A nightstand is a small table or cabinet that is typically placed next to a bed. Nightstands are often used to hold lamps, alarm clocks, and other items that might be needed during the night. Some people choose to DIY their own nightstands for a number of reasons. Maybe they want something unique that fits their specific style, or maybe they're trying to save money by doing it themselves. Whatever the reason, there are plenty of great DIY nightstand ideas out there.
What is the purpose of a nightstand?
The most essential function of a bedside table is to make items readily accessible before you go to sleep and when you wake up. If you need anything in the middle of the night, placing a table next to the bed can be useful since walking over to get them while half-asleep might result in mishaps. Some items that people might keep on their nightstands are:
- Lamps
- Alarm clocks
- Books
- Glass of water
DIYing your own nightstand can save you money and allow you to personalize the piece to match your specific taste. If you're not sure where to start, check out some of these great DIY nightstand ideas.
How do you make an easy nightstand?
A DIY nightstand can be as simple or complex as you want it to be. If you're looking for something quick and easy, try repurposing an old crate or box into a nightstand. Just add some paint or stain and voila! You've got a new nightstand.
For something a little more complex, try building a nightstand from scratch using wood planks. This type of project will take more time and effort, but the end result will be a beautiful and sturdy piece of furniture. If you're feeling really ambitious, you could even add some drawers to your DIY nightstand.
You will need such materials and tools:
- Hammer
- Nails
- Screws
- Saw
- Drill
- Drill bit
- Jigsaw
- Clamps
- Screwdriver
- Tape measure
- Level
- Square or triangular object to use as a makeshift compass (optional)
Plywood, MDF, chipboard, or any other type of wood boards in the desired thickness and size for your nightstand top, bottom, sides, and shelves. The dimensions will depend on the size of your bed and how much space you want between the nightstand and the bed. If you're unsure, take some measurements and then give yourself a little extra wiggle room. Sandpaper in various grits (60, 120, 220, etc.)
Stain, paint, or other types of finish in the desired color. You may also want to consider using a sealant to protect your nightstand from water damage. Laminate, wallpaper, or fabric in the desired pattern or design (optional)
Knobs or handles for the drawer(s) (optional)
Instructions:
Step1. Cut your boards to size using a saw. If you're using plywood or MDF, you can use a power drill and saw to make quick work of this step. Just be sure to wear safety goggles and a dust mask while working with these materials.
Step2. If you're adding shelves to your nightstand, drill holes for the shelf supports. The distance between the holes will depend on the thickness of your shelves. For example, if you're using 1" thick shelves, you'll want to space the holes about 12" apart.
Step3. Assemble the nightstand by attaching the sides, bottom, and top boards together using screws or nails. If you're using plywood or MDF, you can use a power drill to make quick work of this step.
Step4. Finish your nightstand by sanding it down and then adding a stain, paint, or another type of finish. You may also want to add some knobs or handles to the drawer (if applicable).
There you have it!
How do you make a floating nightstand?
If you consider a floating nightstand to be one that is not physically attached to the wall or bed frame, there are a few ways you can make one. One popular method is to purchase a small nightstand or side table and then mount it to the wall using L-brackets. You can also get creative and repurpose other pieces of furniture, like an old crate or stool, into a unique floating nightstand.
If you have some basic woodworking skills, another option is to build a floating nightstand from scratch. This could be as simple as attaching two boards together at the corners with L-brackets, or you could get more creative and add some shelving or drawers.
To make this DIY project you will need such materials:
- Two small nightstands or side tables
- L-brackets
- Old crate or stool
- Wood boards
- Drill
- Screws
- Saw
Instructions:
Step1. If you're using L-brackets to mount your nightstand, start by attaching them to the wall at the desired height.
Step 2. Place your nightstand on top of the brackets and make sure it is level before screwing it into place.
Step 3. If you're repurposing an old crate or stool, simply place it where you want it and that's it!
Step 4. To build a floating nightstand from scratch, start by attaching two boards together at the corners with L-brackets or screws.
Step 5. Drill holes for any shelving or drawer pull you want to add, then attach them to the nightstand.
Step 6. Place your nightstand against the wall and use L-brackets or screws to secure it in place.
Now you have a unique and stylish floating nightstand that is perfect for any bedroom!
How do you make a live edge nightstand?
Of course, you can make a live edge nightstand out of any piece of wood that you have sanded down and finished. However, if you want to make a live edge nightstand that is truly unique, you will need to find a piece of wood with an interesting shape. Here we have prepared the full instruction on what do you need for a DIY live edge nightstand.
Materials and tools for you:
- 1 piece of live edge wood (we used walnut)
- 2 hairpin legs
- 1 drill
- 1 saw
- 1 sander
- 1 drill bit
- 1 screwdriver
- Screws
- 1 hammer
Instructions:
Step1. Cut the live edge wood to the desired size and shape. For example, you can make a rectangular nightstand or a round one.
Step 2. Drill holes in the live edge wood for the hairpin legs. Make sure that the holes are big enough for the legs to fit through.
