How to Build a Mid Century Modern Console Cabinet

Hey friends, let's build a Mid Century Modern Console! This was such a fun project made almost entirely from (you guessed it!) plywood!
You know me--I love a good plywood build, and the mid century vibe definitely fits my style. I hope you enjoy watching it come together as much as I enjoyed building it.
Keep an eye out for helpful tips along the way. This video is packed with them to help make this build easier.
Grab the printable building plans here: woodshop-diaries.myshopify.co...
Check out more project details, tips, and information here: www.woodshopdiaries.com/how-t...
Side note: I called this a Lowboy Console at the beginning of the video and, honestly, I thought "lowboy" just referred to a shorter-than-usual console (since this one is only 20" tall). But I've since looked up the definition and I think it technically has to have drawers to be considered a "lowboy." I mean...at the end of the day, who cares what you call it. But just in case anyone wants to correct me, don't worry. I've corrected myself before you got the chance HA!
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Helpful resources for this project:
How to cut plywood: www.woodshopdiaries.com/cut-d...
How to use a pocket hole jig: www.woodshopdiaries.com/how-t...
How to apply iron on edge banding: www.woodshopdiaries.com/how-t...
How to install concealed hinges: www.woodshopdiaries.com/how-t...
How to add adjustable shelves: www.woodshopdiaries.com/how-t...
How to determine cabinet door sizing: www.woodshopdiaries.com/how-t...
How to choose plywood for your projects: www.woodshopdiaries.com/how-t...
Must have cabinet building tools: www.woodshopdiaries.com/must-...
Affiliate links below
Tools & Materials:
Tools:
Drill/Driver: homedepot.sjv.io/Aoo6Ya
Circular Saw and cutting guides: homedepot.sjv.io/AooaYx & amzn.to/3Y38tDQ
Pocket Hole Jig: amzn.to/32eoPBY
Shelf Pin Jig: amzn.to/3Y4scUV
Concealed Hinge Jig: amzn.to/43Go1zU
Jig Saw: homedepot.sjv.io/Gjj912
Speed Square
Miter Saw (optional): homedepot.sjv.io/b3DkDx
Corner Assembly Squares: amzn.to/3YSwkrB
Materials:
(2) 4×8 sheets ¾″ plywood (walnut plywood used here): homedepot.sjv.io/XYOkG4
(2) pair concealed hinges for full overlay doors on frameless cabinets: amzn.to/3sjCipc
Shelf Pins: amzn.to/3e3rtNN
1 ¼” pocket hole screws: amzn.to/3FKfikk
1 ¼” & 2″ wood screws
Wood Glue: amzn.to/34NCtuv
Edge Banding (optional)
Painters Tape
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:23 Plywood Material
01:00 Cutting Down the Plywood
01:58 Notes About the Design
02:30 Assembling the Main Cabinet Box
05:35 Assembling the Outside Cabinet Box
08:18 Cutting and Attaching the Legs
10:43 Attaching the Two Boxes
13:00 Installing the Doors
15:07 Adding the Shelf
15:33 Finish & FINAL REVEAL

[@reauchannrichardson147]

Im bad about using glue, however, its a happy mistake to fix corrections. You are so talented. Great piece. You really make building approachable

[@WoodshopDiaries]

It’s inevitable every time I do a glue up I need to take it back apart for something 🤣 I’ve learned the hard way too many times 😆 I appreciate you watching and hope you have a great weekend!

[@nsuinteger-au]

this gal knows things! It's great to see really good looking furniture pieces made using just plywood.

[@AaronSKuehn]

Really like the design and proportions of this project. And thank you for not just showing the "happy path" -- but the lessons learned and reasons behind your choices. Great vid!

[@robertm348]

Beautiful project, Shara! You are one of my favorite builders and I appreciate you very much!

[@the_meagan_channel]

I love these mid-century furniture projects. These are my favorite pieces to replicate. Another great video.

[@jimgreenhouse214]

Fantastic as usual. Thanks for showing us the oops. You’re very talented and I enjoy watching your techniques.

[@stardustdreamer]

A gorgeous piece of furniture! Great design and great execution. 😍

[@eyalbension6059]

Hi! I just wanted to say that your content is superb and I've learned so much from watching your tutorials. Thank you!!!

[@debiallen4053]

I didn't think I would like this style...made me a believer Shara. Love it so much I will have to try to diy my own. Try try try. It is absolutely a eye catcher. Beautiful! I love the simplicity also. You do fantastic work young lady. Love all of your videos!

