Farmhouse Narrow Console Table with Charging Station Storage

diy plans console table with charging station
Difficulty
Intermediate
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This little console table features a charging area that is easy to access plugs and power strips.  You can build it yourself and save with our free step by step plans with diagrams, shopping and cut lists.

console table with cell phone charger
console table with cell phone charger
console table with cell phone charger

This charging station table is perfect for an entryway or hall.  Here's why we love it:

  • It's narrow - so can fit in a tight spot or narrow hallway.
  • The plugs and cords are easy to access with a hinge up top
  • The console hides the cords running down the wall to the outlet
  • The top of the console is useable as a surface for storing decor or setting things like keys, mail, sunglasses or accessories.
  • There's storage underneath
  • We love the simple farmhouse style that can go with any decor!

 

 

 

 

 

This kind of order to cord clutter isn't a dream you can just go out and buy.  It's something you just have to DIY.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dimensions
console table plans with cell phone charger
30" tall (table height) x 30" wide x 12" deep

Preparation

Shopping List
  • 1 - 1x12 @ 10 feet long (can be cut exactly in half for transport)
  • 1 - 1x4 @ 12 feet long
  • 1 - 1x6 @ 8 feet long
  • 1/4" plywood for back at least 21" x 31"
  • 32" of edge moulding (for front top edge)
  • 1/2" plywood for center of doors (or you could use 1/4" plywood on backs)
  • I used 1 1/4" and 1" pocket hole screws and 1 1/4" finish nails for fastening
  • 3 sets of simple butt hinges (I used the smallest ones I could find)
Cut List
  • 2 - 1x12 @ 29-1/4" (sides)
  • 2 - 1x4 @ 29 1/2" (bottom footers)
  • 2 - 1x12 @ 29 1/2" (shelves)
  • 1 - 1x6 @ 29 1/2" (charging divider)
  • 2 - 1x6 @ 32" (top)
  • 1 - 1/4" plywood @ 24" x 31"
  • 1 - Edge moulding 32" long x 3/4" thick (for top front edge)

DOORS - Cut to fit - See last step

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Kreg Jig
Drill
Circular Saw
Brad Nailer
Power Sander
General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1

You can build this console table a few different ways - 

  • I used a Kreg Jig and 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws
  • You can also use 2" self tapping screws
  • Or you can nail and glue together with 1-1/4" brad nails

Attach 1x4 bottom footer to the base as shown.  You can cut the footer out now, or do it later - use a jigsaw to make the angled cuts.

NOTE: The sides have been increased in height by 2-1/4" to make the overall height 30"  The sides listed in the cut list (29-1/4") ARE correct.

Step 2

Attach bottom shelf to the 1x4s and also through the outside 1x12 into the ends.

Step 3

Attach 1x6 divider inside the top, centered.

Step 4

Under that divider, place the remaining shelf. Make sure you are square all the way across and the shelf is level.

Step 5

Use 1-1/4" nails to attach the top with glue.

Step 6

Attach second top piece on with hinges.  Leave a gap so the front of the 1x6 is to the front of the cabinet.

Step 7

Measure and cut the back plywood panel.  Attach with 3/4" brad nails and glue.

Step 8

And then finally the doors. I made my doors to fit. Each door I left about 1/8" clearance on all sides, so the door itself is 1/4" less in height and width than the opening. For my doors, I used 1/2" plywood in the centers framed by 1x4 rails and stiles. I joined the 1x4s together into a frame with 3/4" pocket holes and 1 1/4" pocket hole screws. Then I carefully cut out 1/2" plywood to exactly fit the openings, and drilled 1/2" pocket holes around the sides of the plywood. Then I attached the plywood to the inside of the frame with 1" pocket hole screws and glue. Very easy, very sturdy door - and with the 1/2" plywood in the middle, it helped stiffen up the door and will resist warping/expanding/contracting or otherwise behaving like wood. Get building!!!

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

Comments

Margy Mercer

Thu, 05/02/2013 - 12:29

I like the 5 slots! I have a phone, a tablet, a baby monitor, and a heated blanket! I recently drilled a hole in the back Of my bedside dresser, so I can have all my charging things in the top drawer hidden away. But this is a much better idea! Thank you!

Margy Mercer

Thu, 05/02/2013 - 12:29

I like the 5 slots! I have a phone, a tablet, a baby monitor, and a heated blanket! I recently drilled a hole in the back Of my bedside dresser, so I can have all my charging things in the top drawer hidden away. But this is a much better idea! Thank you!

apriltottle

Fri, 05/03/2013 - 12:13

I think this would be amazing as some sort of storage buffet looking thing in an entryway. Adjust the dimensions to make it taller/wider and put in a shelf or two on the inside. Also make a false drawer front that hinges open like a keyboard drawer but no slide. For my house it would be perfect to charge all our stuff by the front door and I would use the shelves for shoe storage and the kids' Bible bags and the diaper bag and my purse. Place a decorative bowl on the top for keys and dog leash, etc.

Dyaffe

Wed, 05/15/2013 - 16:52

I love this stain. Can you please tell us what color and technique you used on this table?

Campbell

Tue, 07/23/2013 - 08:02

How much are materials for this amazing nightstand? I wanna try but am a little nervous. Thanks :)

VMSommers

Sun, 04/06/2014 - 10:48

I want to make two of these at half the length (one for each side of the bed), and with the charging shelf 4 inches from the top instead of 6. what in the shopping list would i need to change?
I was also going to use the plans for the kentwood night stand for the doors, would this work? how would that change the shopping list?

KC4180

Sat, 03/28/2020 - 12:26

I am in the process of making this charging station cabinet. I’m at the step where the second top piece is to be installed with the hinges. I’m confused about how to install the hinges so that only the hinge pin shows on top. Which boards do I screw the hinge flaps into? And I lined the first top board up flush to the front but there will be a significant gap in between the two top boards if the back is supposed to be flush with the second top board too. If you have any helpful tips for this part of the plans I would greatly appreciate it!