14 Best DIY Coffee Table with Storage Ideas

My living room was always a mess remote controls, board games, coasters, magazines… all scattered around my square coffee table. I wanted a centerpiece that was more than just a flat surface; I needed function and flair. That’s when I started looking into a DIY coffee table that could offer storage solutions. But finding the right plans? That was the tricky part. I didn’t want just any table, I wanted one with drawers and a bottom shelf, something that looked intentional, like it belonged in a curated space, not a storage unit.

After a bit of digging (and scrolling through Kreg and Ana White’s websites), I came across some great templates that gave me a solid starting point. I ended up taking inspiration from a few builds and made my own custom DIY coffee table with a square frame, soft-close drawers, and a sturdy bottom shelf for bins and baskets. Adding the drawers really changed everything, they hide the mess while keeping everything within reach. And the shelf below? Perfect for extra blankets or decor that I like to swap out seasonally.

It wasn’t a flawless build. I had to tweak some things, aligning the joints better, hiding drawer slides, and picking soft polyurethane wheels to protect the floor, but the end result feels like a piece you’d find in a designer catalog. The best part? It’s mine. If you’re tired of sacrificing style for storage, this kind of DIY coffee table with drawers might be your answer too. Start with any basic plan, then get creative. You don’t need perfection, you just need a good idea and the guts to get started. For more ideas, below I rounded up some DIY coffee table ideas with detailed tips, each offering distinct storage solutions.

Tools and Materials Checklist

• Circular saw, miter saw, or jigsaw
• Wood glue and pocket hole jig
• Drill and driver
• Clamps and measuring tape
• Sandpaper and an orbital sander
• Hinges (lift-top, piano, or soft-close)
• Drawer slides (side or undermount)
• Casters (locking or decorative)
• Paint, stain, and sealant

Tips for DIY Success

• Always pre-drill holes to prevent splitting wood.
• Use a square and level throughout construction.
• Sand and seal before final assembly for a professional look.
• Opt for furniture-grade plywood or hardwood for durability.
• Plan for electrical access if adding power outlets or USB ports.

14. Lift-Top DIY Coffee Table with Hidden Storage

Lift-top designs are ideal for multi-use living rooms, offering easy access to storage beneath the tabletop and transforming into a makeshift desk.

Tips for Building:

• Use a lift-top hardware kit and sturdy piano hinges.
• Opt for plywood or MDF top reinforced with pine framing for durability.
• Include soft-close features to prevent slamming.

Storage Use: Store remotes, books, chargers, and board games out of sight.

13. Farmhouse Crate DIY Coffee Table with Casters

Repurpose wooden crates arranged in a square, with an open middle for a rustic, mobile table.

Tips for Building:

• Use four equally-sized wooden crates.
• Screw crates to a plywood base and attach industrial casters.
• Stain or paint for a unified finish.

Storage Use: Open crates provide easy-access cubbies for magazines, throw blankets, and baskets.

12. Two-Drawer DIY Coffee Table with Hidden Compartments

Incorporate sliding drawers on both ends for a seamless and symmetrical look.

Tips for Building:

• Use full-extension drawer slides.
• Build the drawer box inside a solid wood or plywood base.
• Add vintage or minimal hardware depending on the style.

Storage Use: Store coasters, chargers, or stationery inside drawers.

11. Modern Slatted DIY Coffee Table with Lower Shelf

A clean-lined, contemporary design featuring a slatted top and an open lower shelf for baskets or trays.

Tips for Building:

• Use 1×2” or 1×3” boards for slats.
• Space evenly using a spacer block during assembly.
• Secure slats with pocket hole screws for strength.

Storage Use: Lower shelf holds bins, books, or decorative boxes.

10. Rustic Trunk-Style DIY Coffee Table with Lid Storage

Mimic an old steamer trunk with a hinged top that opens to a deep storage compartment.

