DIY Floating Nightstand – Farmhouse Style

Learn how to build a DIY floating nightstand out of basic lumber in just an hour! This farmhouse-style “X” floating nightstand DIY project is easy and adds style and function to any bedroom.

This post was originally published on September 18, 2017 but has since been updated to include more details and printable build instructions.

Ever since I posted the tutorial for our West Elm inspired headboard a few weeks ago, I’ve been getting a lot of inquiries about the floating side tables we built to go with it.

So, by popular demand, I’ve put together some instructions for you all so you can build these yourself too!

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Floating night stands are perfect for small rooms.

The fact that they’re up off the floor gives the illusion of more floor space so your space doesn’t end up feeling over-crowded or cluttered.

They also make the space feel custom since they’re actually installed onto the wall in a more permanent fashion.

If you’re looking to add some fun, farmhouse style to a small bedroom, this DIY bedsides shelf is a great way to do it!

Customize yours by painting or staining it the perfect color for your space’s design.

I hope you enjoy this floating night stand DIY and please let me know if you have any questions!

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DIY Floating Bedside Table

For a printable copy of the materials and instructions, scroll down.

Note: This tutorial makes 2 DIY floating nightstands.

Materials Needed:

• Two 1 x 12 x 6′ common boards
• Two 1 x 2 x 6′ common board
• Wood Glue
• Stain or Paint of your choice (we used American Walnut by Varathane)
• Matte Polyurethane
• Drywall Toggle Anchors

Tools Needed:

• Foam Brush
• Chop Saw
• Jig Saw
• Drill
• Sander
• Stud-finder
• Pen

How to Make a Floating Nightstand

Step 1. Cut Boards

Begin by cutting the following boards:

• Four 18.5″ out of 1×12
• Four 12″ boards out of 1×12
• Four 18.5″ boards out of 1×2

Do this by placing your board on the chop saw, using your tape measure to mark the length you want, and then cutting it with the chop saw.

If you’re cutting more than one at the same length, one trick we use is to clamp a scrap piece of wood at that dimension so you can just slide your board up to it and cut without using the tape measure each time.

Here are our four 1×12 boards cut at 18.5″. These will be the top and bottom pieces of your DIY wall-mounted nightstand.

And our 1×12 boards cut at 12″. These will end up being the “X” side pieces of your DIY hanging nightstand.

Next, draw the “X” pattern on your 12″ boards but marking .75″ in from each corner, lining up a 1×2 between the marks and tracing.

To cut out the “X”, use a jig-saw to cut along your lines.

For the inside portions, you can drill a hole inside the part you’re removing in order to get your jig-saw blade in there to start.

Next, make a 45 degree cut on the end of each 18.5″ 1×2 boards.

Step 2. Sand Boards

After all your boards are cut and ready for assembly, take time to sand all the pieces you’ve cut so that they’re nice and smooth.

We use this little Black and Decker mouse sander – it does the trick. 🙂

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Step 3. Assemble

Start by gluing and nailing your bottom and top boards between the bottoms of your “X” sides.

Be sure you sandwich them between the two sides. (Sorry I didn’t get a picture of this step, my husband was responsible for the photos and he didn’t take any while assembling…) 😉

Lastly, glue and nail in the 1×2 pieces inside on the back underneath the top and above the bottom pieces.

These are the pieces you’ll use to attach the DIY floating nightstand to the wall at installation.

Step 4. Stain and Seal

The last step before installing is to stain and seal the tables!

We recommend using a foam brush to apply the stain and a small foam roller to apply the polyurethane.

Step 5. How to Mount Floating Night Stands

Each table should be hung using four screws – two on the top cross bar and two on the bottom cross bar.

Using your stud finder, locate a stud behind where you want to hang your DIY wall-mounted nightstand and mark it with your pencil.

If doing two side tables, do the same on the opposite side of the bed.

The goal is to have at least two of the 4 screws for each one going into a stud – this will create stability for the nightstand to withhold weight on it.

Place your DIY floating nightstand up where you want it next to the bed and mark where the stud falls on your support boards.

Then pre-drill a hole in each of the cross supports where the stud is so you don’t split the wood when you screw through the table into the stud.

The second hole on each support board can be anywhere spaced out in relation to where the stud is. Just choose a spot on the opposite side of the table from the stud and mark it on the cross supports and the wall.

Since the other two screws on the cross supports will go straight into the sheetrock, so you’ll want to install toggle anchors in the sheetrock at those positions.

After you’ve pre-drilled and positioned your table on the wall, screw it into the anchors and studs and you’re done!

That’s it! Now you have sturdy and beautifully stylish new side tables!

Floating Nightstand Ideas

Don’t feel like making one? Here are a few you can purchase that are affordable!

And as promised, here are the printable instructions:

Send me a picture if you make them – I love seeing your completed projects. 🙂

Have a wonderful week, friends!

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