Tools and Materials
Tools
Materials
Wood boards (for arms and surface)
Wood stain or pain
- Felt pads (to prevent scratching)
- Wood screws
- Varnish
Step-by-Step Guide to Making a DIY Sofa Arm Table
- The most important preliminary step in making a sofa arm table is to measure your sofa armrest to ensure proper table apposition accurately.
- Use a measuring tape to take the width dimensions (the length side to side) and the height (from the base down to the top) of your sofa’s armrest. These measurements will determine the size of the wood you cut from.
- Then, leave an extra 0.25 – 0.5 inches spare for more wiggle room. This allows the table to glide effortlessly over the armrest without getting stuck.
- Saw the wood into the correct sizes. You’ll need three pieces: one for the top, two for the sides and four for the legs.
- Top Piece: Cut the wood for the top piece. This is the part that, in contact with the back of the sofa, will form a portion of the arm and support the table. This piece should have a length on the level of a sofa arm and a width somewhat exceeding the width of the armrest.
- Side Pieces: The side pieces will serve as table support and must be the same height as the armrest of the sofa sets. They will be fixed perpendicular to the top piece and hang at the side of the armrest.
Make sure that both side pieces should be of the same dimension to give the structure balance and aesthetic similarity.
Always wear safety goggles when cutting or sanding wood and gloves when handling tools or applying stain/paint.
- After you have made your cuts, you should sand the edges and surface of your pieces to reduce roughness.
- Using medium-grit sandpaper (100 – 150 grit) can smoothen the rougher parts while extending the same exercise with a finer grape (200 – 220 grit) gives the surface a polished look. This step is critical to avoid mishaps on your DIY sofa arm table and to make it look professional.
Ensure proper ventilation to avoid inhaling excessive dust.
Remember to round off the edges to make it easier for the user.
- Now, let’s begin constructing the DIY sofa arm. The first step is to ensure the pieces join well and make a good surface.
- Place two side pieces on two sides of the top piece perpendicular to the top one, thus forming a U-shape. In other words, the side pieces should be aligned perfectly at the ends of the top piece.
- Spread wood glue along the edges of the side pieces where they will meet the top piece. Hold the pieces together for a few minutes to allow the glue to set slightly. Make sure everything is perfectly aligned.
- Usually, you will need to use wood clamps to ensure they are firmly attached to the surface while the glue is drying. Then, use wooden screws to tighten the side pieces from the top to the joints of the frame.
Use at least two screws on each side for extra strength.
- If you sand your wood to its finish and apply a polish coating, your table will have a professional look and feel. This will also help keep it protected against wear.
- Select a wood stain or paint that harmonizes with your room's interior. Stain or paint the wooden surface and gently spread it using a brush. If you’re staining the wood, allow the first coat of stain to dry and apply a second coat if you want a richer color.
- If you prefer a more natural look, select a darker stain color; however, if you want a more retro look, choose white paint.
- When the stain or paint is dry, apply a clear coat (like polyurethane) to protect it from spills and scratches.
Always work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling harmful fumes. Open windows and doors, and use fans to ensure good airflow, especially when working indoors.
- Use felt pads placed at the bottom of the side pieces to prevent scratching the sofa or making the table demanding to slide on and off.
- They are straightforward to apply; you just need to put them at the lower edge of each side piece so the table won't scratch your sofa or vice versa.
Following the above tips, you can create a functional and stylish DIY sofa arm table. This project will be practical for holding drinks or a remote for entertainment and snacks while bringing some character to your living space.