Wide Entryway Console with Open Shelves

white console table
Difficulty
Intermediate
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Build your own entryway console table with free plans from Ana-White.com

This entryway console features large shelves, open shelving space for baskets or bins, and a generous sized top.  The bottom is concealed, so you never have to clean underneath.  We love this also as a media console table, buffet in the dining room, or anywhere more storage and tabletop space is needed in a beautiful, simple design.

The free plans include step by step diagrams, shopping and cut list and video tutorial.

white console table

A console table in an entryway is a must.  Not only is it an essential dropzone for keys, mail, and more, an entryway console can ground a mirror (another entryway essential) and add beauty to your home's first interior impression.

 

Why We Built this Console Table

Our entryway in our new house had a big problem though -

We needed to hide these radiant heat floor pipes too.

So I came up with this design for an entryway console -

It's based off a console table plan I did a few years back -

I just double the width to fit my space.  I hid the pipes behind the doors, but kept the basket storage to full depth.  There's still a good amount of storage behind the doors too, despite the pipes.

We love our new white console table!

 

This piece is so perfect for our space.  The baskets (from Joanns) are perfect for mail, and the look is very adaptable for every type of decor or season.

The hardware was a big deal.  I dry fit several different options and was very suprised when the Lombard Pulls by Liberty Hardware/Franklin Brass were the clear winner.

This was such a good project, one that will stay with our house for many many years.  I love that it could be used throughout the house too - entertainment center, baby changing table, hybrid dresser, dining room buffet, coffee bar just to name a few.

 

Watch - Building this Entryway Console Table

We featured this dropzone entryway console in a video a few weeks back - lots of build details, especially on the doors - do watch if you can.

 

 

Free Plans to Build Your Own Entryway Console with Cubbies

The free plans to build this entryway console follow.  Thank you for using our plans, please share a photo when you are done, we love seeing your work!

 

Pin For Later! 

Entryway Console with Open Shelves - Double Width

Dimensions
entryway console shelf dimensions
Counterheight, 16" deep, 5 feet wide. This is a large console table.

Preparation

Shopping List
  • 1 – 4’ x 8’ x 3/4”thick cabinet grade plywood sheet ripped into 15-3/4” wide strips (you can also use 4-1x12x8' boards instead for a narrower depth console table)
  • 4 – 1x2 @ 8 feet long 
  • 1 – 1x4 @ 8 feet long
  • 3 – 1x3 @ 8 feet long
  • 1- 4’x 8’ x 1/4” thick plywood (for the back)
  • 4 sets of hinges
  • 4 knobs/pulls
  • 4 magnetic clasps
  • 1-1/4” and 3/4” brad nails
  • 1-1/4” pocket hole screws
Cut List
  • 1 – ¾” plywood @ 15-3/4” x 58” – top
  • 2 – ¾” plywood @ 15-3/4” x 55” – shelves
  • 2 – ¾” plywood @ 15-3/4” x 35-1/4” – sides
  • 1 – ¾” plywood @ 15-3/4” x 8-1/2” – divider
  • 1 – 1x2 @ 58” – face frame top
  • 2 – 1x2 @ 35-1/4” – face frame sides
  • 2 – 1x2 @ 53-1/2” – face frame stiles
  • 1 – 1x2 @ 29-1/2”- face frame center
  • 2 – 1x2 @ 26” – face frame shelves
  • 1 – 1x4 @ 16-1/2” – base sides
  • 1 – 1x4 @ 58” – base front cut to fit
  • 8 – 1x3 @ 20-3/4” – door stiles
  • 8 – 1x3 @ 7-7/8 – door rails
  • 4 - ¼” plywood cut to fit approx. 8” x 15-3/4”
Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Kreg Jig
Drill
Circular Saw
Brad Nailer
Power Sander

Instructions

Step 1

Rip plywood on tablesaw or with circular saw into strips 15-3/4” wide by 8 feet long.  From these strips, cut out pieces for carcass.  Assemble the carcass using three ¾” pocket holes and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws per joint, for all joints except center divider.

For center divider, apply glue to both ends and position in center of upper shelf opening.  Use 1-1/4” brad nails to secure in place.

Step 2

Using ¾” pocket holes and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws, build face frame on flat level surface. Top face frame piece overhangs front and sides by ¾”.

Nail completed face frame to front of carcass with 1-1/4” brad nails and wood glue.

Additional shelves can be added, but need to be at least 1/2" less in width than the carcass to allow for the door backs to be added in last step.

Step 3

Measure and cut side base pieces.  Nail to sides with 1-1/4” brad nails.  Measure and cut front base piece.  Nail to front with 1-1/4” brad nails.

Step 4

Cut back piece from ¼” plywood and nail to all edges on back of cabinet using glue and ¾” brad nails.

Step 5

Assemble door frame pieces using ¾” pocket holes and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws.  Cut plywood slightly larger than opening and nail to back with ¾” brad nails and wood glue.

Install doors with hinges.  Add knobs or pulls and magnetic clasps.

NOTE: Please watch the video as there is more details on steps for the doors in the video

Comments

LittlekelPA

Wed, 09/02/2020 - 06:28

Loved this cabinet; however, I needed something a little bit smaller for my space. Thanks so much for sharing the plans! I made mine half the size and only one door that was on the outside of the face frame not inset like yours. I think it looks pretty cute for my first cabinet. I even used the router table for the first time. :D

Alienz17

Mon, 05/24/2021 - 00:49

Just finished making this and absolutely love it!! Thank you so much for these plans.

cayenne

Sat, 01/14/2023 - 14:54

Hi Ana,
Can you tell me what size bit for my router do I need for the Entryway Console ? I'm just at the point of building the doors and you don't say in your video, what size bit for door's rails and stiles ?