Use Old Cassette Tapes To Create A Light-Up Table You Can't Buy

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Old cassette tapes are one of the best thrift store and estate sale finds. But your excitement of finding them for a steal will soon wear off if you don't have a bulky entertainment center anymore. Then, they'll just be another regretful purchase you shouldn't have made. But instead of re-selling them for pennies, you can take a page out of TikToker trashboy_nyc's book and use them to create a light-up table you won't find on sale elsewhere. You just have to glue a couple of cases to plexiglass before fitting them in a cube-like shape.

This way, you can turn this '90s-themed thrift store find into something everyone wants for their home. But though you can craft a unique, character-rich table for your home, this project will require ample time and patience. So, don't expect to be done within an hour or two, especially if you're a novice DIYer. That being said, the actual time you must set aside will depend on your base. 

To elaborate, if you use pre-cut plexiglass, like Voisen's ⅛-inch Thick Plexiglass Sheets, you'll have to spend considerably less time than someone who has a large sheet they have to cut into smaller pieces. This will also affect your list of supplies. If you go the pre-cut sheet route, you just need cassette cases and a hot glue gun to craft your table. However, if you plan on cutting plexiglass yourself, you'll also need safety gloves and goggles as well as a tape measure, ruler, marker, and glass cutter (your utility knife can work, too, but it'll take more time) or circular saw, depending on how thick your sheet is. Either way, you'll need a bulb along with a table base, such as Yxth's E26/E27 Ceramic Base Holder.

When using pre-cut plexiglass sheets, take the tapes out of their cases. Now, conduct a dry run with the empty cases to see if a specific number will perfectly fit a sheet or not. If the answer is yes, start gluing them in neat rows. And continue doing this until you have five — four for the sides and one for the top — pieces completely covered. Assemble your table before tightening a lamp on its base and sliding it beneath.

@trashboy_nyc

Street find glow-up! ✨ I turned old cassette tapes into a funky, colorful light-up table. Perfect for DIY lovers, upcyclers, and anyone obsessed with unique home decor. #DIYFurniture #UpcycledHomeDecor #FunkyDesign #CreativeDIY #SustainableStyle

♬ original sound – Trash Boy

If not, start from the center and see how many sheets you can fit in comfortably. The goal is to have as little negative space as possible. Once you figure out the best configuration, take a picture of the setting prior to taking the cases off. Also, decide how you'll be covering the blank borders around them. You can use washi tape, funky peel-and-stick wallpaper, or tear out bold pages from old glossy magazines to stay on-theme. For a dramatic look, glue pearls on the top sheet. Then, put together your table as outlined above.

If you'll be cutting a large plexiglass into smaller bits, decide how big you want your table to be. Then, use a marker, ruler, and tape measure to draw straight lines on the protective film of your sheets. Next, put a sheet on a flat surface and grab your glass cutter (it will work for pieces that aren't thicker than ⅛-inch) or circular saw to make the required cuts. Now, peel off the protective film and smooth the rough edges with sandpaper. Then, put together your table as described above. Corner protectors, like Uxu's Clear Guards, can come in handy if the edges still feel sharp.