How to Make a Sofa C-Table With Built in Storage

12 Materials
$50
4 Hours
Easy

Before reading further, please take a minute to connect by subscribing to the Mother Daughter Projects once-a-week newsletter.


As always, further details on this project can be found on our website along with links to the exact materials we used.



With the purchase of a new grown-up sofa for Steph came the need for a little side table. A Google and Pinterest search ensued until she realized she had already seen the perfect C-table sliding sofa table. The side table her friend, Daniel, had made would be a perfect choice.

Watch the video to see the step by step build, plus a couple of pop-up tips.

First step is to gather all the supplies. We are using 2x 2 boards as well as a poplar board and lots of wood glue.

All the 2x 2 boards are cut to length and staggered. Steph used a cut off piece to help align the boards. You can find exact measurements in the video or in the blog post on our website. The boards are glued, clamped and allowed to dry about 24 hours.

Before leaving the boards to dry, be sure to clean up any excess glue on both sides.

Throughly sand all the sides and edges of the table pieces. There will be a top and bottom as well as a back. Start with 60 or 80 grit sandpaper and work through the grits to 220.

After all the pieces are dry and sanded it's time to assemble. Apply a bit of glue in the joints and push to pound with a rubber mallet to be sure the pieces are securely in place. Allow to dry.

The entire piece can be painted or stained. We decided to do both. The inside of the "c" is painted while the outside is stained.

Check out the video to see how we customized the table with a little shelf for an iPad. Steph uses an iPad as a TV remote so the shelf keeps it conveniently at hand.

The table fits over the arm of the sofa. The design can be adjust to fit a taller or shorter sofa.

You can see how the iPad stores neatly under the top of the table.

The table can be used over the arm of the sofa, in front of you like a TV tray, or on the floor when you need to work, but your fur friend needs a bit of attention!


Please note that the time estimate for the build does not include dry time. For a complete list of exactly what we used, you can always find that information on our website. Click the link below.

Be sure to pin this project!

Resources for this project:
See all materials
Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Hometalk may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page.More info
Mother Daughter Projects
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
Go
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
Comments
Join the conversation
4 of 35 comments
  • Wolf CrescentWalker Wolf CrescentWalker on May 12, 2020

    Sometimes squeeze-out glue that's wiped up wet can cause a discoloration with stain since the glue has already started to saturate the grain. You can avoid that but allowing the squeeze-out to dry in place until it's rubbery, maybe 30 minutes to an hour depending on ambient humidity. Then just slice it away with a chisel tip or a sharp knife, like shaving beard stubble.


    With paint it won't matter, but with stain it can give you a more professional finish.

  • Dawn Dawn on May 12, 2020

    Isn't that the truth? I've been owned by 4 of these wonderful dogs, so far.

    • Mother Daughter Projects Mother Daughter Projects on May 12, 2020

      Awwww! Steph's neighbor got a greyhound a few months after getting to know Mac and they just brought another one home last week! ~Vicki

Next