Two-drawer nightstand

TOH DIY expert Jenn Largesse shares how to put together a sturdy bedside table using a simplified joinery technique

- Jenn Largesse

The do-it-yourself projects that jump to the top of my list always seem to be the ones that add more function to our home. If a build promises to put wasted space to good use or bring organization to a cluttered area, I find myself feeling extra inspired.

So when I noticed charger cords, books, and miscellaneous items accumulating on my bedside table, I decided it was time to make something that would provide more storage than I currently have. And while drawers are not typically considered an easy build, the pocket-hole assembly method I used offers a great solution for novices.

Now, thanks to its generous footprint, two stacked drawers, and bottom shelf, my nightstand feels neat and tidy when it comes time to turn out the light.

Up ahead: what you need to know to build one of your own.

GETTING STARTED

The standard height for a nightstand generally ranges from 24 to 28 inches. While modern furniture design favors low-slung side tables, I like a traditional nightstand to sit 1 to 2 inches higher than the top of the mattress. For alongside my own bed, I designed this side table to be 30 inches tall; that way, the reading lamp casts its light down onto my book, and its switch is within easy reach. To size the nightstand up or down, you can simply adjust the height of the 2x2 legs, while maintaining the distance of the bottom shelf to the floor.