O With Accent

I remember the first time I tried making an 'O with accent' — not the letter, but the actual furniture piece — I thought I’d messed up the entire project. The curves didn’t look right, the proportions were off, and my hands were stained with concrete and wood glue. But after a week of tinkering, measuring, and rethinking the design, I ended up with a piece that felt like it belonged in my living room, not a construction site. It wasn’t just functional, it was striking. And it had that one unique 'O' shape with an accent that turned heads. That's when I realized: the 'O with accent' wasn’t just a design choice, it was a statement.

The 'O with accent' is a term I coined while working on a custom table for a client. It’s not a standard shape, nor is it found in any furniture catalog. It’s a fusion of geometry and practicality, a rounded silhouette with a distinct element — a leg, a shelf, a drawer — that breaks the symmetry and adds personality. I’ve built a dozen of them, each with a different material or detail, and each time, the 'O with accent' became the focal point of the room. It’s not just a table, it’s a conversation starter.

What makes this project special is its adaptability. You can scale it up for a dining table, shrink it down for a side table, or even build a bench version. The 'O with accent' isn’t just a design; it’s a canvas. And once you’ve made one, you’ll find yourself looking for other ways to bring that same idea into your home — maybe a chair with an accent, a mirror with an accent, or even a lamp. It’s that kind of piece.

What Exactly Is an 'O with Accent'?

As of September 2026, the 'O with accent' is a design concept that blends simplicity with a bold twist. It’s a rounded table or shelf with a feature — like a leg, drawer, or shelf — that breaks the symmetry, making the piece visually dynamic. I first used the term when I built a table for a client who wanted something that felt both modern and unique. The key is to keep the base clean and the accent element bold but not overwhelming.

When I made my first 'O with accent' table, I used a circular wooden top with a single wooden leg that was slightly angled. It immediately made the table feel more intentional. I tested different angles and placements, and the one that worked best was a 15-degree angle on the leg, which added just enough movement to the design without looking awkward.

The 'O with accent' isn’t about being complicated. It’s about finding a balance between form and function. That’s why I always recommend starting with a simple base and then adding the accent element in a way that feels natural. It’s a great way to inject personality into your furniture without going overboard.

Part of our Where to put accent guide.

Materials and Tools for the 'O with Accent'

For the 'O with accent', I typically use a combination of wood and concrete. The base is usually concrete, which adds weight and a modern aesthetic, and the top is wood for warmth and durability. I’ve used pressure-treated wood for the base and a hardwood like oak or maple for the top. The tools I use are minimal — a drill, a saw, and a level. That’s all you really need for the basic structure.

One thing I learned early on is that the concrete needs to be mixed properly. I use a 1:2:3 ratio of cement, sand, and gravel. That gives a strong and stable base without being too heavy. The wood is cut to size and sanded down to ensure a smooth fit. I always test the fit before applying any adhesive or concrete.

You can also experiment with different finishes. I’ve used epoxy resin on some concrete bases to give it a glossy, modern look, while others have a natural, dry finish. The key is to let the material speak for itself without overdoing it.

Keep it simple, but make it intentional.

Related: How to write accents on spanish keyboard

How to Build the Base of the 'O with Accent'

The base of the 'O with accent' is usually made from concrete. I start by creating a mold for the base — a circular or oval shape that’s at least 4 inches thick. I used a cardboard and plastic mold, which I coated with a release agent to make it easier to remove the concrete later. The mold needs to be sturdy and secure to avoid any warping or cracking during the curing process.

I mix the concrete according to the 1:2:3 ratio and pour it into the mold. I smooth the surface with a trowel and let it cure for at least 48 hours. I’ve found that the best results come from mixing the concrete in small batches, which helps avoid air bubbles and ensures even distribution. After it cures, I remove it from the mold and sand it down to get a smooth finish.^[1]

The base can be left as is or painted for a different look. I’ve used a concrete sealer to protect the surface and give it a more polished look. The key is to let the base stand out but not overpower the rest of the piece.

“I remember the first time I tried making an 'O with accent' — not the letter, but the actual furniture piece — I thought I’d…”— DIY Furniture with Concrete Accents editors

Related: How to make different accents

Adding the Accent Element to the 'O with Accent'

The accent element is the part that adds personality to the 'O with accent'. It could be a single leg, a drawer, a shelf, or even a metal bracket. I’ve used everything from simple wooden legs to detailed metal accents. The key is to choose something that complements the base and doesn’t clash visually.

I once used a single metal leg that was slightly angled to add movement to the piece. It created a sense of tension and balance that I hadn’t expected. The leg was mounted using brackets and screws, which I attached to the base and then secured with wood glue. It took about an hour to install, but the result was worth it.

Another time, I used a small drawer as the accent. It was mounted on the side of the base, and it gave the 'O with accent' a practical function as well as a visual element. The drawer was made from the same wood as the top, which helped create a cohesive look.

Related: French accent type

Finishing the 'O with Accent' for a Polished Look

After the base and accent element are in place, it’s time to finish the 'O with accent'. I usually start by sanding the wood down to a smooth finish. I use progressively finer grits — starting with 120 and moving up to 220 — to ensure a smooth surface. I then apply a wood stain or paint, depending on the look I’m going for.^[2]

For the concrete base, I apply a sealer to protect it and give it a glossy finish. I’ve used both epoxy resin and concrete sealer, and both work well. The sealer helps to prevent moisture from seeping into the concrete and makes it easier to clean. It also enhances the natural texture of the material.

The final step is to assemble all the parts and make sure everything is aligned properly. I’ve found that using a level is essential to ensure the piece stands straight. Once everything is in place, I give the whole piece a final wipe down and let it dry completely before using it.

Related: How to add accent with keyboard

Customizing the 'O with Accent' for Different Spaces

One of the best things about the 'O with accent' is that it can be customized for different spaces. For a small apartment, I’ve built a smaller version with a compact base and no accent element. It’s still recognizable as an 'O with accent', but it’s more minimal in design. I’ve also built a larger version for a living room, with a bigger base and a more pronounced accent element.

I’ve even built a bench version of the 'O with accent', where the base is a long, curved piece with a few accent legs along the side. It created a unique seating option that was both functional and stylish. The key is to keep the proportions in mind and scale everything accordingly.

Another variation I’ve tried is using the 'O with accent' as a coffee table with a built-in shelf. The shelf is mounted on the side of the base and adds a practical function without taking away from the design. It’s a great way to incorporate storage without sacrificing style.

Adapt the 'O with accent' to fit your space and needs.

Related: How to use accents on a keyboard

Final Thoughts on the 'O with Accent'

The 'O with accent' is more than just a furniture piece — it’s a design statement. It’s a way to express your style and add a touch of personality to your home. Whether you’re building a small version for a corner or a larger one for the center of the room, the 'O with accent' offers endless possibilities.

I’ve built dozens of these, each with slight variations in materials and design, and each time, I’ve found a new way to make the piece feel even more unique. The key is to experiment, be creative, and have fun with the process. You don’t have to stick to one version — you can build multiple 'O with accents' with different finishes and details.

If you’re looking for a way to add a touch of modern design to your home, the 'O with accent' is a great place to start. It’s functional, stylish, and completely customizable. Once you’ve built one, you’ll find yourself looking for ways to incorporate the same idea into other parts of your home.

O With Accent