How to Build A Cheap Pedestal Table for Jewelry Booth in Art Shows

First of all, I want to thank Robin Ragsdale for the idea of using plastic garage shelves as jewelry display tables. We are all familiar with the folding tables and probably have used them at one point but plastic shelves? Who would've thought? But they sure make a great display table that mimics the more expensive model by Armstrong. We're talking about $50 vs $200 a table here.

Blog updated: Oct 25, 2019

Also read: Art/Craft Show Checklist. The complete list of things you need to bring to your shows.

This set up won me Best Newcomer award at Springfield, IL Edwards Place Fine Art Fair in 2014. 

Cha-ching!

Here's the list of what you need for making these jewelry display pedestal tables:

Disclosure: Some of the links below may contain affiliate links. Meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.

1a. Plastic garage shelves. Approximately $30-40 for a 5-tier set (18" x 36" x 72"). I purchased 3 sets and those can make 4-5 sets of tables depending on whether you used a shelf at the bottom or not. $105.

1b. Better alternative: Origami shelves. Approximately $62-69 for a 3-tier set (35.4" x 13.3" x 28.75"). I purchased 3 sets for 3 pedestal tables configuration. It takes less space in the car and faster to build. My entire booth setup fits inside our Mazda 5 with all the back seats folded down. ± $195.

2. Indoor/outdoor carpet/area rug or any fabric to your liking. I recommend heavyweight non-stretchy fabric. They wrap better and look nicer. These carpets I bought, each one could make 2 wraps (3' x 8') so I purchased 2 of them. $16.

3. 2" Elastics and sticky back velcro if you use carpet like I did. I stapled the velcro to the elastic for an extra reinforcement. Smooth side attached to the elastic and the catchy side on the carpet. I cut the 2" elastic about 1 foot each and stack 2 of them for stability and more holding power.

4. Edge glued pine board, 24" x 36", ($18 each) and I stained them. Alternatively, you can also use Ikea Linnmon tops but we didn't have Ikea nearby and I wanted a stained wood look instead of laminate tops.

Now for the actual set up of the pedestal display tables, here's the step by step pictorial:

All stacked and (was) wrapped up with ratchet straps for easy carry.

3 sets of 5 tier plastic garage shelves could make 4 jewelry display tables with the bottom shelves attached or 5 tables with the bottom removed. Each makes a 36" tall table which is the perfect height for shows.

Carpet up next. Decided to use only 3 pedestal tables this time.

Stained wood tops are placed on top. Those trapezoid bed risers turned upside down and used as display table risers.

Ta-da! Looking sharp, ain't it?! 

Photo above was from my 3rd show in December 2014.

Updated booth shot with pedestals made of Origami shelves. September 2019.

I got so many compliments on this setup and they told me my booth looked very professional. Hard to believe it was only a second show for Popnicute. Thanks, Robin!

With approximately $200, the same amount of money of ONE Armstrong table, you get THREE to FIVE professional looking tables. Great deal, I say! Even if you ever decided to quit doing shows, these shelves could be used for storage :) None wasted, really.

This Silver Popnicute Heart was the star in both shows but now has sold. Want one? Contact me ;)