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Nursery Armoire Plans

Build a Beautiful Nursery Armoire
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Free plans to build a nursery armoire - step by step directions with shopping list and cut list and diagrams.  Lots of reader submitted photos.

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Build a Beautiful Nursery Armoire

Dimensions
Build a Beautiful Nursery Armoire
Overall Dimensions are shown above. The depth of this cabinet is 24″, but you can use a shorter width board to get a shorter depth and a smaller footprint.

Preparation

Shopping List
  • 2 – Sheets of 3/4″ hardwood plywood
  • 1 – Sheet of 1/4″ plywood (for the back)
  • 1 – 4'x4' (half sheet) of 1/2" thick hardwood plywood (used for the backs of the doors)
  • 1 - 1x4 @ 4 feet long
  • 2 - 1x3 @ 8 feet long 
  • 3 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long
  • 1-1/4" pocket hole screws (About 50)
  • Wood Filler
  • Wood Glue
  • 2″ Brad Nails
  • 1-1/4″ Brad Nails
  • 5/8″ Brad Nails (for the cabinet doors)
  • 3 – Sets of Full Overlay Frameless Door Hinges
  • 5 – Sets of basic hinges
  • 1 - 8′ stick of 5 1/4″ base board molding
  • 3 – 8′ sticks of 1/4″ x 2 1/2″ hobby boards for the door detailing

Additional Shopping List for Optional Drawers

  • Scrap 1×24, or matching width to the box from the armoire, 3′ or (2) 18′ pieces
  • 2 – 8′ 1×6 Boards
  • 2- Sets of Undermount Slides
Common Materials
1-1/4" Pocket Hole Screws
2-1/2" Pocket Hole Screws
Elmer's Wood Glue
Elmer's Wood Filler
120 grit sandpaper
primer
wood conditioner
paint
paint brush
Cut List

Cut List for the Box

  • 1 – 3/4" plywood @ 23-1/4" x 6-1/2″ (Drawer Divider)
  • 2 – 3/4" plywood @ 23-1/4" x 66″ (Sides)
  • 4 – 3/4" plywood @ 23-1/4" x 38-1/2″ (Shelves)

Cut List for the Trim - Cut to fit as you go

  • 1 – 1×4 @ 40″ (Top Header Trim)
  • 2 – 1×3 @ 26-1/2″ (Bottom Side Trim, Fixed) (cut at 62 1/2″ if you want the top trim fixed too, for non-flat folding doors)
  • 2 – 1×3 @ 36″ (Top Side Trim, if you choose to have the flat folding doors)
  • 2 – 1×2 @ 35″ (Shelf Trim)
  • 4 – 1×2 @ 24-1/4″ (Side Crown Trim)
  • 1 – 1×2 @ 41-1/2″ (Bottom Front Crown Trim)
  • 1 – 1×2 @ 43″ (Top Crown Front Trim)
  • 2 – 5-1/4″ Base Moulding, @ 25″ (Longest Points, mitered out on front end) (measure to fit)
  • 1 – 5-1/4″ Base Moulding, @ 41-1/2″ (Longest Points, mitered on both ends out) (measure to fit)

Cut List for the Doors

  • 2 – 1/2" plywood @ 35 3/4″ x 17 1/4″ (Back of top Doors)
  • 2 – 1/2″ plywood @ 19 1/2″ (Back of bottom Doors)
  • 8 – 1/4″ plywood x 2-1/2″ wide hobby stock @ 17-1/4″ (Top and bottom trim for all doors)
  • 4 – 1/4″ x 2-1/2″ wide hobby board @ 30-3/4″ (Top Sides, cut to measurement)
  • 4 – 1/4″ x 2-1/2″ wide hobby board @ 14-1/2″ (Bottom Sides, cut to measurements) 

Optional Drawers Cut List

  • 2 – 1×24 @ 17 7/8″ (Bottoms)
  • 4 – 1×6 @ 17 7/8″ (Fronts and Back)
  • 4 – 1×6 @ 22″ (Sides of Drawers)
Cutting Instructions

Rip the 3/4" plywood into strips 23-1/4" wide x 8 feet long.

