3 Drawer Open Shelf Simple Entryway Console

Difficulty

Intermediate

Build your own console table with great storage options! With drawers and baskets, the variety of storage options makes sorting easy. This is a free project plan with step by step directions, diagrams, and cut list from Ana-White.com

Why We Built this Console

My friend Jaime from That's My Letter wanted to add more storage to her entryway, so she asked me to draw plans for a console. She really liked the style of the Pottery Barn Samantha Console, but needed something taller, and a little more budget friendly.

I think Jaime totally "nailed" this one, don't you???

XO Ana + Fam

Dimensions

Dimensions shown above - this console is pretty large, so measure your space first!

Preparation

Shopping List

1 sheet of 3/4” plywood cut into 2 strips 8 feet long x 15-3/4” wide, and remaining strip is 14-1/4” wide (for shelves)
1 sheet (4’x8’)
1/4” plywood or paneling for back
5 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long
4 - 1x4 @ 8 feet long
1 - 1x6 @ 4 feet long
Edge banding on front edge of plywood
1-1/4” pocket hole screws
1-1/4” and 3/4” brad nails
3 - 13” Bottom center mount drawer slides (these slides are recommended)

Cut List

1 - 3/4” plywood @ 15-3/4” x 46-1/2” (top)
2 - 3/4” plywood @ 15-3/4” x 35-1/4” (sides)
1 - 3/4” plywood @ 15-3/4” x 45” (bottom)
1 - 1x4 @ 45" (back support)
3 - 1x2 @ 45”
2 - 1x2 @ 5-3/4”
2 - 1x2 @ 15-3/4”
1 - 1x2 @ 48”
2 - 1x4 @ 15-3/4”
1 - 1x4 @ 48”
1 - 1/4” plywood @ 46-1/2” x 36”

DRAWER

6 - 1x4 @ 12”
6 - 1x4 @ 12-1/2”
3 - 1x6 @ 13-3/4” - cut to fit
3 - 1/4" plywood @ 13 1/2" x 12 1/2"

SHELVES

2 - 3/4” plywood @ 14-1/4” x 45” (cut 1/4” shorter if using shelf pins)
4 - 1x2 @ 45

Tools

General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1

Start by building the main box for the console.

NOTE: It's a good idea to drill 3/4" pocket holes facing forward along underside of bottom shelf for attaching the front footer in later steps.

Step 2

Attach back 1x4 (shown with 1x2 but Jaime recommends a 1x4 instead - this is updated in cut list) to give you something to attach drawer slides to.

Step 3

Build the front face frame and attach to front of console, inset and flush to front.

Step 4

Trim out top edges of top with 1x2s - I recommend cutting these to fit.

TIP: For an even nicer finish, consider mitering corners at 45 degrees.

Step 5

Step 6

It's always a good idea to build drawer boxes to fit openings and spec with the drawer slides. Adjust to fit as necessary.

Step 7

For bottom center mount drawer slides, Jaime recommends adding the last remaining 1x2 on the inside of the front, as shown below, to give you something to attach drawer slides to.

Install drawer slides and drawer, with front inset 3/4" to allow for the drawer face to be inset.

Jaime provides lots more details here on installing and adjusting bottom center mount drawer slides.

Step 8

Attach the drawer faces with an 1/8" gap around all sides to the drawer boxes.

Step 9

Attach back with glue and finish nails or staples.

Step 10

Trim front of shelves with 1x2s (can be done with pocket holes) and add to inside of console. Shelves can be fixed or adjustable with shelf pin holes.

Step 11

Jaime opted to frame out bottom with partitions to fit baskets - get more details here on how she did that.

Finishing Instructions

Preparation Instructions

Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

Project Type

Living Room Tables and Accent Table Plans

Console Table Plans

Room

Storage Solutions

Teens

Comments

Thu, 01/30/2014 - 12:40

Taller and Thinner....

...is a great option to have for an entry way table. It seems like all of the tables you find with storage are shorter and quite a bit deeper. The taller thinner ones just have four legs or maybe a shelf. This is a great option that combines ideal size for small spaces with storage. Love it, good job ladies!

Kero

Fri, 01/31/2014 - 09:32

Love this. I'm thinking I

Love this. I'm thinking I might move the drawers to the bottom and use it as a media console.

Sarnald

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 10:35

I love it, but want it to be a bit deeper

I am planning on building this to place my bearded dragon terrarium on top of. Rather than the 48" x 16 1/2" plan that is shown I need 48" x 24". I was wondering if anyone could help me with the cuts. I am new to building furniture but have general woodworking knowledge and ability. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

joeyhill07

Mon, 09/23/2019 - 20:20