30 Amazingly Creative And Easy DIY Nightstand Projects

Do you have a nightstand that just isn’t cutting it?

Whether you have a nightstand that you’re just not happy with or you need one, there are some amazing ways to DIY your nightstand and I’ve found some really easy and cheap ones that you can try.

There are so many things that you may have in your home that could double as a bedside table.

From bar carts to upside down trash cans, there is always something that you can use to keep those important items at hand while you rest.

There are 30 cheap and easy DIY nightstand ideas in this collection and all of them give you wonderful ways to spruce up the bedroom without breaking the bank.

Jump to:

• 1. Vintage Bar Cart Nightstand
• 2. IKEA Hack Striped Nightstand
• 3. Easy DIY Suitcase Stand
• 4. Repurposed Metal Cart Nightstand
• 5. Vintage Trunk Turned Nightstand
• 6. Repurposed Antique Cabinet Nightstand
• 7. Old Drum Nightstand
• 8. Easy DIY Ladder Stand
• 9. Upcycled Table Nightstand
• 10. DIY Pet Bed Nightstand
• 11. IKEA Expedit Hack Nightstand
• 12. Easy Graphic Floating Nightstand
• 13. DIY Midcentury Nightstand
• 14. Repurposed Milk Can Nightstand
• 15. Easy Night Side Table From 2X4s
• 16. Repurposed Trash Can Nightstand
• 17. Upcycled Pallet Wood Nightstand
• 18. DIY Floating Nightstand
• 19. DIY Wooden Nightstand With Bun Feet
• 20. Rustic Tree Stump Nightstand
• 21. Simple Salvaged Wood Nightstand
• 22. DIY Farmhouse Style Nightstand
• 23. Simple Pallet Table With Legs
• 24. Repurposed Wooden Crate Nightstand
• 25. Repurposed Cinder Block Nightstand
• 26. Rustic Wine Barrel Nightstand
• 27. Industrial Beam Nightstand
• 28. DIY X Leg Nightstand
• 29. Repurposed Filing Cabinet Night Table
• 30. DIY Mini Farmhouse Night Tables
• Conclusion

1. Vintage Bar Cart Nightstand

p and give it a good coat of paint or stain and you’ve got a gorgeous nightstand that doesn’t cost much and is really easy to DIY.

Tutorial/Source: apartmenttherapy

2. IKEA Hack Striped Nightstand

An inexpensive nightstand, like a plain white one from IKEA, can be made into something fabulous with just a bit of tape and some creativity. I love the stripes on this one. The black and white would be perfect for the master or guest bedroom and the colorful stripes are great for kids’ rooms. You can create this look easily and it won’t take long at all.

Tutorial/Source: seekatesew

3. Easy DIY Suitcase Stand

Take an old suitcase and turn it into a beautiful and really unique nightstand by just adding wooden legs. You just attach the legs to the bottom of the suitcase and you’re all set. The top doubles as a great nightstand and there’s storage inside as well. You can use wooden legs from an old table that you’re repurposing.

Tutorial/Source: theweathereddoor

4. Repurposed Metal Cart Nightstand

Remember those old metal carts from high school? You can get those pretty cheap at thrift stores and they make wonderful nightstands. Of course, you may need to sand them down a bit to remove rust and then repaint. Once you’re done, these are the perfect addition to any bedroom and they give you loads of storage space.

5. Vintage Trunk Turned Nightstand

Did I mention that you can turn just about anything into a nightstand? That includes old trunks. I actually love the look of this vintage trunk that is used as a nightstand. If you have an old trunk then this one won’t cost you anything. Even if you don’t have a trunk, you can normally pick these up at thrift stores for very little and there’s no work involved in turning it into a nightstand.

Tutorial/Source: decoist

6. Repurposed Antique Cabinet Nightstand

You can turn an antique cabinet into a wonderful nightstand. In this case, this old lawyer’s bookcase makes a wonderful stand beside the bed and it gives you so much space for storage. If you love keeping your books close to you while you sleep, this antique cabinet turned nightstand will definitely give you space for that.

Tutorial/Source: diynetwork

7. Old Drum Nightstand

Turn an old drum into a unique nightstand. If you have a drum then great. If you don’t then you can pick one up at a thrift store. Our Goodwill Store always has drums and other old musical instruments and they’re really cheap. Just add a coat of paint if you want or leave it as it is – either way, it makes the perfect nightstand and it’s so creative!

Tutorial/Source: designsponge

8. Easy DIY Ladder Stand

urchase all of the wood to use. Once the ladder is finished, just stain or paint whatever color you need and you have a wonderful little nightstand that won’t take long at all to build.

