Cost Plus Furniture Little Rock

When I first heard about Cost Plus Furniture in Little Rock, I assumed it was just another high-end store with overpriced velvet sofas and polished wood tables. But after walking into one of their showrooms, I was surprised to find a different story. Their furniture is made to order, and the quality is undeniable. However, after spending a few hours there, I realized that even their most affordable pieces were more than I could afford for a single project. That’s when I started thinking about building my own. I wanted something custom, something made from real materials, but at a price I could actually live with.

It wasn’t long before I discovered that making furniture with MDF (medium-density fiberboard) was the perfect middle ground. MDF is affordable, easy to work with, and can be finished to look like wood or painted to match any decor. I bought a few sheets, grabbed my trusty miter saw and router, and started building. The results were impressive — a modern coffee table that looked just like the one I saw at Cost Plus Furniture, but at a fraction of the cost. That’s when I realized: with the right tools and a bit of know-how, I could build my own version of anything I saw in their showroom.

Now, I’m sharing exactly how I did it. This article walks through the steps I took to build a custom coffee table that looks just like the ones sold at Cost Plus Furniture in Little Rock — but without the $500+ price tag. Whether you're looking to save money, get a unique piece that fits your style, or just want to try your hand at DIY, this is your guide. I'll walk you through the process with real measurements, real tools, and real results — because I believe that anyone can build something beautiful, even if they've never done it before.^[1]

Why Build a Coffee Table Like Cost Plus Furniture?

As of September 2026, Cost Plus Furniture in Little Rock offers a range of beautifully crafted furniture, but the prices can be steep. For example, a simple coffee table in their showroom can cost over $500. That's not feasible for most of us, even if we really love the look. I wanted to find a way to replicate the quality and style without the high price tag. That’s when I turned to MDF. It's affordable, easy to work with, and can be painted or finished to look just like the furniture in their showroom.^[2]

MDF is a great material for DIY projects because it’s stable and doesn’t warp like particle board. It also holds screws and nails well, making it perfect for furniture that needs to be sturdy. I chose a 3/4-inch MDF sheet for my coffee table, and with a miter saw, router, and some sanding, I was able to create clean, professional-looking edges. The result? A table that looked just like the one I saw at Cost Plus Furniture — but at a fraction of the cost.

This project is also a great way to learn basic woodworking skills. I used a miter saw to cut the table top and legs, a router to round the edges, and then sanded everything smooth before painting. It took about one weekend, and the only tools I needed were the miter saw, router, and a couple of sanders. It was a great introduction to working with MDF and a confidence booster for future DIY projects.

How to Cut and Shape Your MDF Table Top

Cutting and shaping MDF is a crucial part of this project. I used a miter saw to cut the table top to the desired size — 48 inches long by 24 inches wide. I made sure to cut the edges square, as any inconsistencies would be visible once the table was painted. Next, I used a router with a 1/4-inch roundover bit to create a smooth, rounded edge on the tabletop. This step not only makes the table look more polished but also prevents the edges from chipping over time.

I also used the router to cut the legs. I designed them to be 24 inches tall and 3 inches wide, with a slightly tapered shape. This gave the table a more modern, streamlined look. The router allowed me to make clean cuts without any rough edges. If you don’t have a router, you can use a sander and a template to achieve a similar result, but a router is much faster and more precise.

After cutting all the pieces, I sanded them down with a belt sander and then a random orbital sander to smooth out any rough spots. This ensured that the paint would go on evenly and that the table would look professional. This step is especially important because MDF can be quite rough out of the box, and skipping this would lead to a bumpy, uneven finish.

The key to a professional finish is smooth, clean edges — and a router makes that job easy.

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Painting and Finishing Your MDF Table

Painting the table was the next big step. I chose a water-based, high-gloss acrylic paint because it’s durable and looks great on MDF. I used a brush to apply the first coat, making sure to cover the entire surface evenly. I let it dry completely before applying the second coat. This gave the table a smooth, even finish that looked professional. I also used a brush to paint the edges and corners, which helped the paint adhere better.

