Fine Woodworking's Walnut Nightstand Plan

Build a nightstand that doubles as a bookcase with this printed plan. Designed by furniture maker Michael Cullen, this handsome nightstand was custom-made for a retired librarian who wanted a bedside table that works like a bookcase. This Walnut Nightstand not only looks stylish, but it provides a surface for all the usual bedroom items--lamp, alarm clock, eyeglasses and water glass. Below, there's a handy space for stowing papers, a drawer for writing materials and tablet, and storage for lots of books and reading material.

Sleek lines...stout joinery. This streamlined design features housed mortise-and-tenon joints, and the sides of the case are gently tapered both in thickness and in width. A beveled, stepped detail adds interest around the top, and a stretcher below the lower shelf has exposed tenons. The backbone of the project is the housed mortise-and-tenon joint, which has a stub tenon, or haunch, between full tenons. This gives the joint strength, ensures a tight joint line, and prevents warping.

Expert tips for foolproof glue-up. Michael Cullen show how to execute all the critical steps in constructing this nightstand, from choosing the wood to handling the exacting final assembly. You'll pick up some great shop-tested tips for managing what could be a challenging glue-up. See how he handles it in two separate stages to ensure exquisite results.

A stylish nightstand that's perfect for the late-night reader. This Walnut Nightstand is perfect for avid readers who want to keep books, magazines, an note-taking materials within easy reach. For all its practicality, this beautifully designed and crafted stand is a mini work art. It is just one example of Michael Cullen's ability to produce high-quality furniture that displays sound proportions, intriguing textures, and superb craftsmanship.