Antiques,  DIY,  Home Decor,  kitchen

DIY TABLE TOP PIE SAFE

I love antiques!!! I’m constantly on the hunt for the hard to find items on my list. One of those hard to find items was a table top pie safe. I looked for YEARS!!! I finally grew impatient. After years of looking, I asked my husband if we could just make one of our own! So today I’m sharing with you how to DIY a table top pie safe!


Table top pie safes are a little less known, but a lot more adorable in my opinion! Why are things cuter when their tiny?!Known in France as a “garde manger” or “fromager,” this little pie safe was used to store food and cheese at the perfect room temperature, and to keep cakes and pies safe while cooling.

My husband and I love to DIY!! I’m mostly in charge of the ideas and my husband designs them. I’m great with prep work and clean up. I also like to sand, glue and paint. He does most of the cutting and nailing. Although he’s starting to let me handle the power tools more often!!!

Supply List


• 1 – 1×12 @ 4 feet long
• 1 – 1×2 @ 4 feet long
• 1 – 1×4 @ 4 feet long
• 1-3/4″ x 3/4″ square dowel, 36″ long
• scrap piece of 1/4″ plywood at least 12″ x 9″
• 1 – 8×10 piece of chicken wire
• set of small hinges
• knob or handle

Cut List


• 3 – 1×12 at 11-1/4″ – sides and bottom
• 1 – 1×12 at 10″ – shelf
• 2 – 1×2 at 11-1/4″ – top supports
• 1-1/4″ plywood at 9-3/4″ x 12-3/4″
• 3 – 1×4 at 13-3/4″ – top
• 1- 1×2 at 13-3/4″ – top
• 2-3/4″ x 3/4″ at 11″
• 2 – 3/4″ x 3/4″ at 6-1/2″

STEP 1: Attach the sides to the top pieces and the bottom shelf. The base can be cut out with a jigsaw to make “legs”. Use 1-1/4″ brad nails and wood glue to attach.

STEP 2: Attach the shelf to the inside of the pie safe using brad nails and glue. Make sure it is flush with the back of the pie safe and has a gap in the front.

STEP 3: Attach the plywood to the back with brad nails and wood glue.

STEP 4: Attach the top boards (leaving over hang) on sides and front. Use brad nails and glue.

STEP 5: Attach dowels together in a square shape using brad nails (this will be the door). Use a staple gun to attach the chicken wire to the back. Make sure to snip off any rough edges. Attach hinges to the pie safe frame and door. Attach small knob or make shift toggle.

STEP 6: Paint the pie safe with my signature paint style HERE!!

It’s fun to do DIY projects with your partner. I absolutely love how this little table top pie safe turned out! It’s even more special because we made it together. 🙂