After the paint was dry, I used a small brush to apply a clear polyurethane topcoat. This added an extra layer of protection and made the table more resistant to scratches and moisture. I applied two thin coats, letting each one dry before moving on to the next. This not only made the table look more finished but also helped it last longer, even with daily use.

I also used painter’s tape to mask off the edges while painting, which helped keep the paint clean and sharp. This made the final result look more polished and professional, even though it was made from MDF. The paint wasn’t just for looks — it also helped seal the MDF, preventing it from absorbing moisture and warping over time.

“When I first heard about Cost Plus Furniture in Little Rock, I assumed it was just another high-end store with overpriced velvet sofas and polished…”— DIY Furniture with Mdf editors

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Assembling the Coffee Table

Once all the pieces were cut and painted, it was time to assemble the table. I used a drill with a bit that fit the screws I had selected. I pre-drilled holes in the tabletop and legs to make sure the screws wouldn’t split the MDF. I used 2.5-inch wood screws for the legs and 1.5-inch screws for the tabletop. This made the assembly much smoother and prevented the MDF from cracking under the pressure of the screws.

I attached the legs to the bottom of the tabletop, making sure they were aligned evenly and spaced about 6 inches apart on each side. I also used a level to ensure the table was even on both sides. Once all the legs were attached, I checked the table from all angles to make sure everything was secure and looked good. This step is crucial because any wobbling or unevenness would be immediately noticeable.

I also used wood glue in addition to the screws for extra strength. This helped the table hold together even better. I let the glue dry completely before moving the table to its final location. This step took about 24 hours, but it was worth it for the extra stability and strength the table gained.

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The Final Touches and Maintenance

After assembling the table, I applied a final coat of clear polyurethane to protect the paint and give it a glossy, finished look. I used a foam brush to apply the coat evenly, making sure not to leave any brush marks. This step was important because it helped seal the paint and make the table more resistant to scratches and water damage. It also gave the table a more professional, finished look.

I also made sure to clean the table regularly to keep it looking new. I used a microfiber cloth to wipe down the surface, and I avoided using any harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that could damage the paint. This helped keep the table looking like new for months, even with regular use. It was a small step, but it made a big difference in how long the table lasted.

I also made sure to move the table to a stable, flat surface. This helped prevent any wobbling or unevenness, and it kept the table looking good from day one. It was a simple step, but it made a big difference in how the table looked and felt after it was assembled.

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Why This Project is a Great Introduction to DIY

This project is a great way to get into DIY, especially if you're just starting out. I had no prior experience with woodworking, but I was able to build a beautiful coffee table that looked just like the ones sold at Cost Plus Furniture. The materials were affordable, the steps were straightforward, and the results were impressive. It was a great way to learn basic woodworking skills and build confidence in future projects.

I also found that the process was a lot more fun than I expected. Cutting the MDF, painting the table, and assembling the pieces all felt like creative work, not just a chore. It was a way to express my personal style and create something that was uniquely mine. The satisfaction of seeing the finished product was well worth the time and effort it took.

This project also taught me the importance of patience and attention to detail. Small mistakes — like not cutting the edges square or skipping the sanding step — could have made the final result look rough or unprofessional. Taking the time to do each step carefully made a big difference in how the table looked and felt. It was a valuable lesson in the value of patience and precision in DIY work.

DIY isn’t just about building — it’s about creating something you can be proud of.

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How to Customize Your Table for Your Space

One of the best things about building your own coffee table is that you can customize it to fit your space and style perfectly. I chose a rectangular shape and a modern, glossy finish, but you can easily change these to match your decor. For example, if you have a smaller living room, you could make the table shorter or narrower. If you prefer a more rustic look, you could paint it in a darker color or use a wood stain instead of paint.

I also found that changing the leg design was a great way to add personality to the table. I used a tapered design for a more modern look, but you could use a square or even a round leg design for a different style. The shape of the legs can make a big difference in how the table looks and feels in your space. It’s a simple change that can completely transform the look of the table.

Another way to customize the table is by adding storage. You could cut out the bottom of the table and install shelves or drawers. This would make the table more functional while still keeping the same clean, modern look. It’s a simple addition that can make the table more versatile and useful for your home.

Cost Plus Furniture Little Rock