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You are here: Home / DIY / DIY Projects / Simple DIY Nightstand for Small Spaces

Simple DIY Nightstand for Small Spaces

By Justin Weinger 10 Comments

Simple DIY Nightstand for Small Spaces

I went in search of a nightstand for a very narrow area on one side of a bed in our guestroom and had very poor luck finding anything. Admittedly, I did find a couple of things but they were much more expensive than I thought they should be or was willing to pay. I saw a couple cute ideas on pinterest but they were a lot more labor intensive than I wanted, or required skills I do not really possess, or they just didn’t have the look I wanted. So, I started to think outside the box and see what I could turn in to a nightstand, but size limitations were a problem.

But then I saw it! The answer to my problem! Sitting right there at IKEA while my husband waited in line to buy a new office chair. It wasn’t a ready made nightstand and they were not even out of the package. It was 2 metal shelf brackets in with a fun circle pattern in the color red and it was in the Odds & Ends section for half price for $3.50 because it has been discontinued (although, I think $7 would have been a great price too.) It could have not been more perfect because the other accent items in the room also have red as a common color. As soon as I saw them, it came to me. With shelf brackets, I can cut the wood (or ask my husband to) to the exact size the space is. I didn’t need multiple levels in a nightstand, I needed a space to put a small lamp and allow guests to place a glass of water on. If you like the red color, check out theses IKEA red shelf brackets for under $8 on Amazon that also have free Prime shipping.

Supplies for the Simple DIY Nightstand for Small Spaces

It all started to seem to simple and logical, but then I thought, “What if I could find a board already made?” I figured it couldn’t hurt to look at hardware stores. I found this board that was the perfect size at Fleet Farm. Now I had beautifully beveled edges and something already cut for only $2.50. You can also buy this same wooden plaque on Amazon, but it costs a little more.

My simple DIY nightstand was all coming together. I knew I had a lacquer spray paint to use as a top coat (3-4 coats needed) but totally lucked out when I saw the color I wanted for a stain was the what my husband used when he refinished a drum set. Stain goes a long way, so he could have bought a much smaller can and there still would have been leftovers.

I didn’t actually use the foam brush in the picture, but instead used an old rag to wipe on the stain and wipe it off. I used two coats of stain, then let it dry 24 hours before using the spray lacquer. Be sure to allow the spray lacquer to dry between coats.

Simply DIY Nightstand for Small Spaces

Then I simply used anchors and screws in the wall on the bracket that was not on a stud and just screws in the bracket that was on the stud. Finally, I used a couple of short screws to attach the bracket to the top. It was quite simple and now I have the perfectly sized nightstand in our guest bedroom.

Finished project: Simple DIY Nightstand for Small Spaces

If you are looking for a few more DIY bedroom decor ideas, check out these posts:

  • Make a Pottery Barn Inspired Headboard Out of a Door
  • DIY Area Rug on a Budget
  • Upcycled Storage Containers
  • Simple Storage Crafts You “Can” Do
  • DIY Mosaic Mirror

Note: This post contains affiliate links that help support this blog at no additional cost to you. Please read my full disclosure policy for more info.

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Filed Under: DIY Projects

Comments

  1. Carol Cassara says

    July 14, 2016 at 8:06 pm

    Easy-peasy, isn’t it? And it looks pretty good! Why spend a fortune on BR furniture if you don’t have to? Appreciate your approach to the cost of things.

    Reply
    • Jessica says

      July 14, 2016 at 9:26 pm

      It was quite easy. I loved that I didn’t have to cut anything.

      Reply
  2. Elizabeth O. says

    July 14, 2016 at 8:52 pm

    What a lovely solution! I like the little desk and it does add a little character to the bedroom! I think it’s the perfect way to have a nightstand without sacrificing so much space! That’s awesome!

    Reply
    • Jessica says

      July 14, 2016 at 9:24 pm

      I think it adds some character too. This was the only way we could have a nightstand on this side of the bed was to make something ourselves that fit the space.

      Reply
  3. Glenda Kruse says

    July 15, 2016 at 9:16 am

    Love the beautiful detail you added to the edge of the night stand. Such a unique look! :)

    Reply
    • Jessica says

      July 16, 2016 at 9:58 am

      Thanks. I think so too!

      Reply
  4. Claudette P. Esterine says

    July 17, 2016 at 8:18 am

    The stand seems easy enough but what about the lamp??? I adore it and want it!

    Reply
    • Jessica says

      July 17, 2016 at 1:01 pm

      I wish I could remember where I bought the lamp. I have a set of them and bought them about 15 years ago.

      Reply
  5. Nicole Escat says

    July 18, 2016 at 1:06 am

    This is perfect in our room, we have a small space. I like to make my DIY nightstand too!

    Reply
    • Jessica says

      July 18, 2016 at 9:05 am

      I would love to see how yours turns out!

      Reply

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