DIY Floating Nightstand: A Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Own

Have you ever walked into your bedroom and felt like something was missing? Maybe a touch of elegance or a practical space-saving solution? Well, my fellow craft enthusiasts, a DIY floating nightstand might just be the answer! It’s stylish, functional, and best of all, something you can create with your own two hands. At Robert Kline Art, we’re all about embracing the joy of handcrafted pieces, and this project is no exception.

Gathering Your Tools and Materials

Before we embark on this exciting crafting journey, let’s gather our trusty tools and materials. Just like a painter needs their brushes, we need the right equipment for a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Tools:

• Miter Saw
• Table Saw
• Drill
• Pocket Hole Jig
• Sander + Sandpaper
• Paintbrush and Rag for Staining

Materials:

• For the Nightstand:
  • (2) 1″x12″ boards @ 24″ (top & bottom)
  • (2) 1″x12″ boards @ 11 1/2″ (sides)
  • (1) 1″x4″ board @ 22 1/2″ (nightstand back support)
• For the Drawers:
  • (4) 1″x4″ boards @ 20″ (drawer fronts and backs)
  • (4) 1″x4″ boards @ 9 3/4″ (drawer sides)
  • (2) 1/4″ plywood or hardboard cut to 9 3/4″ x 21 1/2″ (drawer bottoms)
  • (2) 1/2″ x 6″ poplar hobby stock @ 22 1/4″ (drawer faces)
• Hardware and Fasteners:
  • (2) 10″ full-extension drawer slides
  • 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws
  • 1-1/4″ screws to attach drawer faces
  • Wood glue
  • Finishing products of your choice (stain, paint, wax, polyurethane, etc.)
  • Knobs or pulls

Remember, these dimensions are based on standard 1″x4″ boards. If you’re using wood with a different thickness, adjust your cuts accordingly.

Building the Foundation: The Nightstand Shell

Let’s start by creating the backbone of our floating nightstand – the shell!

1. Cutting the Pieces: Begin by cutting your 1″x12″ boards according to the cut list. You’ll need two pieces for the top and bottom (24″ each) and two for the sides (11 1/2″ each).

2. Creating Pocket Holes: On both ends of the side pieces, drill four pocket holes. These little guys will help us create strong and discreet joints.

3. Assembling the Shell: Now, for the exciting part! Using your pocket holes and 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws, connect the side pieces to the top and bottom boards. Remember to keep those pocket holes facing inward for a clean finish. As you go, use a carpenter square to ensure your nightstand is nice and square.

4. Adding the Back Support: Cut your 1″x4″ board to 22.5″ and attach it to the back of the nightstand using pocket holes. This piece is crucial as it will be used to mount the nightstand to the wall. Make sure it sits flush against the back for a seamless look.

DIY Floating Nightstand Shell

Crafting the Drawers: Where Functionality Meets Design

No nightstand is complete without drawers to keep your bedside essentials organized. So, let’s create some!

1. Building the Drawer Boxes: Using your 1″x4″ boards, build two drawer boxes. The front and back pieces should be 20″ long, while the sides should measure 9 3/4″. Drill pocket holes on the front and back pieces, remembering that the front pocket holes will be hidden by the drawer faces later on.

2. Adding the Drawer Bottoms: Attach your 1/4″ plywood or hardboard drawer bottoms to the boxes using glue and nails or staples. I tend to use a staple every 3-4 inches for a secure hold.

Installing the Drawer Slides: Ensuring Smooth Sailing

Now, for the magic that makes drawers slide effortlessly – the drawer slides!

1. Attaching the Slides to the Drawers: Screw your drawer slides to the sides of the drawer boxes.

2. Attaching the Slides to the Nightstand: Install the other half of the drawer slides to the inside of the nightstand, leaving enough space for the drawer face. Remember to factor in the thickness of your drawer face when determining how far back to install the slides. A scrap piece of wood the same thickness as your drawer face can help you get this measurement just right.

Adding the Finishing Touches: Letting Your Style Shine

It’s time to add those personal touches that will make your DIY floating nightstand truly your own.

1. Crafting the Drawer Faces: Cut your two drawer faces from the poplar hobby stock, each measuring 22 1/4″. Sand them down and apply your desired finish. Whether you prefer a rustic stain, a pop of color, or a classic clear coat, let your creativity flow!

2. Finishing the Nightstand: Give your assembled nightstand a good sanding and apply your chosen finish. You can match the finish to your drawer fronts or create a contrasting look for a more dynamic aesthetic.

3. Attaching the Drawer Fronts: Apply wood glue to the back of each drawer front and carefully align it with the drawer box, leaving a small gap (about 1/8″) on all sides. Once the glue is dry, secure the drawer fronts from the inside using screws.

4. Adding Knobs or Pulls: Find the center point of each drawer front and drill a hole for your chosen knob or pull. You can opt for store-bought hardware or even create your own unique knobs for a personalized touch.

Mounting Your Masterpiece: A Floating Wonder

With our nightstand complete, it’s time to give it the illusion of floating!

1. Marking the Wall: Place your nightstand on a sturdy surface at your desired height. Use a stud finder to locate two studs in the wall and mark their location just above the top of the nightstand.

2. Drilling Pilot Holes: Remove the drawers and drill several pilot holes into the 1×4 back support of the nightstand, aligning your holes with the stud markings you made on the wall.

3. Securing the Nightstand: Use screws to securely attach the nightstand to the wall through the pilot holes.

4. Reinserting the Drawers: Slide your beautifully crafted drawers back into the nightstand.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully built your very own DIY floating nightstand. Step back and admire your handiwork. You’ve not only created a functional and stylish piece for your home, but you’ve also experienced the joy and satisfaction that comes with creating something beautiful with your own two hands.

Share Your Creations!

We’d love to see your DIY floating nightstands! Share photos of your finished projects in the comments below and inspire fellow craft enthusiasts! And don’t forget to explore Robert Kline Art for more unique and handcrafted gift ideas to enhance your home and bring joy to your loved ones.