Are you looking for a way to add style and functional storage space to your bedroom? Building a nightstand with two drawers is the perfect project. Not only will it provide you with an extra place to store your bedside reading materials, but it can also be used as decoration in your bedroom!
When organizing your home, bedroom storage can be a challenge. But creating a multifunctional piece of furniture like an elegant nightstand with two drawers is easy and inspiring! In this blog post, we’ll take you through the simple process of building your own DIY nightstand with two drawers.
Along the way, we will provide helpful tips on how to build a nightstand with 2 drawers. With our guidance, you’ll soon have a beautiful custom nightstand that any homeowner would envy!
What Will You Need?
Before you get started on this project, there are a few tools and materials that you’ll need to have handy. You can find most of these items at your local hardware store or online:
- Wood (such as pine or cedar)
- Drill with drill bits
- Screwdriver
- Tape measure
- Saw
- Hammer
- Sandpaper
- Wood glue
- Paint or stain
- Wooden drawer slides
- Screws and nails/brad nails
Once you’ve gathered all of your materials, the first step is to create a frame for the base of your nightstand.
8 Easy Steps on How to Build a Nightstand With 2 Drawers
Step 1: Building the Frame
The first step in building your nightstand is to construct the frame. Start by measuring and cutting out four pieces of wood.
Two pieces should be 20 inches long, and the other two should be 15 inches long, but you can adjust these dimensions according to your preferred size for the nightstand. Use your drill and screws to attach these pieces, creating a rectangular shape. This will serve as the base of your nightstand.
Step 2: Building the Side Panels
The next step is to build the side panels for your nightstand. You’ll need to cut two pieces of wood that will become the sides of your nightstand. Ensure these pieces are the same height as your frame (20 inches if you’re following our suggested dimensions).
Once you’ve cut these pieces, sand down any rough edges to prevent splinters. Then, align each side panel with the frame and use your drill and screws to secure them in place.
Step 3: Installing the Back Panel
For the third step, you’ll need to build the back panel of your nightstand. Measure the length and width of your frame and cut a piece of wood to fit. This will create a back panel for your nightstand.
As with the side panels, ensure you sand down any rough edges for a smooth, safe finish. Once you’re prepared, align the back panel with the frame and side panels. Then, use your drill and screws to attach the back panel securely.
Step 4: Building the Top of the Nightstand
The fourth step involves creating the top of the nightstand. Measure the length and width of your nightstand, including the thickness of the side panels in your measurements.
This will ensure that the nightstand’s top fits perfectly onto the frame. Once you’ve made your measurements, cut a piece of wood to match. Sand down any rough edges for a smooth finish. Position the top piece on the frame, ensuring it lines up with the edges of the side and back panels.
Step 5: Building the Drawers
The fifth step in building your nightstand is to construct the drawers. Start by measuring the width, depth, and height of the drawer space in your frame. Then, subtract about 1 inch from these measurements for drawer slides. Cut out five pieces of wood according to these measurements: one for the bottom, two for the sides, and one for the front and back.
Step 6: Assembling the Drawers
After you have cut the pieces for your drawers, it’s time to assemble them. Start by applying wood glue to the edges of the bottom piece of the drawer. Then, position the side pieces on top of the bottom piece, aligning their edges. Use your drill and screws to secure them. Repeat this process with the front and back pieces, ensuring all parts are securely fastened together. Remember to sand down any rough edges for a smooth finish. Do this process twice to build your two drawers.
Step 7: Installing the Drawers
The next step is to install the drawers into your nightstand. To do this, you must install drawer slides on the sides of the drawer spaces in your frame. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure they are correctly positioned. Once the slides are installed, you can position and slide your drawers into place. Check that they move smoothly and adjust the slides as necessary.
Step 8: Finishing Touches
Now that your nightstand structure is complete and the drawers are installed, you can add the finishing touches. You might want to add handles or knobs to your drawers for easy access.
You can also consider painting or staining your nightstand to match your room decor. After applying your chosen finish, let it dry completely before moving your new nightstand into its place in your bedroom.
You now know how to build a nightstand with two drawers through these steps. This project is a practical addition to your bedroom and a satisfying DIY task that allows you to tailor your furniture to suit your style and needs.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Always remember to measure twice and cut once. Precision is key when building a nightstand with two drawers. Any slight discrepancy in measurements could result in the drawers not fitting correctly.
- Utilize a jig saw to cut the wood for the drawers and nightstand. This will ensure smooth curved edges on both structures, giving them a more polished look.
- Use screws instead of nails when fastening parts together. Nails can be removed more easily than screws, which may come apart after time.
- Utilize wood glue to help keep the drawers and nightstand together for extra strength. Wood glue adds a layer of stability, bonding two pieces together after drying.
- Finally, sand down all surfaces with fine-grain sandpaper. This will smooth out any rough spots that may have occurred during construction, creating a more polished overall look.
These tips and tricks will help you build a nightstand with two drawers that look professional and is sure to last the test of time! With careful consideration of these steps, you’ll be able to create a beautiful piece of furniture that you can be proud of for years to come.
6 Things You Should Avoid
- Do not rush the process. Building a nightstand with 2 drawers is not a race. Speed can compromise both safety and quality.
- Avoid using poor quality wood. The type of wood you choose significantly affects the durability and appearance of your nightstand.
- Be sure to complete the sanding process. Sanding gives a smooth finish and helps the paint or stain adhere better.
- Pay attention to the importance of fixing any mistakes immediately. If measurements are off or if pieces aren’t fitting together properly, correct it right away to avoid bigger problems down the line.
- Lastly, avoid assuming that you don’t need a plan. Even though a nightstand appears to be a simple project, having a clear plan will facilitate the process and help prevent mistakes.
- Never leave any wood pieces unfinished. Applying a coat of paint, stain, or varnish is an important step in the process and helps keep the nightstand looking new for years to come.
Avoiding these mistakes will help you create a beautiful, sturdy nightstand with 2 drawers in no time!
What’s the Difference Between a Nightstand and a Night Table?
A nightstand is a piece of furniture that typically has drawers and an open shelf. It usually stands between two to three feet tall, with the drawers near the stand’s bottom half. On the other hand, a night table is a smaller version of a nightstand. The drawers are placed higher up than those on a nightstand, and the piece is usually slightly shorter.
Overall, both pieces of furniture are great options and serve the same purpose; to hold items that you may need at night, such as a lamp, alarm clock, or book. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference on what type of nightstand or table would fit best in your bedroom!
Conclusion
All in all, building a nightstand with two drawers may seem like a daunting task, but this guide shows that it is easy and achievable. With the right tools, quality materials, and following good instructions, you can quickly have a handsome piece of furniture.
Not to mention, you will save a lot of money by doing it yourself! Enjoy your new nightstand as part of your bedroom décor for years. It will be the perfect accessory to show off your exceptional DIY skills.
Kickstart more projects around the house with newfound confidence and surprising ease. Who knows what other cool furniture pieces you can make from scratch with minimal effort? Time to find out!
Hopefully, this guide helped you understand how to build a nightstand with 2 drawers. Good luck, and have fun!
Happy building!
