This project was built and designed by Drew Fisher from Fisher’s Shop. These floating nightstands are compact, modern, and designed to match a previously built valet stand.
The look is clean and the build is approachable, making it a great woodworking project whether you’re updating your space or just want something functional. Wall-mounted nightstands offer storage without taking up floor space, perfect for smaller rooms or minimalist setups.
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Getting Started with the Design
Drew begins by sketching a simple design: a rectangular box with a drawer on top and an open shelf on the bottom. A cleat system on the back makes wall mounting secure and easy.
To match his valet stand, Drew chose to use finger joints and repeated the same drawer pull detail. The design can be adapted for other joinery methods like rabbets or butt joints if desired.
Selecting and Milling the Wood
For this project, Drew chose walnut for its rich tone and grain. He starts with rough-cut boards, trimming away bark and sapwood before milling them to size.
After jointing one face and one edge, the boards are resawn into thinner panels. They’re then planed to final thickness and cut to length using a miter saw.
Gluing and Prepping the Panels
Each nightstand requires five panels, so Drew glues up enough boards to make identical parts for both. The panel edges are squared on the table saw to ensure clean joints during assembly.
Once the glue is dry, excess is sanded away and each panel is squared using a crosscut sled. This step helps guarantee precise box construction later on.
Cutting Finger Joints
Drew uses a box joint jig to cut tight-fitting finger joints on the corners. The jig provides repeatable cuts and consistent alignment between the panels.
These joints add strength and visual interest to the design. Once cut, the pieces are dry-fitted to check for tight connections.
Adding Grooves for the Shelf
With the joints complete, Drew installs a dado stack to cut grooves for the interior shelf. These dados run along the inside of the side panels to support the shelf at mid-height.
If a dado stack isn’t available, a similar result can be achieved by making multiple passes with a standard blade. The shelf panel is cut to fit snugly between the grooves.
Assembling the Nightstands
Before applying glue, all parts are dry-fit one last time to confirm accuracy. Glue is applied to the joints, and the boxes are clamped tightly while the glue cures.
After assembly, Drew uses a hand plane to flush up the corners and sand everything smooth. The result is a sharp, seamless box ready for final detailing.
Matching the Valet Stand
To match his previous valet stand project, Drew rounds over the edges of the nightstands. This softens the look and improves comfort during everyday use.
He also mixes walnut sawdust with glue to create a filler that blends into any small gaps in the finger joints. Once sanded, the filler disappears into the woodgrain.
Building and Fitting the Drawers
For the drawers, the sides are cut down and edge banded using a thin strip jig. Simple butt joints are used to build the drawer box, and a plywood bottom is added for stability.
Drawer slides are installed using spacers to keep everything aligned. Once mounted, the drawer operates smoothly and fits cleanly inside the cabinet.
Finishing and Installation
Drew sands the entire nightstand up to 220 grit to prepare for finishing. He applies a penetrating oil finish that enhances the walnut’s natural color and texture.
Once dry, the nightstands are ready for installation. A French cleat system allows for secure and adjustable wall mounting.
Using a stud finder, Drew locates the wall studs and installs the wall cleat first. The nightstands then slide over it and sit flush against the wall.
Final Thoughts
These floating nightstands are a clean and modern upgrade to any bedroom. They save space, provide useful storage, and match beautifully with other handmade furniture.
The project is a great way to practice panel glue-ups, finger joints, and precision joinery. It also offers a nice balance between aesthetic appeal and everyday functionality.
Want to See the Full Build?
Get Drew’s plans here: https://fishersshoponline.com/plans/p/nightstand