This project was built and designed by Drew Fisher from Fisher’s Shop. It’s a beautiful and functional bench created to complement a set of custom nightstands and a headboard, all made from black walnut.
For more woodworking ideas and detailed build videos, check out Drew’s YouTube channel, Fisher’s Shop.
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Why Build a Bedroom Bench?
A bench at the foot of the bed adds both convenience and style. It provides a place to sit while getting ready and enhances the overall look of the bedroom.
Drew designed this bench to match the existing walnut furniture in the room. He took inspiration from Japanese joinery, adding a refined aesthetic with strong structural details.
Planning and Visualization
To help visualize the proportions, Drew used a photo of the bedroom and imported it into Fusion 360. This step let him scale and position the bench digitally to see how it would look in place.
This kind of planning helps avoid surprises during the build and makes the final result feel intentional and well-fitted to the space.
Choosing and Preparing Materials
Drew repurposed a large black walnut slab originally intended for another project. He carefully mapped out all the components for the bench to be cut from that single slab.
Initial cuts were made using a track saw, with fine adjustments handled by a pull saw. Every effort was made to minimize waste and highlight the grain patterns.
Cutting and Shaping the Pieces
To shape the components, Drew used a combination of table saw and band saw work. Resawing the boards helped bring them to final thickness before passing them through the planer for a smooth finish.
When multiple pieces needed the same length, Drew clamped them together and cut them all at once. This ensured perfect consistency and alignment later on.
Creating the Joinery
The bench uses a traditional tusked mortise and tenon joint, known for both its strength and appearance. Tenons were cut into the uprights and crosspieces using a dado stack at the table saw.
Drew took care to get the heights just right, adjusting with a miter gauge to maintain clean and consistent joints. This type of joinery adds long-term strength and visual interest.
Cutting Mortises and Fitting Parts
To make the mortises, Drew drilled out most of the waste at the drill press. He cleaned up the edges with chisels and rounded the openings slightly to give them a clean, finished look.
Each joint was test-fit and adjusted to ensure everything came together snugly. That attention to detail during fitting pays off with easier assembly and a cleaner final build.
Flattening the Bench Top
Because the top was too wide for the planer, Drew flattened it by hand using a smoothing plane. Though more time-consuming, this method gave him full control and resulted in a beautifully flat surface.
It also preserved the live edges on the slab, which added character and a natural shape to the final bench design.
Final Assembly and Joinery
Once all parts were prepared, Drew started with gluing the feet in place. He followed with the legs and sides, assembling the entire bench upside down to keep everything aligned.
The final touch was tapping in the tusks that lock the mortise and tenon joints together. This approach created a secure frame without the need for hidden fasteners or hardware.
Finishing the Bench
To match the nightstands and headboard, Drew applied an oil finish thinned with solvent for better penetration. After letting it soak in, he buffed off the excess and let it cure fully.
The finish highlighted the character and depth of the walnut grain. It also protected the wood while giving the bench a rich, natural sheen.
A Beautiful and Functional Result
The completed bench fits perfectly at the foot of the bed. The tusked tenons, live edges, and seamless joinery come together to create a piece that’s both practical and visually stunning.
This isn’t just a bench—it’s a handcrafted addition to a thoughtfully designed bedroom. The combination of utility and beauty makes it a standout project worth replicating.