Creating a wooden nightstand with a hidden drawer is an exciting woodworking project that combines functionality with a bit of mystery. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you build one.
Materials & Tools Needed:
- Materials:
- Wood (Pine, oak, or any other hardwood of your choice)
- Wood glue
- Wood screws
- Drawer slides (optional, depending on design)
- Sandpaper
- Wood finish or stain
- Hinges (for the hidden drawer, if required)
- Drawer pull (optional)
- Tools:
- Measuring tape
- Saw (circular or miter saw)
- Drill and bits
- Clamps
- Screwdriver
- Woodworking jigsaw (optional, for custom shapes)
- Router (optional for finishing edges)
- Square
- Level
Steps to Build a Wooden Nightstand with a Hidden Drawer:
1. Design and Planning
Begin by designing the nightstand, keeping in mind the space available for the hidden drawer. You’ll want to make sure the hidden drawer is placed somewhere discreet, like within the top of the nightstand or behind the main drawer. Draw out your plan, including all the measurements.
2. Cut the Wood Pieces
- Top and Bottom Panels: Cut the top and bottom panels of the nightstand. These will be the same size.
- Side Panels: Cut two side panels for the nightstand’s structure.
- Back Panel: If you’re adding a back panel, cut this piece to fit.
- Hidden Drawer Pieces: The hidden drawer should be small, fitting within the design of the nightstand. You can create a false top panel to hide the drawer mechanism. Make sure to measure the size of the drawer space so that it can be completely hidden when the drawer is closed.
3. Assemble the Nightstand Frame
- Start by attaching the side panels to the bottom piece using wood glue and screws.
- Next, attach the back panel to the sides. You can use screws or dowels to secure everything.
- Attach the top panel, leaving room for where you want to hide the drawer.
4. Create the Hidden Drawer
- For a hidden drawer, you can either design it to slide out from under the top or hide it inside the structure of the nightstand.
- Top Drawer: To create a drawer that slides out from under the top panel, you’ll need to install drawer slides on the inside of the nightstand’s frame. The drawer itself can be a simple box design.
- If you’re placing the hidden drawer behind a false front, the drawer will be accessed by lifting or pulling out a section of the nightstand. Install the hinges for the false front, allowing it to swing open.
5. Install the Hidden Drawer
- Attach the drawer slides to both the nightstand frame and the hidden drawer. If the drawer is top-mounted (hiding underneath the top panel), ensure the slides are placed in a way that the drawer smoothly slides out when pulled.
- If the drawer has a false front that swings open, secure the hinges and test the mechanism to ensure it opens without issues.
6. Add Finishing Touches
- Sand all edges to remove rough spots, then stain or paint your nightstand as desired.
- If you’re using a drawer pull, install it on the hidden drawer in a location that blends in with the rest of the furniture, or make sure it’s hidden from view when closed.
7. Final Assembly
Once the paint or finish is dry, assemble all parts and test the functionality of the drawer, ensuring everything works smoothly. If you used hinges for the false front, ensure it opens easily and that the hidden drawer remains secure.
8. Enjoy Your Hidden Drawer Nightstand
Now you can enjoy the sleek, functional look of your new nightstand with a hidden drawer, perfect for storing small valuables or things you want to keep out of sight.
For those who are new to woodworking or looking for more in-depth instructions, including detailed woodworking plans and step-by-step guidance, I recommend checking out Ted’s Woodworking Course, which offers comprehensive tutorials for building a wide range of projects.