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Build a Secret Storage Console

Posted on Feb 19, 2015

Now you see it

The more toys the better for my baby boy Oliver! I love this design because the fabric panels can be easily thrown up or down to hide away all his playthings for a quick cleanup.

Now you don't

At first glance, you might not realize that this media console is pulling double duty as a toy storage system. The pretty ribbon detail along the edges helps to disguise its dual-function by giving the console a clean, tailored look.

Getting Started:

Get out your measuring tape and decide on the ideal size that you want your storage table to be. The dimensions of my table are 21” deep x 57” wide x 31” high, but you may wish to adjust these measurements to better suit your storage needs. Will your table double as a media console, sofa table or perhaps an occasional table for the hallway? Once you determine the right size, head to your local hardware and building supplies store to purchase the wood.
Table sketch

Assembling The Table:

Home Depot stocks 1" thick pieces of solid wood in various species to choose from, and they come in different sizes which makes sourcing materials pretty simple. The 21” depth happened to be the perfect size to create the table top, and required only one simple cut to adjust the length. Home Depot has a free wood cutting service to help make your DIY projects super easy.
You want the table to be very sturdy since there will likely be kids in, around and underneath it in the very near future! For the table legs I opted for 4" x 4" pieces of wood, cut to the appropriate height (30") and secured them to the top piece (21” d x 57” w) with very large and lengthy screws.
Table Details

Adding A Center Beam:

If you have the skill set, installing a center beam adds additional support to the structure of the table and acts as a shelf for additional toy storage if you ever find yourself running thin - which is a very likely occurrence!
Center Beam Table Sketch

Creating The Tablecloth:

When determining how much fabric you require, make sure to measure for the top cut as well as the sides. Also, remember to add extra fabric to account for pleats and hemlines. I am no expert at using a sewing machine, so I did have this tablecloth made by my local seamstress. I chose a heavy weight, solid grey linen fabric and added white grosgrain ribbon along the edges in a double band to help make the tablecloth look visually interesting and feel more custom.
Faux pleats are a must if you want your tablecloth to look polished and elegant. To create the faux pleats, have your seamster sew small strips of fabric in behind the slit panels to help conceal the openings. Faux pleats also allow all sides to flip up and down with ease and without tearing at the seams.
 

Protecting The Surface:

To protect the fabric top you can add a custom cut piece of glass to the surface; though, I have opted for stylish coasters, and added potted succulents and a selection of my favourite design books to create a sophisticated tabletop vignette.