{DIY} Simple Console Table

Last month I shared our Family Room Reveal...the space that proved the most tricky in our last home. Some rooms come easily…the design, the furniture placement, and the space’s purpose…are all pretty clear from the get-go. Our Family Room was not one of them.

It was long and narrow, with doors and walk-throughs on every wall, and in odd locations. We rearranged that room 87 times over the years, and of course it was in our final year in the house that we solved the puzzle. (You can read about the process here, and see the floor plan that worked here.) The best thing we did was add a sectional…the only downside was the dark corner it created in the middle. We could put lamps on either end, but the center was a black hole. #TWSS

We looked for console tables to place behind it to house a lamp, but the sofa is 110-inches long…there aren’t a lot of options at that size, that are affordable anyway. We also didn’t have much room to scooch the sofa forward…so not only did we need a long table, but it had to be narrow. #hellocraigslist?

Once I realized only the top and one side of the table would be seen, I knew we could DIY something that would solve our problem, and provide more function for the room. And of course it’s super simple and el cheapo, because that’s who how I am.

I had a ‘supplies’ pic somewhere, but it must still be packed in a box…probably with my flat-head screwdriver, favorite hoop earrings, and dry-erase board.

We started with our table top (we used pine), cut to 110-inches (Home Depot will cut it free, Lowes will if you bat your eyes). I wanted something thicker, but we were concerned about the weight…and really it didn’t matter since it’s mostly the top that’s seen.

Determining the height of your side boards is the only tricky part of this project. We first had them cut a little shorter than the sofa…but once assembled, items on the table looked like they were levitating, and barely peeking over the cushions. So we started over with boards about 2-inches taller than the sofa back.

To coordinate with the desktop and shelves on the other side of the room, we gave them a good distressing, followed by a dark walnut stain and poly seal. (See how we did that here.)

Once dry, lay your top piece upside down on a flat surface, and attach two L-brackets.

Tip: Stain both sides of your table and side pieces. Since our table ended up taller than the sofa, you could see the underside of it. The raw, unstained side. #oops 

Hold a side piece flush to the brackets and attach.

Do the same to the other side. You see how easy this is?! All you need is a screwdriver. #makemineadouble

Ours bowed a little in the middle because of the extra-long length, so we reinforced it with a bracket screwed to the wall, and attached to the table. I wouldn’t place cinder blocks on it, but it held strong for lamps, remotes, and mama’s special juice.

It was amazing how much function and storage this narrow table provided…therefore allowing us to replace the too-big coffee table with something that fit the room better. (More on that DIY Ottoman soon!)

I lucked out finding this lamp with a rectangular shade at Home Goods…traditional round shades grazed the window, and the back of the person’s head who snagged the coveted corner seat.

Remotes tucked away, but still in reach….why do these little things make me so happy?! Please tell me I’m not alone!

Do you have an area that could benefit from a console table? This little ditty was only around $50…you can’t beat that with a stick! You’re impressed, right?! We were certainly doing a lot of back-patting.