If you have a small, awkwardly shaped foyer but still want the functionality of a console table, consider creating a floating table from inexpensive stackable closet shelving.
Like many of you, we have a relatively small, and awkwardly shaped, front door area. When redecorating our foyer during the One Room Challenge, we had the following needs/wants:
- A place to drop our keys and mail when we came in
- Seating to rest on while putting on our shoes
- An eclectic modern solution, leaning toward mid-century modern, preferably for free!
With just enough space for a console table (key catcher), there was little room for seating once the table was in place (shoe seat). And, of course, nothing is free!
If you are in the same boat, there is a pretty simple solution! Taking the table off the floor – A DIY floating table – allows for ottomans to slide underneath.
Seating+Keycatcher=Happy Foyer!
Three-shelf organizer
We had a three-drawer closet organizer hanging around. Unfortunately, they don’t make the unit any longer, but they make a three-shelf stackable unit that will work just as well or you may be able to pick one up at a thrift store. Mine was about 32″x12″ in dimension. These units are perfect for providing a budget-friendly, clean-lined, modern floating table. All you need is the shelving unit, a 2″x4″ and a 1″x 12″ piece of wood!
For the full list of materials and instructions, click HERE to download the free plans – available to subscribers of my newsletter!
HOW TO MAKE A FLOATING TABLE FOR $64
Find and Mark Wall Studs
Assemble Shelving Unit
Add Brace
Create Doors
Use a 1″x12″ piece of wood to create doors. To determine the dimensions of the door, you’ll need to do some simple math – or use a carpenter’s calculator, which is what I do because math and I do not get along!
Determine the dimensions of each door by using the following calculations:
For the width of each door:
The width of the unit – 1/8″ = The door width
Door-stop length (using the leftover edge from the width of the door):
The width of the unit = the door-stop
For the length of each door:
(Length measurement of the unit – 3/4″) / 2 = The length of each door.
Cut your doors and the door-stop using the calculated dimensions. Sand, and stain or paint your doors, add a finishing wax or Polycrylic coating for protection. Let dry.
Mount the Shelving Unit
With the help of a friend, turn the floating table on its side, and hold against the wall. Level. Once placed, use 3″ wood screws to secure the brace directly into the previously marked stud to secure.
Add doorstop
On the bottom of the floating table, place the door-stop 1″ in from the front edge, securing with wood glue and screws.
Attach Doors
Using a drill, attach one end of the hinge to the backside of the door front, and the other to the interior of the floating table. To confirm that these are correctly placed, close the door and make sure it stays closed tightly.
Add Door Hardware
Add a double roller cabinet catch at the top inside corner of each door and mount door pulls to the top of each door.
To cut costs, I used door jamb strike plates positioned as door pulls – 2 @ $5 – as opposed to rather than actual door pulls. They gave the same look at half the cost!
Style as Desired
Add a lamp, a plant and a key-catcher, then slide a few ottomans underneath for seating.
Once mounted on the wall, the floating table, with its clean lines and added doors, gives a nod to mid-century modern, and is just perfect as the base for a floating table, especially in a small space. The doors provide closed storage fabulous for hiding winter hats, gloves and handy dog walking accessories.
Finally, we have a place to drop our keys and put our shoes on in the morning, with a fun design that easily transitions between traditional and contemporary decor!
