This project was built and designed by Sam Macy. It’s a clean, stylish pair of modern farmhouse nightstands built with strong joinery and a painted finish that fits a wide range of bedroom styles.
These nightstands strike a balance between form and function. They offer a sleek design while providing enough storage space for everyday bedroom essentials.
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Building the Nightstand Frames
The frame construction begins with poplar, chosen for its durability and workability. Poplar is often used for painted furniture builds since it holds paint well and offers a clean finish.
Instead of hardwood shelves, Sam uses MDF for the lower tiers. MDF is stable and inexpensive, and it doesn’t require milling—making it a smart choice when the final product will be painted.
Pocket Hole Joinery and Shelf Layout
The shelves are attached to the legs using pocket hole joinery. These holes are drilled into the underside of the shelf panels to maintain a clean appearance.
Spacing between the shelves is roughly nine inches, which keeps the design functional without feeling bulky. The configuration is simple but creates enough room for books, storage baskets, or decorative items.
Assembling the Tabletop
The tabletop consists of several wood boards joined edge to edge. They’re cut to length, aligned carefully, and glued together to form a seamless top panel.
This step requires some patience to allow the glue-up to dry fully before any sanding or finishing takes place. Once dry, the panel is trimmed and prepped for attachment.
Prepping for Paint and Finish
Before painting, Sam sands all surfaces to remove glue residue and smooth out the MDF and poplar components. A light sanding helps the paint adhere better and creates a more polished final look.
Painting is done once the frames are fully assembled. A simple white or off-white finish gives the nightstands a modern farmhouse aesthetic, while also protecting the surfaces from wear and tear.
Adding Functional Drawers
Each nightstand includes a drawer for small items like remotes, books, or chargers. These are constructed with a basic box design and installed on runners for easy sliding.
The drawer fronts match the overall design, with clean lines and optional hardware depending on your style preference. This adds function to the piece without making the build overly complex.
Why This Project Works
This project is beginner-friendly but still requires careful attention to alignment, especially when working with multiple identical pieces. By using affordable and accessible materials, the total cost stays low while still delivering high-end results.
Sam’s clear layout and use of basic joinery make the process easy to follow. Watching his full video gives helpful visual context and makes replication more approachable.
Customize to Fit Your Space
Because the build uses standard materials and basic joinery, the dimensions can easily be adjusted. Whether you want taller legs, deeper drawers, or a wider top, the project scales well without sacrificing style.
These nightstands can also be finished in different colors or with a stained top for contrast. That flexibility makes the design appealing to a wide range of woodworkers and buyers.