To make a wooden bed frame with floating nightstands, you’ll need some woodworking skills, tools, and materials. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to build a sleek, modern bed frame with built-in floating nightstands:
Materials Needed:
- Wood boards (for the frame, nightstands, and slats) — you can use hardwood like oak, maple, or plywood.
- Screws and wood glue
- Drawer pulls (if adding drawers to the nightstands)
- Finish (stain, polyurethane, etc.)
- Legs (optional, for the bed frame or nightstands)
Tools Needed:
- Circular saw or table saw
- Drill and screwdriver
- Kreg jig (for pocket holes)
- Clamps
- Measuring tape
- Sanding block or orbital sander
- Wood filler (for any screw holes or imperfections)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Design & Planning
- Start by determining the size of the bed (Full, Queen, King, etc.). The bed frame should fit the mattress snugly, with space for the nightstands on either side.
- Decide on the height and style of the floating nightstands. Floating nightstands typically don’t touch the ground and are mounted on the bed frame.
- Sketch the design. Your nightstands should be a part of the frame, with a minimalist look.
2. Build the Bed Frame Base
- Cut your main frame components: two long side rails and two shorter end rails to match the size of your mattress.
- Assemble the frame using screws and wood glue. Use a Kreg jig for pocket holes if you want to hide screws for a cleaner look.
- Add support slats across the width of the bed frame to hold the mattress. These should be spaced about 3-4 inches apart, depending on your mattress type.
3. Create Floating Nightstands
- Nightstand Boxes: Build the boxes for the floating nightstands. Cut four pieces (two sides, one top, and one bottom) for each nightstand.
- The width and depth of the nightstand will depend on your design, but a typical nightstand box is about 18” wide by 10” deep and 14” tall.
- Assemble the box with screws and wood glue. If you’re adding drawers, now’s the time to install drawer slides and build the drawer boxes.
4. Attach the Nightstands to the Bed Frame
- Once your nightstand boxes are assembled, mount them to the side rails of the bed. Use heavy-duty brackets or metal brackets to mount the nightstands securely under the side rails of the bed frame.
- The nightstands should float, so make sure they are attached to the underside of the bed frame, just below the top edge, so the top of the nightstands is at the same height as the mattress.
5. Add Optional Features
- Drawers: If you want drawers in your floating nightstands, install drawer slides and build simple drawers from plywood. Slide them in and ensure they fit smoothly.
- Legs: You may want to add simple legs to the bed frame for extra height or to give it a more modern, minimalistic aesthetic.
6. Sand & Finish
- Sand all the surfaces smooth to remove any splinters and rough edges.
- Apply a finish of your choice, such as wood stain followed by polyurethane to protect the wood.
7. Assembly & Final Touches
- Assemble the bed frame and nightstands in the room where the bed will be. Make sure the nightstands are level and securely attached.
- Place your mattress on the frame and ensure everything is sturdy.
Tips:
- If you’re new to woodworking, consider using pre-cut wood or plywood for ease.
- Be sure to measure everything carefully to avoid any errors during assembly.
- You can finish the wood with stain or paint to match your room’s decor.
Conclusion
A wooden bed frame with floating nightstands will add a modern, minimalist touch to your bedroom while maximizing storage and functionality. By following these steps, you’ll be able to create a custom, high-quality piece of furniture that suits your style.
If you’re interested in more woodworking projects, consider checking out Teds Woodworking Course here: Teds Woodworking Course.