DIY Minimalist Floating Nightstand (Small-Space Friendly • 2025 Guide)

When you’re working with a small bedroom, a traditional nightstand can feel bulky and awkward. That’s why floating nightstands have become one of my favorite small-space DIY projects — clean lines, zero floor footprint, and a beautifully modern look that instantly lightens the room.

This project is surprisingly easy, affordable, and fully customizable. Below is my full 2025 step-by-step guide, written after building several versions for different spaces.

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Materials & Tools

Simple materials — choose solid wood or plywood depending on your budget.

Materials:

• 1 wooden board (common size: 30×20 cm or 35×25 cm)

• Wood screws

• Brackets (L-brackets or hidden floating shelf brackets)

• Wood filler (optional)

• Sandpaper (120 + 220 grit)

• Wood stain or matte paint

Tools:

• Drill

• Level

• Measuring tape

• Saw (if resizing wood)

• Screwdriver

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Step 1 — Cut and Sand the Wood

Smooth sanding = a more premium final finish.

Cut the wood to your desired size, then sand every surface:

1. Start with 120-grit to smooth rough edges.

2. Finish with 220-grit for a clean, professional texture.

Blogger tip:
Rounded edges look more modern and safer in tight spaces.

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Step 2 — Build the Nightstand Box (Optional but Recommended)

A simple box structure adds storage and improves aesthetics.

If you want a hollow box design:

• Cut 4 strips (top, bottom, sides)

• Glue + screw them into a simple rectangle

• Fill screw holes with wood filler

• Sand again for a seamless finish

This step gives you a stylish “boxed” floating nightstand.

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Step 3 — Stain or Paint the Wood

Warm stains pair beautifully with Scandinavian and minimalist styling.

Popular 2025 finishes:

• Natural oak stain

• Light walnut

• Matte beige or cream

• Soft greige for minimalist interiors

Let everything dry completely before mounting.

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Step 4 — Mark the Wall and Install the Brackets

A precise level line ensures the nightstand sits perfectly straight.

Steps:

1. Measure your ideal height — common height = bed mattress height

2. Mark a straight line using a level

3. Install brackets into wall studs if possible

4. Make sure both brackets sit perfectly horizontal

Expert tip:
If you can’t hit a stud, use high-quality wall anchors.

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Step 5 — Mount the Nightstand

Press the nightstand firmly onto the brackets and secure with screws.

Align the nightstand with your brackets and secure it with screws.
Give it a gentle shake to ensure solidity.

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Step 6 — Style Your New Floating Nightstand

Keep the styling simple so the nightstand feels airy and intentional.

Minimalist nighttime essentials:

• A small lamp

• One book

• A small ceramic vase

• A tray to keep keys or jewelry organized

For very small bedrooms, keep the top uncluttered so the space feels lighter.

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⭐ Why Floating Nightstands Are Trending in 2025

• Save floor space in tight bedrooms

• Make cleaning easier

• Pair perfectly with minimalist or Scandinavian interiors

• Create a more airy, modern look

• Great for renters (using no-drill brackets if necessary)

Floating nightstands are becoming a staple in small-space design, and once you build one yourself, you’ll see exactly why.

 

More small-space furniture DIYs are coming this week — from compact desks to wall-mounted organizers. Follow along for daily inspiration and step-by-step projects.