Tips for Building:

• Use edge-glued panels or plywood with trim for the box.
• Add trunk-style hardware: handles, straps, and decorative latches.
• Use soft-close hinges or torsion hinges for safe opening.

Storage Use: Ideal for seasonal decor, toys, or bulky throws.

9. Mid-Century Modern Table with Sliding Doors

Elegant, minimalist, and practical, this design includes a shelf hidden behind sliding panel doors.

Tips for Building:

• Install a groove for sliding doors to glide on a rail or dowel.
• Tapered legs give it the mid-century look.
• Use birch plywood and Danish oil for an authentic finish.

Storage Use: Hide clutter behind clean lines; perfect for tech accessories.

8. Industrial Pipe DIY Coffee Table with Mesh Basket Shelf

Blend wood with metal piping and include a wire mesh shelf beneath the tabletop.

Tips for Building:

• Use black steel pipe fittings for the frame.
• Add a reclaimed wood top or finished plywood.
• Attach wire mesh with a staple gun or secure with metal clips.

Storage Use: Drop-in mesh shelf provides visible but tidy storage for books and electronics.

7. Flip-Top DIY Coffee Table with Dual Hinged Sections

Split the tabletop in half with each side lifting independently to reveal storage inside.

Tips for Building:

• Use piano hinges for smooth lifting.
• Reinforce the center divider for structural stability.
• Paint the inside with a contrasting color for visual interest.

Storage Use: Separate sections help organize items by use, games on one side, tech on the other.

6. Pallet DIY Coffee Table with Sliding Top and Open Shelf

Upcycle wood pallets into a creative table with a sliding top and shelf underneath.

Tips for Building:

• Sand all surfaces thoroughly to avoid splinters.
• Add caster wheels for mobility.
• Attach sliding rails to the top for access to hidden compartments.

Storage Use: Use open areas for books and closed sections for private items.

5. Concrete Top Coffee Table with Recessed Drawers

Modern, sturdy, and industrial, with sleek drawers hidden under a concrete slab top.

Tips for Building:

• Use a concrete countertop mold and high-strength concrete mix.
• Build the wood base with soft-close undermount drawers.
• Seal the concrete with a food-safe water-based sealant.

Storage Use: Hidden drawers are ideal for media or dining accessories.

4. Hexagon Modular Coffee Table with Removable Lids

A cluster of modular hexagon tables with lift-off tops reveals individual storage bins.

Tips for Building:

• Use a jigsaw to cut hexagon shapes from plywood.
• Install dowel legs angled outward for style.
• Paint each unit a different pastel for a geometric pop.

Storage Use: Each segment holds craft supplies, games, or kids’ toys.

3. Ottoman Coffee Table with Padded Lift-Top

Dual-purpose seating and storage, with a cushioned top that lifts to reveal a hollow interior.

Tips for Building:

• Use ¾” plywood for the base and foam padding for the top.
• Wrap the lid in batting and upholstery fabric.
• Install heavy-duty strap hinges and support arms.

Storage Use: Great for storing linens or remote controls.

2. Bookshelf Coffee Table with Divided Cubbies

Built-in cubbies around all four sides provide abundant open storage.

Tips for Building:

• Use ¾” plywood and trim to build a rectangular frame.
• Install vertical dividers with pocket hole joinery.
• Paint or stain before full assembly for clean lines.

Storage Use: Organize books, board games, and puzzles in separate cubbies.

1. Rolling Storage Coffee Table with Tilt-Out Bins

Add a unique touch with tilt-out bins hidden behind front-facing panels.

Tips for Building:

• Use drawer slides and angled stops for a bin function.
• Add front panels that match the rest of the table for cohesion.
• Install locking casters for mobility and safety.

Storage Use: Perfect for storing toys, recycling, or pet supplies in living spaces.

Conclusion

These 14 DIY coffee table with storage designs combine smart functionality with beautiful craftsmanship. Each idea empowers you to enhance your living space, whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or just starting your DIY journey.