with smart design choices to create a table that works just as well in a living room as it does in a nursery. The hidden storage compartment adds functionality without compromising the piece’s visual appeal.
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Why This Project Came Together
The motivation behind the project came from a practical problem. Mark’s wife was regularly bumping into a bulky particle board changing table, so he took the opportunity to surprise her with a more attractive and functional piece.
By using quality hardwood and designing with future versatility in mind, Mark created a table that works now—and will keep working as their needs change. When the kids no longer need a changing station, the table transitions easily into a permanent feature in their home.
Designing with Dual Purpose
The overall design resembles a modern, long-legged piano bench, but with more functionality. It’s sized to hold storage without taking up visual space and blends in with more refined decor.
Mark’s goal was to create something that wouldn’t look out of place in any room, regardless of how it was used. The height, proportions, and joinery all reflect a thoughtful balance of style and utility.
Choosing the Right Wood
Black walnut was the material of choice, offering both beauty and durability. Its natural color variation, grain, and density make it a favorite for fine furniture.
The warmth of walnut gives the table a luxurious look, while the strength of the wood ensures it’ll hold up to daily use. Mark carefully selected boards that matched well for a clean, cohesive finish.
Building the Tabletop
The build begins with gluing up wide walnut boards to form the tabletop. Dowels were used to help align the pieces, making sure the surface remained flat as the glue dried.
Once cured, the top was set aside for final surfacing and edge shaping. This allowed Mark to shift focus to the base and legs while the glue-up stabilized.
Making and Tapering the Legs
Each leg was squared and cut to length using a crosscut sled for precision. Mark then used a tapering jig for the first time—starting cautiously but quickly finding the rhythm.
Two adjacent faces of each leg were tapered to give the table a lighter, more refined appearance. This added detail improves the visual flow while keeping the legs strong and stable.
Aprons and Joinery
The aprons were cut next, with rabbets added to hold the bottom panels securely. These rabbets created a strong joint while keeping the storage area flush and seamless.
To attach the aprons to the legs, Mark used loose tenons, staggering the mortises in the legs to avoid interference. This method provided strength and alignment without overcomplicating the layout.
Creating the Hidden Storage
Inside the frame, thin slats of walnut were cut to size and joined using shiplap joints. This method not only looked clean but allowed the wood to expand and contract naturally with seasonal changes.
The slats were spaced evenly to support the structure and to create a neat storage area beneath the hinged tabletop. Each piece was carefully fit to avoid gaps while still allowing room to move.
Methodical Assembly
Assembly was done in stages to ensure glue-up went smoothly. Mark started with the short aprons and worked his way through the longer sides, gluing, fitting, and clamping each piece in place carefully.
By breaking the process into smaller steps, Mark was able to keep everything aligned and eliminate any chance of rushing. Patience at this stage made the final structure tight and clean.
Flattening and Beveling the Top
With the base assembled, Mark returned to the tabletop. He used a drum sander to flatten the seams and give the surface a smooth finish.
To lighten the visual weight, he added a bevel to the underside of the tabletop. This subtle angle helped the piece feel less bulky without losing its substantial look.
Installing the Piano Hinge
A long piano hinge was installed to allow access to the hidden storage compartment. Mark carefully marked and adjusted the placement to ensure smooth operation.
Attention to hinge alignment was key to making the lift-top feel secure and seamless. Once installed, the top opened easily and stayed aligned with the rest of the frame.
Finishing with Polyurethane
For the finish, several coats of satin polyurethane were applied. This gave the table a gentle sheen while protecting the walnut from wear and tear.
The finish deepened the color and enhanced the grain, turning a practical build into a standout furniture piece. The result is a hall table that’s just as eye-catching as it is useful.
The Final Reveal
Once complete, the table was ready for its big reveal. Mark’s wife was surprised and thrilled, and the new piece instantly elevated the look of the space.
Swapping out the old changing table for something handmade and beautiful brought function and style together—making this one of Mark’s most meaningful builds.
You can see all of Mark’s plans here: https://www.gunflintdesigns.com/project-plans.