I agree too that the drawers are a better option than doors.

I am building an end table right now, using African Mahogany. The price of the lumber is reasonable, it looks good, and is a user-friendly wood I’ve heard. It cuts well, but I’ve done some planing on face grain that has led to some gouging of the softer wood (sapwood?). This gouging does not occur with my thickness planer, so maybe I need to do a little more honing on the plane iron, though I generally get good results with Red Oak.

Really curious as to where you end with your nightstands. Most when engaged with the design process often just plan stop the process way to early, but your entire thought process to all of woodworking seems so open you’ll explore everywhere. Very refreshing, Dave and a huge strength!!!

Neil

Jeremy: Right now, I’m considering either cherry or walnut. I’m leaning towards walnut. For a while I was kicking around the idea of African mahogany, but I thought that the ribbon pattern of the grain might be a bit distracting.

Neil: I like the idea of incorporating a small amount of metal. I think some brushed chrome hardware on the drawers would look sharp. A simple inlay around the edge on the top would look nice… maybe maple. I’m hoping to finalize my Sketchup drawings over the next few days, so I’m going to play around with some different options to see how they look.

Dave

Let’s just throw some stuff against the “end panel” here.

How about a 1/4″, 5/16 or 3/8″ manufactured inlay banding around the top, or make a solid piece of inlay yourself insert around the top edge.

OR…….make a 1/4″ bullnose about a 7/16 to 1/2 wide and bending (experiment with kerfing the back edge) into a groove around the top. This will give you some shadow lines and a nice bead around your top.

You could also lift the top up a bit with a solid reveal of metal (ie: brass, polished aluminium, brushed chrome), or the same wood you are building with and nring in depth and curiousity.

I need to see the drawering your intended drawers. To get an feel for the vertical look.

Dave…….I’m just throwing stuff out there. I have no idea of your entire look, other pieces that will be added at a later date.

That’s it for now………..toss some more out there. It’s kinda fun!!

Neil

I think I’m settled on using 2 inset drawers.

OK, I’m interested… what would your approach be for ornamentation on this piece?

Thanks,
Dave

As for doors, if you decide on doors, make it a double door rather than a single. Ergonomically it will work better, especially on a night stand. You couch down to open the door, and a single door swing is wide enough to make you move to open it fully.

I like the foot action you’re playing with.

Neil