21 DIY Nightstand Ideas: Beginner-Friendly (Plans Included)

Looking to build a bedside table? Here are 21 custom DIY nightstand ideas with woodworking plans, hidden charging stations, and drawer tutorials.

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Did you know that building a DIY nightstand is actually a pretty beginner-friendly woodworking project?

Nightstands might look intimidating with their drawers, shelves, and other features, but they are actually a great beginner woodworking project.

They give you a chance to practice accurate cuts, building square, and getting a great finish. And once you build your first drawer? That is a whole new level of confidence. And suddenly, dressers and cabinets don’t feel nearly as intimidating.

I have gathered 21 DIY nightstand ideas in a variety of styles and skill levels, from simple bedside tables to nightstands with drawers, storage, charging stations, and more. Best of all, every project includes plans and a step-by-step tutorial so you can find one you love and start building.

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DIY Nightstand with Storage

1. Easy DIY Nightstand with Drawers from Anika’s DIY Life (Great beginner project)

Difficulty: Beginner-friendly
Time: 1 weekend
Materials Needed: 1X5 boards, 2x2s, and stains in various colors for the ombre effect

I built this DIY nightstand with drawers in just a weekend, complete with an ombre stain for some extra personality! To get that rustic-modern look, I paired it with angled, black-painted legs. It still sits next to my bed and it is the right amount of storage without taking up too much space.
Get the plans to build this simple nightstand with drawers.

Related: Learn how to build a perfect drawer every time!

2. DIY Pottery Barn Inspired Nightstand from Anika’s DIY Life (lots of storage)

Difficulty: Advanced Beginner
Time: 1 weekend
Materials Needed: Plywood and 2x2s

This is one of the first nightstands I ever built. I wanted plenty of storage and fell in love with the Pottery Barn version, but the price tag was way too much, especially when I knew I could build my own nightstand with a drawer and shelves.. Purebond plywood and 2X2s make this a straightforward build that only uses 3 power tools.
Get the free plans to build it yourself.

3. X-Leg Accent Table from Anika’s DIY Life (very versatile)

Difficulty: Beginner
Time: 1 weekend
Materials Needed: Plywood and common boards

I wanted a mismatched set of nightstands for the bedroom, and I built this X-leg nightstand to go with the nightstand with drawer and shelves from above. I didn’t want to use drawer slides for this one, so the drawer was easy to make. Then I painted it yellow to tie in with the other one.
Get the free plans to build it yourself.

4. Nightstand with Charging from Anika’s DIY Life (Hidden charging station)

Difficulty: Intermediate
Time: 1-2 weekends
Materials Needed: plywood and common boards + recessed power strip

We needed a way to corral all the wires from our devices in the living room, so I built this DIY nightstand with a hidden charging station. I designed the hidden charging station to be accessible by a flip-up lid and also added a drawer for extra storage. Although we used it in the living room, it also makes a great nightstand.
Build it yourself with the plans and a video tutorial.

5. Nightstand with Hidden Compartment from Anika’s DIY Life (hidden storage)

Difficulty: Advanced Beginner
Time: 1 weekend
Materials Needed: Rockler Beadlock Pro Joinery Kit and Beadlock Tenon Stock

I needed a slim nightstand for our master bedroom, so I designed one with a twist: hidden storage under the top and zero screws. Joined entirely with tenons—a first for me—it was surprisingly easy to build thanks to a clear tutorial. I couldn’t be prouder of the result!
Get the plans and follow the tutorial to make it yourself

6. DIY Bedside Table with Book Storage from Anika’s DIY Life (for the kids!)

Difficulty: Beginner-Friendly
Time: Under an hour
Materials Needed: 1/4 inch plywood and common boards

When my kids were little, they needed a nightstand, but I also wanted it to have book storage for all the bedtime reading. I built this kids’ nightstand with book storage using plywood and common boards in less than 30 minutes using just 3 power tools. It cost me $6 to make because I used mostly scrap wood.
Grab the plans to build it yourself.

7. DIY Tall Nightstand from Houseful of Handmade (for tall beds)

Difficulty: Intermediate
Materials Needed: Plywood and common boards

I love the storage on this DIY nightstand. It has two drawers plus an open shelf, and at 28 ¾ inches tall, it fits perfectly alongside today’s thicker mattresses. Just keep in mind that because it requires a table saw, it’s best suited for advanced beginners or intermediate woodworkers.
Get the free plans to build this nightstand for your bedroom.

8. Modern Bedside Table from The Handyman’s Daughter (no drawer pull)

Difficulty: Advanced Beginner
Materials Needed: Plywood and/or common boards, and a piece of maple for the drawer front

I included this modern bedside table in the collection for its simple design, featuring a notched maple drawer front that pops against the white body. A table saw is ideal here, but a circular saw with a straight-edge guide works well if you’re not yet comfortable on a table saw. Tip: If you use plywood for the sides and shelf, don’t forget edge banding for a clean finish!
Grab the plans from The Handyman’s Daughter to build it yourself.

9. Mid-Century Modern Nightstand from Woodshop Diaries (1 sheet of plywood)

Difficulty: Intermediate
Material Needed: 1 sheet of plywood + wood scraps

Between the spacious drawer and open shelf, this DIY mid-century nightstand is an absolute winner. This one is made using maple plywood, but any hardwood plywood will work. A circular saw works great for breaking down the sheets, though you can certainly use a table saw if you prefer.
Get the plans and follow the tutorial to build it yourself.

