Mini Farmhouse Bedside Table Plans

mini farmhouse bedside tables
Difficulty
Intermediate
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Free plans to build a mini farmhouse bedside table from Ana-White.com

One of my fav plans I've done (with over 50 brag posts too! Thanks for sharing!) was this Farmhouse Bedside Table.

Some of you have made this table in a smaller version to better fit your space.

These mini farmhouse table beauties were handmade by Danicarby - aren't they darling?

After a few requests, I wanted to share the smaller plans with you as well!  And remember, you can make these tables just about any size you like - just add or subtract to the width boards!

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Mini Farmhouse Bedside Table

Dimensions
mini farmhouse bedside table plan dimensions

Preparation

Shopping List
  • 1 - 1x12 @ 4 feet long
  • 1 - 1x2 @ 6 feet long
  • 2 - 2x2 @ 8 feet long
  • 1 - 1x6 @ 8 feet long scrap
  • 1/4 plywood piece for back optional recommend
  • 2 1/2" and 1 1/4" pocket hole screws for joinery
Cut List
  • 2 – 1×12 @ 8 3/4″ (Sides)
  • 4 – 1×2 @ 11 1/4″ (Side Trim – needs to be width of your 1x12s)
  • 4 – 2×2 @ 26 1/4″ (Legs)
  • 2 – 2×2 @ 11 1/4″ (Side Stretchers, same width as your 1x12s)
  • 6 – 2×2 @ 10 3/4″ (Front/Back Trim)
  • 1 – 1/4″ Plywood or paneling or other sheet goods @ 13 3/4″ x 8 1/2″ (back, optional)
  • 3 – 1×6 @ 15 3/4″ (Top)
  • 2 – 1×6 @ 10 1/2″ (Front and Back of Drawer)
  • 2 – 1×6 @ 11 1/4″ (Width of 1×12 – Sides of Drawers)
  • 1 – 1×12 @ 9″ (Bottom of drawer)
  • 1 – 1×12 @ 13 3/4″ (Bottom Shelf)
  • 2 – 1×2 @ 10 3/4″ (Bottom Shelf Trim)
Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Kreg Jig
Drill
Miter Saw
Power Sander
Drill Bit Set
General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1

Start by attaching trim to the side 1x12 pieces - a nail gun from the inside will do the trick and keep nail holes hidden. Use 1 1/4" nails and glue. Do this for both sides.

Step 2

I recommend attaching the legs with a Kreg Jig - set it for 1 1/2" pocket holes when joining 2x2s together and use 2 1/2" pocket hole screws. For any joints with 1x boards, use the 3/4" setting and 1 1/4" pocket hole screws. Do this for both sides.

Step 3

Then connect the sides together with the front/back trim boards.

Step 4

Attach 1/4" plywood to back with nails and glue.

Step 5

Step 6

Now build your drawers. The bottom is just another 1x12 to use materials you have on hand. Bottom can be attached on underside with 3/4" pocket holes and 1 1/4" pocket hole screws and glue.

Step 7

Now the slides .... remember, you'll want an 1/8" gap around all sides of the drawer face. So attach the slides so the drawer sits down about 1/8". Adjust the slides until your drawer slides easily. Candle wax on top will really help the drawer slide better.

Step 8

Then trim out the front with the remaining 2x2.

Step 9

And then build your bottom shelf as you did the top with 3/4" PHs/1 1/4" PH screws and attach on top of the bottoms stretchers.

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

Comments

CGCouture

Thu, 05/23/2013 - 17:00

These are exactly what I want for nightstands! I feel like I don't say this enough, but thank you SO MUCH for all your awesome hard work!

tlhorinek

Tue, 01/14/2014 - 19:34

In order maximize your wood, Each 2x2 board must be cut like this:
26.25(leg), 26.25(leg), 11.25(side stretcher), 10.75(trim), 10.75(trim), 10.75(trim).
This totals the 96in for the 8' board.
Do the same for the next piece.

AND, you need 4 - 1x2 @ 11.25(side trim) ... not 2.

JuliaG

Mon, 04/28/2014 - 13:19

Hi, I'm brand new to this site and absolutely LOVE LOVE everything on here!! You're truly amazing! I am looking at this bedside table that I love but am having issues with step 7 where you talk about the slides. I didn't see them in the shopping list items and am wondering if you can tell me more about them. Are they just two pieces of wood that the shelf sits on or are they actual metal drawer slides? How big are they? Thanks!!

