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Monday, June 20, 2011

How to Build a Sofa Table!



This is the story of a girl who could not find in stores what her little mind was imaging.  So she came up with a plan, sketched out some ideas, made some measurements, bought some wood, hesitated for the tiniest of moments-unsure of whether she could really accomplish such a feat, got over it,  picked up a drill, crossed her fingers, and got to work!
YAY!  I built some furniture!

Don't you hate it when you can't find what your looking for?!  Well if you have a little knowledge, which I did from learning how to use a lot of power tools in the art studio in college, and if you can sketch out a plan, I truly  think anyone can build some furniture!

Just so you know, I've never built any type of furniture before, so I'm definitely no expert!!
Well, I've kinda built something before, but the only woodworking that was done on it was to screw in turned legs I bought at a hardware store.  The rest was all painting and upholstery!  I'm talking about my DIY Ottoman I donated to a charity auction!

Here's how it all when down!


I bought all my wood from The Home Depot, they cut it for me free of charge!
So no saw needed!



Ok, don't judge me, but I did all the building of this inside, in my living room!
It was a bazzilion degrees outside, and I really wanted to finish them!!
Hey a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do!













Adding some trim to finish it all off!


I love that all the trim pieces fit together so seamlessly!!


I actually built two tables, since I wanted the piece to span nearly eight feet!  I wasn't sure about stability of a piece that long, and also I figured I would be able to reuse them a lot easier somewhere else if I want to change the room!  

I can't decide on colors, so for now I just moved it all behind the sofa!  
I'm looking forward to getting it all painted and styled!














The sofa table also hides a secret.  You see I use to store large painters canvas behind my sofa and sometimes it would peak out!  Well not anymore!  All my canvases fits snugly under my new
DIY'd sofa table!
Yay! For hidden storage! 







I can't believe I built something! I'm so excited to paint this baby and try my hand at something else!
Like the accent table I blogged about here!


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65 comments:

  1. StephanieJune 20, 2011 at 10:43 PM

    Ashley I LOVE it! You made it looks so easy too! Can't wait to see how it looks all painted. Congratulations on your building skills, you rocked that one!

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  2. KatieJune 20, 2011 at 11:29 PM

    love this! what perfect timing too--i just told my husband i was wanting something like this for behind our bed :) ill have him check out this post very very soon! thanks!

    katie@little things bring smiles

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  3. amber wallaceJune 20, 2011 at 11:34 PM

    I'm so impressed! You're a rockstar! Great job, I love how it turned out.

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  4. AnonymousJune 20, 2011 at 11:45 PM

    Great job! I completely agree with you too - once you know how to use a few basic power tools and a have a few techniques up your sleeve you can build just about anything with a bit of creativity and patience. Can't wait to see what colour you choose to paint them.

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  5. Anna WhiteJune 21, 2011 at 12:10 AM

    Ashley,..you should feel VERY proud indeed! That is a fantastic job...good skills lovely...it looks simple beautiful x

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  6. Sanghamitra Bhattacherjee(Mukherjee)June 21, 2011 at 9:19 AM

    Great job! Fantastic transformation indeed! Loved your creative space.
    Hope to see you on my litle blog:)

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  7. Karen June 21, 2011 at 9:50 AM

    Girl, I'm so impressed with you! I can't wait to see it all dressed up in color.

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  8. UnknownJune 21, 2011 at 12:06 PM

    That looks great!!! Can't wait to see what it looks like all painted up! :)

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  9. AjaJune 21, 2011 at 2:24 PM

    This is SO awesome!! Gives me hope that I can pull off the same thing sometime.. :) It would look amazing painted with some nailhead trim!

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  10. Cassie BustamanteJune 21, 2011 at 6:07 PM

    love the table, and especially love how you have it decorated- so beautiful!!

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  11. HollyJune 21, 2011 at 6:34 PM

    Oh my goodness, I am impressed that you 1. did this yourself 2. built this in your living room! It turned out so great and looks really sturdy!