Tutorial/Source: ana-white

9. Upcycled Table Nightstand

To build this nightstand, you will need an old table – well, half of it at least. You can build matching nightstands for both sides of the bed with just one table! You just cut the table in half.

You’ll have to affix it to the wall and make sure that you have it even when doing so. I love the idea of turning an old table into two different stands for the bedroom.

Tutorial/Source: hgtv

10. DIY Pet Bed Nightstand

Believe it or not, you can build your own nightstand and a cozy bed for your little furry friend for less money than you think.

This is a really simple project and it’s one that you’ll love when it’s finished. If you have a dog or cat, this is a must. You simply turn an old small dresser into a nightstand that has a space at the bottom for a bed for your furry friend. How amazing is that?

Tutorial/Source: diynetwork

11. IKEA Expedit Hack Nightstand

IKEA has a wonderful cubby shelf that costs less than $40. The great thing is that you can use this shelf as a wonderful nightstand and still save money even if you have to head to IKEA to buy it.

The shelf has four cubby compartments which are perfect for keeping your books and other nighttime necessities handy and at just $40, you’re saving a fortune over heading to the furniture store and buying an actual nightstand.

Tutorial/Source: theeverygirl

12. Easy Graphic Floating Nightstand

You can easily build a floating nightstand and give it a great graphic look. The floating stand is a good choice for smaller rooms – if you’re looking for a way to add a stand and still save space.

The floor isn’t used at all so you have plenty of extra space here and you can paint the graphic to give it character or just go with the wood look if you prefer.

Tutorial/Source: paris-lareunion

13. DIY Midcentury Nightstand

You can build this gorgeous midcentury nightstand in about three hours and it will only cost you around $40 if you don’t have any of the materials on hand. It involves simple pocket hole joinery and screw in legs. The shell is so easy to build and once you have the legs in place you’re all done. You can build two of these and have one on each side of the bed for less than you will pay for one nightstand at a furniture store.

Tutorial/Source: build-basic

14. Repurposed Milk Can Nightstand

You can turn an old metal can into a great nightstand that has a wonderful farmhouse look. You don’t even need to do anything aside from carrying the can into your bedroom and sitting it up beside the bed.

The top gives you room for a lamp, a book and even your phone as it charges.

15. Easy Night Side Table From 2X4s

Turn those old 2X4s into a wonderful night side table quickly and easily. If you have a few old boards to use, this project won’t cost you anything. Even if you have to buy the 2X4s, you only need a few and they’re not at all expensive.

You can build two of these for way less than a new nightstand will cost in the store and you have loads of drawers for extra storage.

Tutorial/Source: ana-white

16. Repurposed Trash Can Nightstand

the color that you need or use any number of other design techniques to make it unique. Then, just turn it upside down and use it as a night side table.

Tutorial/Source: decorola

17. Upcycled Pallet Wood Nightstand

I love projects that involve pallets. I have a stack of old pallets just waiting for the perfect project and this one just may be it. You can build a nightstand from those pallets and you can get pallets for free from many lumber yards and home improvement stores.

If you have to buy them, they’re not much and they can be used to make these adorable little nightstands.

Tutorial/Source: instructables

18. DIY Floating Nightstand

If you’re short on space but still want a nightstand, this floating version is perfect.

Not only is it cheap and easy to build, it takes up so very little space. Floating nightstands are great for small spaces and this one in particular can be built for literally nothing if you have a few key supplies on hand. It’s just a wooden disc that is held at the ceiling by rope. It’s an easy and really simple idea that will take you less than an hour to build.

Tutorial/Source: monsterscircus

19. DIY Wooden Nightstand With Bun Feet

If design is what you’re after, this DIY nightstand may just fit the bill. It has adorable little bun feet that are perfect for adding a bit of elegance to the room.

Plus, it’s a really easy build and if you have wood left over from other projects, it’s a free build, which is always great.

There’s even a drawer for keeping your unmentionables safe or holding books or other items.

Tutorial/Source: shanty-2-chic

20. Rustic Tree Stump Nightstand

Turn an old tree stump into a wonderful nightstand! If you’re looking to add a log cabin feel to your bedroom, this nightstand is perfect. It doesn’t have drawers or other storage areas but it is an amazing stand and perfectly holds your books and other items on top. It’s also really easy to build and if you have an old stump to use, it’s free!

Tutorial/Source: bobvila

21. Simple Salvaged Wood Nightstand

Turn that salvaged wood from other projects into this simple yet fully functional nightstand.

This one won’t take you long at all to build and since you’re using salvaged wood, it’s practically free. It has a wonderful opening on the front to store your books and other items and plenty of space on top for a lamp, too. It’s simple yet elegant and is so easy to build, you’ll want one for each side of the bed.

