Make a piece of furniture that not only serves as an example to modern design but also seamlessly integrates into your high-tech lifestyle. This isn’t just any bedside companion. It’s a modern nightstand that not only promises to hold your nighttime essentials but also cleverly masks a wireless charging station and a dedicated space to keep those pesky cables out of sight. This DIY modern nightstand / bedside table is perfect for those looking to add a touch of sophistication and functionality to their bedroom, embodies a design that’s as practical as it is aesthetically pleasing. With hidden features designed to support your connected lifestyle, this nightstand is more than just furniture; it’s a lifestyle upgrade.
DIY Modern Nightstand / Bedside Table Project
Materials Needed
- Walnut hardwood (60″x6″x1″)
- Walnut ¾″ Plywood (½ sheet)
- Walnut ½″ Plywood (⅛ sheet)
- Walnut ¼″ Plywood (1/16 sheet)
- 14″ Soft Close Drawer Slides (Amazon)
Tools Used
- Microjig Tapering Jig
- Microjig Grr-ripper
- Microjig Grr-rip Block
- White Marker (Amazon)
- Bandy Clamps (Amazon)
Step-by-Step Creation Process
Crafting the Vertical Legs
- Prepare Your Materials: Begin by trimming the wood to length, ensuring each piece is flat and the edges are squared. Utilize a planer to achieve a uniform thickness of 1″.
- Angle and Cut: Mark a 15-degree backward angle on the woods intended for the legs and slice them to roughly 2″ in width. Precision in marking ensures consistency, crucial when crafting two nightstands for symmetry. For the desired nightstand height of about 24″, the legs should be cut to about 26″.
Tapering the Horizontal Pieces
- Layout Tapers: On both top and bottom pieces, delineate tapers starting from 1″ at the back to about 2″ at the front.
- Make the Cuts: Utilizing a tapering jig aligned with your markings, slice the wood according to the laid out tapers.
- Align the Pieces: Ensure to shear off 15 degrees from the broader end of the legs to match up with the ends of the vertical piece precisely.
Mortises on Horizontal Leg Pieces
- Outline the Joints: Clamp the pieces to be jointed together and mark where they connect to layout the mortise’s cut depth.
- Determine Dimensions: Use a ruler to chart out the mortise’s depth, positioning it as one-third of the thickness of the leg piece.
- Executing the Cuts: A tenoning jig facilitates the creation of angled mortises. Ensure the cut is centered for a seamless assembly later on.
Fashioning the Tenons on Vertical Pieces
- Marking the Tenons: Press the pieces together to draft cut lines, denoting both the angle and depth for the tenons.
- Cut to Precision: Set your miter gauge as per the marked line and start slicing the tenons, employing a stop block for uniformity.
- Final Adjustments: Tweak the tenons as necessary for a snug fit, using hand tools for the perfect alignment and connection.
Leg Assembly
- Glueing: Apply adhesive on all contact surfaces, assembling the mortise and tenon structured legs. Remember to ensure all parts are aligned and flush.
- Miter Cuts: Ideally, miter cuts for connecting back trim should be made before this assembly stage.
Constructing the Cabinet Case (Part I)
- Initial Framework: Construct the cabinet’s framework using ¾″ walnut plywood, adding walnut hardwood strips for the edges.
- Dado and Assemble: Cut dados to hold the ½″ ply back panel in place, then glue the bottom and sides, reinforcing with Dominos.
Cabinet Case Finishing Touches (Part II)
- Wireless Charging Slot: Utilize a CNC or alternate tools to craft a recess for the wireless charger on the case top.
- Final Assembly: After securing the charger, complete the cabinet case assembly by gluing the top in position.
The Cable Organizer
- Crafting the Organizer: From a 2″x2″ scrap, design and cut out a cable organizer. This simple accessory will help keep your cables arranged neatly.
Wrapping Up
This nightstand project marries sleek modern design with functionality, providing a stylish furniture piece that caters to your technological needs. Every step, from the precision cuts to the hidden compartments, contributes to a nightstand that’s not only beautiful but truly serves the modern, connectivity-driven lifestyle. Whether it’s for a peaceful night’s rest or a marathon movie night, this nightstand is sure to be the highlight of your bedroom.
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