Learn how to easily make a DIY sofa table (also known as a console table) using premade legs using this simple tutorial. If you have an empty wall in your home or space, a sofa table is probably exactly what you need to fill up this space.
A problem that some people have is not being able to find the right size or dimension shopping in person or online for a table console. Making your own, simple DIY console table will allow you to not only make the right size for your space, but also provide more meaning and story behind the console especially if you can't find the exact piece you are looking for.
There are so many ways you can make, design, and style a sofa table, so I wanted to share with you my favorite tips on putting this versatile table ogether as well as you how can decorate it.
In This Post
Overview
Sofa tables are also known as console tables. They generally fit in entry ways, in foyers, and behind sofas. Sofa tables are generally used to display home decor, family photos, and trays that can hold knick knacks like keys and remote controls. I absolutely love decorating console tables with baskets, vases, faux floral, and woven decor.
Generally, console tables have four legs and generally not designed to be freestanding like a dining room table is. For example, console tables can be backed into by a sofa or a wall.
In our project, we needed a table to fit between the narrow hallway between two Jack-and-Jill bedrooms. These console tables will allow me to store baskets that can just place unorganized clothes, toys, and things around the house until we are able to put them in their place.
Sofa Table Sizes
The general width of a console table is 16" to 22" with a height of 20" to 24". These dimensions will allow it to be placed in narrow hallways while also being tall enough to access at standing height.
Some console tables can be shorter and narrower, but those dimensions are best suited if you want to be able to resell your console second hand.
Style a Sofa Table
Console tables are decorated with lamps, photos, family heirlooms, knick knacks, and candles. They are generally located in public areas of the home where guests normally would pass by upon entry. They provide a way to add character and personality to your home while also providing storage for functionality.
Sofa tables can be used as a focal design piece in your space as well as provoke conversation depending on what has been placed there. Smaller console tables can be found in guest bathrooms as well as small ackward corners to personalize the space.
Sofa Table Design Aesthetic
Depending on the aesthetic of your home, there are a variety of design styles you can choose from. The benefits of having a console table is that they allow you some versatility over time as your tastes and design preferences change.
Mirrored
Mirrored consoles have become popular, but are harder to DIY. If you are looking for the glam, sophisticated look, mirrored console will give you that aesthetic. The mirrors will make it harder to clean.
Wood
Wood consoles are very much popular now, and the easiest DIY project. Wood consoles will also allow you to repurpose and repaint as your design preferences change over time.
Metal
Metal consoles are great because you can also stored them outside in your outdoor living space. There are also options of mixed metal and wood consoles that look great together, especially if you like the farmhouse, rustic aesthetic.
Scroll Legs
Scoll legs are popular with tuscan design. Scroll legs are great if you want a grand feel to your space.
Apothecary
These generally will have faux drawers, but if you can find real ones, even better! These are great for the farmhouse style aethetic as well.
Rolling Cart
These work well especially if you like moving your decor around or have a small space that you need to be versatile.
How to Make a DIY Sofa Table
Tools for Making Sofa Table
You don't need to have a table saw to make a beautiful, simple sofa table right at home. Here are all of the tools we used to make our simple wood sofa table.
Tape Measure
Everyone has a tape measure of some sort, so you'll need to use this to measure your wood.
Square
Once you create the tabletop and add the legs to the console, you'll want to make sure the table is steady and level. A square will enable you to ensure your corners are square.
Drill
Unless you want to do things manually, a drill will ensure that you can quickly attach the pieces together.
Miter Saw
This allowed us to quickly cut the wood to the size we needed.
Router
A router is not needed, but it does allow you to create bevels and designs around the wood planks.
Belt Sander
A belt sander is great for ensuring a smooth surface.
Planer
This was an additional tool we were able to get in order to allow us to quickly make the board smooth. The planer helped to to add a beveled edge and straighten the boards.
Biscuit Joiner
This helps with joining boards together.
