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Easy DIY Decorative Stand For Over The Table

Have you seen those cute over-the-table rod stands? Today you will learn how to make an inexpensive decorative stand to attach over the table for beautiful tablescape decorating.

I have been wanting a stand for my outdoor table and finally got Brad on board to help me to build one.

When we remodeled our beach cottage, we had large dowel curtain rods which we removed.

Y’all know I had to save them because I knew I’d find a way to use them eventually. So I had the rod, now I just needed the stand.

Fortunately, we have saved materials from previous projects and found enough wood to make the stands by recycling old lumber.

So let’s take a look at how we did it.

Decorative Stand for Over the Table Decorating attached to the table edge.

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How To Make An Over The Table Rod Stand

We have a set of 3 square bistro-style tables that are used together in our outdoor kitchen dining area.

Fortunately, the dowel curtain rod was almost the exact length of the three tables together.

Therefore, we only needed a method to hold that rod above the table.

We only needed a few boards to use to make the rod stand.

In addition, we had some brackets that could be used to attach the boards.

I found great clamps that were perfect for securing the rod stand to the table. They are easy to remove and make storing the stand simple.

Wooden base with large L bracket to make a DIY Rod Stand.

What Is A Table Rod Stand?

I have seen the rod stands used over tables to decorate for many occasions, such as weddings, showers, luncheons, and dinner parties.

Really any occasion that you want to take your table decorations to the next level.

They work great to add lighting over outdoor tables with no overhead light fixture.

There are so many options for decorating over the table, and I’m excited to finally have one myself for entertaining.

I’ve already started playing around with some ideas. I can’t wait for you to see them, but first, let’s talk about how to make one.

Easy Decorative Stand for Over the Table Rod Stand to create fun tablescape decorating.

Materials For Decorative Stand

First, you need to determine the length and height of your rod stand.

I recommend adding a few inches to the dowel rod so that it extends beyond the length of your table.

In addition, you want the height of the stand to be a few inches taller than the rod placement.

We wanted the rod height at 42 inches, so the board we used was 45 inches long. Here’s what you need.

  • 2 – 4 x 1-inch boards cut 45 inches long
  • 2 – 4 x 1-inch boards cut 14 inches long
  • 2 wide L brackets
  • 4 narrow L brackets
  • wood screws
  • 1 – 1 inch dowel rod the approx. length of your table
  • 4 Heavy-Duty Clamps – Note: Pay close attention to your table edge to determine what clamp style will work on your table. You should consider the table depth plus the depth of your base board to ensure that the clamp is wide enough to wrap around both.
  • Black Spray Paint
Clamps to add decorative stand to tables.

You will also need…

Cut board into correct lengths using miter saw.

DIY Rod Stand Tutorial

Begin by cutting all the boards to the specified size using a miter saw.

Draw any decorative details to be cut on the board. I kept mine very simple with a small rounded top.

Draw design onto board for cutting.

First, cut the decorative curve at the top of the boards and sand it with a belt or disk sander to smooth the edges.

Next, drill the hole at the top of the board for the dowel rod. I wanted my rod to be easily removed for storage, so the hole was slightly larger than the rod.

Use large drill bit and cordless drill to make hole for dowel rod.

Attach The Rod Stand Together

Attach the base and stand together using wood screws to secure the larger L bracket.

If the screws extend beyond the wood, you can cut the tips off with a hack saw.

Add the base and stand together with a large L bracket and wood screws.

For added security, we used smaller L brackets on the sides of the boards to prevent any wobble.

Use smaller L brackets to secure from the sides.

Before attaching it to the table, here is what the over-the-table rod stand looks like.

Wooden Rod Stand before painting.

Paint Or Stain Your Decorative Stand

Depending on the desired finish, you can now either paint or stain your rod stand.

Since our outdoor tables are black, I decided to paint mine black.

I used the same paint as we used to touch up the tables each Spring, so I could paint the stand while attached to the table. This made the job so much easier.

Spray Paint the Over the Table Rod Stand.

Secure The Rod Stand To The Table

Once everything is painted and dry, you can attach your rod stand over the table.

We used these black clamps and the stand feels very secure.

Please note that you need to consider the edge of your table to determine what type of clamp will work.

Attach The Decorative Over the Table Rod Stand to the table with clamps.
Yield: 1

DIY Over The Table Rod Stand

DIY Over The Table Rod Stand

Easy tutorial to make a DIY over the table decorative rod stand.

Active Time 45 minutes
Additional Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Difficulty Easy

Materials

  • 2 - 1 x 4 board cut 45 inches long
  • 2 - 1 x 4 board cut 14 inches long
  • 2 - large L brackets
  • 4 - small L brackets
  • Black Paint
  • 1 inch dowel rod slightly longer than your table.
  • 4 heavy duty clamps

Tools

  • Jig Saw
  • Miter Saw
  • Drill
  • Drill Bit

Instructions

  1. Cut boards to length with a miter saw
  2. Draw any decorative design on top of the boards
  3. Cut the decorative design with jigsaw
  4. Drill holes in boards for the dowel rod
  5. cut the dowel rod to the length is needed
  6. Attach the base board to the rod stand with a large L bracket
  7. Secure with two small L brackets on each side of the rod stand for added stability.
  8. Paint or stain your rod stand and a dowel rod. Allow drying
  9. Attach the over the table rod stands to each end of your table with clamps
  10. add dowel rod to the drilled holes.
  11. Decorate with garlands, flowers, string lights , etc.

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

Over The Table Rod Stand

Now you can decorate over your tables with garlands of greenery or flowers. Add string lights and more to create a beautiful tablescape.

Decorative Rod Stand with greenery garland and hanging flower baskets.

Now I’m setting up for a Mother’s Day Luncheon. I can’t wait for you to see the table and how the rod stand is decorated.

Decorative Stand for Alfresco Table with greenery and flowers and pink and white gingham tablecloth.
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Stay tuned for my Mother’s Day Luncheon Supper Club Series next week.

Pin It To Remember It

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Easy To Make Decorative Stand for Over the Table Decorating.

Kim

Sunday 23rd of April 2023

This looks so good! I've wanted one of these for a long time. Now that you've given us instructions, I'll have to get Big Al on the project!

Rachel

Monday 24th of April 2023

KIm, I kept it really simple. I'm glad to help.

Wendy McMonigle

Saturday 22nd of April 2023

Such a great idea!

Rachel

Sunday 23rd of April 2023

WEndy, Thanks so much.

Angie

Saturday 22nd of April 2023

So clever. I look forward to seeing different ways you decorate using your over the table rod.

Rachel

Sunday 23rd of April 2023

Angie, Thank you! I'm excited to finally have one.

AnnMarie | Simply2Moms

Saturday 22nd of April 2023

I've wanted to make one of these too since I saw Michele's. Thank you for these easy to follow directions and thanks to Brad for making it happen. Now I have my next project to make! :)

Rachel

Sunday 23rd of April 2023

AnnMarie, It was so easy. I'm glad you like it.

va in nc

Saturday 22nd of April 2023

That is a fabulous idea! Would add to many different occasions. Saving this idea.Thank you for sharing. Blessings

Rachel

Sunday 23rd of April 2023

Oh I'm so glad you like this. Thanks for stopping by.

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