Step by step illustrated instructions on how to build a console table. Suggested tools and materials are included in this beginner tutorial for a DIY Sofa Table, as some might call it.
It’s a happy day my friends, I can cross another item off of my ‘DIY Bucket List’! After I stenciled my office, reupholstered a chair and built this console table, I’m pretty sure I could change the carburetor in an airplane…piston-powered of course. As a habitual maker, nothing is more empowering than having an idea in your head and then bringing it to fruition.
And here’s the deal…I have never built anything like this before, so if I could build this console table, then you can too! And while this was my first ‘furniture build, I have since built another Console Table with Acrylic Legs and a Faux Marble top which you might love as well!
Before we dive in, let’s talk about the usefulness of a console table or, as they are often called, a sofa table. Typically sofa tables are skinny tables that will fit well behind sofas or couches and in foyers or entryways. I built this table specifically for an area in our entryway, but it could just as easily work behind our sofa.
And maybe I should put wee quotes around the ‘build’ part because if I hadn’t had these most groovy legs from Osborne Wood, this would have been an entirely different project. They are the Country Squire Dining Table Leg in Knotty Pine and are THE reason that this DIY sofa table really rocks my socks!
This post was sponsored by and made possible by Osborne Wood Products and Kreg, who provided me with some of the products necessary to make this table. However, the opinions are entirely my own and the pictures speak for themselves!
I have this odd little space in my home that faces you when you walk in the house through the laundry room and which is also in a high traffic hallway. I did have a narrow table in this area, but it was still a bit wider than this space could ideally accommodate so it was a logical spot for this DIY Sofa Table.
When an opportunity to partner with Osborne Wood Products to build ‘something’ arose, a perfectly sized console table for this area was what I ultimately decided upon.
So, let’s strap our big girl DIY panties on, get down to the nitty-gritty and DIY this sofa table (or console table)!
Some of these are affiliate links and I will earn a small commission off of the sale of these products, but the price you are charged is not affected. You can see my full disclosure policy here.
We get many of our building supplies at Home Depot. They have a wonderful program by which you can order here online and then pick-up at your nearest store within hours or at your convenience. In addition to building materials, they have an extensive selection of power tools and the above mentioned rental program if buying is not an option for you.
Here’s a good ‘do as I say and not as I do’ moment. If you have access to a table saw, this is the time to use it. We did have access (my parents who live 1.5 miles away) but didn’t even think to ask them. As it turns out, it ‘s a bit harder to get a precise cut with a circular saw and we needed precise cuts.
If you don’t have access to a table saw, my friend Michelle has a great suggestion for getting straight, true lines with a circular saw here. Sadly, I didn’t see this until we had made all our cuts. But I’ll tell how I dealt with that later.
Then I used fine sandpaper (120 grit) to give the whole piece a good sanding.
The Kreg Jig R3 comes with everything you need, including several sizes of screws, to complete a project.
I am thrilled with the way this console table turned out, though I can’t say I won’t change the finish at some point. What do you think…keep natural like this? Age it? What would you do?
Don’t you just love it? Wait, did you see it from this angle?
Or this angle?
This was a fun project for Terry and me to do together. But I think he’s a bit worried about what I’m going to do next; now that I am feeling rather invincible! I mean, I can build a console table! The horizon is limitless!
If you think that you might just want to build a console table or skinny sofa table someday, pin it for your future reference.
I’m so glad you stopped by to visit today; I appreciate it more than you’ll ever know. And when you leave a comment…ah, it makes my heart sing! If you want to see what I’m up to from week to week, sign up here to sign up for updates.
I have published printable PDFs of several of my most popular knit patterns and printables and have made those available to all of my subscribers. Come back and check every now and again. I will continue to add patterns and printables to this page as we go along.
So, if you’d like to get in on the ‘subscriber benefit’ action, simply subscribe to Nourish and Nestle using the form on the right sidebar. It’s towards the top a bit. I have sent all my subscribers the link to the Subscriber Benefits Library, but if you missed it or misplaced it, drop me a line.
Until next time,
Design by Themeshift.
Stacy G
March 7, 2017 at 4:30 pmIt looks beautiful, Lynn! Great work.
lynn
March 12, 2017 at 2:45 pmThanks Stacy! It was a fun project and now I’m planning my next one.
Shery
March 7, 2017 at 8:13 pmHoly cow, Lynn! This is gorgeous! I just learned how to use a Kreg jig this week so I think I can make something like this. Your photos and instructions are great!!
lynn
March 11, 2017 at 11:36 amThanks Friend! We could have a Kreg party! It’s a fun little tool and I’m looking forward to finding more things to build! Thanks for stopping by with your kind words.