Then cross cut with a circular saw to the needed lengths.

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Kreg Jig
Drill
Jigsaw
Miter Saw
Table Saw
Brad Nailer
Power Sander
Level
Drill Bit Set
General Instructions

Work on a clean level surface. Have someone help you rotate and move this project, it’s going to be HEAVY. To decrease expense and weight, you can use a 1×16 or even a 1×12 board width instead of the 1×24. The 1×24 is designed to fit the older TVs. A 1×16 would still be enough room for a hanger to use this as a closet. When working with MDF, predrill the entire length of the screws shaft and use special MDF screws or drywall screws. Do not use wood screws. Always use glue and mark out your joints on both the joint and the outside to assist with build. Take a square after each step. Use proper safety equipment.

Instructions

Step 1

Carcass assembly -

Drill four 3/4" pocket holes on each end of each shelf board.  Mark out and attach to the sides of the carcass to create the basic carcass for the project.

Step 2

Divider for shelf - 

Center the divider between the shelves as shown. Then fasten the divider in place as shown above using glue and 1-1/4" brad nails.

This divider is not just for the drawer housing. It adds strength, helping your shelf carry a heavier weight. 

Step 3

Back. Using the 1 1/4″ nails and glue, fasten the back in place.  Use the back to square up the armoire.

Step 4

Begin Trim

Start with the header trim. Fasten in place with 2″ nails and glue, to both the top and sides. Then fasten the bottom side trim, also to the sides and shelves. Finally, measure and cut the blue trim above from 1×2 boards, and fasten in place with 2″ nails and glue. Keep edges flush with the tops of the shelves.

Step 5

Attach the side crown pieces together and then to the side of the armoire as shown.

Step 6

Front Crown Trim

In the same manner as you fasten the side trim, fasten the front crown.

Step 7

Footer

Mitering your corners, cut the base moulding to fit your sides. Then measure and cut your front piece, mitering out both sides to fit the sides. Use 1 1/4″ nails and glue to attach.

Step 8

Footer Cutout

Cut out your footer as shown above with a jigsaw.

Step 9

Doors

Cut your door pieces as shown above. Using 5/8″ nails, start by gluing and clamping the tops and bottom trim pieces to each door. Let dry flat. Then add the side trim for all the doors. If you wish to stain this piece, you will need to add edge banding to the visible edges of the doors.

Step 10

Top Side Trim for Fold Flat Doors. Measure and cut the side trim, approximately 36″. Using framless full overylay hinges, fasten the trim piece in place. The trim will need to extend out 90 degrees when opened. You can use euro style (needs a special bit to install), but there are also other types. The important elements are FRAMLESS, FULL OVERLAY and opens 90 DEGREES or more.

Step 11

This drawer is designed to work with the flat folding doors. If you choose to have non-flatfolding doors, you will need to cut your drawer bottoms and sides @ 15″. Build your Drawers by fastening with glue and 2″ nails the fronts and the backs of the drawers to the bottoms. Then fasten the sides in place, with glue and 2″ nails, to both the bottom and the sides. Mount in the openings using undermount drawer slides.

Step 12

Fill any holes with wood filler. Let dry and sand and finish as desired. If you are staining, you may need to add edge banding to any exposed plywood edges.

Project Type
Armoire Plans
Media and Entertainment Centers
Room
Storage Solutions
Bedroom
dining room
Kids and Toys
living room
Nursery and Baby
office
Style
Farmhouse Furniture

Comments

Viola (not verified)

Thu, 03/11/2010 - 09:38

Thank you so much Ana. This is great. I was just trying to think how to build one this morning for our bedroom. You are so awesome!

Isabel (not verified)

Thu, 03/11/2010 - 09:45

Like they say: What doesnt kill you makes you stronger! What good-looking post! I love it, it would look so awesome in my bedroom and would give me the so needed storage!!

Erin @ The Imp… (not verified)

Thu, 03/11/2010 - 10:02

Very nice ... and thank you for showing me where I can buy it for $1,400 but I'd rather spend $200 to make it!

