Stretchers are not always structural. They can be for asthetic. A 40"
tall table can be a bit spindly but a console table won't take much
racking I'd assume; just sitting cuetly behind the couch or aong the
wall holding up a nice vase and a picture frame.

Consider this, I made this writing table with only a 2 1/4" apron
pocket screwed to the legs and some additional corner blocks across
the aprons under the top, My daughters have had their computer,
printer and hundreds of hours of homework, even sitting on the darn
thing and it ain't broke yet, though it could.
http://www.sonomaproducts.com/Graphics/VE-WT-Large.gif

You won't need any stretchers. Depending on the material and how its
implemented the legs could bow, bend, curve but I don't think you have
any structural problem. If we are talking Oak or Cherry or something,
1 1/2 square ain't gona pull or twist or bow unless you mill them in a
severe moisture state.

On Jun 21, 4:32 pm, damian penney wrote:
When designing a console table how do you determine whether or not you
need a stretcher at the bottom of the legs? Is there some kind of rule
of thumb, guidelines? My legs will be 1 1/2" square and made of
walnut, dovetailed to the top rail/stiles and mortised to the rail/
stile below a drawer about 4" down. Leg length is about 40".