As promised, I'm going to share how I made our DIY sofa table from
our living room updates I shared recently. It's a great way to add a spot for lamps or add some visual interest in a room!
Before I do that, I have to get on my soap box about getting your furniture away from the walls! I've done this where possible in our home and love how it makes spaces more cozy, more intimate.
In our family room, it would have been easy to put all the furniture against the walls:
But instead, I moved them away and created the sitting area.
In our living room, I wanted to do something similar and tried a few layouts, but with only one wall in the whole room, I had to end up placing the sofa there.
I wanted to add more height behind the sofa...so I knew a sofa table would be the perfect solution.
Have you ever seen an eight foot long sofa table? Me either. I knew I had to make my own if I wanted one.
So I did, for under $20. Here's what you do:
Measure the length of the sofa. Measure how tall you want the table to be.
Go to Lowe's, have a board cut to the length you need it. I chose one that was nine inches wide, but you could do whatever width you want. Consider what your placing on the table -- large lamps? Books?
Make sure it's deep enough to accommodate your decor.
When have the top part figured out, grab some more pieces in the same width (they can be a bit smaller) -- enough to make your "legs." Keep in mind you'll want the top board (the top of your "sofa table") to be the same height as your sofa.
Depending on how long you want it, you'll want enough for each end, and at least one support in the middle:
Get some "L" brackets like these:
They usually come four to a package for around $3.
Use a drill and use the brackets to attach the "legs" on the bottom of the table. Keep in mind you'll want the top board (the top of your "sofa table") to be the same height as your sofa.
You're done! Mine is a little wobbly, but when you push the sofa up to it, it secures it perfectly.
If you want it to be more stable, you can either add a strip of scrap wood between each support, or attach scraps on the wall into studs, and then attach those to the table underneath.
I needed a little more height for some of the decor on my table, but didn't want to make the table taller. (You'd see the unfinished edge sticking up over the back of the sofa.)
Instead, I got a few more pieces of wood and made a little pedestal. I painted everything in chocolate brown:
You could also stain the top and the sides of the table that are exposed.
It's an easy and inexpensive way to add some height and decor behind your sofa:
This small table behind the sofa would be perfect for a small room that doesn't have much room for side tables!
Many hardware stores will make all of the cuts for you, so all you'll need is a drill and the brackets.
Of course you could dress this up even more by mitering your corners (if you have a table saw) so that the edges are seamless. You could attach a piece to the front that way, and make the table as tall as you want.
The whole DIY sofa table will take you less than 30 minutes to make!
W-O-W!!! That's all I can really say. Wow. That looks, well, wow. ;)
ReplyDeleteGood job, chicky! ;)
I'm speechless! I really am! I'M SO GONNA DO THIS! Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteThat is amazing!
ReplyDeleteSuch a great idea!! I too believe in not always putting all your furniture agains the walls. Thanks for sharing with us Sarah! I too get all my cuts done at Lowes or HomeDepot. Most of the time they are happy to do it and don't charge me after so many cuts. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteHugs to you,
~Victoria~
Wow...that really looks amazing! What a fabulous idea!
ReplyDeleteVery,very cool!
ReplyDeleteI love the look and it does seem easy. :)
Love it! I am going to make one this week! I will post the before and after! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome! I'm going to go through the house right now and make sure all of my furniture is away from the walls!
ReplyDelete:)
OK - love this. I love to see how you came up with such an ingenius solution to a problem. Talk about thinking outside of the box!
ReplyDeleteGenius Pure Genius.....:)
ReplyDeleteI love it! Definitely gonna try it!
ReplyDeleteLooks great! I guess I could see if hubby could make that custom to fit our entry way. would it look as good exposed though and without a couch next to it? We shall see...
ReplyDeleteI'm even going to paint it chocolate brown to match my newly painted coffee and end table that are chocolate brown.
I am sure you've heard it before but: HOLY CRAP. You're a genius!
ReplyDeleteI've been using 2 tv tray tables as my sofa table and they are pretty dorky. I like your idea. I think it could work at my house. :)
ReplyDeleteOh wow, this is AWSEOME! I could totally use this in my house. Thanks so much for sharing, I'll be linking to this. I think Apartment Therapy would love it as well!
ReplyDeleteLooks awesome! I have been looking all over the classifieds and thrift stores for a cheap sofa table...Now I'll just make my own!
ReplyDeleteXazmin
Great idea! This is going on my projects wish list. This would be great to make and put behind the couch my son uses as the seems to think the area behind the couch is his closet and throws all his clothes behind it - building this would deter this.
ReplyDeleteI would probably make mine with more depth and store my Christmas bear collection underneath and put a lamp of two on the back as he does his homework on the couch (despite having a perfectly well lit desk in his room).
wow!!! you are amazing!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is just about the smartest thing I've seen done in a long, long time. You did a fabulous job...
ReplyDeleteyou really need to be up there with einstein, newton...you get my drift.
