DIY Simple End Table for Small Spaces

Pin It We have end tables that are too tall for our couches.  The tops of the tables are about three or four inches taller than the arm of the couch.  The fact they are tall wouldn't be so bad, except we can see the unfinished back of the table over the arm of the chair.

I measured the arm of the couch and it was only 22" tall.  I think most end tables are 24" tall or taller.

So, I made a little (and narrow) table to fit the needs of my small room.

Here it is without the finish.  Small, narrow and just the right height for my short arm couches.

 Cut List:

4 - 21 1/4" (2"x2") legs
4 - 19" (2"x2") long cross boards - top and bottom
2 - 7" (2"x2") short top cross board
2 - 7" (1"x2") short bottom cross board (you can use a 2"x2" if you prefer for a different look)
1 - 19"x7" (1" board) this one is the bottom shelf
1 - 11.5" x 24" (1" board) this one is the table top

I didn't use screws this time, I nailed everything together with a power nailer with 2" nails.

Layout two legs with two 19" cross boards and attach together.
Then do the second side.

At this stage, you could instead just attach the top cross support boards with the legs.  Then you could clamp the entire bottom shelf section together so it all fits together snug, without gaps. 

Then I attached the 7" cross boards to join the two sides together.  The 1X2 were on the bottom shelf.

See here how the legs and cross support boards are all attached to form the box structure.

Then I slid in the bottom shelf into the opening and nailed from the sides.
You could always create an "L" shaped ledge with additional 1x2s nailed inside the 2x2s and 1x2s on the bottom if you need additional strength to the bottom shelf other than just the nails.

Then I nailed the top into the four corners, used wood filler and sanded.  Now I just need to pick a paint and/or stain color.

Thank you for visiting.  If you have any plans you share, please send me a link.  I would love to see them.

Karen

UPDATE:  I just saw this photo and became inspired on the finish for my little table.


Pottery Barn