[@SawdustmakerLori]

I really, really love how this turned out!!! The design is so beautiful as well as the plywood you used. I'm not a fan of using glue with pocket holes either unless it's especially necessary. When I make projects it's nice to be able to take them apart to fix/replace an area that gets damaged later or correct a mistake during the assembly. Thanks for another great video Shara!

[@troygoggans5495]

I remember pieces of furniture, like your build, back in the 1950’s and 1960’s but I remember them as having sliding doors. But with doors closed yours and the ones I remember look the same. I still am amazed that you don’t use clamps to hold pieces in place while you screw them together.

[@robertevans6481]

So many things....i can see it as a vintage speaker and audio receiver....with period matching fabric over the custom built speakers...but seriously you hit this one out of the park....home run!!!! And that walnut plywood with the finish on it....😘

[@lovejones7545]

Shara! Where've you been? You've been missed. This build may be my favorite. I'm a big fan of mid century style furniture / décor and you really rocked this build out! It's sleek, sharp and the soft close doors are dope! Thanks for sharing this awesome video🤙🏾💯

[@johnkelley9877]

The cabinet looks beautiful with the Walnut wood and no edge banding! The design is neat and it does remind me of console cabinets from the 1960's on. Thanks for sharing this.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I really enjoyed building it and I appreciate you watching! Have a great weekend!

[@romeoC9968]

Great content as always. Really like the feet design, so simple but looks good. And who cares about those people who complain because you don't use glue, they don't deserve to be watching the great work you do.

[@christophermckinney984]

Shara, I Absolutely love this design!! And the fact that you created it makes it even more special! As per usual, you give us a design that is completely “doable”, all the while pointing out your own mistakes and mishaps so we don’t follow you onto the struggle bus. 😉 😆 🤣. (I didn’t really catch any real mistakes to smile about, but I should tell you that you do get a giggle from me every time you do your “almost laugh” when describing something! 😳 😊 😂

[@surfmarko]

Another great vid! Love the mid century modern style.

[@dannyhyde7019]

That is a beautiful cabinet, Very nice job. You make it look so easy.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I promise, it looks easy because it is 😉🙌

[@deliaguzman1138]

Beautiful design and execution!

[@jackieopperman6568]

Love the design. Well done

[@joytekb]

I like how you make difficult things look easy Beautifull console

[@pteddie6965]

Hey, Shara. Wow, that ply is some beautiful stuff! I love the look of the final cabinet. I also love the look of the plys on the exposed edges. Thanks for the video.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! I’m not even a fan of walnut but I have to admit this was amazing to work with. I actually unboxed it and first thought it was prefinished. Then looked closer and saw it wasn’t. It just looked that good unfinished 🤣

[@brad238899]

Great project Shara. Thanks for saring.

[@ELBRICORINCON]

So cool forniture. Good Job!!

[@brunnie]

Good explanation of why you do not use glue, as I did wonder. The cabinet is beautiful. WOW!!

[@stevedockery3534]

Great looking console Shara. You always make things look much easier with your videos. Love this project. Have a great weekend. Steve

[@WoodshopDiaries]

So glad you enjoyed this (and other) video and project! I appreciate you watching and hope you have a great weekend!

[@WillysPerformanceCycleCtr]

This looks beautiful Shara! The walnut is a great choice. I like the design. Have a great weekend and keep on building! 👍🏻🇺🇸

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! I hope you have a great weekend as well and happy building!

[@MCsCreations]

Amazing work, Shara! Really beautiful piece!!! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I appreciate you watching and hope you have a great weekend!

[@mickkoldy1323]

Nice job, love the design. Also, enjoy you sharing mistakes because it happens.

[@joebrennan6130]

V Very nice Shara! Love the design

[@jthomas1626]

You did a beautiful job.

[@barryroberts6470]

Very nice build Shara it looks fantastic so well done. Take Care and Stay Safe, Barry (UK) 👍

[@samme5513]

Very nice looks cool love it brilliant job enjoyed watching and thank you for sharing

[@carolvalentine2407]

Your talent is so amazing!

[@kathyandthedogs626]

This may be my favorite project! I’ve never built a piece of furniture but am planning to try this!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! Happy building!

[@joelcopeland3018]

Wow, that plywood looks awesome... Nice build... Well done... God Bless...

