DIY Modern Coffee Table with Storage

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Learn how to build a DIY modern coffee table with hidden storage for less than $150. This plywood coffee table features a large storage drawer that’s perfect for blankets, games, remotes, and more. It’s a beginner-friendly woodworking project that can be completed in a weekend using basic tools and plywood.

Angled view of a finished DIY West Elm inspired coffee table showing the open shelf and closed hidden drawer panel, styled with decorative accents

DIY Coffee Table with Hidden Storage

If you love furniture that looks clean and modern while still offering practical storage, this DIY modern coffee table is the perfect build. The oversized hidden drawer keeps clutter tucked away while maintaining a sleek, minimalist design.

This coffee table was inspired by a modern West Elm design and built entirely from plywood, making it an affordable project that looks high-end without the designer price tag. Even better, you can build this coffee table for under $150 in materials.

Whether you’re furnishing a living room, family room, or apartment, this coffee table adds both function and style.

Why You’ll Love This DIY Coffee Table

  • Hidden storage drawer for blankets, games, and more
  • Modern plywood design
  • Beginner-friendly woodworking project
  • Budget-friendly build under $150
  • Great weekend DIY project
  • Customizable with paint or stain

Download the Printable Plans

Be sure to download the printable woodworking plans for the complete materials list, cut list, and dimensions.

While a table saw makes breaking down plywood easier, this project can absolutely be built using a circular saw with a guide system like the Kreg Rip-Cut or Accu-Cut.

A veneer edge banding trimmer is also extremely helpful for getting clean plywood edges on this project.

How to Build a Modern Coffee Table with Storage

Step 1: Cut the Plywood

Cut plywood pieces for a DIY modern coffee table with storage drawer laid out on a garage floor before assembly.

Cut all plywood pieces according to the printable plans.

Using a straight edge or cutting guide will help ensure clean, accurate cuts.

Step 2: Apply Veneer Edge Banding

Iron being used to apply iron-on veneer edge banding to the edge of a plywood panel for a DIY modern coffee table

Heat a clothes iron to its highest setting and apply veneer edge banding to the exposed plywood edges.

Apply edge banding to:

  • All four edges of the top
  • All four edges of the bottom
  • The feet
  • Front and back edges of the side panels
  • Long edges of the legs

Trim excess veneer using a veneer trimmer or razor knife.

Sand all pieces smooth using 220-grit sandpaper and an orbital sander.

Step 3: Drill Pocket Holes

Plywood panels and small blocks with pocket holes drilled for assembly of a DIY West Elm inspired coffee table

Using a pocket hole jig, drill 3/4-inch pocket holes into:

  • Upper and lower edges of the legs
  • Upper and lower edges of the side panels

Step 4: Assemble the Base

Hand using a Ryobi drill to drive pocket hole screws into the side panel of a plywood coffee table during assembly

Attach the legs and side panels to the bottom panel using:

  • Wood glue
  • 1 1/4-inch pocket hole screws
Hand using a Ryobi drill to fasten plywood side panels together with pocket hole screws, with a container of screws nearby

Clamp pieces securely and check for square during assembly.

Step 5: Attach the Coffee Table Top

Partially assembled plywood coffee table frame clamped with bar clamps, showing the interior shelf in place, with a Ryobi drill sitting inside

Secure the top panel to the legs and side panels using wood glue and 1 1/4-inch pocket screws.

Clamp carefully while assembling to keep everything square and aligned.

Next, drill 3/4-inch pocket holes around all four edges of the rear panel. Install the rear panel flush with the side panels and secure using pocket screws.

Step 6: Attach the Feet

Using a RYOBI Impact Driver to Drive Screws Into the Feet Of the Coffee Table to Attach Them

Measure and mark 1 inch in from each corner on the underside of the coffee table.

Apply wood glue to the feet and secure them using 1 1/4-inch brad nails.

Build the Storage Drawer

Step 7: Assemble the Drawer Box

View from inside the coffee table drawer looking down at a Ryobi impact driver being used to secure the bottom panel, with a container of screws beside it

Drill 1/2-inch pocket holes into:

  • Bottom and front edges of the drawer sides
  • Bottom and side edges of the drawer back
  • Front edge of the drawer bottom

Attach the drawer sides to the drawer back using:

  • Wood glue
  • 1-inch pocket screws

Apply glue around the bottom edges and install the drawer bottom panel.

Clamp everything securely and attach with pocket screws.

Step 8: Cut the Drawer Front Notch

Ryobi jigsaw positioned on a plywood panel with pencil lines marking cutout for the drawer of the coffee table

Measure and mark the notch layout according to the printable plans.

Cut the notch using a jigsaw.

Step 9: Attach the Drawer Front

Assembled plywood coffee table drawer clamped to a workbench, showing the notched cutout in the front panel

Secure the drawer front to the drawer box using:

  • Wood glue
  • 1-inch pocket screws

Step 10: Install Drawer Slides

Metal ball-bearing drawer slide laid across the bottom of a plywood drawer box for positioning before installation

Install drawer slides so the drawer sits flush inside the coffee table opening with an even 1/8-inch gap around all sides.

Step 11: Fill Pocket Holes

Close-up of a wooden dowel glued into a pocket hole on the corner leg detail of a DIY plywood coffee table

Fill visible pocket holes using either:

  • 3/8-inch dowels
  • Wood filler

If using dowels, trim them flush using a flush-cut saw and sand smooth.

Step 12: Sand and Finish

Fully assembled natural plywood coffee table frame with an open lower shelf, sitting on a concrete garage floor before sanding and staining

Give the coffee table a final sanding with 220-grit sandpaper.

Finish the table with your preferred paint or stain. If staining, apply at least two coats of clear protective finish such as:

  • Polycrylic
  • Polyurethane
  • Wipe-on polyurethane
Finished DIY modern coffee table with a warm wood stain, open lower shelf, and hidden drawer, styled with a book and glass terrarium lantern

Finished DIY Modern Coffee Table

Three-quarter view of a finished DIY modern coffee table with the hidden side drawer pulled open, revealing the drawer box and metal slide hardware
Close-up of the large hidden drawer pulled open on a DIY plywood coffee table, showing a folded blanket stored inside with ball-bearing drawer slides visible

One of my favorite things about this coffee table is the clean, modern design combined with the hidden storage. The oversized drawer holds a surprising amount while still keeping the room looking uncluttered.

I also love the open shelf space for displaying books, baskets, or decor.

If you enjoy the look of exposed plywood edges, you can even skip the veneer edge banding to save time and money while giving the table a more modern plywood aesthetic.

At under $150 to build, this is an affordable DIY furniture project that looks far more expensive than it actually is.

Full-length lifestyle photo of a finished DIY modern coffee table with warm wood stain against a white wall, styled with a coffee table book, glass terrarium, and small armadillo figurine on the lower shelf

Printable Plans

Don’t forget to download the printable plans for the complete cut list, dimensions, and step-by-step diagrams.

If you build this

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