This project was created by Johnny Brooke from Crafted Workshop. If you’re looking for a stylish and functional coffee table with hidden storage, be sure to check out his YouTube channel for more woodworking inspiration.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Johnny’s channel:
Designing a Functional and Stylish Coffee Table
Johnny’s lift top coffee table offers a practical storage solution while maintaining a sleek and modern look. The combination of solid walnut and a copper pipe base creates a striking contrast that fits well in both contemporary and industrial-style spaces.
The lift top mechanism provides easy access to hidden storage, making it ideal for organizing video games, Blu-rays, or living room essentials. By incorporating a custom drawer and adjustable dividers, the table remains highly functional while keeping clutter out of sight.
Selecting Materials for the Build
Johnny chose solid walnut for the tabletop and cabinet, emphasizing both durability and rich wood grain. Walnut is an excellent hardwood for furniture, but other options like oak or maple can be used depending on availability and style preferences.
For the base, copper pipe was selected to give the table a modern, industrial look. The warm tones of the copper complement the walnut beautifully while providing a sturdy foundation. To maintain its appearance, the copper is coated to prevent oxidation over time.
Preparing and Milling the Wood
The first step in Johnny’s process was breaking down rough walnut boards into manageable sizes. Using a miter saw, he carefully cut the boards to length, ensuring safe handling to prevent kickback.
Once cut, the boards were squared up using a jointer to create flat surfaces for a seamless glue-up. A planer was then used to ensure uniform thickness, followed by ripping the boards to final width for precise alignment.
Assembling the Tabletop
With the boards prepared, Johnny laid them out for the tabletop, carefully aligning the grain for a consistent appearance. After applying glue and clamping the boards together, excess glue was scraped away before curing.
To enhance the finish, any visible knot holes on the underside were filled with epoxy. Once cured, the epoxy was sanded flush to create a smooth, polished surface.
Constructing the Storage Cabinet
The next step involved assembling the cabinet, which houses both the lift top mechanism and a hidden drawer. Johnny cut the drawer front from a single walnut board to ensure a continuous grain pattern across the front face.
After cutting the drawer front, he adjusted the spacing and reassembled it with a slight gap for clearance. To strengthen the cabinet structure, additional joinery techniques were used, ensuring long-term durability.
Installing the Lift Top Mechanism
With the cabinet built, Johnny trimmed the tabletop to size, leaving a slight overhang to make lifting easier. A beveled edge was added to the front for a more comfortable grip when opening.
The lift top mechanism was installed with precise adjustments to ensure smooth operation. Proper alignment was key to making the tabletop open and close effortlessly while maintaining a flush fit when closed.
Constructing the Copper Pipe Base
The base of the table was built using copper pipe, adding a modern and industrial touch to the design. Johnny cut the pipes to length with a pipe cutter before soldering the joints together.
Once assembled, the base was cleaned and coated with a clear finish to prevent oxidation. The completed base was then secured to the cabinet using copper pipe hangers, ensuring stability while maintaining the table’s sleek appearance.
Maximizing Storage Space
To enhance functionality, Johnny added dividers inside the storage compartment. These dividers create separate spaces for organizing video games, remotes, and other small items. Since they are adjustable, the storage layout can be modified as needed.
Final Sanding and Finishing
The entire piece was sanded to a smooth finish, ensuring all edges were free from rough spots. A water-based polyurethane was applied to protect the walnut while enhancing its natural beauty.
The final result was a modern coffee table that blends form and function. The lift top storage, industrial-style base, and high-quality materials make this a standout piece in any living space.
Want to See the Full Build?
Johnny provides a full step-by-step video detailing the entire build process, from milling the wood to assembling the final piece. His approach makes it easy to follow along and build a similar table with basic woodworking tools.
If you’re inspired to build your own, plans are here: https://craftedworkshop.com/store/lift-top-coffee-table-with-storage-plans.