A sideboard with drawers is a fantastic piece of furniture that combines functionality with style. Whether you need a living room sideboard to store media equipment or a hallway sideboard to keep shoes and accessories organised, building your own sideboard can be a rewarding project. Not only does it give you a custom-made piece that fits your home perfectly, but it also allows you to showcase your creativity.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the steps to build a sideboard with drawers, and we’ll also touch on different design options, such as a rattan sideboard, to give your furniture a unique touch.
Materials and Tools You'll Need
Before you get started, it’s important to gather the necessary materials and tools. Building a sideboard with drawers requires a bit of skill and attention to detail, but with the right supplies, it’s a manageable project.
Materials:
- Plywood or solid wood (for the frame and panels)
- Wood screws and wood glue
- Drawer slides and handles
- Hinges (if you want cupboard doors)
- Sandpaper
- Paint or stain (optional)
- Rattan panels (optional, for a stylish finish)
Tools:
- Saw (circular or jigsaw)
- Drill and screwdriver
- Measuring tape
- Wood clamps
- Paintbrush or roller
- Wood filler (for any imperfections)
Step 1: Design Your Sideboard
Start by planning the design of your sideboard with drawers. Consider the size, shape, and the space where it will be placed. For example, a living room sideboard might be larger to house media equipment like DVDs, remote controls, and books, while a hallway sideboard could be smaller but with plenty of storage for shoes and accessories.
Decide how many drawers you want. The typical sideboard design includes a few drawers at the top for smaller items and open or closed compartments at the bottom for bulkier storage. You can also add a stylish rattan sideboard design by incorporating rattan panels into the front of the drawers or doors.
Step 2: Cut the Wood Panels
Once you have your design ready, it’s time to cut your wood panels to the correct size. Start by measuring the length, width, and height of the sideboard, making sure to leave some space for the drawers. For a living room sideboard, a typical size might be around 120cm in length, 40cm in depth, and 75cm in height.
Using a saw, cut the following panels:
- Top and bottom panels (for the sides of the unit)
- Side panels (for the sides of the sideboard)
- Drawer fronts and drawer boxes
- Back panel (optional, but helps with stability)
Make sure to sand all the edges to remove any rough spots and achieve a smooth finish.
Step 3: Assemble the Frame
Now that you have all the pieces cut, it’s time to assemble the frame of your sideboard with drawers. Start by attaching the side panels to the top and bottom panels using wood glue and screws. Use clamps to hold everything in place as the glue sets.
Once the frame is assembled, attach the back panel (if you’re using one) to the back of the unit, securing it with screws. This will provide added stability to the sideboard.
Step 4: Install the Drawer Slides
Next, it’s time to add the drawer slides. Depending on your design, you can either install side-mounted or under-mounted drawer slides. If you’re opting for a hallway sideboard with shallow drawers, side-mounted slides are often the best option because they provide easy access to the full depth of the drawer.
Measure carefully where the drawer slides should go, ensuring they are level and aligned. Attach the slides to the sides of the drawer openings and the inside of each drawer. Test each slide to ensure smooth operation.
Step 5: Build and Install the Drawers
Now, it’s time to build the drawers themselves. Cut the pieces for the drawer boxes, including the front, back, sides, and bottom panels. Assemble the drawer boxes using wood glue and screws. You may want to reinforce the corners with corner brackets or wood dowels for added strength.
Once the drawer boxes are assembled, install the drawer fronts by attaching them to the front of the drawer boxes. If you’re using a rattan sideboard design, you can attach rattan panels to the front of the drawers using glue or nails to create a rustic, natural look.
Slide the completed drawers into the unit, making sure they fit smoothly into the drawer slides.
Step 6: Finish the Sideboard
Once the drawers are installed, you can move on to the finishing touches. Sand down the entire piece to smooth out any imperfections, especially where the wood has been cut.
Now it’s time to paint or stain your sideboard. Choose a colour or finish that matches your home decor. For a natural look, consider a clear wood stain or a darker finish. If you prefer a more modern aesthetic, you could paint the sideboard in a neutral colour like grey, white, or black.
For a living room sideboard, you may want to choose a sleek finish that complements your furniture, while a hallway sideboard could benefit from a lighter colour to keep the space feeling airy and open. If you're adding rattan, you can leave it natural for a bohemian vibe or paint it for a more contemporary look.
Step 7: Add the Hardware
Finish your sideboard with drawers by adding drawer handles and any other hardware you may need, such as cabinet knobs or hinges if you have doors. Choose handles that suit your overall style – sleek metal pulls work well for modern designs, while wooden knobs or leather pulls are perfect for a rustic or vintage feel.
Conclusion
Building a sideboard with drawers is a rewarding DIY project that can add both storage and style to your home. Whether you need a living room sideboard for media storage, a hallway sideboard for organising shoes, or a rattan sideboard for a chic, natural look, this project can be customised to suit your needs. By following these steps, you’ll create a beautiful and functional piece of furniture that enhances your living space.