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Jaime Costiglio

build - paint - sew

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DIY Nightstand with Pull-Out Ledge

March 2, 2016

My girls needed larger night tables for their shared bedroom.  So I designed these DIY nightstands with a pull out ledge to fit the space between their beds.
DIY nightstand with pull out shelf and free plans

A DIY tutorial to build a nightstand with a pull-out ledge, drawer and open shelf below. Make your own nightstands using my plans.

These are fully functional nightstands with a pull-out large ledge, generous drawer and open lower shelf for storage.

girls diy nightstands with drawer and pull out ledge
This bedroom is a bit tricky because of the low windows and ceiling eaves.  This is the best spot for their beds so naturally their nightstands must go here too.
diy nightstand with pull out ledge

Nightstand Details

The pull-out ledge is a bonus feature that I thought my girls would appreciate.  In fact they like to pull the whole shelf out and use the hard surface for writing while in bed.  You could easily attach a small rope at the back edge of the ledge then attach the other end to the back of the carcass for safety in order to keep the ledge from pulling all the way out.
It’s also worth noting I cut the pull out ledge against the grain which causes the ledge to bow ever so slightly.  I did this on purpose to allow for some give when you go to pull out the ledge.  Also DO NOT PAINT the underside of the ledge so the plywood can run freely against the shelf.
nightstand with deep full extension drawer
* This post contains affiliate links below, by clicking on an affiliate link and making a purchase I may receive a tiny commission.  This small commission helps me keep this site full of free content so I thank you for your support. * 

Storage Drawer

The drawer is enormous and deep and I actually might regret that because my girls will just fill it up with junk.  But at least I won’t have to see the junk!  I highly recommend the slow close drawer glides, they can definitely handle the weight of a drawer full of odds and ends.
diy nightstand with open shelf and basket space
I love the open bottom shelf which allows the light from the floor windows to come through and it’s the perfect spot for a basket.  The maximum basket size is 25″w x 20″l x 10″h, I found the basket above at Homegoods and it fits just right.
diy beadboard nightstand free plans

Bedroom Decor

This is definitely a heavy, solid nightstand as it’s built with an entire sheet of 3/4″ plywood.  The wall sconces are IKEA Arstid wall sconce spray painted Rust-Oleum berry pink gloss.  There really isn’t much space for lamps with the ceiling eaves plus the sconces are better for nighttime reading which my girls love.
girls matching nightstands
Below are step by step instructions to build a nightstand with a pull-out ledge.  Always follow all safety precautions when using power tools and read through all the steps prior to beginning.
diy nightstand free plans

Supplies:

  • 1 – sheet ¾” plywood
  • 1 – ¼” plywood handy panel
  • 3 – 2x2x8 boards
  • 1 – 1x2x6 pine board
  • 1x8x8 pine board
  • 1 – 1x10x6 pine board
  • 6’ – 1 3/8” x ¼” flat molding
  • 1 – set 18″ soft close drawer glides
  • 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws
  • 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws
  • 1 1/4″ wood screws
  • 3/4″ wood screws
  • 1 ¼” & ¾” finish nails
  • wood glue
Click here for a printable PDF version of the nightstand plans. 
attaching side panels to nightstand top

In Step 5: Attach the side trim to the exterior sides using wood glue and then secure from interior with countersunk 1 ¼” wood screws.

nightstand free plans step 12
Step 12: Make drawer front.  Cut trim to fit and attach using wood glue and ¾” finish nails.
nightstand drawer fronts
 
natural wood nightstands ready for paint

Finish and Hardware

Sand well and finish as desired.  I used oil based primer plus two coats of semi-gloss white.
pull out ledge knobs
I installed a knob on the pull out tray by super gluing the screw that came in the packing into the knob.  Then I cut off the screw head, predrilled a hole in the ledge and screwed the knob in place.  The drawer hardware pulls are from Restoration Hardware, 4″ Aubrey pulls in polished chrome.
nightstand with basket on open shelf
This grainy pic above shows the beadboard side detail best but you could easily use plywood instead, I just had the beadboard scraps on hand so I used them.
Enjoy!
SHOP THIS PROJECT:
diy nightstand free plans

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Filed Under: BUILD, DIY, DRESSERS, FURNITURE, FURNITURE, KIDS BEDROOMS, PAINT, SALTBOX PROJECT, STORAGE, TABLES16 Comments

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Katie @ Addicted 2 DIY says

    March 5, 2016 at 10:55 PM

    Beautiful, Jaime! Love the pull out ledge!

    Reply
  2. thecuratorscollection.com says

    March 7, 2016 at 3:34 PM

    You are ahhhhhmazing! This design is brilliant! They look so good! Well done! I hope you have a great day!
    Smiles!
    Terry

    Reply
  3. Nellie Bellie says

    March 10, 2016 at 4:55 PM

    Wow!!! These are fantastic! I'm in a tiny home and always looking for furniture that can do double duty…these fit the bill! Thanks for the plans!

    Reply
  4. Hopping Along says

    March 16, 2016 at 1:04 PM

    Wow Jamie these are stunning!! I have a question about finishing… Did you use edge banding around the top before you painted? Or did you fill with wood filler? It looks so flawless in your picture at step 15 before you painted.

    Reply
  5. jcprime1 says

    March 17, 2016 at 12:10 PM

    @HoppingAlong yes there is edge banding applied to all visible plywood cut edges. It's a lot of edge banding (3 rolls!) but worth it.

    Reply
  6. Kim @ NewlyWoodwards says

    March 24, 2016 at 12:40 AM

    The pull-out shelves are my favorite parts! Such a great added touch.

    Reply
  7. Camille says

    September 5, 2018 at 6:04 AM

    Wow Jaime! These are just beautiful! The pics and plans are awesome too. Thanks for sharing! I found you on Pinterest.

    Reply
    • Jaime says

      September 5, 2018 at 6:21 AM

      Thanks Camille, my girls love having them bedside their beds. So functional and pretty too.

      Reply
  8. Nelly says

    June 17, 2019 at 1:23 AM

    AMAZING! How much did the project cost?

    Reply
    • Jaime says

      June 18, 2019 at 3:22 PM

      Thanks Nelly, I don’t have exact numbers on the cost since lumber varies greatly depending on where you are located.

      Reply
  9. Katrina says

    March 16, 2021 at 8:37 AM

    Thanks for such detailed and amazing pdf plans. I’ve recently gotten into wood making and I really enjoy it. By far you have the best detailed plans that really help!

    Reply
    • Jaime says

      March 20, 2021 at 2:44 PM

      Thanks Katrina, it’s the most fun building and making all the furniture.

      Reply

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