ReplyDeletewhen are you writing a book...seriously!!!!!
Awesome! That's really easy and awesome!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea - and you did a fantastic job putting it together and showing us how. (I love the kitty sitting under it before the sofa is put in place.)
ReplyDeleteAnd your point about placing the furniture away from the walls is well taken - and you've given us a good example of it.
Thanks for sharing your wonderful ideas!
Very clever! Since you can't see it anyway it doesn't matter what it looks like and I love that it's narrow! Most sofa tables are so wide and take up valuable space! Great idea!
ReplyDeleteManuela
That is just innovative...great work.
ReplyDeleteThat is just innovative...great work.
ReplyDeleteThat's is a perfect sofa table and for $20! Amazing...
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome! I need a sofa table for my family room and I was trying to figure out how to make one like this since it will be up against a wall!
ReplyDeleteYou're brilliant!!!!!
Kimba
Girl, that is genius!! Seriously!
ReplyDeleteVery clever idea! I'm a first time visitor to your blog. Enjoyed it very much! Hope to come back for more ingenious ideas!
ReplyDeleteMany blessings, Marsha
What a great idea and so perfect for a space that doesn't have enough room for an end table, you can still get a lamp for some reading light. Love your ideas, so great. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteAwesome! Did you get the cat out before you moved the sofa back? LOL have a good one!
ReplyDeleteSIMPLY FABULOUS!!! What a great idea to solve a common problem. That pedestal is too cool.
ReplyDeleteGotta love L brackets! It looks great!
ReplyDeleteYou are sooooo amazing!!! I love that you can make things look soooo good and be made in 30 minutes!!! It's unreal!!! I am sooo going to try this! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteIt turned out great!! And it makes a big difference. I like how your other living room looks also. Nice job!
ReplyDeletewow, this is so inspiring! I have wanted a sofa table, but thought it would cost my firstborn. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteShe forgot to mention her sister was lounging with her on Easter! Ok Bu-Bye.
ReplyDeleteIm so doing this!~ and I own a lumber company so this $20 project will cost me $3! wahoo!!! lol.
ReplyDeletePlease tell me you got the cat outta there before you put the sofa up next to the table?!?!! I saw it snuggled up in a picture! LMAO
Thanks for visiting my blog! It was a nice surprise!
ReplyDeleteI think I want to try this but any type of power tool scares me! lol But I think I NEED to try this one... Thanks for the post!
I LOVE YOUR BLOG! What a fantastic idea. Thanks for posting all of your awesome ideas..I love it!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this! You are so creative! I am definitely going to try this! :)
ReplyDeleteYour blog is fabulous! You are so talented!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea--thanks!!! =)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! I thought I didn't have room behind my sofa for a table. This would work!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the "how to!"
You go girl! That really looks very nice. I'm loving your blog:)
ReplyDeleteWow! That*is*amazing!!!! I never would have guessed this is how you did this!
ReplyDeleteHugs from Eventually Cottage!
Very cool! Jen
ReplyDeletegenius my dear, pure genius.
ReplyDeleteAmazing. So amazing. Every time I read one of your posts I am inspired to run to Home Depot and start a new project. The hubby hopes you will stop writing soon, HA! How does he always get roped into these ideas? I may be able to do this one on my own.
ReplyDeleteOMG! I am SO doing this this weekend! I knew there was a reason I love your blog so much.
ReplyDeletePositively perfect!!
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to say Hi! You have a blog that inspired me to start my own...thanks :)
ReplyDeletehttp://amberwabisabi.blogspot.com/
LOL with the slump construction is in around here, he just might!!!
ReplyDeleteSarah, this is brilliant! I love it. Such a simple but clever solution!
ReplyDeleteOh!! It is looking wonderful!! Home Depot provides really amazing things!! Love your room!!
ReplyDeleteI did it!!! I printed a picture and took it home to my husband the night you created this post-and when I got home from work the next day, it was done! http://zilskin.blogspot.com/2009/04/thrifty-decor-chick.html
ReplyDeleteHere's a link to my post and I promise, I gave you all the credit. Thanks for the great ideas!
now that is just too awesome! but please tell me the cat out before the couch got put there. hee hee :-)
ReplyDeleteWow! I thought there was NO WAY I could get my sofa away from the wall b/c I have only a tiny slice of space. Your table idea may have just solved this problem!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this very inspiring idea. My husband had a board in the garage, and I pulled out our food storage cans, created a "table", threw a curtain over the top and I am so happy with the result. I will post pictures on my blog and make sure my friends know where I got the idea from. Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteFAB-U-LOUS!
ReplyDeleteYou should link this up to my thrifty Thursday post! It is perfect. I am inspired!
Genius! How cool is this...I love it! Thanks for the great detailed pics! This would make a great Metamorphosis Monday post! Mr. Linky goes up at 8PM if you would like to link it. :-) Susan
ReplyDeleteI love your blog! So great!!!! Please give me tips if you have any!
