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A behind-the-couch console with a lower slatted shelf and decorative X braces on the ends — a clean modern-rustic look from cheap 2x2 stock. The whole frame is pocket-holed together, and the lower shelf is a run of 1x3 slats spaced with an even gap so it reads as a deliberate slat pattern rather than a solid shelf.
The materials here build one console; the original was built as a pair with a plywood bridge spanning between them behind a sofa, so if that's your goal, double the list and add bridge parts. On its own it's a single, tidy console.
The slat spacing is the detail that sells it. Attach the center 1x3 slat first, then work outward keeping a consistent 7/8" gap — starting from the center means any leftover fraction lands evenly at both ends instead of leaving one lopsided gap at one side. The X pieces are cut to fit rather than to a number: mark them in place against the assembled end, cut, and fit.
| Item | Qty |
|---|---|
| 2x2, 8 ftLegs, ends, shelf trim, X pieces. | 6 each |
| 1x3, 8 ftShelf slats. | 3 each |
| 1x12, 3 ftTop. A 3/4" plywood piece 11-1/4" x 31-1/4" also works. | 1 each |
| Pocket-hole screws, 1-1/4" and 2-1/2" | 60 each |
| Wood glue | 4 oz |
Overall cost: $$. Lumber prices vary by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure we would only be pretending to know.
| Part | Qty | T × W × L |
|---|---|---|
| Legs2x2 | 4 | 1 1/2" × 1 1/2" × 30" |
| End rails2x2 | 6 | 1 1/2" × 1 1/2" × 11 1/4" |
| Front/back shelf trim2x2 | 6 | 1 1/2" × 1 1/2" × 31 1/4" |
| Shelf slats1x3 | 18 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 11 1/4" |
| Top1x12 | 1 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 31 1/4" |
| X pieces2x2Cut to fit the end openings. | 4 | 1 1/2" × 1 1/2" × 20" |
Buy 9 boards at 8 ft.
5 boards
1 board
3 boards
Assumes 8 ft stock, a 1/8" saw kerf, and buying each part at its own width. Change the board size or kerf on the full board plan →
Set the Kreg jig to the 1-1/2" setting. Drill a single pocket hole in each end of the 11-1/4" 2x2 end rails and attach them to the legs with 2-1/2" pocket screws, centering the middle rail on the legs. This forms the two ends of the console.
Drill a single 1-1/2" pocket hole in each end of the 31-1/4" 2x2 front/back rails and attach them to the legs with 2-1/2" pocket screws, tying the two ends into a table frame.
Reset the jig to the 3/4" setting and drill two pocket holes in each end of every 1x3 slat. Attach one slat centered in the middle of the shelf frame first, then work outward with a consistent 7/8" gap. Starting from the center keeps the leftover gap even at both ends instead of leaving one odd gap on one side.
Drill 3/4" pocket holes every 6–8" along the edges of the 1x12 or plywood top and attach it to the inside top of the frame. A brad-nailer-and-cleats method also works if you'd rather not see pocket holes underneath.
Cut the smaller X pieces to fit the end openings — mark them in place against the assembled end, cut, and fit rather than working to a number. Fasten them in, sand, and finish. If you're building the couch-bridge version, repeat everything for a second console and span a 1x12 and 2x2s between the two.
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