This post shows you a simple DIY for how to make lift top coffee table with storage. HOWEVER, full disclosure now. I did not make the storage chest. I easily converted one that I already had.
You might be wondering what is all the fuss with these things? Why would you want to learn how to make lift top coffee table with storage?
Here is my reason. I like décor on my coffee table, and I also like a storage compartment to keep clutter hidden away. However, I don’t like having to remove the décor items off the surface in order to access the storage.
So a lift top coffee table with storage is ingenious. I purchased hinges from Amazon and made my own lift top from this carved wood storage chest.
If you’re new to the concept of lift top coffee tables. Another great feature of a lift top coffee table is its versatility. The lift top makes it possible to literally bring a flat surface closer to you while you sit on your sofa.
Your flat surface can become a mini workstation for your laptop. A quick makeshift dining surface. Or even a place to put a puzzle together. And when you’re done – you simply push the top back down into place.
Here’s an example of a ready-made version.
How Does a Lift-Top Coffee Table Work?
Through the use of hydraulic hinges you can raise and lower a surface while the surface itself remains flat. And then with the top surface in the up position, you can gain access to stored items that you would usually have around your TV – like controllers, chargers, magazines, games or blankets.
Of course your storage list doesn’t have to stop there. You could also keep wine glasses and bottles of wine in the storage compartment 😊
I use mine for storing blankets because everyone loves to snuggle with a soft blanket.
Important Note About Folding
Whatever you’re folding, fold to the size of the space. Place your items standing on end. And make sure you’re folding in such a way that you take up the full depth of the space. This will allow you to fit in more items. This also allows you to see and easily access everything in the space.
Place items in such a way that all the uneven sides are facing the bottom. Keeping the rounded part of a fold facing you, keeps things from looking messy.
A Few Things to Consider Before Purchasing Hydraulic Hinges for a Lift-Top Coffee Table
Here’s an example of the type of hinges you’ll want for this project. The top of this hinge attaches to the underside of your table top. Then the bottom of this hinge attaches to the sides of your storage compartment (on the inside).
Weight capacity of the hinges: If you plan to hold books on your coffee table, the weight can really add up. And you have to also factor in the weight of the surface you’re lifting. The hinges I chose hold 100 lbs.
Mounting type: For this application you’ll want to find face mount hydraulic lift hinges.
Mounting bracket clearance: The front to back dimensions of your compartment storage needs to be greater than the overall width of the hinge in the collapsed position. The hinges I chose require 12.59” front to back.
Mounting bracket length: If your table top does not cover the entire storage compartment, then the front to back dimensions of the table top needs to be greater than the length of the top part of the hinge. The hinges I chose are 9” on the top.
Collapsed hinge dimensions: The depth of your compartment storage needs to be greater than the depth of your hinges in the collapsed position. The hinges I chose require a depth of 3.8”.
Pneumatic height adjustment: The overall height extension of the hinges in the open position. The hinges I chose measure 9.5” top to bottom.
Total forward movement: The hinges I chose move the top of my storage chest forward by 10.5”.
Horsepower of the hinges: If the horsepower is too high for your project, it could cause the hinges to come up too fast, thus making things “pop off” your table surface. Or worse yet, you may not be able to make your flat surface stay in the down position. I chose 1 HP for my hinges. They work great.
The Actual Steps for How to Make Lift Top Coffee Table with Storage
This carved wood storage chest had exposed hinges on the backside. In this photo, you can see the holes where the hinges were. I removed those hinges so I could completely remove the lid of the storage chest and get it out of the way.
If the lid to your storage chest is flat underneath, you can skip this part. But my lid has an inside depth of 2.5″.
This photo below is an INSIDE closeup of my storage chest lid. When the hydraulic hinge was fully extended, there was a gap. A gap between the top of the hinge and the bottom of my lid. I measured this gap so I could fill the gap with scrap wood.
Then I attached the scrap wood to the underside of the lid. But I had to be sure the screws were the correct length so they would not poke out through the top.
The previous step is not necessary if your lid is flat. Below is another conversion I did with a storage ottoman. Since this lid was flat underneath, I did not need to fill any gaps with scrap wood.
Now with a solution for the gap under my lid, I was able to proceed with installation of the hinges.
First, you will want to attach the bottom section of the hinges to the sides of the storage compartment. Because these hinges come in mirrored sets (with a left hinge and a right hinge) – it’s important to pay special attention to this step.
In the photo below, the left side of this hinge is as far “forward” as it could go inside the storage compartment. I did this because I wanted maximum access to the storage compartment.
And I installed the hinges as high as possible. In this photo below, the black band is a lip inside the storage compartment. I had to install right up to that lip. Otherwise, the hinges would not have been flush against the sides.
I had to be careful to use screws that would not poke out on the outside of this storage chest. So for this project, I used my favorite 3/4” long screws. They are strong screws for projects involving wood, but not too long.
With the bottom of the hinges installed in the storage compartment, I then used zip ties to get the hinges closed again. Then I made careful measurements.
1st measurement: the distance from the holes at the top of the hinges to the front of my storage chest.
2nd measurement: the distance from the holes at the top of the hinges to the sides of my storage chest.
With these 2 measurements, I could then make marks under the lid. After making the marks, I cut the zip ties and let the hinges extend forward. I then placed the lid on the hinges. (This was a good test to be sure the hinges would support the weight 😊).
Then with a flashlight on the floor, shining upward, I got underneath the lid and attached the top of the hinges to the underside of the lid.
With just 1 screw on both sides, I tested the alignment of the lid. When I closed the lid, it was almost perfectly aligned with the base. But I still made a slight adjustment. So you might have to work this part a bit.
Here’s a look at the finished project. I’m very happy with the alignment. And so pleased with the smooth operation of these hinges!!
Materials Used
Scrap wood
Zip ties
Tools Used
Measuring tape
Take Away
Although it would have been easier to just buy a ready-made lift top coffee table. I didn’t want to part with my beautiful carved wood storage chest. So ideas started fluttering in. I knew I could do it if I could find the right type of hinges. Gotta love Amazon, they bring all things to our fingertips. The hard part is sometimes knowing what to search for, lol.
Here’s to making your own and Making it Fabulous!
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