Build a Shutter Console Table

Repurpose a shutter into a cottage-style console table that will add interest and soften the hard lines of the back side of any couch.

Unique Shutter Sofa Table

Layla Palmer creates a rustic look in this living room with a unique shutter sofa table.

By: Layla Palmer

Materials Needed:

shutter (approximately 55" long)
3 - 1x4 boards (8' in length)
4 square, wood table legs (approximately 29" high)
4 straight top plates
8 - 2" narrow hinges
measuring tape
electric or hand saw

electric drill
electric screwdriver
rubber mallet
latex paint
paintbrush
protective eyewear
pencil

Paint the Legs

Brush on two coats of latex paint to each of the table legs and allow to dry.

Paintbrush Painting Table Legs Light Gray

Paint Table Legs

Brush on two coats of latex paint to each of the table legs and allow to dry.

Paint the Shutter

Brush on two coats of latex paint to the front side of the shutter. The bottom side won't be seen, so it's not necessary to paint it.

Paintbrush Coating Old Blue Shutter With Light Gray Paint

Paint Old Shutter With Fresh Paint

Brush on two coats of latex paint to the front side of the shutter. The bottom side won't be seen, so it's not necessary to paint it.

Attach Top Plates

Position a straight top plate in each corner of the bottom side of the shutter. Tip: Make sure each top plate is the exact same distance from the edges of the shutter all the way around.

Drill Attaching Straight Top Plate to Corner of Shutter

Attach Top Plates to Corners

Position a straight top plate in each corner of the bottom side of the shutter. Tip: Make sure each top plate is the exact same distance from the edges of the shutter all the way around.

Attach the Legs

Screw each table leg into each top plate.

Hand Preparing to Screw Table Leg Into Top Plate

Attach Legs to Shutter Table

Screw each table leg into each top plate.

Measure

Measure the distance between the two legs on the long side of the table and write the measurement down.

Measure Distance Between Table Legs on Long Side

Measure the distance between the two legs on the long side of the table and write the measurement down.

Measure

Measure the distance between the two legs on the short side of the table and write the measurement down.

Measure Distance Between Table Legs on Short Side

Measure the distance between the two legs on the short side of the table and write the measurement down.

Cut the Lumber

Using the measurements from step five and six as a guide, cut four 1x4 boards to create an apron between each leg. Tip: Always wear protective eyewear when sawing wood.

Cut Lumber to Create Aprons

Using the measurements from step five and six as a guide, cut four 1x4 boards to create an apron between each leg. Tip: Always wear protective eyewear when sawing wood.

Insert Lumber

Place the first 1x4 between two of the table legs. Tip: If the board doesn't quite fit, use a rubber mallet to gently force it into place.

Hands Using Rubber Mallet to Force Lumber Between Table Legs

Insert Lumber Between Table Legs With Rubber Mallet

Place the first 1x4 between two of the table legs. Tip: If the board doesn't quite fit, use a rubber mallet to gently force it into place.

Attach Hinges

Attach a two-inch narrow hinge between each 1x4 board and table leg. Tip: It's always best to pre-drill holes before driving a screw into the wood. Repeat steps until all four 1x4 boards are secured into place.