Building a wooden jewelry armoire with multiple drawers is a rewarding woodworking project that combines both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The process involves measuring, cutting, assembling, and finishing wood pieces to create a beautiful storage piece. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to build a wooden jewelry armoire with multiple drawers.
Materials and Tools Needed:
Materials:
- Hardwood lumber (oak, maple, cherry, or walnut for durability and appearance)
- Wood glue
- Screws or nails
- Wood filler
- Drawer slides (side or under-mount)
- Hinges
- Wood finish (stain or paint)
- Felt lining (optional, for drawer interiors)
Tools:
- Tape measure
- Saw (circular saw or table saw)
- Drill with drill bits and screwdriver attachments
- Wood clamps
- Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
- Router (optional for decorative edges)
- Clamps for assembly
- Square
- Woodworking jigs (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Design Your Armoire
The first step is to decide on the dimensions of your jewelry armoire. A typical armoire might stand between 5 to 6 feet tall, and about 2 to 3 feet wide. Consider how many drawers you want—each drawer will typically be around 4 to 6 inches high, depending on the depth and size of your jewelry collection.
- Drawer Sizes: Measure your jewelry pieces to determine how much space each drawer should offer. You can have different sizes of drawers for various jewelry items, such as earrings, necklaces, and rings.
- Compartments and Dividers: If you want to make compartments inside the drawers, think about the internal layout and design.
2. Cut the Wood Pieces
- Start by cutting the side panels of your armoire. These pieces will form the vertical structure of the armoire. The height should match your design, and the width should accommodate the width of your drawers.
- Cut the top and bottom panels for the armoire. The top should be slightly wider than the side panels to create a finished look, while the bottom piece will be inset to provide a sturdy base.
- For the drawer fronts, measure and cut them to the desired width and height, accounting for drawer rails. You’ll also need to cut the drawer sides, backs, and bottoms.
Tip: Use a table saw or circular saw for straight cuts and ensure that your cuts are square.
3. Assemble the Armoire Frame
- Start by assembling the frame of the armoire. Attach the top, bottom, and side panels using wood glue and screws. Make sure the frame is square using a carpenter’s square.
- Reinforce the corners with wooden dowels or corner braces for added durability.
- If you’re installing a door, now is the time to attach the hinges to one side of the frame.
4. Build the Drawers
- Assemble the drawer boxes by attaching the sides, back, and bottom of each drawer. You can use wood glue and small screws or nails to hold the parts together. Ensure that the drawer’s front is flush with the rest of the structure.
- Attach drawer slides to the sides or bottom of the drawers and ensure they are installed level to prevent the drawers from getting stuck or misaligned.
- Before attaching the drawer fronts, test the drawer boxes in their openings to ensure they slide in and out smoothly.
5. Attach the Drawer Fronts
- Once you’ve confirmed the drawer boxes fit well, attach the drawer fronts to the boxes. This can be done with screws through the back of the drawer or by using wood glue. The front of the drawer should be flush with the cabinet’s front.
- Use a router with a decorative bit to add a simple edge detail to the drawer fronts or frame for added elegance.
6. Install the Door (If Applicable)
- If your armoire design includes a door, install it now. Use hinges to attach the door to the side panel. Make sure the door swings open and closed without obstruction.
- You can also add a lock or latch for extra security.
7. Finish the Wood
- Once the structure is assembled, sand all surfaces smooth, starting with medium-grit sandpaper and finishing with fine-grit paper for a polished look.
- After sanding, clean the surface of any dust before applying a wood finish. You can opt for a natural stain to highlight the wood grain, or you can paint the armoire for a modern look.
- Apply the finish with a brush or cloth and allow it to dry completely. Consider applying a second coat for a more durable finish.
Tip: If you plan to line the drawers, now is the time to cut and adhere felt lining to the interior of the drawers to protect your jewelry.
8. Install the Drawer Pulls or Handles
- Attach the drawer pulls or handles to the front of each drawer. You can choose from a wide variety of styles, from sleek modern knobs to vintage handles, depending on your design.
- Ensure that the pulls are aligned and installed at a comfortable height for easy use.
9. Final Touches
- Inspect the overall build for any rough edges, and give everything a final sanding if necessary.
- Install any additional features, like mirrors inside the door or additional dividers in the drawers for better organization.
10. Test and Enjoy
- Once your armoire is complete, test the drawers and door one last time. Make sure everything operates smoothly.
- Fill the drawers with your jewelry, making sure each piece has its own space, and enjoy the craftsmanship of your new wooden jewelry armoire.
Conclusion
Building a jewelry armoire can be a complex yet rewarding project that will help you develop your woodworking skills while providing you with a practical storage solution. By carefully following each step, you can create a beautiful, functional piece that will enhance your home for years to come.
If you’re looking for even more woodworking projects, including detailed plans and instructions, be sure to check out Teds Woodworking Course here.