Hugs, Lynn
Tammy
March 8, 2017 at 11:46 amSeriously my friend! Is there anything you can’t do!!!! Your console table is just darling. Isn’t it delightful when you can build the perfect table for your space!!! Now I can’t wait to see what you will do next!!!
lynn
March 11, 2017 at 7:33 amHey there friend, I am beyond excited with how this turned out! Now I’m thinking of my next project. It is empowering when you have an idea and are able to bring it to fruition!
Have a great day.
Hugs, Lynn
Laura Lisle
March 8, 2017 at 2:00 pmStunning! It’s beautiful!
lynn
March 11, 2017 at 7:31 amThanks friend! I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the support and tools of your handy hubby! But now that I’ve dipped my toes in the ‘building waters’ I’m looking for my next project!
Thanks for swinging by and leaving your kind words.
Hugs, Lynn
Renee
March 8, 2017 at 3:16 pmWow, Lynn, good for you, this table is perfect and beautiful! Lovely painting too.
lynn
March 11, 2017 at 7:29 amThanks Renee! I am really tickled with it! And not as hard as I thought it would be. And thanks for the painting compliment too!
Have a great day!
Lynn
Mary-the boondocks blog
March 8, 2017 at 7:24 pmIt looks really great Lynn. Those legs really make the table! I need to get me a kreg jig one of these days. I say leave it as is for now, the wood grain is beautiful, and if you get tired of it you can always paint it.
lynn
March 11, 2017 at 7:28 amMy thoughts exactly Mary! I am happy with how it is now but next week, I may change my mind…I know you understand that!
Hope all is well in your world!
Hugs, Lynn
Liz
March 9, 2017 at 8:12 amLynn, this looks amazing! Well done! I’ve got a similar space by my door that I was thinking of buying a really narrow console or hall tree, but now that I’ve seen you build a console table I may be tempted to build as well. If I do I’ll probably do a dark stain (since all my other woods in the area are dark) or do distressed white paint.
lynn
March 11, 2017 at 7:27 amHey Liz…do it! It was really quite easy, very fun and satisfying. My husband keeps walking by and saying, ‘can you believe we built this?’ and I’m like, ‘well of course! I never had a doubt!’.
Wishing you a lovely weekend…stay warm…looks like winter doesn’t want to give up.
Hugs, Lynn
Michelle Beaton
March 13, 2017 at 8:21 pmWow this looks like it came straight out of pottery barn. Gorgeous. Well done Lynn.
lynn
March 14, 2017 at 8:20 pmAw thanks Michelle! I really enjoyed making this and now I’m looking forward to other projects. I appreciate you swinging by today.
Hugs, Lynn
Designing Vibes
March 14, 2017 at 4:42 pmLynn,
It turned out amazing! You even have it styled perfectly. You should give yourself a pat on the back. You have inspired me to take on something of this scope…I am guilty of passing projects of this nature off to my husband. Way to go, my sweet friend!
Much Love,
Erica
lynn
March 14, 2017 at 8:16 pmHey Erica, you know…it was rather empowering! I really enjoyed every minute of it and am noodling another project…my wheels are spinning! Thanks so much for swinging by today!
hugs, Lynn
Andrea
February 28, 2018 at 4:48 pmLove this table! Curious of it’s total height?
lynn
March 1, 2018 at 6:24 amGood Morning Andrea! I love the table too! It is just perfect for what I needed/wanted. Its height, from floor to top of the table is 33″.
Have a great day my friend.
Hugs, Lynn
Laura Ballard
June 17, 2019 at 10:48 amWould you mind sharing the cost of this project? Not the tools…mainly just the wood and legs – I have everything else. I plan to make this soon! Thank you!!
lynn
June 17, 2019 at 6:58 pmHi Laura,
I used these legs and the cost depends on the wood ( I used the pine). https://www.osbornewood.com/1130.aspx
The cypress for the top cost approximately $50, but you might be able to find a slab of pine cheaper.
Happy Building!!!
Irina Rosenberg
January 13, 2020 at 6:29 pmI’m using this as inspiration to build something very similar! But I’m having trouble finding the right wood that is the right size (2inch thick x12 inch wide x 5 ft length). Where did you purchase the slabs you used for the base and top?
lynn
January 14, 2020 at 9:54 amGood Morning Irina,
I purchased my top at a local hardwoods store. I had no luck at the big box hardware stores either. Not sure where you live, but I don’t live in a big metro area, so I feel that if I was able to find it locally you will probably be able to as well.
Good luck!
Hugs, Lynn