How to Build a Sofa Table With Charging and Storage

Learn how to build a functional and stylish DIY sofa table with charging and storage (lots of storage!). This behind-the-sofa table DIY project includes full plans, tips, and a step-by-step guide.

If you’ve ever switched from traditional couches to a sectional, you probably know the struggle: no more space in the middle for a nightstand or end tables, and suddenly… nowhere to charge your phone, store remotes, or set down your coffee. That was exactly our dilemma.

We used to have a 3-seater and a 2-seater with the charging nightstand in between. It had all of our chargers, a drawer for the remotes, and served as a spot to put down your drink. But once we upgraded to a sectional, all of that functionality disappeared.

That’s why I built this custom behind-the-sofa table with charging ports, storage for remotes, a sleek walnut top, and even a custom side cabinet (because I will take all the storage we can get). It’s clean, modern, and packed with functionality.

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How to Build the Behind-The-Sofa Table

As always, I have a detailed video showing how to build it. The step-by-step written tutorial follows below.

Step 1 : Measure and Cut the Boards

• Measure the length and height of your sofa. The height should be such that the top doors on the table are just above the back.
• Cut (3) 1×6 boards to the same length as your sofa. Mine was about 103″. The details are in the plans.
• Cut smaller pieces for vertical dividers inside the table.

Tip: Use a stop block on your miter saw for consistent cuts on the dividers.

Step 2: Mark and Cut Outlet Openings

• Decide where the power strips will go. I distributed them based on the distance from the power outlet on my wall.
• Measure and mark the cutouts for each outlet.
• Cut using a jigsaw, allowing an extra ⅛” around each outlet for easy fit.

• Cut a wire pass-through hole in the sides using a router or jigsaw. I forgot to do this and had to make the openings after staining and finishing using a router with a straight cut bit.

Step 3: Sand and Prep the Boards

• Sand all visible boards (base and sides) down to 220 grit. See all about how to sand wood for the best finish.

Step 4: Assemble the Main Table Box

• Mark divider positions on the base board.
• Use wood glue, clamps, and brad nails to attach dividers at right angles.

• Attach the side boards to form a box.

Tip: Right-angle clamps make this process easier and more precise. I used these clamps that I recently discovered and they definitely made it easy to hold the boards in place to attach.

Step 5: Stain and Seal the Table Box

This is a great time to stain or paint and seal the table box. I decided to go with dark walnut stain because I was going to be using walnut plywood for the top. Be sure to apply pre-stain conditioner.

See more about how to stain wood.

• Once the stain is dry, apply a couple of coats of top coat. I used this top coat. See more about the best top coat to use.

Step 6: Build and Prep the Cabinet & Doors

• Cut plywood for the side cabinet and all doors.

I used walnut plywood for visible doors and birch for the cabinet box. I was able to use up “scrap” cut-offs left over from other projects for both the walnut and birch plywood. Win-win!

• Apply edge banding to the front-facing edges of the cabinet and all the sides of the doors. See how to cover plywood edges.
• Assemble the side cabinet with wood glue and brad nails.

Step 7: Install the Doors

• Make the holes for the hinges using a hinge jig.
• Apply boiled linseed oil to the walnut doors before installing the hinges
• Use spacers to align doors and attach hinges. See the video for details on how to get the best alignment.

• Install and attach the power strips in the cutouts.

Tip: A right-angle drill adapter helps get into the tight spaces.

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Step 8: Build the Support Frame

• Cut 2×4 boards and build support bases with wood glue and 2-1/2″screws. Be sure to predrill before adding the screws.

These will hold up the entire table behind the sofa. I made three stands so I could have them spaced evenly across the table length. You may need more or less, depending on the length of your table.

Step 9: Final Assembly

• Position the support bases evenly along the length of the sofa and place the table and cabinet on top.
• Screw the table to the supports from underneath using 2″ screws.

• Attach the side cabinet door.

• Plug everything in and push the sofa into place!

And that is it!

It’s a pretty straightforward build and uses just a few tools. Now we have the perfect behind-the-sofa setup:

• Power outlets within reach
• Space for remotes and tech
• A beautiful walnut top to put down our drinks
• Extra hidden storage

All of this in a slim, modern table that adds function and style to our living room.

And the best part? You don’t need a fancy workshop or a massive tool collection to make it happen. Just a few basic tools, some thoughtful planning, and a little bit of patience, and you’ll have a custom piece you’ll use every single day.

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