Building a wooden jewelry armoire with velvet lining can be a rewarding project for any woodworker. It combines the beauty of craftsmanship with the practicality of storage. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a jewelry armoire that’s both functional and elegant.
Materials and Tools You Will Need:
- Wood: For the frame, you can use hardwood like oak, maple, or walnut for durability and aesthetic appeal.
- Velvet Lining: For the interior, select a soft velvet fabric (usually available in different colors). Velvet provides a luxurious feel and protects delicate jewelry from scratches.
- Plywood: For the back panel and any internal dividers.
- Wood Glue: For assembling parts.
- Wood Screws: For securing the frame together.
- Wood Finish: To protect and enhance the wood’s natural beauty.
- Sandpaper: For smoothing the wood surfaces.
- Measuring Tape, Pencil, and Square: For accurate cuts and assembly.
- Power Tools: Circular saw or table saw, drill, jigsaw, sander, clamps.
- Velvet Glue or Staple Gun: For attaching velvet to the interior.
- Jewelry Hooks, Dowel Pins, or Small Dividers: For organizing the interior compartments.
Step-by-Step Process:
1. Design Your Armoire
Before starting the build, sketch a design for your armoire. Decide on the number of compartments you’ll need (e.g., for rings, necklaces, bracelets), whether you want a mirrored door, and how you want the drawers or hanging spaces to be arranged. Make sure to consider the overall size and dimensions based on where you plan to place the armoire.
2. Cutting the Wood Pieces
Once your design is ready, measure and cut the wood pieces. You’ll need the following components:
- Side Panels (2 pieces)
- Top and Bottom Panels (2 pieces)
- Back Panel (1 piece)
- Doors (if you’re adding doors, usually 2)
- Drawers (optional, for extra storage)
Use a circular saw or table saw to make precise cuts. If you plan to add shelves inside, cut additional wood pieces for them.
3. Assemble the Outer Frame
Start by assembling the outer frame of the armoire. Attach the top and bottom panels to the side panels using wood glue and screws. Ensure that everything is square by using a carpenter’s square to check right angles as you assemble.
4. Attach the Back Panel
Once the frame is assembled, attach the back panel using wood glue and screws. This helps stabilize the structure and adds strength. You can use plywood for the back panel for a lightweight option.
5. Make and Attach the Doors
If you want doors on your armoire, cut two identical pieces for the door panels. You can add hinges to one side of the door and attach them to the side of the frame. Ensure that the doors open and close smoothly. If you want, you can install a small magnet or latch to keep the doors closed securely.
6. Install the Shelves or Dividers
If your design includes internal shelving, now is the time to install it. Measure and cut the shelves to fit inside the armoire. Use wood glue and small nails or screws to secure the shelves in place. You can add dividers inside the shelves for better organization, such as specific sections for rings, earrings, or necklaces.
7. Sand and Finish the Wood
Sand the entire armoire with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out rough edges and surfaces. Once sanded, you can apply a wood finish or stain to enhance the wood’s natural grain and color. Let the finish dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Velvet Lining the Interior
The velvet lining is crucial for protecting your jewelry. Cut the velvet fabric into pieces that will fit the sides, bottom, and any drawers or shelves. Apply velvet glue or use a staple gun to attach the fabric to the interior surfaces. Be sure to stretch the fabric tightly to avoid wrinkles. The lining should cover all internal surfaces, including any drawers or sections where your jewelry will be stored.
- For Shelves and Drawers: Use a thin layer of foam or felt under the velvet for added padding.
- For Doors: You can also line the inside of the doors with velvet to create a plush, luxurious feel.
- For Hooks or Pins: Use velvet to line areas where jewelry hooks will be mounted, ensuring your necklaces don’t get scratched.
9. Adding Jewelry Organizers
Depending on your design, you might want to install hooks for necklaces, dowel pins for rings, or small compartments for earrings. You can use small cup hooks for hanging necklaces or build small felt-lined boxes for rings and earrings. These organizers can be glued directly onto the velvet or placed on the shelves as individual units.
10. Final Touches
Once everything is assembled, check for any finishing touches. Touch up areas where the finish may have worn off, ensure that all hooks or dividers are securely attached, and give the velvet a final smoothing to make sure it’s all neat and wrinkle-free.
Conclusion
Building a wooden jewelry armoire with velvet lining is an enjoyable project that requires careful planning, attention to detail, and some basic woodworking skills. The final product will be a beautiful and functional piece that can serve as a safe and organized storage space for your jewelry collection. Whether you choose to add drawers, hooks, or compartments, the combination of wood and velvet creates a luxurious, timeless design that will last for years to come.
For those looking to expand their woodworking skills, consider checking out Ted’s Woodworking Course here for more detailed plans and resources.