This project was built and designed by Alex from Bevelish Creations. It’s a sleek, minimalist nightstand that blends traditional joinery with tech-forward features like a wireless charging pad and hidden cable management.
Created with clean lines and functional storage in mind, this piece is ideal for modern bedrooms where organization and convenience are just as important as design. Alex walks through the entire process, from custom leg construction to precision-fit drawer boxes.
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Design and Project Overview
The nightstands are made from walnut, giving them a warm tone and premium appearance. Each one features an open shelf below the top surface, ideal for holding books, tablets, or personal items while keeping the surface clear.
What makes this project stand out is the integration of a wireless charging pad, which is recessed into the tabletop. Alex also includes a hidden cavity in the back of the cabinet to house a power strip, allowing for complete cable concealment and a clutter-free look.
Building the Leg Assembly
Alex starts the project with the legs, which are a defining visual element of the nightstand. Without access to a miter saw for this build, he uses a Speed Cutter blade on an angle grinder to break down rough lumber efficiently.
The leg frame consists of two tapered horizontal pieces and one long vertical back leg. The vertical components are beveled at the bottom to lean back slightly, adding a distinctive modern silhouette to the nightstand.
For the tapered sections, Alex marks the narrowing angles and uses a tapering jig to make consistent cuts. These pieces are joined with bridle joints, which provide both strength and clean visual lines.
Bridle Joinery for Strength
The bridle joints are cut using a dado blade on the table saw. Alex cuts mortises into the vertical leg pieces and tenons into the horizontal arms.
To fine-tune the fit, he leaves the tenons slightly oversized and uses hand tools to adjust them. The end result is a tight, seamless connection that supports the cabinet and adds to the project’s visual appeal.
Constructing the Cabinet Box
The cabinet itself is built from plywood with hardwood trim to match the walnut legs. The back panel is inset to create space for a hidden power strip and cable routing system.
Dados are cut into the side and bottom panels to hold the thinner plywood back securely. The top panel is attached last, once the charging pocket and cable guide have been completed.
Carving the Wireless Charging Pocket
Alex uses a CNC machine to carve a recess into the underside of the top panel. This cavity holds the wireless charging pad securely and allows the charging surface to sit flush with the top.
The charger is glued in place to prevent movement, and the panel is finished cleanly for durability. This integration removes the need for visible cords or extra accessories on the nightstand surface.
Designing the Cable Organizer
To keep cords hidden and untangled, Alex builds a custom cable organizer block that mounts to the back of the top panel. The block includes channels and slots that guide cords through specific pathways.
Multiple passes with a table saw are used to create wider slots, and the finished organizer is glued in place. This small detail makes a big difference in keeping the back of the nightstand clean and organized.
Installing the Cabinet and Shelves
With the legs and cabinet ready, Alex installs the cabinet box between the leg frames. The sides of the cabinet fit into grooves cut into the legs, helping everything lock into place and eliminating the need for visible screws.
Loose tenon joinery (dominoes) is used to attach the internal shelf. The top shelf is set slightly below the cabinet’s top edge, and all transitions are beveled slightly for comfort and appearance.
Building Handle-Free Drawer Boxes
The drawers are built from half-inch plywood using dado joints for clean assembly. A thinner plywood panel serves as the drawer bottom, and drawer slides are installed with precise spacing.
Instead of handles, Alex bevels the top edge of each drawer front to act as a finger pull. This approach keeps the front clean and avoids any protruding hardware, making it safer for homes with kids.
Final Assembly and Finish
Once the components are assembled, Alex sands every surface smooth. He applies a protective finish that highlights the walnut’s grain and ensures durability.
After the finish cures, he installs the wireless charger and power strip into the hidden back cavity, completing the blend of traditional craftsmanship with modern functionality.
A Clean, Functional Nightstand with Tech Integration
This nightstand is more than just furniture—it’s a well-thought-out solution for today’s connected lifestyle. The charging station and cable system eliminate clutter, while the handcrafted design keeps the piece looking clean and modern.
By combining strong joinery, smart material choices, and a few modern tools like a CNC, Alex shows how woodworking can evolve while staying rooted in skill and precision.
Learn more about this project here: https://www.bevelishcreations.com/projects/modern-nightstand/.