Building a wooden dresser with an integrated jewelry drawer is a great project! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you construct it.
Materials Needed:
- Wood: Choose hardwood like oak, maple, or cherry for durability.
- Drawer slides: For smooth opening and closing of the drawers.
- Wood glue: For securing joints.
- Screws and nails: To assemble components.
- Wood finish: To protect and give the dresser a polished look.
- Sandpaper: For smoothing the surfaces.
- Drawer pulls: For easy opening.
Tools:
- Circular saw or table saw (for cutting wood)
- Drill (for pilot holes and screws)
- Clamps (to hold pieces while gluing)
- Measuring tape and square (for accurate measurements and angles)
- Screwdriver or drill with a screw bit
- Router (optional, for creating decorative edges)
Step 1: Design the Dresser and Jewelry Drawer
Before starting, sketch your dresser design. Consider how many regular drawers you’ll have and where the jewelry drawer will be located. Typically, a jewelry drawer is smaller than the rest, so it may go at the top or in a dedicated space with velvet or felt lining.
- Size of the dresser: Decide on the height, width, and depth.
- Jewelry drawer dimensions: A typical jewelry drawer may be around 10” x 14” x 4” deep, but adjust it to fit your needs.
Step 2: Cut the Wood Panels
Using your measurements, cut the wood pieces for the dresser frame. You’ll need:
- Two side panels: The height and depth of the dresser.
- Top and bottom panels: The width and depth.
- Back panel: The width and height.
- Drawer fronts: These should match the size of the drawers you’re planning.
For the jewelry drawer:
- Small drawer sides, back, and front: Adjust based on the size you planned for the jewelry compartment.
- Drawer bottom: Typically, a thinner plywood or MDF.
Step 3: Assemble the Dresser Frame
Start with the sides, top, and bottom to form the main structure of the dresser.
- Apply wood glue to the edges where the panels meet, then clamp them together.
- Use screws or nails to secure the panels. Ensure everything is square by checking with a framing square.
- Attach the back panel last, securing it with screws or nails.
Step 4: Build the Drawers
- Cut out the pieces for each drawer.
- Assemble the sides, front, and back of each drawer with wood glue, and use clamps to hold the pieces together. Once dried, attach the drawer bottom with nails or screws.
- Sand the edges and make sure the drawer fits into the frame. If it’s too tight, trim the sides slightly for a smoother fit.
For the jewelry drawer, add small dividers inside to organize rings, earrings, and necklaces. Felt or velvet can be glued to the inside for a luxury finish.
Step 5: Install Drawer Slides
Once your drawers are assembled, install the drawer slides. These allow the drawers to open and close smoothly.
- Attach the slide rails to the sides of the drawer, ensuring they align properly with the tracks on the dresser’s interior.
- If you’re using soft-close slides, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation.
Step 6: Sand and Finish
Sand all surfaces smooth, starting with a coarser grit and working your way to finer grit paper. This will remove any rough edges and prepare the wood for finishing.
Once the sanding is complete, apply a wood finish (like polyurethane, oil, or wax). This will protect the wood and enhance its appearance.
- Allow the finish to dry completely between coats. You may need to apply several coats to achieve the desired effect.
Step 7: Install Drawer Pulls and Final Touches
After the finish is dry, attach the drawer pulls. For the jewelry drawer, you might want a smaller, more delicate pull compared to the other drawers.
Check the drawers to ensure they open and close smoothly. Make any necessary adjustments.
Optional Jewelry Drawer Customization
- Felt lining: Line the jewelry drawer with soft fabric to protect your jewelry from scratches.
- Dividers: Use thin pieces of wood or acrylic to create compartments for better organization.
Final Thoughts:
Once everything is assembled and finished, your custom dresser with an integrated jewelry drawer is ready to use! This piece not only gives you storage for clothes but a dedicated space for keeping your jewelry safe and organized.