Parson's tables are a classic in modern design.  I especially love them in stained wood - because it brings texture to your space, without visually cluttering.  

The simple clean lines are not just appealing to the eye.  They are comfortable, with no hard corners to subconsiously be aware of and avoid.  This makes parson tables a great choice for small spaces and homes with active children.

We choose this collection of occasional tables for our Cabin House Build for these reasons - and because they are easy and quick to build.  It's a great option for staging homes too!

Here's how I built the coffee table

The other tables are built in the same method - you can opt to use the 1x4 method as outlined in the plans below - but just changing up your cut lengths.  Here's a few standard sizes to make your life easier.

Rectangle Coffee Table

Here's the rectangle coffee table that I built, it's a pretty standard size and works with most standard sofas.  It's on the shorter side, so if you want to add a bottom shelf I'd increase the leg length to 18".  Notice in this design I used the 1x4s - you can also jigsaw out if you have the tools - the plan will work either way.

Cut list for rectangle coffee table as shown:

• 4 - 4x4 @ 16"
• 3 - 1x6 @ 48"
• 2 - 1x4 @ 41"
• 2 - 1x3 @ 41"
• 2 - 1x3 @ 16-1/2"

Square Coffee Table

The square version is great for sectionals and larger living rooms with seating on multiple sides.  

Here's the cut list as shown for the square coffee table:

• 4 - 4x4 @ 16"
• 6 - 1x6 @ 40"
• 2 - 1x4 @ 33"
• 4 - 1x3 @ 33"

End Table with Bottom Shelf - Also Nightstand

End tables are a little taller, so a bottom shelf will create more function and also support the legs at the base. But the bottom shelf is completely optional.

Here's this end table cut list as shown:

• 4 - 4x4 @ 24"
• 6 - 1x6 @ 24"
• 4 - 1x4 @ 17"
• 4 - 1x3 @ 17"
• 4 - 1x3 @ 16-1/2"

Console Table with Bottom Shelf - Also Media Center, Sideboard, or Bath Vanity

The parsons console table is also ideal for a bottom shelf.  I'd love to see it with baskets of shoes, or pillows in blankets in a living room media console setting. This version is pretty wide, but you can make it narrower by using less top boards.

Here's the cut list for the console as shown:

• 4 - 4x4 @ 30"
• 4 - 1x6 @ 72"
• 4 - 1x4 @ 65"
• 4 - 1x3 @ 65"
• 2 - 1x3 @ 11"

Dining Table

And finally, the dining table!  One change is I did use 2x3s for the dining table aprons instead of the 1x3s, to increase support.  Also I did 45 supports under the tabletop from apron to apron, also screwing into the legs (this is shown in step 4 of the plans).

This is a good sized table that will easily seat 6.  But it feels perfect in a small dining room.  

Here's the cut list for this dining table as shown:

• 4 - 4x4 @ 30"
• 5 - 1x6 @ 72"
• 2 - 1x4 @ 65"
• 2 - 2x3 @ 65" - or 2x4s, especially if you do a longer table for added strength
• 2 - 2x3 @ 27-1/2" - or 2x4s, especially if you do a longer table for added strength
• 4 - 2x3 @ about 9" (depending on apron thickness and placement) with ends cut at 45 degrees, perpendicular, for the cross supports

FAQ: Are There Plans for the Barn Door Media Center?

Yes!  Here are the plans for the Barn Door Media Center.

Parson's Style Table Build Steps

Here's the basic steps for building these parson's tables: