Minimalist Modern Nightstand (Narrow)
This is a to build your own nightstand inspired by the Pottery Barn Cayman nightstand, in the narrow design. Put together with BRAD NAILS (Yep, NO pocket holes), this is a fast and beautiful build! I built it in about two hours! This will take longer for a beginner, but as you gain woodworking experience, a couple hours is a reasonable build time. We love this design with the drawer, open space, and smooth top. This narrow design brings tons of style in a small footprint! Don't pay $450 for one tiny nightstand! You can build it for way less!
Specifications
| Project type | Nightstands |
|---|---|
| Room | Bedroom |
| Difficulty | Beginner Projects |
| Estimated cost | $50 - $100 |
Dimensions
Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.
Shopping List
- Half sheet of 3/4" thick cabinet grade plywood, ripped into strips 18" wide
- 1/4" plywood piece 12" x 18"
- 3 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long
- 1 - 1x6 @ 5 feet long
- 1 - 1x10 @ 13" long
- 1-1/4" and 3/4" brad nails
- wood glue
- 18 euro drawer slide
Cut List
- 2 - 3/4" plywood @ 18" x 19-1/2" - sides
- 2 - 3/4" plywood @ 18" x 14-1/2" - top and shelf
- 4 - 1x2 @ 10-3/8" - inside cleats
- 4 - 1x2 @ 16" - horizontal trim pieces
- 6 - 1x2 @ 18" - measure and cut to fit
- 4 - 1x2 scraps @ about 6" long
- 2 - 1x6 @ 18" - drawer box sides
- 2 - 1x6 @ 10-1/2" - drawer front and back, measure and cut to fit
- 1 - 1/4" plywood @ 18" x 13" - drawer bottom
- 1 - 1x10 @ 12-3/4" - measure and cut to fit, drawer face
Tools
- measuring tape
- pencil
- safety glasses
- drill
- compound miter saw
- table saw
- nailer
- sander
Step-by-step Instructions
Step 1
On the two side panels, nail the 1x2 cleats as shown with glue, so the outside edges are flush.
Step 2
Apply glue to the side edges of the shelf and tops of the 1x2 cleats. Place the shelf inside the side panels and attach with 1-1/4" brad nails and wood glue.
Step 3
At the bottom, attach 1x2s @ 16" long to the bottom of the side panels and the cleats. Do on both front and back.
Step 4
Measure and cut the vertical trim and attach with 1-1/4" brad nails and wood glue.
Step 5
Trim the remaining top plywood panel out with 1x2s, so the top is flush. Use glue and 1-1/4" brad nails.
Step 6
Attach the 1x2 cleats to the insides with glue and 1-1/4" brad nails.
Step 7
Place the top on the base with glue at attachment points. Nail with 1-1/4" nails to secure.
Step 8
Measure the opening - it should be 13" - if not, make adjustments to your drawer box cut list before building. Build the drawer box with 1-1/4" brad nails. Attach the bottom plywood with 3/4" brad nails. Use the bottom plywood piece to square up the drawer box. The drawer box must be square to slide right.
Step 9
Install the drawer box inside the cabinet, using the drawer slides. Here is a video tutorial showing the steps to install these drawer slides -
Step 10
Cut the 1x10 drawer face to fit the opening. Cut the top back at an angle to create a lip to act as a grip point for opening the door. Attach the drawer face with 1/8" gap at bottom and sides, using 1-1/4" brad nails. Further secure from inside with 1-1/4" screws (can be pocket hole screws)
Finishing
Sand all surfaces, starting with a medium grit and finishing with fine. Wipe off the dust, fill any holes or gaps with wood filler, and sand smooth once dry. Apply primer if you're painting, then finish with your choice of paint or stain and seal with a durable clear topcoat. For outdoor projects, use exterior-rated primer, paint or stain, and sealer so the piece stands up to the weather.
Source (temporary): https://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/minimalist-modern-nightstand-narrow-free-plans