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! It was so much fun to build. God bless and have a great weekend!

[@franks122]

Excellent job as always, thanks for sharing.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! Have a wonderful weekend!

[@jhold7553]

Bada**. Definitely one of my favorites. I dont use glue a lot because to be honest I forget but it works out because I realize I did something wrong and have to take it back apart

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you and Same. It’s inevitable just about every time I glue something, I go back later and need to take it apart 🙈

[@craiggoodwin9704]

Shara, that console turned out fantastic. I wondered about the exposed edges but you are right, they make a nice design feature. I screwed a sectional couch together for an apartment we once lived in. When we moved I unscrewed it and used the wood for many more projects. However, I go through a lot of glue so I don't claim to be a purest one way or the other. I think an arsenal of methods is the best way to go as circumstances can vary. I love it when you start throwing in some angles on your builds. Hugs and kisses to Lucy and Bubby. Thanks for Sharing! 🙃🙂

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! Yeah I’m not normally a fan of exposed edges but I felt like it fit on this piece. You are right… customize each piece as needed as circumstances do vary. That’s my favorite part of building things myself. I can customize it 😁 Lucy and Bubs thank you for the well wishes. Hope you have a great weekend!

[@Whatever-n5q]

I ❤ it. You have always smart ideas ! 😊

[@andrewlarson2753]

Nice piece, like your matter of fact style. I always use glue, probably a fear of wobble but will try without. I find it extremely difficult to even part with my creations, can’t imagine recycling them. Clearly too emotionally invested, must over come this and just build more. Thanks for your content!

[@CraigFize]

That was very pretty. Great job

[@ericlaurendeau4816]

Great work! I love your channel

[@dianes2300]

That turned out awesome!! 👍

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! I appreciate you watching!

[@liamdixon8163]

Beautiful and so simple thank you AGAIN 💚☘️💚🙏

[@vivaladolcevita10]

Great design and great job! You could also make the sides longer and make a space between the body and the top shell to make an extra space above the body and the top shell. You would have to connect your initial box differently, so you wouldn't see the pocket screws. Really nice flexible design.

[@mstev5956]

Nice video and great work

[@MASI_forging]

Great work as always 🙂🙂

[@carlosmol62]

My favorite and beautiful wood artesan!!!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I appreciate you watching!

[@5055hunter]

I never thought about the fact that you (and probably other creators as well) would be building stuff just for content and then disassembling it to reuse the material. It does make sense though! Love this console!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

It definitely saves on waste and hassle to be able to recycle some of these materials sometimes! I build probably 60% of my projects fully intending on taking them apart when I’m finished 🙈

[@raulsoto2088]

Me encantó.... Siempre espero para ver tus videos... Hermoso proyecto, un abrazo desde Chile 🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱

[@kevinf3641]

I like how you highlighted the end grain

[@shamismail8006]

Great job👍

[@patrickperson1252]

une jolie pièce de nouveau crée super travail Sarah félicitations patrick

[@johannesputter8455]

Nice, like the double-box!👍

[@WoodshopDiaries]

It adds some fun dimension! That edge is my favorite part!

[@nicokwapper]

Beatyful! You inspired me to build one too.

[@raulnavarrete8776]

Just subscribed, you have an endless amount of useful yet simple projects, thank you

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much for following along!

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

turned Out great.

[@SynthRockViking]

This is a sublime piece 😩

[@oreobenavidez953]

Oh my what a beautiful piece you always put out great content I'm not gonna lie at the beginning where you were showing the marks I thought my phone had a crack or a hair 😂😂

[@JayBergCustoms]

That looks great! I love the shape! I'm trying to niche into the console arena myself, and am just finishing up a 66" trapezoid case made from quarter sawn Sapele. I really need to make some plywood consoles that are more budget friendly over the solid wood ones I've built so far.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

That sounds like a really fun project! I bet it looks amazing!

[@aberba]

It's amazing you've still been using the rip cut. Bought after watching your vid but it's not sitting duck 😅

[@luffyonepiece2210]

Excellent thank you nice work

[@richs5422]

Very cool!

[@scottmorris4914]

The multilayers in the plywood, look like just Gagarin the wood. Looks great.

[@anaceciliaserrano1975]

Excelent job!!!!! I like it very much!!!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I appreciate you watching!

