The DIY Wooden Sofa Table That Also Adds Extra Seating To Any Living Space

One problem many homeowners encounter is limited space in their living and family rooms. This makes it challenging to squeeze in extra seating that doesn't take up much room. Are you looking for extra seating? Why not embark on a custom sofa table project? Instead of just having a sofa table, which is usually narrow and only designed to hold a few items, you can make a custom sofa table wide enough to accommodate several stools underneath. Not only does this setup give you additional seating, but it's also the ideal place to watch a game while enjoying a bowl of snacks. 

Aside from the much-needed seating space, this setup also gives you extra surface and possibly even storage. After all, who doesn't want a table to place their drinks while enjoying a show, right? Plus, it's such a space-smart choice. Just slide those stools under the sofa table when they're not needed, and voila — you keep your living area spacious and walkable.

To start building the wooden sofa table you want to add to your living room, head to a home improvement store for your supplies. You'll need two pieces of 2 x 12-inch lumber for the table's surface and base and several 2 x 2 furring strips for the legs and middle support. Additionally, gather screws, wood glue, and your preferred wood stain or paint. Ensure you have essential tools like a drill, saw, and sander (or sandpaper).

Begin by cutting the wood to size, then sand each piece for a smooth finish. (Note that, should you decide to integrate a power outlet into your sofa table, you have to cut the top lumber to the size of the outlet extension cable.) Apply stain or paint for the desired look. For assembly, construct two rectangular frames from the furring strips for the legs, securing them with glue and screws. Attach these to one of the larger lumber pieces at either end, adding two furring strips in the middle for support. Finally, secure the other large lumber piece on top to complete your sofa table. All that's left to do is toss in the stools. Be sure to find stools that are the ideal height for your sofa table.

When planning to DIY a sofa table, you'll want to balance functionality and size. Opt for a narrow table that doesn't block the walkway behind your couch yet is wide enough to hold your devices, drinks, and snack bowls comfortably. It should also be long enough to span the length of your sofa. Height-wise, aim for a table that's about the same height as the top of your couch's backrest, give or take an inch. An ingenious addition to your DIY sofa table project is integrating a power outlet, allowing easy charging of devices right where you lounge.

The design of your sofa table should align with your personal needs and style preferences. You might go for a straightforward design with legs and a support beam. This style, though, can sometimes be a bit wobbly or unstable. To counter this instability, opt for thicker legs or add an extra middle piece or two, just like what TikTok user yessisrys did for her own DIY sofa table. Just remember to ensure there's still enough legroom once you sit on one of the stools. Or, you might consider a table with a solid base. This design, like the one showcased by TikTok user imadawg14, offers greater stability.