Hey there, fellow craft enthusiasts! Have you ever looked at your bedroom and thought, “It’s missing something”? Maybe a touch of elegance, a dash of functionality, and a sprinkle of DIY magic? Well, you’re in the right place! In this article, we’ll embark on a journey to create a stunning DIY floating nightstand that will not only elevate your bedroom’s aesthetic but also provide a practical solution for your bedside essentials.

This project is perfect for both seasoned DIYers and those who are just starting to dip their toes into the world of crafting. I’ll guide you through each step, providing detailed instructions and helpful tips to ensure your DIY floating nightstand turns out as amazing as possible. So, grab your tools, gather your materials, and let’s get crafting!

Materials You’ll Need:

Before we dive into the construction process, let’s gather all the necessary materials. Remember, using scrap wood, where possible, can add a touch of resourcefulness to your project.

For the Nightstand Shell:

(2) 1×12 at 24″ (top and bottom pieces)
(2) 1×12 at 11 1/2″ (nightstand sides)
(1) 1×4 at 22 1/2″ (nightstand back support)

For the Drawers:

(4) 1×4 at 20″ (drawer fronts and backs)
(4) 1×4 at 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-in x 6-in poplar hobby stock at 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 (stain, paint, wax, polyurethane, etc.)
Knobs or pulls

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Tools:

Miter Saw
Table saw
Drill
Pocket Hole Jig
Sander + sandpaper
Tools for finishing (paintbrush and rag for stain)
Measuring tape
Pencil
Carpenter’s square
Safety Glasses

Building Your DIY Floating Nightstand

Now that we’ve got our materials and tools ready, let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions to craft your DIY floating nightstand.

1. Constructing the Nightstand Shell:

Cutting the Pieces: Begin by cutting the 1×12 board into four pieces: two at 24″ for the top and bottom, and two at 11 1/2″ for the sides.
Creating Pocket Holes: Using your pocket hole jig, drill four pocket holes on both ends of the shorter side pieces.
Assembling the Shell: Align the pocket holes on the side pieces with the inside faces of the top and bottom pieces. Secure them together using 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws. Always double-check the alignment with a carpenter’s square to ensure the shell is perfectly square.
Attaching the Back Support: Cut the 1×4 board to 22.5″ for the back support. Attach it to the back of the assembled shell using pocket holes, ensuring it sits flush against the back edges. This piece will be crucial for mounting the nightstand to the wall later.

2. Assembling the Drawers:

Cutting the Drawer Pieces: Cut the 1×4 boards to the specified dimensions: 20″ for the drawer fronts and backs, and 9 3/4″ for the sides.
Making Pocket Holes: Drill pocket holes on the front and back pieces of the drawers. Don’t worry about the front pocket holes being visible, as they will be concealed by the drawer face later.
Attaching the Drawer Bottoms: Cut the 1/4″ plywood or hardboard to 9 3/4″ x 21 1/2″ for the drawer bottoms. Secure them to the drawer assemblies using wood glue and a nail gun or screws.

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3. Installing the Drawer Slides:

Attaching Slides to Drawers: Following the manufacturer’s instructions, attach the drawer slides to the sides of the drawers.
Attaching Slides to Nightstand: Install the drawer slides to the inside of the nightstand, ensuring you leave enough space for the drawer face to sit flush with the front edge.
Ensuring Consistent Height: Use a scrap piece of wood with the same thickness as your drawer faces to ensure all drawer slides are mounted at the same height, resulting in smooth drawer operation.

4. Adding the Finishing Touches:

Preparing the Drawer Faces: Cut the drawer faces to size (22 1/4″) from the poplar hobby stock. Sand them down until smooth and apply your chosen finish – whether it’s a dark stain, paint, or a natural wood finish.
Finishing the Nightstand: Sand the entire nightstand shell thoroughly and apply your chosen paint or stain. For a polished look, consider applying a sealant like polyurethane after the paint or stain has dried.
Attaching Drawer Faces: Apply wood glue to the back of the drawer faces, leaving an 1/8″ gap on all sides for expansion. Center them on the drawer boxes and secure them with screws from the inside.
Installing Knobs or Pulls: Mark the center point on each drawer face and drill a pilot hole for your chosen knobs or pulls. Install the hardware to complete the drawer fronts.

DIY Floating Nightstand with two drawers
Image alt: A completed DIY floating nightstand with two drawers, stained a rich brown, stands beside a bed, showcasing its sleek and modern design.

5. Mounting the Nightstand:

Marking Stud Locations: Hold the nightstand against the wall at your desired height and use a stud finder to locate and mark the position of two studs.
Pre-Drilling Holes: Remove the drawers from the nightstand and pre-drill several holes through the back support piece (the 1×4) into the marked stud locations.
Mounting the Nightstand: Align the pre-drilled holes with the marked stud locations on the wall and drive screws through them to secure the nightstand to the wall.
Reinserting Drawers: Once the nightstand is securely mounted, reinsert the drawers.

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Congratulations! You’ve successfully built your very own DIY floating nightstand. Step back and admire your handiwork – you’ve added a beautiful and functional piece to your bedroom décor.

Conclusion

Building a DIY floating nightstand is a rewarding project that combines practicality with personalized style. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a crafting newbie, this project offers a fantastic opportunity to enhance your woodworking skills while adding a touch of homemade charm to your bedroom.

We encourage you to experiment with different finishes, hardware, and even add your own personal touches to make this project uniquely yours. Remember, the beauty of DIY lies in the ability to customize and create something truly special for your living space.

For more inspiring DIY projects, crafting tips, and creative ideas, be sure to explore the rest of the Robert Kline Art website. Happy crafting!