(wink, wink ... nice job on pleasing the lawyers)

Karene (not verified)

Thu, 03/11/2010 - 10:05

I love the way you are approaching this whole PB thing. It is so funny just to follow your blog just to read what you will politely say but at the same time saying, UH hello, seriously!
Keep up the awesome work and empower people to get back to the basics of learning how to do things themselves. It iss a major lost art.
I started a blog on simple gourmet cooking to empower people to cook like a chef. I can not imagine if, we"ll say WS... tried to tell me to stop. What about all the other informative blogs who teach how to make boutique items ect. CRAZY!

Goings on at t… (not verified)

Thu, 03/11/2010 - 10:08

I agree with Erin and Ananda. Making everyone happy! I love this piece too. I so can't wait to have our own house and more room to fill with beautiful functional furniture. BTW we just finished the simple beds to bunk beds and will be working on setting them up in the kids room soon. Can't wait to show you! They are bright red too!

Lea (not verified)

Thu, 03/11/2010 - 10:15

As if seeing your gorgeous and inspiring designs wasn't enough to keep me coming back again and again and again, now I'm going to come back just to see how you deal with that big ol' bully. Good for you girl. BTW...I burned all my Pootery Farm and Price Be-damned catalogs.

ShOrt StoRy (not verified)

Thu, 03/11/2010 - 11:02

All I can say is WOW....you are one talented lady and I want to thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU for sharing your plans for all the expensive inspired brands!!!
First two things on my list: Collector's bookshelves for my two sons, and the toddler farmhouse bed for by daughter!
Oh and another thing....I literally stayed up until 1 am going through your entire sight, THEN woke up at 3:30 so inspired I came back to the computer to look some more! Don't ever go away, I don't know what I'd do without you!!!! plus I am an idiot when it comes to measuring and you make it so easy and non-intimidating!!! I will be sure to post asap of my upcoming projects!

Laree (not verified)

Thu, 03/11/2010 - 12:01

Love this idea! my sister has something similar for her tv - for $2000!

And I love the new layout. I think it's even better with the aprox. cost, time, skill level. You go girl!

Mia (not verified)

Thu, 03/11/2010 - 12:33

Your revamp is fab! Thank you for all the wonderful plans. I am excited about this plan. The doors particularly. I wonder can they be adapted for other pieces? Keep up the fantastic work.

Rachel (not verified)

Thu, 03/11/2010 - 12:49

Love the new look and feature: ABOUT.

It is so helpful to know the skill level and possible cost before broaching my hubby about the plans:)

Thanks for all your great plans.

Tammy James (not verified)

Thu, 03/11/2010 - 13:34

Hi Ana, I really like the about you have added and wanted to say the way you have handled your legal issues with the pricing and link are most clever and impressive. Well done and thank you.

slowknitter (not verified)

Thu, 03/11/2010 - 14:09

Hi Ana,

I've been lurking, reading all of the plans, thinking maybe I could attempt something simple like the rustic bench. After the brouhaha with WSI, I'm definitely stepping out of my comfort zone and giving furniture building a try.

Anonymous (not verified)

Thu, 03/11/2010 - 14:55

Ana you are too cute! I just love how you roll with the punches! L.O.V.E the new post layout. It is kinda sarcatic, and I like that!

Anonymous (not verified)

Thu, 03/11/2010 - 15:23

Hey Ana, I am having a good laugh going through the comments on the post about the letter you received. Does Pootery Barn think that they are the originator of all this simple furniture? Maybe their finishes and a few details are something new that they came up with, but other than that I don't think they are originators of the farmhouse table or an armoire! They would even have to give that credit to someone else! So the fact of the matter is you could make plans all the live long day and more than likely somebody somewhere can find something similiar that another company makes. I think all the people that have commented saying that you are in the wrong are just upset that they paid full price for their piece of furniture and they have none of the satisfaction of saying I built it myself!!

