Floating Nightstands

Cristy Gies

Cristy Gies

Founder

With DIY remodel or design projects, it is easy to focus on the common spaces or the areas of our home that we entertain in. Now it is time to create that perfect bedroom design.

In this tutorial we will be adding stylish floating nightstands. These wall-mounted nightstands are perfect for adding a modern flair to your space.

These floating nightstands are simple to make and don’t take much time to finish. Designed to mount on the wall, this floating stand is a great solution for small and large spaces. You can place these nightstands at your desired height giving you the ability to make it the perfect addition to your room.

Let’s get started!

Here is What you will need:

Materials:

Tools:

You can find these items in any local home improvement store. At the bottom of this article we have provided some links to make locating these items easier.

Watch the video below to get started on your Floating Nightstand.

Or you can follow the step-by-step instructions below.

Step 1: Plan out the size of the nightstand

DIYG Tip:

To make sure the nightstand will be a good fit, measure and cut masking tape and tape shape of nightstand to wall.  Adjust height and width if needed until it is the ideal size for the area.  Write the measurements on the masking tape to use as a guide when cutting the boards.

Step 2: Measure and cut nightstand base pieces of wood (do not cut drawer pieces yet)

DIYG Tip:

Remember to cut on the backside of the plywood so the front side will have a smooth finish

Step 3: Cut groove insert

Step 4: Glue, assemble and brad nail the nightstand base together

DIYG Tip:

Once the nightstand base is assembled, check and make sure the middle shelf will sit flush on the 1”x6”.  Make sure sides of middle shelf are flush with the sides of the 1”x10” and 1”x6” side supports.  If not, cut the middle shelf down with a table saw until flush.  I had to do this a couple of times to make sure the middle shelf was even with the sides.

Step 5: Measure and cut drawer pieces

Step 4: Cut dado groove insert for drawer bottom

Step 7: Assemble drawer

Step 8: Finish, paint/stain and let dry overnight

Step 9: Attach drawer slides according to manufacturer's directions

DIYG Tip:

Usually the drawer slides that attach to the supports need to be about ¼” from the bottom of the support.  Use a ¼” thick paint stick to support the slide while installing.  Also use a level to make sure the slide is level.

Step 10: Attach middle and top shelves

DIYG Tip:

Use paint sticks as support on the left side to help level the shelf.

DIYG Tip:

While the top shelf is drying, use some type of support for the corner that is unsupported to ensure it dries level. 

NOTE:

Don’t worry about the exposed brad nail heads.  Later we will  fill and paint/stain them. 

Step 11: Measure, cut and paint/stain the drawer facing

Step 12: Hang nightstand

DIYG Tip:

Things that are heavy (like a floating nightstand) need to either be anchored to a stud in the wall or hung with wall anchors to support the weight of the item and not damage the sheetrock on the wall.  In our case, we anchored the left side to a stud and the right side using wall anchors.

  1. On the side that is using wall anchors, screw in the wall anchors according to the marks.
  2. Attach support brackets to the wall using the appropriate length screws for the wall brackets.  Use a washer to ensure the screw doesn’t go through the wall bracket hole over time.  Make sure the bracket remains level.  If not, adjust the bracket with a hammer.
  3. On the side of the nightstand that will be mounted to the stud, attach angle wall bracket to the bottom of the nightstand using 3/4” screws, washer and nuts.  Secure in at least 2 or 3 places.
  4. Make sure the wall bracket is straight and predrill holes in the back of the nightstand to use when attaching the nightstand to the wall stud.  I only did this where the drawer would hide the screws.  Predrill at least 2 holes.
  5. Place the nightstand on the bracket that is attached to the wall with anchors for support.  Attach the stud side of nightstand by drilling 4” wood screws into the wall stud using the predrilled holes. 

DIYG Tip:

If you are doing this by yourself, use the angled bracket to support the right side of the nightstand and prop the left side up with something of the same height.  When doing this, use your level to make sure both sides of the nightstand are level before you secure the nightstand to the wall.

  1. Find the studs on the wall and mark accordingly.
  2. Attach angle wall bracket to the bottom of the nightstand using 3/4” screws, washer and nuts.  Secure in at least 2 or 3 places making sure the wall bracket is straight at all times.
  3. Make sure the wall bracket is straight and predrill holes in the back of the nightstand to use when attaching the nightstand to the wall stud.  I only did this where the drawer would hide the screws.  Predrill at least 2 holes.
  4. Measure the distance between the two studs and position the other wall bracket on the nightstand and repeat the above steps.
  5. Mount the nightstand to the wall studs with 4” wood screws using the predrilled holes making sure the nightstand is level and you are hitting the studs.
  1. Position the support bracket on the back of the nightstand and measure how far apart the brackets will be.  Mark the wall accordingly making sure the horizontal marks are level so that the nightstand will be level.  
  2. Screw in the wall anchors according to the marks.
  3. Attach support brackets to wall using the appropriate length screws for the wall brackets.  Use a washer to ensure the screw doesn’t go through the wall bracket hole over time.  Make sure the bracket remains level.  If not, adjust the bracket with hammer.
  4. Secure bottom of nightstand to the wall bracket using ¾” screws, washer and nuts.  Secure in at least 2 or 3 places
  5. Repeat the above steps for the other side.

Note:

NEVER attach a floating nightstand to sheetrock only!  The nightstand is too heavy and will tear the sheetrock and eventually fall.  Either secure to wall studs or use heavy duty anchors.  

Step 13: Insert drawer and attach drawer facing and handle

DIYG Tip:

If the front of the drawer and/or the back of the drawer facing has been painted or stained, you will need to sand them so the glue can bond with the wood.

Step 14: Fill any brad nail holes or imperfections with spackling or wood filler and allow to dry

Step 15: enjoy

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