DIY Narrow End Tables for Small Living Rooms

Our house in Hawaii is one of the biggest ones we’ve had in our military journey. However, we needed narrow end tables to fit in the small family room.

We checked TJ Maxx, Ross, Target, and local thrift stores for something, but everything we found was too wide. There is a small space between the couch and the wall, and we wanted something that would fit in that gap.

So, we decided to make our own!

Here’s how we built them:

(Look for the Steel-Tek brand at Lowe’s for pipe used for cosmetic purposes. It tends to be a little cheaper and looks more finished. Also, these prices are in Hawaii. Hopefully, things are a little cheaper where you live.)

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Step 1: Plan Measurements

The best projects start with a plan, no matter how hastily sketched they are. So, before heading to Lowe’s, we sat down to figure out our measurements.

Initially, we wanted the end tables to be as tall as the arm of the couch to make it easy to set down drinks. We also wanted the tables’ length to match the depth of the couch, so naturally, we had to measure the couch first.

The arm of our couch is 26″ high and 33″ long.

To make 2 tables, we would need 8 pieces of pipe. The decorative pipe comes in sections of 72″.

If we cut the pipe into 8 equal sections, they would be 9 inches long. Then add 1/4″ to account for each flange and 1 3/4″ for each piece of board. The total height of the table would be 23 1/4″.

The table would be shorter than the arm of the couch by about 3 inches. However, we were willing to make the trade-off to avoid purchasing an extra piece of pipe.

Our measurements were:

• boards = 2″x 12″x 34″
• pipe = 3/4″x 9″

Step 2: Cut Board & Pipe

Lowe’s Store Services makes home projects so easy! They will cut lumber in the store for you, which was a lifesaver, since there was no way that we could fit a 20-foot board in the back of my SUV.

We left the store with our 2x12x20 board cut into six 34″ pieces for our narrow end tables, with a piece of scrap left over.

We could have had the pipe cut at the store, too, but we forgot. So, when we got home, Heff cut the 72″ pipe into eight 9″ pieces using his angle grinder and cutting wheel. Then he filed the ends to get rid of the rough edges. (This step is optional, but he’s a bit of a perfectionist.)

Step 3: Sand & Stain Boards

After everything has been measured and cut, it’s time to start sanding.

We sanded the boards with 120-and 220-grit sanding pads on our orbital sander until they were nice and smooth.

Once they were all sanded, we stained the wood with a Dark Walnut water-based wood stain.

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Step 4: Apply Topcoat

Applying the topcoat was the longest, most tedious part of making these narrow end tables.

We used a lambskin applicator pad to apply the polycrylic topcoat, but you could also use a brush.

To apply the topcoat, we pour the polycrylic on top of the board and then smooth it out with the lambskin applicator. We let it dry for several hours before doing a very light hand-sanding with a 220-grit sanding block. Then wipe with a damp cloth to remove any dust, and dry it, before applying another coat of polycrylic.

We applied 3 coats of polycrylic because we knew we would be setting cold drinks on these tables and wanted to prevent water rings. It was very tedious, but I think the extra protection for the wood is worth it.

Step 5: Put the Tables Together

Once the boards are finally coated and dry, it’s time to put the tables together!

We placed the edge of our flanges 4″ from the end of the boards and measured to find the width’s center. Place your flange on the center mark and use a pen to mark the screw holes.

Then, using a 1/8″ drill bit, Heff drilled a pilot hole where the screws would be placed. After the pilot holes were drilled, he attached the flanges using wood screws.

After the flanges are screwed on, use an Allen wrench to adjust the opening to allow the pipe to go into the flange and tighten it back up.

Place all the pipes and then put your shelves together. They slide right on and are easily tightened up with an Allen wrench.

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And you’re done!

These not only function as end tables, but also as extra book storage. Most of our books are on the shelves in the living room, but these narrow end tables are perfect for small paperbacks.

My husband and I are both super happy with how they turned out. They fit perfectly in our small family room and should last for years to come!