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  12. Decor & HarmonyJune 21, 2011 at 8:36 PM

    You've got skills :) I'm too afraid to drill a hole, I must conquer my fear. Terrific job.

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  13. Decor & HarmonyJune 21, 2011 at 8:59 PM

    Wow! I'm afraid to drill a hole :) The table really looks great, can't wait to see what you do next.

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  14. KatyJune 21, 2011 at 10:12 PM

    Good for you! I really like that you have it placed between the sofa & the wall. I think that's a great use of space.

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  15. KarimaJune 22, 2011 at 6:53 AM

    That looks really good, I am not much use at wood diy!
    New google follower via WAW Linky, Karima xx
    www.karimascrafts.com

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  16. Sweet Peas and BumblebeesJune 22, 2011 at 3:53 PM

    Love it...you did a great job! I would also LOVE if you would link up your project to our {{What I Made Wednesday}} linky party...it's going on now! And, I'm your newest follower! =)

    ~Briana
    sweetpeasandbb.blogspot.com

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  17. Ginger@gingersnapcrafts.comJune 23, 2011 at 9:06 AM

    Hi! Following from a Glimpse Inside. Your table turned out beautiful. Love it. :)Would love to have you link this up at my link party going on over on my blog. :)

    Ginger
    gingersnapcrafts.blogspot.com

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  18. Handy Man, Craft WomanJune 23, 2011 at 9:19 AM

    This looks GREAT and so easy! Thanks for linking this up to Wicked Awesome Wednesday!

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  19. UnknownJune 23, 2011 at 5:21 PM

    Amazing project! The tables look great! Congrats girl! XoXo

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  20. Becky@Beyond The Picket FenceJune 23, 2011 at 11:53 PM

    You did a fabulous job. Sofa tables are so useful too, thanks for sharing.

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  21. KristenJune 24, 2011 at 8:35 AM

    It looks wonderful! I also have the problem of finding in stores exactly what I've pictured in my mind...hence all my diy projects!

    Kristen
    Turning a House into a Home

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  22. BrookeJune 24, 2011 at 9:08 AM

    What a great build! Love that you came up with it yourself. And the finished product looks amazing!

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  23. abeachcottageJune 25, 2011 at 5:52 AM

    Well done! It turned out lovely, can't wait to see your next projects :) Thanks for stopping by Beach Cottage Good Life Wednesdays and joining the party.

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  24. Carol, The Answer Is ChocolateJune 25, 2011 at 10:56 AM

    Oh my gosh! You make this look so easy. Totally fabulous!

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  25. Kelly@Sense and SimpliciteeJune 26, 2011 at 5:36 PM

    What a great DIY! You did a wonderful job! Such inspiration!

    -Kelly@SenseAndSimplicitee.blogspot.com =D

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  26. LesleyJune 26, 2011 at 6:21 PM

    I don't know if you did already but I'm totally pinning this!

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  27. AvaJune 26, 2011 at 11:59 PM

    Love this idea , I'm definitely going to give it a go . I'm thinking in Australia your gorilla glue is our liquid nails .... You now have a new follower xx Ava

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  28. Jaclyn | One Thousand OaksJune 27, 2011 at 12:42 AM

    I love this idea! I like how it fits right up against the wall! I would love if you linked up to my Make it for Less Mondays @ Simply Cadence

    www.simplycadence.blogspot.com

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  29. ThumperJune 27, 2011 at 2:16 AM

    Yeah, another Woman with Mad power tool skills!!! I once took a picture into a lumper store and asked for all the wood to do the project. I made the coolest sink /cabinet for my bathroom.

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  30. Kimberlee, The Spunky DivaJune 27, 2011 at 7:26 AM

    Great job! I always have a hard time finding what I want in stores too. This sure is one way to take control! Visiting from c.r.a.f.t.
    ~Kimberlee

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  31. JessicaJune 27, 2011 at 10:48 AM

    Way to go! It's so awesome that you built that!

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  32. Nita StacyJune 27, 2011 at 4:13 PM

    How fantastic that you built your own sofa table or rather tables! I can't wait to see how they look all painted. Thanks for linking up to Mod Mix Monday!

