Storage in the gap behind the couch
Some extra rift-sawn white oak plywood turned into a drink ledge and a device bin for the gap behind the couch.
Recently we got new windows and trim, and soon we’re getting new window treatments installed. We didn’t want to push the couch up against the wall any longer and risk hitting the treatments, so the couch moved a few inches off the walls. At our house we are constantly trying to maximize space, and I had some extra rift-sawn white oak plywood laying around. So naturally, I decided to fill the gap.
The plan: storage behind the couch to place drinks, have access to a charger, etc. And on the side of the couch, a place for laptops, phones, books, and magazines.
The ledge
On the back I built a 90½” ledge, 5” deep, with a cutout for a recessed power strip — outlets and USB ports — so we can charge phones without draping a cord over the couch. It has a raised front lip to keep drinks from sliding off, and it’s mounted to the studs with L brackets. It sits just under the window trim, so it’s hidden behind the couch back but easy to reach from the seat.
I had initially wanted to drill out a spot for cup holders, 3” holes drilled 1/4” deep, but I either purchased cheap forstner bits or I really needed a drill press to achieve the look that I wanted. Maybe one day.
The bin
For the storage space, I created a 44½” bin that holds everything upright in a single 1½” slot, with one side having a deeper bottom than the other, making it easier to grab phones, books, etc. out of the shallower side. Laptops and iPads go in the deeper side. There are holes in the floors so charging cables can come up from underneath. The whole thing was glued together — no fasteners — and it hangs on a metal french cleat, so it lifts right off the wall for cleaning.
Finishing up
Every exposed plywood edge got iron-on edge banding (a regular clothes iron works just fine), then everything got Golden Pecan stain and satin water-based polyurethane. The couch now sits 5½” off the back wall and just shy of 4” off the side wall, and we finally have a spot for drinks, chargers, and laptops. Enjoy the pictures below!