Tutorial/Source: ceebeeandj

22. DIY Farmhouse Style Nightstand

This stand is actually a side stand for a desk but I think it would make a lovely nightstand.

It has such a rustic farmhouse look, too that is really attractive and it’s not at all difficult to build. You could use salvaged barn wood which would be a wonderful addition to the bedroom or use any wood that you have on hand and then simply distress it a bit when you’re finished building it.

Tutorial/Source: shanty-2-chic

23. Simple Pallet Table With Legs

You can use those pallets to make this wonderful little side table that requires very little work.

I love the dark wood on top of white legs, although you can do whatever color scheme you need to match your existing décor. You’ll need the four wooden legs and then the top is just a piece of a pallet. You can use a larger pallet to make two of these so you have matching tables on each side of the bed.

Tutorial/Source: welivedhappilyeverafter

24. Repurposed Wooden Crate Nightstand

Take a couple of wooden crates, stack one on top of the other, and you have a wonderful nightstand that didn’t take much work and costs you nothing (provided you already have the wooden crates on hand, that is.)

This is one of the easiest and least expensive projects on the list and it’s one of my favorites. I love the simplicity of it and it has that great farmhouse quality, too.

Tutorial/Source: seeingsunshine

25. Repurposed Cinder Block Nightstand

A couple of cinder blocks and some boards are all you really need to create a functional nightstand. You can even do without the boards and just stand up two cinder blocks and top them with a small block.

The openings give you places to put books and other items and this doesn’t take up much space so it’s great for a smaller bedroom. If you have cinder blocks, this one won’t cost you anything.

Tutorial/Source: dwell.com

26. Rustic Wine Barrel Nightstand

The best DIY projects are the ones that don’t require any work, right? This wine barrel nightstand is one of those.

You don’t have to do anything except take a wine barrel into your bedroom and start placing your things on it. I’m a huge fan of decorating with wine barrels and this nightstand idea is definitely one of my favorites. You can of course, paint or stain it to make it match your décor, or just leave it plain for a great rustic look.

Tutorial/Source: houzz.com

27. Industrial Beam Nightstand

This nightstand idea comes from Etsy and while these are not exactly cheap – they’re around $250 for each table– they’re very unique, so they deserve a spot on the list. They’re made with heavy wood and held together with gorgeous black metal and they’re sure to give your bedroom a wonderful industrial look – or a farmhouse look, depending on what you’re after.

Tutorial/Source: etsy.com

28. DIY X Leg Nightstand

This little nightstand is an easy build and it has a great style that is sure to fit into your existing décor. The little X legs are easy to put together and the top of the table features a compartment for keeping your books and other nighttime items safe and secure.

I love the dark wood on white legs, although you can do any color scheme that you need to match your current bedroom furnishings.

Tutorial/Source: brittanystager

29. Repurposed Filing Cabinet Night Table

You can find two drawer filing cabinets at thrift stores and flea markets for just a few dollars each.

Turn those cabinets into beautiful nightstands with just a coat of paint. You can also really decorate it up with scrapbook paper and Mod Podge – which would be perfect for a little one’s room – or just stain or paint it to match your existing bedroom décor. This is a cheap and easy way to get the nightstand you need without much work.

Tutorial/Source: domesticimperfection

30. DIY Mini Farmhouse Night Tables

You can build two little farmhouse styled night tables for very little and have that amazing rustic look in the bedroom. These look like little butcher’s block tables and they’re amazing for storage with their drawers.

They’ll instantly add that farmhouse look to the bedroom and they are much easier to make than you may think. You won’t spend a lot on these either, even if you have to run out and buy all of the needed materials.

Tutorial/Source: ana-white

Conclusion

I’m all about DIY furniture and these nightstand ideas fit in perfectly with whatever your bedroom theme may be. If the farmhouse look is your thing, be sure to check out these 55 DIY farmhouse furniture and décor ideas.

You really can turn basically anything into a gorgeous and functional nightstand.

From building it yourself out of pallets to simply repurposing other furniture pieces, you are sure to find the perfect stand to complement your bedroom and give you loads of space.

If all you want is to just refinish your existing wooden nightstand, you should check out this quick and easy way to refinish old wooden furniture.

It will bring that furniture back to its beautiful original shape.

So whether you’re looking to build a new nightstand from scratch or you’re like me and you really love the idea of repurposing something else to make your bedside table, you’re going to find the perfect DIY nightstand idea in here that will save you a fortune over buying a new one.

Let’s get those creative DIY juices flowing and learn different ways to add a unique and charming nightstand to your bedroom.

Most of these projects are so easy that you can have them finished by bedtime.