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  33. Julia @ 551EastdesignJune 27, 2011 at 6:14 PM

    I love that you built that, Yay You! It's darling:)

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  34. CindyJune 27, 2011 at 9:05 PM

    Oh my word! That looks fabulous! I love it and it's so nice and long.
    You are one smart cookie!
    Hugs, Cindy

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  35. Jenn EricksonJune 27, 2011 at 11:57 PM

    Ashley, you did a beautiful job building the sofa tables! It's awesome that you have the skill, confidence, and ingenuity to build-it when you can't "find it".

    So glad to have you be a part of "A Little Birdie Told Me..."!

    Jenn

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  36. Megan GunyanJune 28, 2011 at 12:03 AM

    Wow, props to you! That's amazing that you just drew it up and put it together! I would agonize forever before even attempting such a thing. ;)

    I'd love for you to join my giveaway for 2 canvas pillow forms going on now! www.alittleknickknack.com Happy 4th!

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  37. Crazy WonderfulJune 28, 2011 at 8:00 AM

    How stinking awesome!!! I've been thinking about building the same type of console, and this confirms that I MUST do it :D Can't wait to see what you decide to paint it!

    I'm now following your fab blog!

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  38. Erin @ His and HersJune 28, 2011 at 10:02 AM

    You go girl! I have to rely on my husband for building stuff around here, if I want it not to collapse or look like a well-intentioned but amateur Boy Scout built it. :P And I love all the fun colors you have in your accessories in that room; you have lots of choices for what color to paint the table! :)

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  39. Confessions of a Stay at Home MommyJune 28, 2011 at 10:16 AM

    I just emailed this to my hubby and told him we HAVE to make one! I would love it if you would link up to my Tuesday Confessional link party going on now: http://www.craftyconfessions.com/2011/06/tuesday-confessional-link-party.html. I hope to see you soon!
    ~Macy

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  40. UnknownJune 28, 2011 at 10:55 AM

    This looks great! I found you via a hop, and am now following! Beautiful blog!

    Chrsytal
    www.adornonashoestring.com

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  41. BluBabesCreateJune 28, 2011 at 12:30 PM

    Love a do-it-yourselfer!

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  42. the cape on the cornerJune 28, 2011 at 1:28 PM

    this is the story of a girl who is super jealous of the rockin' sofa table you built, your gallery wall, and just about everything else in this room. you rock!

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  43. RandaJune 30, 2011 at 12:34 AM

    I like it! You made it seem so easy!:)

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  44. Robin JohnsonJune 30, 2011 at 12:35 AM

    Great job! I love that you made it all by yourself and in your living room! I've been know to do the same. Hubby always rolls his eyes when he comes home and notices sawdust all over the floor LOL!

    I've been thinking about adding a sofa table to my living room, now I totally have to do it! Thanks for the inspiration.

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  45. Lisa Nelsen-WoodsJune 30, 2011 at 9:21 AM

    I love your sofa table so much I pinned it to my Pinterest board for inspiration.

    I want to encourage every woman here who wants someone else to build this for her to try building it yourself. It is a great beginner project, especially if you can get the store to cut the wood for you. There's a great sense of accomplishment when you go out of your comfort zone and do a project like this!

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  46. ErinJune 30, 2011 at 12:03 PM

    Nice work! I especially love the elephant decor - gorgeous!

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  47. Allison {A Glimpse Inside}June 30, 2011 at 11:05 PM

    Looks fabulous! Awesome job Ashley! Thanks for linking this up as well.

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  48. Andrea S.July 1, 2011 at 9:11 AM

    Wow! You did a great job. I want to make something similar for our entry way. You make it look so easy! :)

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  49. Michelle @ Delicate ConstructionJuly 2, 2011 at 9:45 PM

    Thanks so much for linking up to Delicately Constructed Fridays!! I am a new follower and I featured this on my dc facebook page!

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  50. LorieJuly 3, 2011 at 5:35 PM

    It is perfect! Great job!!

