So i learnt today, no matter how much you want something to work out, sometimes it just really isn't all that practical.. After spending a good six hours on the couch arms, i've come to the conclusion that there is no sustainable / structurally viable option that i could achieve in the remaining timeframe. Defeated by my design, naturally i'm a little gutted. Fingers crossed i can pull the rest of it together!
p.s Although the picture of the table frame doesn't look much different, it's now mould and paint free! I won't lie, it's probably the smoothest surface in the world—sandpaper block for the win!