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Coffee Table Plans
A simple coffee table from panel legs. A rail under the top keeps it from racking, and the lower shelf holds magazines and remotes. Build it in plywood, MDF or veneered board.
- Default size
- 1000 × 420 × 550 mm
- Parts
- 5 pieces · 4 sizes
- Sheets (2440 × 1220 mm (4 × 8 ft))
- 1 carcass
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Build time
- About 3 hours
- Edge band
- 8.5 m
Cut list (default size)
| Part | Qty | Length | Width | Thick. | Board | Edges |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top · grain | 1 | 1000 | 550 | 18 | Carcass board 18 mm | |
| Leg panel | 2 | 510 | 402 | 18 | Carcass board 18 mm | |
| Shelf | 1 | 884 | 450 | 18 | Carcass board 18 mm |
Sizes in millimetres; length runs along the grain. Edges: bold lines are banded.
1 more parts, the sheet layout and the cut order are in the full plan.Resize it to any size, print labels and save it in a project.Sign in free to open it
How it is built
- The legs are set in 40 mm from each end of the top.
- The rail sits under the middle of the top and is screwed through it.
Common mistakes
- Leaving out the rail: the table will rack sideways.
- Making it taller than the sofa seat. Keep it 30 to 50 mm lower.
Tools you need
- Track saw or table saw
- Drill/driver
- Edge banding iron
Frequently asked questions
What height is right for a coffee table?
Usually the same as the sofa seat or up to 50 mm lower: 400 to 450 mm.
How long should a coffee table be?
About two-thirds of the length of the sofa: 1000–1200 mm for a three-seat sofa, 800–900 mm for a two-seater.
How far from the sofa should it stand?
350–450 mm: close enough to reach a cup, far enough to walk past your knees.
Can I leave out the lower shelf?
Yes: set the lower shelf to 0. The rail under the top still keeps the table rigid; over 1200 mm long, use a 25 mm top.
Related guides
Coffee Table HeightStandard coffee table height is 16–18 in (40–46 cm), level with or a little below the sofa seat. See coffee table lengths, widths and the distance from the sofa.End Table HeightStandard end table height is 22–26 in (56–66 cm), within 2 in of the sofa arm. See end table widths and depths, lamp height and the space next to the sofa.