Step 3. Screw the hairpin legs into the drilled holes.
Step 4. Sand down the entire surface of the live edge wood until it is smooth to the touch.
Step 5. Finish the live edge wood with your desired finish (we used a natural oil finish).
And that's it! Your very own DIY live edge nightstand is now complete. Enjoy!
What can you use for a nightstand?
If you don`t want to bother yourself with a DIY project, you can buy a nightstand from IKEA or any other store. But where`s the fun in that? If you want something unique and personal, you can make your own nightstand. Here are some ideas to get you started.
- An old stool or chair
If you have an old chair or stool that you don`t use anymore, you can upcycle it into a nightstand. Just sand down the rough edges, paint or stain it, and voila! You have a new piece of furniture. - A crate
An old crate can also be turned into a nightstand. Just clean it up, add some legs (or not), and paint or stain it. You can even add some decorative elements to personalize it. - A stack of book
If you`re a bookworm, this is the perfect nightstand for you. Just stack up some of your favorite books and put a lamp on top. Voila! You have a functional and stylish nightstand. - A basket
A basket can also be turned into a nightstand. Just add some legs (or not) and voila! You have a new piece of furniture. - An old table
If you have an old table that you don`t use anymore, you can upcycle it into a nightstand. Just sand down the rough edges, paint or stain it, and voila! You have a new piece of furniture. - A side table
If you have a side table that you don`t use anymore, you can upcycle it into a nightstand. Just sand down the rough edges, paint or stain it, and voila! You have a new piece of furniture. - A dresser
If you have an old dresser that you don`t use anymore, you can upcycle it into a nightstand. Just sand down the rough edges, paint or stain it, and voila! You have a new piece of furniture. - Short ladder
This alternative is perfect if you don`t have a lot of space in your bedroom. Just put a short ladder against the wall and voila! You have a new nightstand. - Restored crates
At the same time, you can also look for some vintage crates and turn them into nightstands. Just make sure to restore them properly before using them as furniture. - An old door
If you have an old door that you don`t use anymore, you can upcycle it into a nightstand. Just sand down the rough edges, paint or stain it, and voila! You have a new piece of furniture.
These are just some ideas to get you started. If you want something unique and personal, you can make your own nightstand. With a little creativity, anything can be turned into a nightstand. So get creative and start DIY-ing!
What are the perfect ideas for your DIY nightstand?
As you start the process of decorating or redesigning your bedroom, it is important to think about all of the little details that will make a big impact. The nightstand is often one of those pieces that get overlooked but it can really tie the whole room together. With so many different ways to style a nightstand, it can be hard to decide which route to go. That’s why we rounded up our favorite DIY nightstand ideas to help you get inspired!
Whether you want something modern and minimalist or rustic and vintage-inspired, there’s a DIY nightstand idea out there for you. And the best part is, that most of these projects can easily be completed on a weekend. So if you’re looking for a quick and easy bedroom makeover, start with one of these DIY nightstands.
Rustic Nightstand:
This rustic nightstand is the perfect addition to any bedroom. It has a simple design but the natural wood finish gives it a stylish look. Plus, the two drawers provide plenty of storage space for all of your bedside essentials. If you want to get the look, start by finding a piece of reclaimed wood. You can often find this type of wood at your local hardware store. Once you have your wood, cut it to size and assemble the frame of the nightstand. Then, add the drawers and finish off the piece with some drawer pulls.
Modern Nightstand:
A modern look will never go out of style which is why this next DIY nightstand is such a great option. It has a clean and simple design that can easily be customized to match any bedroom décor. To build this nightstand, start by cutting the pieces for the frame. Then, assemble the frame and add the plywood shelves. Next, attach the hairpin legs and finish off the piece with some paint or stain.
Minimalist Nightstand:
Don’t have much space in your bedroom? No problem! This minimalist nightstand is perfect for small spaces. It has a sleek and slender design that doesn’t take up much room but it still provides plenty of storage. Minimalism would be a nice way to move forward with your design.
Mirrored Nightstand:
Want to add a touch of glamour to your bedroom? This mirrored nightstand is the perfect way to do it. It’s elegant and chic but still has a simple design that makes it easy to build. Such style would be perfect for a Hollywood glam-themed room or, maybe, even something more modern. If you like the idea, start by cutting the pieces for the frame. Then, assemble the frame and add the mirror panels. Finally, finish off the piece with some drawer pulls.
Campaign Nightstand:
This campaign nightstand has a stylish and sophisticated look that would be perfect in any bedroom. It’s inspired by classic campaign furniture but it has a modern twist that makes it unique. To build this nightstand, start by cutting the pieces for the frame. Then, assemble the frame and add the drawers. Next, attach the hardware and finish off the piece with some paint or stain.
Mid-Century Nightstand:
Love mid-century style? This next nightstand is for you! It has a classic mid-century design that would look great in any bedroom. Plus, it’s easy to build so you can have it completed in no time. To get the look, start by cutting the pieces for the frame. Then, assemble the frame and add the drawer. Next, finish off the piece with some hairpin legs and paint or stain.