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  51. HaniJuly 4, 2011 at 3:56 PM

    Hi Ashley,
    This is very impressive project.. I would like to feature you on my blog for sharing this tutorial.. If you are interested simply write to me at craftionary (at) gmail (dot) com
    Happy 4th of July!
    Thanks
    Hani

    www.craftionary.blogspot.com

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  52. Noble VintageJuly 5, 2011 at 2:41 PM

    Super project! Great idea to make two. I'm with you- I would have made them inside with that heat too. Thanks for sharing at Transformations and Treasures!

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  53. Desiree @ The 36th AVENUEJuly 6, 2011 at 2:01 AM

    I just want to let you know that I am featuring your table at my blog today. Thank you so much for sharing it at my link party.

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  54. TruJuly 6, 2011 at 1:41 PM

    Visiting from DotDotDot. I love the idea of a sofa table between the sofa and wall. It looks great! I also love the idea of storage in them. I think you are right in going with 2 shorter ones instead of one long one.

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  55. Jami GrahamJuly 6, 2011 at 7:19 PM

    This looks amazing!! You did a wonderful job! Not too sure if you know of ana-white.com but if you haven't you will LOVE her! :)

    Btw...we build in our house too, thats what vacuums are for right?!

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  56. CarolynJuly 6, 2011 at 11:46 PM

    That looks fantastic. Good on your for taking the plunge, it certainly paid off.

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  57. AngelaJuly 7, 2011 at 1:03 AM

    That is so cool, thank you for sharing it!! I have a little blog party called Simply Creative over at 365days2simplicity.blogspot.com. I'd love it if you linked this project up!!

    Angela

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  58. ShannonSewsJuly 7, 2011 at 11:33 AM

    I absolutely love your sofa tables!! Do you know how long I've been needing a sofa table? And like you, have never found what I needed. Thanks for the inspiration and how-to's! Looks amazing.

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  59. ablondesdiylifeJuly 16, 2011 at 7:26 PM

    Hey Chelsea! I've been MIA on the blog this past week, but If you would like to email me about the guest post I'd love to look into it!
    Have a great night!

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  60. ablondesdiylifeJuly 16, 2011 at 7:26 PM

    you are too cute! Thanks for stopping by! I'm also very excited to have just found your cute blog!

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  61. ablondesdiylifeJuly 16, 2011 at 7:26 PM

    Thanks girl!
    Be on the look out for an official blog post thank you!

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  62. BellaJuly 16, 2011 at 7:26 PM

    Hey Ashley, you my dear are pretty amazing, he he. I love your new sofa table, BUT love that you made it even more. How awesome are you!!! Great job, and I can't wait to see what you end up painting it. However it look fabulous even just the way it is now.

    Thanks so much for linking up to my party :)
    I loved this so much, I featured you girl!
    Come grab a button girl, and display it proudly!

    Hugs, Bella **Features from week #41 & 42** @ Bella Before and After
    **PARTY PLANNING TUESDAYS** @ Euro Style Cakes. Party planning tips, decorations, invitations, and recipes welcome to link up.

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  63. DotdotdotthisJuly 16, 2011 at 7:26 PM

    Too awesome! Knuckle bump!! I loved it and I featured it today, thank you so much for linking up to Try it Tuesday at DotDotDot!! It made my day!!
    Hope to see you tomorrow!
    Tasha
    Ps~I am your newest follower, so excited to see all your other projects!!

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  64. Chelsea SchofieldJuly 16, 2011 at 7:26 PM

    This looks awesome!! I've been browsing your blog a bit and I love all your projects! ;) I'm working on a guest post series and think you might be a perfect fit! You can read my blog at http://theoldsimplelife.blogspot.com. If you're interested in finding out all about it, please email me at drewnchels(at)hotmail(dot)com. Looking forward to hearing from you! :) Y

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  65. KatieAugust 16, 2011 at 1:20 PM

    bahaha found it and even found my comment from earlier--knew i liked this project, really really liked it :)

    you're awesome, keep up the amazing work!!

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I'd love to know what you think! Thanks for reading!

~xoxo a blonde ~