Anonymous (not verified)

Thu, 03/11/2010 - 16:49

Hooray for the continued postings! I'm a big fan of your site.
-Sara B
Brooklyn NY

Kristi M. (not verified)

Fri, 03/12/2010 - 10:36

Holy Cow this armoire could not have come at a better time. I have been wanting to find one of these for a long time. More like buy one but now my husband and I are going to take on this project soon for our tv. I am SO excited and want it like, yesterday. He is even totally on board and thinks it is an awesome idea. He looked at the plans and mentioned how they were easy and straightforward. I can't wait. I will definately send pictures when that happy day comes. Thanks for the awesome plans and your ability to roll with the punches.

Brown Sugar Babies (not verified)

Fri, 03/12/2010 - 12:17

This is fabulous!!! I would love to see you create something for us crafters! The furniture/storage units are SO EXPENSIVE!!! I scrapbook, rubber stamp, paint and sew!!LOL I'd go broke trying to buy storage units for all of my hobbies.

Nicki (not verified)

Tue, 05/04/2010 - 08:07

I have this printed out to use as a pantry in my kitchen. This is EXACTLY what I have been looking for. Add a few more shelves to each layer & it will be perfect!!!!!!

MrsD2008

Tue, 04/19/2011 - 19:42

I am so flippin' happy I found your site!  (Keep reading for the good part that actually goes along with this project).

I showed my husband the Laundry Basket Dresser and told him I wanted to put it across from the washer/dryer in my laundry hallway (we live in a ranch--LOOONNNGGGGG but skinny house, thus I have a laundry hallway instead of a laundry room). We measured and I thought there would be enough room, but he said it was too tight and I trust him.  So we stood there trying to think of a solution, because this is a project I really wanted to do.... (and I totally didn't think he'd support my plans, but it's nice that he is) We have this awkward tall cabinet right next to the dryer that we use for food storage.  It's tall and skinny and just weird.  It's split into three cabinets so it's not even a real pantry.  I said, what if turn this into a bigger project, would that be okay?  He said, sure....so we're going to demo those cabinets and use that area for the laundry basket dresser.  We measured that area and we're going to be able to take off the cabinet doors and cabinet bottoms, but keep the two side structure pieces to build upon for my laundry basket dresser! It will be the stacked design and I will be able to fit all 6 baskets. 

After deciding that was the way to go, I jumped on here to find a plan for an armoire type cabinet that we could build upon to make into a pantry with smooth roll out shallow drawers to store our food goods.  You have to understand, this is something I have been asking for FOREVER.  So, I found these plans which are going to work awesome (according to hubby, who is going to have to help me with this one because of the alterations).  So, to make a long story short--THANKS SOOOOOOOOO much for making this website!!

guest (not verified)

Mon, 07/25/2011 - 19:31

Did anyone have trouble with the drawers? I am building this piece by piece in sketchup so I will know exactly what to do when I build with wood. When I use the dimensions given the drawer is too big for the opening. What size do they need to be in order to use the undermount?

Rolando Arroyos

Thu, 03/26/2020 - 11:27

i know this is an old post, not sure if anyone will respond but is the plywood used on the doors sandwiched between the 1/4" hobby stock and then a trim piece all around? 

Frequently Asked Questions

Wood Questions

What kind of wood should I use?
Most of our plans use standard construction lumber like pine or fir. It's affordable, easy to work with, and easy to find. It's also rapidly renewing and biodegradable, so a great eco friendly choice!

Can I use hardwoods instead?
Yes—just keep in mind they're heavier, cost more, and can be tougher on tools and harder to join together and finish. I recommend not tackling a hardwood project until after you have built several softwood projects.

What if my boards are warped?
Choose the straightest boards at the store. You can often work around slight warps by cutting them into shorter pieces.

What wood should I use for outdoor furniture?
Use red-toned or pressure-treated 2x lumber for framing, and cedar or cedar fence pickets for the decking. Outdoor furniture should be built like a deck—your local home center can help recommend the right wood for your climate.

Will my wood move or warp after I build?
Potentially, especially in humid climates. Let your wood acclimate indoors before building. Once acclimated and kept in a stable environment, movement should be minimal. Remember, most houses are built using framing lumber - it's all about keeping moisture down indoors.

