This project was built and designed by Alex from Bevelish Creations. It features a creative solution to an awkward cubby space in an entryway console, turning it into a set of custom-fit drawers with both angled and square configurations.
Alex’s attention to detail and clever use of contrasting materials makes this project stand out. It’s a great example of how a small upgrade can dramatically improve the functionality and visual appeal of everyday furniture.
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Turning a Cubby into Custom Storage
After a few weeks of using his entryway console, Alex realized that one cubby wasn’t making good use of space. The left side had a sharp 45-degree angle that made it tough to store anything effectively.
Rather than leaving the space underutilized, Alex designed a set of drawers to fit the irregular opening. This not only solved the storage issue but also introduced a unique woodworking challenge that required precision and creativity.
Building Drawer Boxes for Angled and Straight Spaces
The angled lower drawer required extra planning. Alex trimmed the sides to fit within the angled cubby and adjusted the fence on his table saw to make precise 45-degree cuts where needed.
The side panels received rabbets to house the front and back panels, forming strong box joints. These careful cuts ensured that the drawer boxes were square, stable, and ready to accept drawer slides.
Alex tackled one drawer at a time to dial in exact measurements, especially important for the custom-angled drawer. This method helped avoid fitting errors and made slide installation much easier later in the process.
Cutting Dados for the Drawer Bottom
With the drawer box framed out, Alex turned his attention to the bottom panel. For the angled drawer, the dado groove on one side needed to be cut at an angle to match the sloped panel.
Rather than using a router table, Alex used his table saw for this step. The angled dado was cut cleanly by tilting the blade, while straight dados on the remaining panels were made with the blade at 90 degrees.
Multiple passes with the blade helped achieve a perfect groove width, ensuring the quarter-inch MDF bottom fit snugly into place.
Completing the Remaining Drawers
Once the first drawer was completed and test-fit, Alex moved on to building the other two. These drawers were standard rectangular boxes, which made the process quicker and more predictable.
All parts were sanded thoroughly, especially the MDF edges, which can become fuzzy after cutting. Sanding to a fine grit helped prepare the surfaces for priming and paint.
Priming and Painting MDF Drawer Boxes
Priming is key when working with MDF. It seals the surface and prevents the paint from soaking in unevenly, especially along the edges.
Alex applied a full coat of primer, then sanded the surfaces again to ensure a smooth, even base for the paint. He chose a bold yellow left over from a previous project—a crib dresser—adding a pop of color that contrasts nicely with the walnut drawer fronts.
The drawers received two coats of paint for full coverage and durability. While the yellow may not suit every space, the technique and layout easily adapt to any color palette.
Making Two-Layer Drawer Fronts
The drawer fronts are made from two layers: a painted MDF base and a solid walnut overlay. This layered design not only adds visual contrast but also makes the drawers more durable and easier to grip.
Alex cut both layers at the same time to ensure alignment, using ribs and cross-cuts to maintain consistency. The walnut layer was shaped with a curved reveal, giving the drawer a built-in finger pull without the need for hardware.
Shaping and Finishing the Walnut Fronts
To shape the curved reveal, Alex made a template from quarter-inch MDF and used a jigsaw to rough cut the shape. The walnut was then taped to the template and trimmed flush at the router table.
To turn the curve into a finger pull, Alex used a 45-degree chamfer bit to bevel the edge. This subtle detail makes the drawers easier to open and gives the fronts a smooth, finished look.
The walnut was sanded between coats of paint on the MDF, keeping both materials clean and crisp before final assembly.
Installing Slides and Assembling the Drawers
Installing the drawer slides took careful planning. For the angled drawer, Alex used scrap blocks to position the male slides on the inside of the cabinet first, then marked the drawer boxes for mounting the female slides.
With the bottom drawer installed first, the remaining drawers were added above, using the lower drawer as a reference to maintain even spacing.
Mounting the Fronts with Even Gaps
The walnut fronts were attached to the painted MDF bases with brad nails. To mount them on the drawer boxes, Alex used plastic cards as shims to maintain uniform gaps, then secured them from inside with screws.
This method ensured a tight, professional finish with consistent spacing between each drawer.
Final Thoughts on a Smart, Stylish Upgrade
Alex’s drawer project is a perfect example of how custom woodworking can solve real-world storage problems. From the angled cuts to the chamfered drawer pulls, every element shows thought and precision.
By combining leftover materials with careful planning, he turned an awkward cubby into a stylish, functional storage solution. The two-layer drawer fronts and custom angles also open the door for applying these techniques to other home projects.
Learn more about this project here: https://www.bevelishcreations.com/projects/fun-drawers/.