Creating a wooden bedside caddy with a phone slot is a great DIY project! It’s functional, customizable, and will add a touch of warmth to your bedroom. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you build one:
Materials:
- Wooden board (1/2″ to 3/4″ thick wood, like pine, oak, or plywood)
- Wood glue
- Screws (optional for extra support)
- Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
- Wood finish (like polyurethane or a clear wood sealer)
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Pencil or chalk
- Saw (a handsaw, jigsaw, or circular saw)
- Drill with bits (for screw holes if needed)
- Clamps (optional, but helpful for holding pieces together while the glue dries)
Design
Let’s imagine a simple caddy with a main shelf for small items (keys, glasses) and a slot specifically for your phone. The dimensions will depend on your space, but here’s a basic idea:
- Main body: 12″ (L) x 6″ (H) x 6″ (W)
- Phone slot: 1″ deep and about 3-4″ wide, depending on your phone’s size.
- Side pieces: 2 pieces, each about 6″ tall, to form the sides.
Instructions:
Design and Measurement:
- Sketch out the design of your caddy.
- Measure and cut the wood for the base, sides, and any partitions.
- The back panel should be taller than the front to give the caddy more stability.
Cut the Wood:
- Cut the wood into pieces according to your measurements.
- Base: A rectangular piece for the bottom of the caddy.
- Sides: Two pieces that will form the sides, cut to height.
- Back: A piece that will serve as the back wall.
- For the phone slot, mark the area where the slot will go on the back or side piece, and use a jigsaw or handsaw to cut out the slot.
- Cut the wood into pieces according to your measurements.
Sand the Edges:
- Sand all edges and surfaces to remove any roughness. Start with medium-grit sandpaper and finish with fine grit for a smooth finish.
Assemble the Caddy:
- Apply wood glue along the edges of the sides and attach them to the base piece. Use clamps to hold the pieces together as the glue dries.
- Attach the back piece to the base and sides using either screws or more wood glue (for extra strength, screws can be used at the corners).
Create the Phone Slot:
- For a phone slot, cut a small, narrow gap in the back or side panel where your phone will rest. If you want a more secure or adjustable slot, you could add a small partition to separate the phone from the other items.
Add the Final Touches:
- Once the glue is dry, test fit your phone in the slot.
- Sand any rough edges or areas where the phone slot might be too tight.
- Apply a finish or sealant to the wood to protect it and give it a polished look.
Optional: Attach a small hook or compartment to hold headphones or a charging cable.
Finishing:
- Apply a coat of wood finish like polyurethane to protect the surface. You can use a matte, satin, or gloss finish, depending on your preference.
- Let the finish dry fully before using your caddy.
Tips:
- Customization: You can stain the wood for a richer color or paint it to match your room’s decor.
- Phone slot size: If you have a particularly large phone, ensure the slot is wide and deep enough to fit it comfortably.
- Additional Features: You could add small compartments for pens, eyeglasses, or even a charging station.
This caddy is not only functional but will also add some character to your bedside table. Let me know how it goes or if you need help with specific parts of the build!