[@raynavarrete7898]

Beautiful 😍

[@user00616]

Omg I’m OBSESSED

[@kris_kreations]

Very nice

[@westtexas5754]

Home Depot would do well featuring this build on their site showing the very nice walnut plywood. You have made me a fan of pocket hole screws!

[@WolfCatBirdPigMan]

If only home depot would sell walnut plywood...

[@WoodshopDiaries]

@nicholasmiles7994 hi! They do: homedepot.sjv.io/XYOkG4

[@WolfCatBirdPigMan]

@@WoodshopDiariesoof 2x8 ft panel for $122 is painful though XD. 3 times the cost of maple.

[@pmapaez]

Loved it

[@jacoboalamea717]

Beautiful,

[@jackitodd4803]

Love this

[@javierteodorakis1647]

Como siempre muy buenos trabajos 😀

[@macdisciple]

We bought the very same design from Wayfair made from cheap particle board. It’s heavy AF too. I pledged to remake it from ply. Appreciate the head start.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Particle board is very heavy 🥴 hahah. Hopefully this helps to move toward a replacement! 😅

[@kurtdubach7578]

I really enjoy watching your furniture builds. I'm wondering what steps you take to avoid tearout when cutting plywood for your projects.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

A fine finish plywood blade (and good quality plywood) make tear out practically non existent.

[@J-Chong]

Buen trabajo.....!👍👍👍 🇵🇪

[@maureen5010]

I'm in awe! 👏👏

[@WoodshopDiaries]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@BrianMajor]

Your designs rule. Thanks for taking the time.

[@nobuckle40]

"Weeping and gnashing of teeth!" 🤣🤣🤣 Imagine it, woodworking Hell where the devil makes woodworkers assemble everything with pocket holes and no glue. I love this build. My wife and I are huge fans of MCM furniture. most likely because we are old and we remember it from our younger years. Thanks Shara.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Haha I mean, I guess some people would hate it, but I’d be happy in that workshop 🤣 I love MCM style. It’s so quirky and fun. I wish I had lived through those years haha. I appreciate you watching and following along. I hope you and your wife have a great weekend!

[@sillydaisy11017]

STUNNING. 🔥🔥🔥 and it’s walnut! I agree with the exposed edges in this one - it’s mid century, with just a little something to make it feel current! Super stylish, can’t wait to see if you make any matching pieces!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I feel like this totally matches this bedroom set I built a couple years ago: www.woodshopdiaries.com/category/woodworking/diy-furniture-plans/diy-bedroom-furniture-plans/diy-mid-century-modern-bedroom-set/

[@sillydaisy11017]

@@WoodshopDiaries ohhh yes I remember watching those videos now! Wow, the walnut really makes it pop! Though I have mostly lighter wood tones in my home (like in the original) I might actually consider more medium tones in the future like this new build. Everything you make is just so pretty!! 😻

[@monself]

Great design. Thank you. Can you please make a floating TV cabinet.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

www.woodshopdiaries.com/diy-modern-floating-vanity/

[@jasonfarbman]

This looks great, and I love how accessible your design is. I'd love to make one for my wife's birthday - but the unit it would replace is 10" higher. Any suggestions on increasing the height while preserving the look?

[@mickelion6198]

Very nice I di profesional trim and now cabinets in fl

[@petpet-jz3bn]

very job miss master

[@gsuderman]

Just found your channel this week. Had to say I love the way you present your projects. Also, I learned a number of things today: how to use a speed square to set angles, door building using the hinge jig, etc. I'm wondering how heavy that piece is? 3/4" plywood sides AND back panel!! Yikes. Thanks again for such great content.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

So glad you’re enjoying the content! Thanks so much for following along and checking it out! To answer your question, it’s heavy! I can lift and move it myself (so it’s not crazy heavy) but it’s a sheet and a half of plywood so probably around 120-130 lbs 🤷‍♀️

[@gsuderman]

What if you made this out of 1/2" instead? Save money and it would be lighter.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

You could. You might save a few bucks (very little-the price savings between 1/2” and 3/4” is pretty small) but it would be lighter if that was the main concern. However, I don’t think 1/2” material would do well spanning this width without an additional center support, though. I don’t use 1/2” material in my projects for several reasons (a few: they require different size screws, hardware and edge banding, and it’s not suitable for every situation).

[@gsuderman]

@@WoodshopDiaries thanks again for replying. Your rationale makes a lot of sense. 3/4" it will be for me then. Thank you again

[@allbest_wood]

Great jpb

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much!

