Last Updated on June 4, 2025 by PorchLightReading
DIY sofa table for recliners! Simple space saving solution to add a table behind the sofa without worrying about the reclining feature.
I’m still trying to figure out the layout for our furniture, but for now this is where we are! The boxes are finally unpacked and after moving the furniture 3 times, I was told we were not moving it again.
Ok. So it’s no longer an easy change considering each time we move the furniture the TV gets a new hole punched into the wall for the TV mount. I promised we wouldn’t move the sofa again for another 6-9 months, and my husband sighed in relief and frustration.
All that to say this. I hated that our sofa was pushed up against the wall. Hated it with a passion. But since we just moved everything, I knew better than to say it out loud.
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- Table of Contents: DIY Sofa table for recliners
- Materials list
- Sofa table using shelving
- Installation and directions
- Why this idea works so well
The new layout was fine but it wasn’t perfect. Now, of course we have a few things pitting against us. The biggest of those being budget and needing to make existing furniture work.
But as luck would have it I just happened to take down some shelving I didn’t like the placement of, (more holes in the wall) and I thought to myself, “Huh, I bet that would work great as a DIY sofa table for our recliners!” And wouldn’t you know, I convinced him to put more holes in the wall. Poor guy.
This is our own personal experience. Be sure to seek professional guidance and practice tool safety.
DIY SOFA TABLE FOR RECLINERS
Some might just add a regular table but the problem with our recliners were that we already need to have them a few inches away from the wall so they can be fully reclined. And any table you put behind it would end up getting in the way of a full reclining position, or you’d have to pull them away from the table and wall even further!
See where I’m going with this? I wanted the behind the sofa table look without having to sacrifice space or function.
MATERIALS LIST
- Shelving with L brackets- Amazon Find- 55 inch long wooden shelf with brackets (set of two)
- Tools:
- Drill
- Screws
- Stud finder
- Level
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
HOW TO MAKE A BEHIND THE SOFA TABLE USING SHELVING
Shelving was the perfect solution for this project. First, we already had the shelving and brackets, making it budget friendly. Second, by placing them just slightly above the reclining sofa, we would have full function of the recliners without having to bump into a table.
INSTALLATION AND DIRECTIONS
Measure for the space- Pull the reclining furniture slightly away from the wall and measure the width and height of the back of the sofa. The table should site comfortable above the back of the recliner without interfering with it’s movement. Mark with a pencil.
Choose the right shelf and brackets- Select a shelf that matches your sofa’s length and is at least 8 inches deep. Pick sturdy brackets to support the weight of the items you’ll be placing on the table. L- shape brackets sit against the wall and allow for the recliner to fully extend without the bracket getting the in way. Note- For our project, we used two shelves next to each other to make one long self.
Customize your self (optional)- If you’re making this shelf from wood, this would be a great time to stain or paint it to match your living space. Allow to fully dry before attaching to wall.
Find the studs- Find where the studs are along the wall and decide if you’ll be placing your shelf directly into the studs. We decided to use the studs as our shelving is heavy and we’d be placing lamps and decorative objects on top.
Attach the brackets to the wall and shelf- Properly attach the brackets to the wall and secure, keeping everything square and level. Place shelving on top of the brackets and screw into place.
Add final touches- Style your new sofa shelf table with a lamp, small plants, books, or decorative items. It’s also a great spot for remotes and chargers!
WHY THIS IDEA WORKS SO WELL
This DIY sofa table for recliners is a game changer. It offers functionality and style in one neat package. Plus it’s easy to adapt to your specific needs! This simple project is budget friendly and allows for the behind the sofa look, without taking up precious space as with a conventional table.
Although my living room and furniture isn’t exactly magazine worthy, it’s real. These are our 8 year old sofa’s with covers to make them look nicer because furniture is expensive. In this house we budget, save, reuse, and enjoy our family time together.
I hope you found this shelving idea helpful and we’ll see you on our next project. Happy furniture moving!
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