This beautiful coffee table has a secret! The top panels remove, with lots of storage inside. We love it as a play table (legos anyone?) or a workcenter for your laptop, or just a place to store board games, extra blankets, or magazines.
This coffee table is easy to build - you'll just need a few tools and some off the shelf lumber. Step by step plans with diagrams by Ana-White.com
Pin for Later!
Preparation
1/2 Sheet of 3/4″ MDF or Hardwood Plywood cut into strips 15 7/8″ wide x 48″ long
2 – 1×3
3 – 1×2
1 – 1×6 – 12 foot long
2″ screws (self tapping wood screws)
1 1/4″ screws (self tapping wood screws)
wood glue and filler and finishing supplies
2 – 1×6 @ 48″
3 – 1×6 @ 14-3/8″
2 – 3/4″ MDF or Plywood @ 15-7/8″ x 48″
2 – 3/4″ MDF or Plywood @ 15-7/8″ x 24″ (top inserts)
4 – 1×2 @ 17-1/4″
4 – 1×3 @ 17-1/4″
2 – 1×2 @ 44-1/2″
2 – 1×2 @ 12-7/8″
2 – 1×2 @ 48″
2 – 1×3 @ 18-7/8
Instructions
Step 1
Build the Box for the wooden train table - Mark the sides of the box and predrill holes. Attach the ends and center to the box as shown above. Use 2″ screws and glue or 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws and glue.
Step 2
Bottom of Box - Now just screw the bottom of the wooden train table compartment to the sides and dividers as shown above.
Step 3
End Legs - Now just screw the end legs on with 1-1/4" screws. I turned the whole thing upside down to do this and screwed the legs from inside to hide. Also, I tapered the legs with a circular saw, but that’s purely decorative.
Step 4
Front and Back Legs Now screw the front and back legs to the box and the side legs with 1 1/4″ screws and glue. I tapered these too as shown above. You could also use nails and glue to hide any holes. Nail holes are much easier to hide than screw holes.
Step 5
Step 6
Optional False Drawers To make the coffee table look like it has drawers, just set your circular saw blade to 1/8″ and make cuts as shown above. Hold off on the knobs until you are done with the table. Make the cuts on both sides, on opposite sides.
Step 7
Top Supports Now just screw these on flush to the top with 1 1/4″ screws and glue
Step 8
Top Sides Now simply screw the top sides to the top as shown above.
Step 9
Top Ends Now simply screw the top ends on as shown above. If you have a Kreg Jig™, you can also screw the end to the sides for added support.
Step 10
Tops Check the fit of the top inserts and sand as needed to insure that the inserts fit properly. If needed, drill a hole in the inserts to use as a handle to pull inserts up with.
Step 11
And here are those mods for the other version. Don’t taper the legs and just add a middle legs, and trim out the bottom of the box and shelves. It’s really simple.
Step 12
I won’t say much more than I’ve been at this one for three days with a hair dryer . . . but the color is dark walnut. I used Elmer’s wood filler and it took the stain quite well. Thanks for reading! I hope you take a second to let me know if you like this design, so I can continue to post more plans that are similar. Mom to mom, this is a must make.
Comments
krys (not verified)
Sun, 01/08/2012 - 12:04
i would also love a larger square one
i read a comment that asked for a larger one that was a square i would love to see that also it would be great to have four capartments to secretly store those items and so my son couldnt open it unless i wanted to and i have a to admit this way i might be able to play with the little legos again! =D
gypsyviolin (not verified)
Sun, 01/22/2012 - 10:14
Thank you Ana! This was the
Thank you Ana! This was the perfect solution to my lego invasion and lack of coffee table!
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Guest (not verified)
Fri, 04/13/2012 - 21:05
LOVE!
I love everything about this table! I'm wondering if it could be combined with the coffee table plans that have one or more storage bins underneath...thinking about it! We're expecting #3, and are going to have to watch choking hazards since the first two will be 6 and 3 when this one arrives; this could be the perfect solution! Thank you!!!
Hollie M (not verified)
Fri, 10/26/2012 - 17:41
My husband doesn't know it
My husband doesn't know it yet, but he'll be making me this for Christmas!
Thank you for all of your wonderful plans. Our house is on its way to being entirely furnished from your website. :)
kenneymaureen (not verified)
Thu, 11/15/2012 - 20:18
Making this for Thanksgiving!
It's so beautiful and I'm super excited. The only other building I've done is 2 chunky leg beds so I'm nervous. I want to do the version on the bottom (2 large false drawers). Should I use 1x2 to trim out the drawers? Also, I think I'm going to use beadboard for the top panels. Any thoughts on whether that would look good? Yay or nay? lol
kazcat42
Sun, 02/02/2014 - 20:17
We made this table! (Kinda)
Just wanted to say thank you for these great plans. While we made several modifications to the plan your idea was the spark that got the whole thing going. Pictures are at:
http://www.pinterest.com/ideahunt/diy-furniture/
hoodoo
Wed, 02/26/2014 - 09:56
Still confused
I want to make this but I am confused by how much wood is needed and which pieces are used in each step. I see 3 1x2, what is the length? When she adds the legs it just states to add legs. Which piece is the leg? Am I missing something here?
karmyk
Sat, 04/05/2014 - 03:11
Adding card table cloth/fabric to top insert
Hello! I'm a bit new to this, and I was wondering how you applied the fabric lining so neatly to the underside of the top table insert so neatly (i.e. get the edges to look so nice). Is there a tutorial or guide you can recommend for it? Sorry to bother you with such a beginner sort of question.
karmyk
Sat, 04/05/2014 - 03:11
Adding card table cloth/fabric to top insert
Hello! I'm a bit new to this, and I was wondering how you applied the fabric lining so neatly to the underside of the top table insert so neatly (i.e. get the edges to look so nice). Is there a tutorial or guide you can recommend for it? Sorry to bother you with such a beginner sort of question.
In reply to Adding card table cloth/fabric to top insert by karmyk
JoanneS
Sat, 04/05/2014 - 07:46
Attaching cloth/fabric to top insert
Hi karmyk,
The best way I know to cut fabric super-straight for something like that would be to use a rigid straight-edge and something super sharp like a rotary cutter.
This link has some pictures on how quilters cut those perfectly straight lines:
http://www.craftsy.com/article/cutting-techniques
Good luck with your project!
:) Joanne
Lefty
Wed, 04/08/2015 - 10:07
coffee Table
Next Project
MelanieGBacci
Thu, 09/15/2016 - 10:37
Adjusted Plans - HELP
Hello,
I would love to built this table but need some adjustments made to be able to use it as a sensory table mix. I was wondering if you would be able to help me with this?
Instead of the side (lenghth) being 18 7/8" I need it to be 24"
Inside (depth) needs to be a minimum of 5"
Compartments: I need 3.
2 to be exactly 16.5" wide and the other to be whatever is left over.
Preferably to have the wider compartments on the ends and I would need measurements for the boards on top to cover. As well.
I know you have plans for sensory tables but none match exactly what I'd like to do. With the table.
If you can help with adjustments for plans and the length of boards cutting list that would be amazing.
Thank you for your time and I look forward to building this.