Cutting Questions

Do I need a miter saw?
A miter saw is great, creating fast, safe, and precise cuts, even for beginners. But most plans can be built with a circular saw and a straight edge. If using a circular saw to cut, take time to practice, and get good at making cuts, before cutting your project boards.

How do I get clean cuts with a circular saw?
Clamp your board, measure twice, cut slow, and use a sharp blade. This takes practice, so spend some time making cuts. I go through becoming proficient at freehand cutting in my course, it is worth taking if you want to master this skill.

Will the store cut my wood?
Yes—most stores will do rough cuts to help you transport your materials home. But from store to store, the quality of cuts could greatly vary.

Joinery Questions

What screws should I use?
We recommend star-head self tapping screws for framing, most common sizes are 2-1/2", 1-3/4". Pre-drill if close to the edge or you find your wood is splitting.

Do I have to use pocket holes?
Pocket holes are the cheapest, easiest and fastest way to do some joints - like edge to edge or a hidden fastener joint. There are other methods, but these can be time consuming and expensive. We recommend using pocket holes as indicated in plans for best results.

How do I keep things square?
Use a speed square and measure diagonals after each step. Always clamp joints before screwing to keep them tight and flush.

Finishing Questions

Stain or paint before or after building?
A quick sand before and a full finish after gives the best results. Pre-finish if you're doing two-tone or detailed finishes.

What type of finish?
Use oil-based or water-based stain. For paint, cabinet-grade latex or enamel works great. High use surfaces on indoor projects should get a coat of polyurethane, I recommend a Helsman or Spar or other flexible poly that won't crack or peel with wood movement. For exterior projects, use a finish suitable for exterior fences.

How to get a smooth finish?
Start with a well sanded project. Sand between coats (220 grit), wipe clean, and apply light coats with a foam brush or roller.

Plan Questions

Can I change the size?
Many people do, and that's the great thing about building your own furniture! But do keep in mind going bigger might mean more supports are required, and often plans are optimized for minimal material waste.

Are these beginner-friendly?
Yes—plans are written with simple tools and clear steps in mind, with every effort to make plans as simple as possible.

Can I sell what I build?
Absolutely! Just don’t resell or repost the plans themselves.

General Questions

What tools do I really need?
A drill, circular saw, tape measure, square, and a few clamps will get you through most projects.

Do I need a workshop?
Nope! A driveway or small patio is plenty to get started, just make sure you have a level place to work. If you find you are building several projects a year, creating a small workbench is a great way to store tools and have a dedicated workspace.

What if I mess up?
Wood filler, sanding, or flipping boards goes a long way. Mistakes are part of the process!

What can I do to make my projects look more professional?
Start with straight boards, make accurate cuts, clamp all joints, and line up everything neatly. Sand thoroughly, use a neutral finish, and apply it in light coats for a clean look.

I've never built anything before. Where should I start?
Start with a few smaller softwood projects to get hands-on experience. Or if you're tackling a big project, buy a little extra lumber and practice your cuts and joints first. If possible, work with someone who has a bit of experience.

Care & Maintenance

How long will my furniture last?
With good joinery and regular care, your DIY furniture can last for decades. I have pieces in my own home that are over 20 years old and still going strong! One of the best parts about DIY furniture is that it’s easy to repaint, refinish, or repair—so your projects can grow and adapt with you.

How should I care for outdoor furniture?
Lightly pressure wash or hose it down once or twice a year. Tighten screws and reapply finish as needed to protect it—just like a deck or fence. A little upkeep goes a long way in extending the life of your furniture.

How about indoor furniture?
Regularly dust or wipe with a damp cloth. If it starts to look worn, a light sanding and touch-up paint or stain can refresh it in no time. DIY pieces are meant to be durable and fixable—so don’t be afraid to give them some love now and then.

Want to Build with Confidence?

Check out my ebook: 12 Skills to Build Your Own Furniture
It walks you through the core skills every builder needs—measuring, cutting, joinery, and finishing—so you can build beautiful furniture that lasts.

Still Have Questions?

Email us anytime at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help!