NoëlD

Wed, 10/22/2014 - 22:31

Julia,

The slides are just two lengths of wood.  They should be the same length as the width of the 1 x 12 that you use. I have built two of these myself - just need to sand and stain them.

Noel

DuoofDeath1

Wed, 10/22/2014 - 10:47

I am also confused about the whole slider comment and was looking as the tool list and was wondering what exactly i needed the compound miter saw for in this project. I have only basic tools and that is not one of them but would like to tackle this project without having to either buy that tool or attempt to do it without the proper equipment.

Thanks

NoëlD

Wed, 10/22/2014 - 22:34

You don't really need a compound miter saw for this build.  I have built two of these and used a power miter saw - it made it easier to saw the boards so they would match lengths where necessary.

nengel21

Sun, 11/02/2014 - 05:52

I too only have the basic tools...how important is the pocket hole jig? I am sure I can buy one or find one but don't want to get started until I know whether I absolutly need one. Thoughts?

In reply to by nengel21

CSaintD

Sun, 11/02/2014 - 09:34

I love my Kreg Jig and highly recommend it.  Though it's not strictly necessary (you can do it with nails, or a power nailer and glue), I have a hard time building things without it.  I talked my Mom into buying me one for my birthday last year and it's the best gift I ever got.  They are about $100 at Lowes and HD and well worth the cost if you are going to make a lot of items.

In reply to by nengel21

Doug560

Sat, 04/11/2015 - 09:57

If you're planning on building furniture items and you want the end result to look somewhat better than something created in a 7th grade shop class, a pocket hole jig is essential equipment. You don't have to get real fancy. Just the basic clamp on jig is all you need. You can get the Kreg Mini Jig Kit on Amazon for $20 bucks. It's one of the most used tools in my shop. Yes, dowel rods and glue also create strong invisible joints, but those require a jig as well and make disassembly nearly impossible. Using pocket holes allows you to create strong invisible joints that can be easily disassembled. Get the basic $20 jig kit. The only other things you'll need to use it is a clamp and a 3/8" drill -- and of course some pocket screws.

lisamgo

Mon, 08/29/2016 - 10:29

I chose this as my first project and am having fun with it! I think the cut list should call for 4 pieces of side trim (1×2 @ 11 1/4″), not 2. 

tealwindmill

Mon, 12/18/2017 - 12:13

I'm not seeing the drawer slides in the cut list. Where do they come from? I mistakenly thought the bottom trim pieces were the drawer slides. The slides look like 1x2 pieces, but the 6 foot 1x2 piece isn't long enough for them.

Buildinghobby

Sat, 08/24/2019 - 22:26

Can you clear up step 9 for me? Is the bottom shelf sitting on the 2x2? 

And if so how do you attach the 1x2 to the bottom shelf? Wouldn’t the back of the 2x2 then not be flush? 

Buildinghobby

Sat, 08/24/2019 - 22:23

Can someone clear up step 9 for me? I’m confused on the 1x2 on the bottom shelf. And the 1x12. Do they sit on top of the 2x2? If so how are you firing the back 1x2 ??

ThatGuyThatBuilds

Tue, 12/17/2019 - 10:18

tlhorinek has the right idea but you would also have to take out the thickness of the blade you are cutting with. (usally1/8") and that would be for each cut you make. 

26 1'4" + 26 1/4"  (  1 cut minus  1/8")   

11 1/4" (- 1/8")

10 3/4" ( -1/8")

10 3/4" (-1/8")

10 3/4" (- 1/8") 

26 1/4" + 26 1/4" + 11 1/4" + 10 3/4" + 10 3/4"+ 10 3/4" = 96"  + (1/8 x 5 cuts) = 96 5/8" 

In reply to by ThatGuyThatBuilds

ThatGuyThatBuilds

Wed, 12/18/2019 - 09:58

If you drop the Legs to 26" and cut...

2 (legs) @ 26" 3 (Front/Back Trim) @ 10 3/4" and 1 (Side Stretcher) @ 11 1/4" You get  95 1/2" With 1/2 of material of waste for cuts. 

grh219

Fri, 04/17/2020 - 08:22

This cut list is to only make one table correct or no? Trying to make sure before I start cutting everything.

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!