IKEA Nightstand Hack: Ditch the Hardware for a Sleek, Modern Look
Looking to refresh your bedroom decor without breaking the bank? This IKEA Tarva nightstand hack is the perfect solution. We’ll guide you through transforming a basic IKEA nightstand into a stylish, hardware-free piece with a unique cutout handle. This project is ideal for small spaces and anyone who appreciates a minimalist aesthetic. Get ready to unleash your creativity and personalize your furniture!
One of the simplest ways to update furniture is by changing the hardware. But what if you could eliminate hardware altogether? My wife recently picked up this nightstand from IKEA and was inspired by our hardware-less credenza. We wondered if we could replicate the cutout drawer handle on her new nightstand. And guess what? We did it! By investing a bit of extra time instead of buying new hardware, we achieved a stunning result. This guide will walk you through the entire process of this unique IKEA nightstand transformation.
Why Choose a Hardware-Free Nightstand?
Beyond its sleek appearance, a cutout cabinet pull offers practical benefits, especially for those living in smaller spaces. How many times have you snagged your clothes on a protruding handle while navigating around a drawer or cabinet? This is a non-issue with a cutout handle! Plus, the design possibilities are endless. You can explore various cutout shapes to match your personal style. While there are many designs for hardware-less cabinets (check out this article for inspiration), we opted for a simple, notched look for this IKEA nightstand hack, making it an accessible project for DIYers of all skill levels.
Materials You’ll Need for Your IKEA Nightstand Hack
- IKEA Tarva nightstand (or purchase via Amazon)
- 3/16″ or smaller dowel
- Wood glue
- Sandpaper in assorted grits (e.g., 80, 120, 220)
- Wood stain in your chosen color (we used classic gray)
- Foam brushes
- Polyurethane or other wood sealant
- Combination square
- Power drill
- Small Forstner bit
- Clamps
- Scrap wood
- Cutting tool (bandsaw, jigsaw, Dremel Saw-Max, or coping saw)
- Oscillating sander (optional, but recommended)
- Box cutter
- Hammer
- Wet paper towels
Step-by-Step Guide: Creating Your Hardware-Free IKEA Nightstand
Step 1: Marking the Cutout Handle
First, you need to determine the location of your cutout handle. Take the front drawer piece of the IKEA nightstand (easily identified by the pre-drilled hole in the center). Locate the bottom edge, which has a cut line running across the back. The top edge will be smooth. Using a combination square will make accurate measurements and markings easier.
Step 2: Precise Measurements for the Cutout
Find the center of the top edge of the drawer front (approximately 8 and 5/8 inches, but always double-check your piece as slight variations can occur). Mark the center point. From the center, measure 2 and 1/2 inches outwards on each side, creating a 5-inch handle width.
Now, measure 3/4 inch down from the top edge at each end of your marked handle width. Connect these two points with a straight line. This will define the depth of your cutout.
Use your combination square to extend these marks around the top of the board, ensuring the lines are consistent on both the front and back. Repeat the measurements on the back of the drawer front, creating identical markings on both sides. This will ensure a clean and even cutout.
Step 3: Drilling Pilot Holes
Grab your power drill and a small Forstner bit. A Forstner bit is crucial because the Tarva nightstand is made of relatively dense wood; a regular drill bit might tear the wood. Securely clamp the drawer board to a sturdy surface with the handle edge hanging over the edge.
Next, clamp a piece of scrap wood behind the handle where you’ll be drilling. This prevents “blowout” when the drill bit exits the back of the drawer. Align the Forstner bit with the corner of your handle markings. Manually rotate the bit to ensure it aligns with the marked lines, then drill. Repeat for both corners of the handle.
Step 4: Cutting the Cutout Handle
Remove the scrap wood. Now it’s time to cut. Several cutting tools can be used. A bandsaw is the easiest but requires more space and investment. A jigsaw is the ideal tool for this cut. Alternatively, a Dremel Saw-Max or, manually, a coping saw can be used.
Cut along the 3/4-inch marks, then use the drilled holes to turn the blade 45º and cut across, connecting the holes and removing the wood to create the handle.
Sand the new handle, starting with rough sandpaper and working your way up to fine sandpaper. An oscillating sander is highly recommended to save time and effort.
Step 5: Filling the Original Handle Hole
Fill the factory-drilled hole for the original handle. If your dowel fits into the hole – great! If it’s too big, sand it down until it fits snugly.
Insert the dowel into the hole from the front of the drawer and mark where it stops. Remove the dowel and use a box cutter to slice it at the marked point. Insert the small cut bit into the hole and hammer it into the wood as far as it will go (use gentle strikes to avoid damaging the board). Sand down any remaining dowel that is sticking up.
On the back of the board, add a drop of wood glue to fill any cracks. Wipe away any excess glue with a wet paper towel. Let the glue dry, then sand down the back.
Step 6: Staining and Sealing
Stain and seal the drawer front. We used one coat of gray stain, then sealed it with polyurethane. You can stain the other drawer pieces to match or leave them natural.
Step 7: Assembly
After everything has dried, assemble the nightstand! Like our previous IKEA nightstand hack, we left off the backboard (steps 20-21 in the instructions). This allows you to feed an electrical plug through the drawer for charging devices neatly.
Ready to Go Hardware-Free?
Feeling inspired to try this IKEA hack? If you’re a bit hesitant about creating a cutout handle on a brand-new piece of furniture, practice on a piece of scrap wood first. Get comfortable with the process before moving on to the actual nightstand. It’s better to be safe than sorry! Happy hacking!
Looking for More IKEA Hacking Inspiration?
This isn’t our first IKEA nightstand hack! See how we made the Tarva tech-friendly!
Looking for More Interior Ideas?
IKEA Hack: How to Make a Modern Concrete Pendant Lamp
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IKEA Hack: Transform a Basic Cabinet into a Gorgeous Nightstand with a Geometric Design