I picked up the latest Do It Yourself Magazine (by Better Homes and Gardens) yesterday after I fell instantly in love with their clever repurposing idea for old side tables.  See them at the foot of the bed (image one and in image two, #6)!  I find this style of table at thrift shops all the time, and it seems likely that you could pick up a pair in your neck of the woods for under $20.  What a great project! 

The magazine has instructions for making most everything featured inside of it, and there are quite a few projects that I've put on my weekend endeavors list.  You can pick up this issue on newsstands or order and check out current and past issues on their website.