Just in time for the start of summer – build your own outdoor side table then use the ColorReader EZ

Guest post by DIY / Interior Design blogger Rebecca Wallenta / sinnenrausch.at

It feels so good to finally be able to move part of everyday life outside again. On warm days, there’s nothing I enjoy more than putting my feet up on our balcony, which is right off our living room, and letting my mind wander. But where can I put my coffee cup in the morning, an exciting novel in the afternoon and a candle in the evening? A small side table would be handy – luckily, it’s also a quick DIY project, using old or discarded flowerpots, bowls and plates.

The finished DIY side table for our patio!
Perfectly color-coordinated with my favorite outdoor decorative accessories.

Personalized color design thanks to ColorReader EZ

My color inspiration for the side tables came from the outdoor table décor and accessories I have for our patio. Using my ColorReader EZ, I simply scanned my desired colors from these items to find their perfect paint color matches.

A while ago, ColorReader EZ helped me redecorate our bedroom and ever since, it has been my favorite tool when it comes to scanning and matching colors, as well as finding color-coordinating hues.

With just one click, the handy device gives you your top 3 paint color matches, along with color data for your desired color. Ever been out and come across a particularly beautiful hue you’d like to incorporate into your home decor? Simply scan the object of your color inspiration with your ColorReader EZ, then save it on your smartphone via the feature rich ColorReader app. You’ll have all the color information you need at your fingertips when you go to the store to get your paint. The app lets you save scanned colors, organize them according to project, color palette, or however you want, and you can easily share colors and palettes with friends, families, colleagues, contractors – anyone! Save colors and create palettes to use now or for future projects.

The scarf’s delicate, petal hue is scanned with ColorReader EZ, so a perfectly matching paint color
can be mixed at the paint or hardware store.

As color inspiration for my project, I chose a blue lantern and a print in different shades of blue. As a second, coordinating color, I wanted the pale pink of the linen cloth, which looked great with the blue I had decided on. A color combo that was both light and fresh – just perfect for summer!

ColorReader EZ gives you the top 3, precise paint color matches to your scanned color.

Building and painting the side tables

The tables are built from different sized flowerpots and bowls, glued together with exterior construction adhesive. These tables can be customized according to your wishes and ideas, based on the items used. These handy tables are great to use indoors, too. If my instructions here don’t go far enough, you are more than welcome to check out a more extended version on my (German!) blog.

Materials required

I used my ColorReader EZ to scan the colors from my decorative accessories then had the paint mixed at the hardware store. I chose an exterior, resin-based paint that could withstand the outdoor elements. I used 2 coats of paint on my tables, making sure to let the first coat dry completely before applying the second coat. With synthetic resin, this can take up to 24 hours.

The first table is painted in a shade of soft blue

The table’s wooden top can be removed and converted into a handy serving tray. The bowl underneath can be used as a planter or for extra storage space.

Perfect color harmony; the table colors perfectly match
my decorative outdoor accessories – just in time for summer!

Have fun creating your own DIY side table and enjoy the warm summer months to come!

Rebecca Wallenta

Rebecca Wallenta is an Austrian DIY blogger, living in beautiful Tyrol, with her husband, daughter and French bulldog, Emma. Rebecca has always had an affinity for nature, and enjoys beautiful living spaces, timeless design and hand-crafted decorations made with love.

In June 2010, she started her DIY blog www.sinnenrausch.at, where she shares her DIY projects and easy tips for creative renovations and décor, plus extraordinary crafting ideas.