10. Simple DIY Nightstand from Charleston Crafted (3 easy steps)

Difficulty: Beginner
Material Needed: 1 sheet of plywood and common lumber

I chose this simple nightstand because it is a great beginner project. Made from plywood and simple lumber, the tutorial breaks it down into 3 easy steps. Build the base, build the drawer, and connect them. A drawer and two shelves are great for adding extra storage to your bedroom. Note: You can use a circular saw to cut the plywood or a table saw if you are comfortable using one.
Get the plans from Charleston Crafted to build it yourself.

11. Craftsman Nightstand from Her Toolbelt (perfect for a tall bed)

Difficulty: Intermediate
Material Needed: Plywood + common boards

A Craftsman-style nightstand is perfect for a traditional bedroom and I like that the 3 drawers give you lots of extra storage. It’s another one on the tall side at 28″ and is great to pair with a taller bed. Adding trim detail really elevates the look, but it’s an optional step in the plans.
Grab the free plans to build this Craftsman nightstand.

12. Rustic Nightstand from Rogue Engineer (beginner-friendly)

Difficulty: Beginner
Material Needed: Plywood, underlayment, and kiln-dried 2X8 lumber

If you’re looking for a nightstand with a rustic industrial look, then this is the one for you. I like that this rustic nightstand is 30″ tall and features a drawer and storage shelf. Metal brackets add an industrial touch.
Follow the plans and tutorial to make this one for your bedroom.

13. Rustic Nightstand from Jen Woodhouse (hidden charging)

Difficulty: Intermediate
Material Needed: Plywood, common boards + premade furniture feet

I like the classic look of this 3-drawer nightstand, and it features a pull-out writing tray and hidden charging. What more could you need in a bedside table? If you’re comfortable using a router, making the drawers will be a breeze according to the plans and tutorial. If you have never used a router, but you’re ready to try, you can learn router basics here.
Grab the plans and follow the tutorial to make this classic nightstand.

14. Easy DIY Floating Nightstands from Pine and Poplar (power and charging)

Difficulty: Beginner
Material Needed: (1) 1×10 board

I like quick win projects! These DIY floating nightstands are made with a 1X10 and just four tools. The optional built-in charger makes this the ultimate small space nightstand. You could use pine to make this a budget-friendly build, or opt for a hardwood for a higher end look.
Make this easy nightstand project with the plans and tutorial.

15. Extra Wide DIY Nightstands from Love and Renovations (loads of storage)

Difficulty: Beginner
Material Needed: Plywood, pine boards + decorative trim

This extra-wide nightstand offers plenty of tabletop space, and its extra width makes the 2 shelves and drawer perfect for storing everything you need at your bedside. I love the detail of the furniture feet! It’s the perfect beginner project that helps you build your skills with 5 different power tools.
Learn how to build this one for your bedroom.

16. Ashley Nightstand from Her Toolbelt (make it with scrap wood)

Difficulty: Beginner
Material Needed: Scrap wood

Floor heating vents can’t be blocked, so I like that this nightstand is built with tall legs that allow it to sit over one and still allow the air to flow into the room. It was built from scrap wood, but you can use 1X6 boards if you don’t have enough scrap in your pile.
Get the plans to build this this tall nightstand.

17. Super Easy Nightstand by Shark Tails for Remodelaholic (modern vibe)

Difficulty: Beginner
Material Needed: Plywood or pine boards

This nightstand was made from scrap knotty pine, making the cuts for the top and bottom easier. If you don’t have enough scrap wood, you can also use plywood for this project. I love the legs of this one. They are cut from a 1X8, from corner to corner to form a right triangle, then cut to the needed height. It really gives them a cool mid-century modern vibe.
Follow the tutorial to build this nightstand for your bedroom.

18. Bedside Table by Jen Woodhouse (2 shelves and a drawer)

Difficulty: Beginner
Material Needed: Plywood pine boards

This DIY bedside table has a classic silhouette with two open shelves and a drawer. I like that it’s wide enough to accommodate a lamp and anything else you need to have at bedside. Made using 1X12s, 1X2s, and plywood, this nightstand is a great project to master your pocket hole skills.
Grab the plans and build it today.

19. Wood Nightstand with Drawer from The Merry Thought (small space design)

Difficulty: Beginner
Material Needed: Plywood and maple

I love the grain of the maple drawer front on this modern minimalist nightstand. It isn’t always easy to find a nightstand to fit in a small space, but this one can be customized in height and width for the space. The tutorial calls for a table saw to be used to create a dado for the drawer bottom to slide into, but a beginner could build the drawer without it.
See the full tutorial to build this nightstand.

20. Live Edge Floating Nightstands from DIY Huntress (for small bedrooms)

Difficulty: Intermediate
Material Needed: Live edge slab

A floating nightstand is great for small bedrooms, and adding a live-edge detail really elevates the look. The frame of this DIY floating nightstand is made from walnut and poplar with a piece of live edge wood for the drawer front. I love how the live edge makes a natural drawer pull. The nightstand box is made using just glue and clamps, but you could use brad nails to help hold it in place while the glue dries.
Follow the plans and tutorial to make your own floating nightstand.

21. Simple DIY Nightstand with Drawers from Woodshop Diaries (tons of storage)

Difficulty: Beginner
Material Needed: Birch Plywood and common boards

This build earned a spot on my list for its clever small-space design and four roomy drawers. It’s a budget-friendly nightstand, surprisingly easy to assemble, and the ideal project to tackle if you’re ready to break out the table saw.
Grab the plans to build it yourself.

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And there you have it!

A nightstand design for you to build for every decor, storage, or size. Which one will you build?

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