Hey there, fellow craft enthusiasts! I’m Robert Kline, and on this page, we’re diving into the world of DIY furniture with a project that’s both stylish and practical: building a floating nightstand.

Imagine this: a sleek, minimalist nightstand seemingly floating beside your bed, providing a home for your bedside essentials while adding a touch of modern charm to your bedroom. The best part? You can achieve this stunning look yourself, even if you’re a beginner DIYer.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step, from gathering your materials to putting the finishing touches on your very own floating nightstand. Get ready to impress yourself (and everyone else) with your newfound crafting skills!

Tools and Materials: Gathering Your Crafting Arsenal

Before we embark on this creative journey, let’s gather the tools and materials you’ll need. This project beautifully blends woodworking and design, showcasing how simple cuts and assembly can result in a stunning piece of furniture.

Tools:

Miter Saw
Table Saw
Drill
Pocket Hole Jig
Sander + Sandpaper
Paintbrush
Rags
Carpenter Square
Stud Finder
Pencil

Materials:

Nightstand Structure:
- (2) 1×12 @ 24″ (nightstand top and bottom pieces)
- (2) 1×12 @ 11 1/2″ (nightstand sides)
- (1) 1×4 @ 22 1/2″ (nightstand back support)
Drawers:
- (4) 1×4 @ 20″ (drawer fronts and backs)
- (4) 1×4 @ 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

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Pro Tip: Utilize scrap wood whenever possible! This not only minimizes waste but also adds a touch of resourcefulness to your project. Just remember to adjust the measurements if your scrap wood has a different thickness than the recommended 1x4s.

Building the Floating Nightstand: A Step-by-Step Guide

With our tools and materials prepped, let’s dive into the heart of the project. This step-by-step guide ensures a smooth and enjoyable building process. Remember, precision is key in woodworking, so measure twice, cut once!

1. Constructing the Nightstand Shell

Begin by cutting your 1×12 board into four pieces: two at 24″ (for the top and bottom) and two at 11 1/2″ (for the sides).
Using a pocket hole jig, drill four pocket holes into the top and bottom edges of both side pieces.
With the pocket holes facing inward, assemble the nightstand shell by securing the sides to the top and bottom pieces using 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws. A carpenter square is your best friend here, ensuring your assembly stays perfectly square.
Next, cut your 1×4 board to 22 1/2″ and attach it to the back of the assembled shell using pocket holes. This piece serves as the back support and the anchor point for mounting your nightstand to the wall later on. Ensure it sits flush against the back for a clean look.

DIY Floating Nightstand with two drawers

2. Crafting the Drawers

Now, let’s create the drawers! Cut your 1×4 boards to create two identical drawer frames. You’ll need two pieces at 20″ for the fronts and backs, and two pieces at 9 3/4″ for the sides of each drawer.
Using your pocket hole jig, drill pocket holes into the front and back pieces of each drawer frame. The pocket holes on the back will be hidden, while the ones on the front will be concealed by the drawer faces later.
With the pocket holes facing inward, assemble the drawer frames, securing the sides to the front and back using 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws.
Attach the drawer bottoms (1/4″ plywood or hardboard cut to 9 3/4″ x 21 1/2″) to each drawer frame. You can use wood glue and either nails or screws for this step.

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3. Installing the Drawer Slides

It’s time to install the drawer slides! These ingenious mechanisms will allow your drawers to glide in and out smoothly.
First, attach the drawer slides to the sides of the drawers, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Pay close attention to the placement to ensure smooth operation.
Next, install the corresponding parts of the drawer slides inside the nightstand, leaving enough space at the front to accommodate the drawer face.

Pro Tip: Use a scrap piece of wood with the same thickness as your drawer fronts as a spacer to ensure consistent drawer face placement.

4. Adding the Finishing Touches

Cut your drawer faces (1/2″ x 6″ poplar hobby stock) to 22 1/4″.
Now it’s time to unleash your inner artist and apply your chosen finish to both the nightstand and the drawer fronts. Sand everything down smoothly, then apply your preferred combination of paint, stain, wax, or polyurethane for a unique and personalized look.

Robert Kline Art Tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different finishes! A contrasting color for the drawer fronts can add a touch of visual interest, or you could opt for a cohesive and elegant look by using the same finish for the entire piece.

Once the finish is dry, attach the drawer fronts to the drawers using wood glue. Leave a small gap (about 1/8″) on all sides for a clean, professional look. Once the glue is dry, secure the drawer fronts further by screwing them from the inside of the drawer.
Mark the center point on each drawer front and drill a hole for your chosen knobs or pulls.

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5. Mounting Your Floating Nightstand

Carefully place your completed nightstand on a sturdy surface at the desired mounting height. Use a level to make sure it’s perfectly horizontal.
Using a stud finder, locate two studs in the wall where you want to mount the nightstand. Mark their position on the wall, just above the top edge of the nightstand.
Remove the drawers for easier access.
Align the back of the nightstand with your wall markings, ensuring the 1×4 back support sits flush against the wall.
Drill pilot holes through the back support and into the wall studs. Use screws long enough to securely anchor the nightstand to the wall.
Once the nightstand is securely mounted, slide the drawers back in.

Conclusion: Celebrating Your Handmade Masterpiece

Congratulations! You’ve successfully crafted your own stylish and functional floating nightstand. Step back and admire your handiwork—this unique piece adds a touch of handmade elegance and personal style to your bedroom.

Not only have you created a beautiful piece of furniture, but you’ve also gained valuable woodworking skills and the immense satisfaction of building something with your own two hands.

Now, it’s time to personalize your new nightstand with your favorite bedside essentials. A stylish lamp, a stack of inspiring books, and a small plant can transform it into a cozy and inviting corner.

Remember, the beauty of DIY lies in customization and personalization. Don’t hesitate to adapt this design to your liking, experiment with different finishes, or add unique details that reflect your individual style.

Share your crafting triumphs and inspire others by leaving a comment below—tell us about your experience building this floating nightstand, the challenges you overcame, and the unique touches you added. Let’s celebrate the joy of handmade together!

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And while you’re here, don’t forget to explore the rest of Robert Kline Art for more inspiring DIY projects, crafting tips, and unique handmade gift ideas. Happy crafting!