Clamps
This allowed the wood to be clamped together after using wood glue.
Capentry Pencils
Carpentry pencils allow you to mark up pieces for cutting.
Supply List for DIY Sofa Table
Below are the materials you will need to make your furniture legs.
Legs
There are so many prefabricated table legs that you can use for your console table. I've gathered a few ideas on the types you can use below to help inspire you to make it on your own.
Wood
We used affordable pine wood because we were going to use a paint stain on it. The wood species is important if you are planning on staining the wood.
Wood Biscuts
Wood biscuits allow you to join the pieces of the wood together.
Wood Glue
Wood glue allows you to glue the pieces together, like when we made the arch for the sofa table skirt.
Paint or Stain
I absolutely love Minwax's new paint line especially if you want a matte look, but with a tinted stain. We used Sunwash Blue to paint the console.
Bolt Inserts
Bolt inserts allow you to be able to screw in the premade table legs.
DIY Sofa Table
Learn how to make a DIY sofa table from pine wood in this simple tutorial with the best tips.
Materials
- Wood
- 4 Premade Table Legs
- 4 Premade Table Feet
- Wood Biscuits Package
- Wood Glue
- Paint or Stain
- 12 Bolt Inserts
- 4 Foot Levels
- Wood Filler
- Fine Grit Sand Paper
- Tack Cloth
Tools
- Tape Measure
- Square
- Drill
- Miter Saw
- Router
- Belt Sander
- Planer
- Biscuit Joiner
- Clamps
- Carpentry Pencils
Instructions
- Determine the design of your piece and document the necessary measurements. Cut the wood down to size.
- Assemble to table top and use a router to create the design. In this image, we've created a form to cut out the skirt.
- Create the additional drawers or middle shelving.
- Create the additional details and cuts for the table, like the skirt.
- Use wood glue and clamps as needed.
- Attach the skirt to the table.
- Add the middle legs with screw inserts.
- Add the middle shelf and add bottom legs by using bolt inserts. Add in smaller legs.
- Sand down with fine grit sand paper.
- Use tack cloth to clean off the wood.
- Paint and stain the wood.
Notes
You can use various legs for making this table by checking out the blog post.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Best Tips for a DIY Sofa Table
Half Moon Sofa Table
You can create a half moon sofa table, especially if it will be leaned up against a wall or o a sofa. The half moon shape will be harder to make, as you'll need to find something to make an arch form.
Arched Skirt for Sofa Table
You can create a skirt for the sofa table. What we did was cut pine wood into thin strips using a circular saw. You can also use a table saw if you wanted to. A skirt is totally unecessary, but it provides more definition to the table.
Cut thin strips from circular saw (or table saw) to three thin strips of underlayment.
Faux Butcher Block
You can also create a butcher block table top by putting varying size woods together and gluing them together.
Bevels Between Boards
These boards are placed next to each other, but have a v shape between them, which allows uneven boards to look a bit better. It also gives a lot of dimension to the table top as well.
Premade Furniture Legs to Use with Table Console
To make a personalized table console easier, you can buy premade prefabricated metal or wood legs. There are a ton of styles that are available, you just need to pick one that matches your design aesthetic.
Prefabricated Metal Legs for Sofa Table
Metal legs can be easily attached to a wood tabletop, which is really easy to do. Here are some affordable options that are premade that you can have ordered and delivered.
Prefabricated Wood Legs for Sofa Table
Wood legs are great because they provide intricate designs for your table without a lot of work on your part.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hall Tables
A desk can be placed behind a sofa as an alternative to a sofa table, which would also allow you to add more seating.
A table saw is not needed to make a sofa table. Instead, you can use a miter saw or manual saw to cut the wood down to size.
Summary
I hope you enjoyed this tips to inspire you to make your own beautiful and personalized table console. This is a relatively simple (or complex if you really wanted to) project that you can make over the weekend without the need of a table saw.
Leave a Reply