Sofa tables add both style and function to any space they inhabit, whether positioned behind your sofa or in your entryway. Alicia from Thrifty and Chic offers this simple tutorial on how to build your own rustic sofa table!
These DIY sofa tables can easily be adjusted by adding or subtracting height and length. The legs use two by fours that have pre-attached mounting plates - no additional hardware is needed!
1. Measure Your Space
A sofa table, commonly known as a console table, provides the perfect place for decorative accents and personal items to be displayed. When styling one, three key design rules should be observed: height, layering and symmetry. Try to include objects of different heights (like tall table lamps or decorative boxes) made out of different materials ( such as metal, wood, glass) to add depth and interest; layer them in order to achieve visual interest and display odd numbered items to achieve balance and proportionality.
Start your DIY sofa table project off right by measuring your space to determine its dimensions. Utilize graph paper or a computer program to map out and record these measurements, taking note of any doorways or entryways the furniture may need to pass through when determining its width and diagonal dimensions as well. In order to guarantee ease of maneuvering around tight corners.
Once you've determined the dimensions for your sofa table, it's time to select its materials. Your selection will influence both its aesthetics and durability; consider selecting from hardwoods such as oak and maple as well as more economical 2x4 lumber options. Choose a durable finish to protect it against everyday use.
Once you've selected your materials, it's time to assemble the frame of your sofa table. First, cut four leg pieces from two 2 x 4 boards, and two longer brace pieces from one 2 x 4. Next, secure them using glue and pocket hole screws, before finally attaching the tabletop to its frame using this method.
If you need extra storage for books and decor on your sofa table, add shelves or drawers. Woven baskets can also provide space-saving storage solutions, while some tables even include special compartments to route cables neatly through.
2. Select Your Materials
A sofa table provides numerous opportunities for styling and storage, whether placed behind your sofa or in an open-plan space. While traditionally narrow and rectangular, sofa tables have become multipurpose design pieces. From serving as entryway consoles to providing transition between zones within an open floor plan room - their functionality never ceases to amaze!
No matter if you opt for a minimalist surface with double display shelves or more traditional options such as drawers and shelves, when creating a DIY sofa table it is crucial that durable materials are selected for construction. When selecting wood boards for construction of your DIY sofa table beware knots to avoid splinters; when looking at metal or glass options find one with a finish that stands up well over time (along with daily cleaning!).
Budget-minded sofa tables can be constructed quickly using prefabricated shelves and legs from Ikea or Made Goods, such as Lack Shelf's two length options of 74" and 48". Other floating shelves, like those from Made Goods, may offer different height options that could suit you as well.
When selecting table legs, take into account the overall height of your sofa when making a selection. Your table should be high enough that it can easily be reached without strain, without becoming so overwhelming that it feels out of place in its surrounding environment.
As a rule of thumb, opt for legs that roughly correspond with the width of your sofa - however you can modify these dimensions if desired to change up its look or add stability to your sofa table.
If your sofa table lacks shelves or drawers, woven baskets are an effective way to contain clutter and keep items like board games, toys, extra throw pillows and blankets organized and handy. Plus, decorative table linens add an additional cozy look underneath!
3. Decide on a Design
When we think of sofa tables, our minds may inevitably drift to images of something long enough to extend past your couch with shelves for decorative objects and books. Yet this versatile piece of furniture offers much more: creating visual connections between adjacent rooms as well as extra storage, lamps or places for drinks - perfect whether creating modern farmhouse design or opening up floor plans! A sofa table makes an excellent addition to any home!
Your sofa table's function will depend on where it's placed. For example, in an entryway it might make sense to add a tray for keys on top and a basket for shoes below; or as Michelle Berwick Design shows in this airy space between your sofa and window you could use it to showcase statuettes, family photos or art pieces on display.
Keep in mind that your sofa table should match the height of your couch for optimal aesthetic results and to maintain balance in proportions and proportionality. Aim for one that covers approximately two-thirds of its length but this may change based on space availability and personal taste.
For an elegant touch, consider purchasing a sofa table with drawers to store remotes and other electronic accessories. Some are sold individually while others come as part of a matching TV stand or entertainment center set. For a quick DIY project using IKEA Lack shelves as the foundation, check out this tutorial that shows you how to build your own sofa table!
If you want to convert your sofa table into a bar, a cocktail table provides more surface area than traditional coffee tables. My 100 Year Old Home offers this beautiful vintage-inspired wooden and glass cocktail table which pairs beautifully with their bar cart stocked with bottles of spirits, wine glasses, and other glassware for an attractive serving station.
4. Build It
A sofa table is a timeless piece that fits easily into various living room setups. As a smaller version of a console table, these classic pieces provide ample display space for books, vases or other decor while providing easy access to electrical outlets or heating/cooling vents behind couches. Furthermore, sofa tables can act as room dividers or separate two separate couches in an open concept layout.
Are you searching for an exciting way to express your style and personalize your living room? Consider creating your own sofa or console table from scratch as an enjoyable do-it-yourself project, as this can showcase your crafting abilities while producing something completely unique for your decor - not to mention being far more cost effective than purchasing pre-made pieces from furniture stores!
For maximum stability and visual appeal, choose high-grade wood as the foundation of your sofa table. Plywood and particle board may warp over time and may lack structural integrity compared to hardwood. Also be sure to sand all edges and surfaces of the table before staining or painting to minimize splinters and smooth out imperfections for an exquisite finished look that's sure to dazzle guests.
DIY sofa tables come in all shapes and sizes, so your ultimate decision depends on both your space and desired aesthetic. If budget constraints are an issue, Sawdust Sisters' simple pipe sofa table provides the ideal solution - the step-by-step instructions make this an enjoyable weekend project for any DIY enthusiast!
Northern Nester provides another wonderful DIY sofa table option with their free plan for crafting farmhouse-style pieces. Their comprehensive tutorial is easy to follow and provides useful tips on cutting angles to customize the design to your desired look.
To create a functional yet stylish sofa table, select one that's 2/3 the width of your couch and 12'' lower in height than it. This helps achieve a balanced appearance without overcrowding the table with items.