ReplyDeleteThat is pretty cool! Now I have to go get my furniture off the walls, to see if I have to leave a sofa on the wall, so I can build one of these :)
ReplyDeleteABSOLUTELY LUV-ER-LY!!!
ReplyDeleteyou are so good!
ReplyDeletei'm gonna have to get me some tools!
What a great project! I can't believe it only cost $20 - awesome :)
ReplyDeleteI think I have a new project for my hubby! This is really a great project, It looks great when it's all finished and it's so easy and affordable. Thanks for sharing this. :O)
ReplyDeleteGreat job once again ! Lauuve it !
ReplyDeleteI want one ! Thanks for sharing ~ Hugs, Kammy
It would take YOU thirty minutes--me about 3 months to figure out the brackets and tools :) Great and thrifty!!
ReplyDeleteGenious idea! You smart woman you! As much as I love this idea, I would be buying new accessories everyday! Between the boys and the cats...yikes. I believe the cats would push everything off just for a cozy hangout, and the boys...well no explanation necessary.
ReplyDeleteYou should join my first linky party on Thursday! I am celebrating our old childhood bedrooms. It should be a great big bloggy slumber party!
~Misti
I love this. Really, truly, and seriously. In fact, Hubs has a project to help me with this weekend, LOL! Great idea!
ReplyDeleteAwesome!
ReplyDelete:)
Looks great! I just wanted to say your blog is so fun!
ReplyDeleteGreat job! I have to make one of those as soon as I figure out how to get my furniture off the walls of our living room. I just don't know how it'd work but I'm going to try it. Thanks for the idea!
ReplyDeleteThat is flippin great...I am totally going to do this with my sofa!
ReplyDeleteThis was my Labor Day project. It was so easy! Start to finish, one afternoon. I am going to post my pictures tomorrow, and I will make sure to link up to you!
ReplyDeleteThank you, YOU ROCK! I have a large Ikea Lack shelf that we purchased for another home, since we've moved I have had no place for it, but now I am going to add some legs and make myself a sofa table. LOVE IT!
ReplyDeleteI was going to go out and look for a table to go behind my couch since we just moved the one behind to a WAY better spot. This is PERFECT!!!! Just what I was looking - and I LURVE (hehe) the chocolate brown!!!! I will be copying you, your exact idea but I need more than nine inches. LURVE, LURVE,LURVE it!!!!
ReplyDeleteJust stumbled across this, and I might have to copy this idea. I need a 'safe' place to put up some frames and what not, and this looks PERFECT! Glad you thought of it! ;)
ReplyDeleteI love this idea! I think I'm going to try it. I live on a military base in Korea and while there is no Lowe's or Home Depot, there is a self-help store with free wood. I wonder if they have something that could work for this? Anyway, fantastic idea for a table that doesn't need to be seen except for the top section!
ReplyDeleteI know you posted this almost a year ago but i found your blog and fell in love with everything. I showed my huband and we went to menards tonight and started the project I cant wait. love it. thanks
ReplyDeleteI read this post a while ago and have had it in mind. Since I just got a massive new couch, I made myself one last night. Stopped at Lowes on the way home and had it put together before I went to bed. It's outside drying now, and I will cover the top with felt (no one will see!!) to make it like a coaster. Please feel free to set your drink anywhere!! :) $50, a couple (!) hours, now I have a custom 10-foot sofa table!! Add some accessories I already have, and enjoy. Thanks so much for this fantastic tip!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this! I love that it is simple & something I can do with the kids this weekend!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I discovered your site when I couldn't find the right-sized sofa table. I made a 67" x 16" one of "cabinet grade" plywood and it's got a surprisingly beautiful wood grain. I'm going to stain and finish it this afternoon. You do rock!
ReplyDeleteAwesome, I couldn't find the right depth I needed so I'm totally making this...THANKS
ReplyDeleteOI have been looking for a table to go behind my couch forever...and there either super spendy or 4 ft long... I need at least a 7 foot long table. I think ill use the left over 'barnwood' from the diningroom table I'm making. ;)
ReplyDeleteI really like the sofa table idea. I think I can do it for just a little more using the pre-finished shelving planks they have at the local hardware store. Thanks for the idea. Chaz
ReplyDeleteJust want to say THANK YOU for this post - I wanted a 7' long, really narrow (8" or less) sofa table and could not find one. I started googling and ended up on this post! I made my table last night and put it in the family room today and I LOVE IT. Thank you for the tutorial! :)
ReplyDeleteJust made this and LOVE it!! Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteI wanted to build something like this and I very successfully used your plans!
ReplyDeleteI did make one modification which helps make it a little less wobbly.
Those L-brackets only offer so much stability since the lower part of the leg is still flexy. I took an extra piece of wood the same length as top surface and mounted it to the back, about 2/3 of the way down using two screws in each leg.
This prevents the table legs from bowing back and forth -- mine kept wanting to collapse, but this saved it.