[@edwindick2]

Hello dear Sarah, I am personally of the clear opinion that you should start a company. I am very sure that your very great work can sell very well, in the sense that you continue to enjoy your new projects.!

[@pastorwarreng9775]

"Weeping and gnashing of the teeth because of pocket hole screws" Good one! 🤣🤣🤣

[@WoodshopDiaries]

🤣🤣

[@dinojay8410]

Good job, Shara! Nice design! 🎉❤ About the Europly and no edge banding, how was the quality of the plywood? Were there many gaps, voids, or similar imperfections that show? Or was this a sufficiently high quality plywood with minimal to no gaps & voids? @2:38

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! Yes it was very nice plywood. I didn’t find any voids or imperfections while using it.

[@bwhite661]

I love modern looking furniture and this looks fairly straight forward to build. I'm wondering how you would think it would look if the edging of the outer box was mitered inwards at 45 degrees?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I’m not sure I understand your question? If you edge banded it and mitered the edge banding on the front to match the sides? If that’s what you mean, that’s exactly how I’d do it. I wouldn’t have mitered corners and not miter the edge banding too.

[@bwhite661]

@@WoodshopDiaries Sorry but my question wasn't clear. I was asking about mitering the plywood edges of the outside box that you see looking at it from the front. So you would cut the front edge of the three boards that make up the outside box at a 45 deg angle. So when you're looking straight at the finished piece the outside edges would be angled inward. So your just giving the edges a "softer" look. Hope that makes sense. I'm not talking about any edge banding. I really like the look of the exposed plywood edge.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

@bwhite661 ohhh I gotcha. Yeah that would look great!

[@bwhite661]

@@WoodshopDiaries My daughter wants me to build her a dresser type thing with drawers and shelves so I think I might use this as a basis for the design. It will be more of a vertical build though. I'm so glad I can watch your videos to get help especially with the drawers.

[@chrispark11]

Came out great! I don’t get why you wouldn’t just sell the pieces rather than keep to reuse the wood. That leaves a bunch of parts you can’t reuse and they have finish on them now. I would think your neighborhood Facebook Marketplace people would love a famous KZbinr piece as well!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I used to sell things here and there and it’s actually more profitable to recycle the wood than to sell it locally. Plus selling opens a whole other can of worms and people aren’t always pleasant to deal with. I occasionally donate pieces, but selling them just isn’t worth the hassle.

[@ricominas6880]

Great job with style @WoodshopDiaries what are you using as a sofware to design your projects?

[@mikeandlucky]

Glue is messy and when I mess something up (way too often), it can't be undone. Use it only when really necessary. Thanks for the confirmation that it is okay to skip the glue on pocket hole joinery :)

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I have the same philosophy! 😉 Thanks for watching and I hope you have a great weekend!

[@rockstarfan886]

Awesome project i understand making stuff for content but these pieces are amazing and im sure there are people out there that would love to own some of these pieces. Maybe consider selling them?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I used to sell things here and there and it’s actually more profitable to recycle the wood than to sell it locally. Plus selling opens a whole other can of worms and people aren’t always pleasant to deal with. I occasionally donate pieces, but selling them just isn’t worth the hassle.

[@imienazwisko8347]

And again awesome work. I wonder if your house has enough space for all that furniture 😅

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! Haha it doesn’t. That’s why I take things apart and reuse the wood. I can’t keep the stuff so I recycle it

[@kerensuleiman614]

Hi Shara, love the console. Would it be possible to make with only the wrap around frame? Great inspiration for a tv unit I plan to build but i dont want it to be too heavy.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Sure! It would require some modifications, obviously, but can definitely be made without the “double layer” if you wanted.

[@mikhailtaal7752]

Which circular saw blade you use? And which blade is good for plywood cutting??

[@jomangeee9180]

Good morning 😍

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Good morning! Thanks for watching!

[@CoachCarl]

You mention using 2'x8' foot sheets but the plans list 4'x8' … which would I need to buy? Thanks for an awesome build!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

This walnut only comes in half sheets. So if you’re using this stuff, that’s your only option and you’d need 4. But…Most people aren’t going to buy this to build with because it’s way more expensive and most other plywood comes in 4x8 sheets. So if you’re not using this, buy 4x8 sheets instead.

[@CoachCarl]

@@WoodshopDiaries awesome, thanks for the clarification! Love the channel