I’ve made some more progress on my nightstand design. As you can see from the image below, I decided on 2 inset drawers. When closed, the drawer faces will be flush with the top and bottom stretchers, which are set back slightly from the legs. The hardware is metal; I’m leaning towards something like a brushed nickel.
On the top I added a 1/4″ maple inlay that mirrors the curves on the edges. I really like the maple inlay detail, and I also really like the brushed nickel hardware, but I’m not so sure that I like the way these two details look together. I’m still thinking about this.
The picture below is a perspective image from the back of the piece. I think this view illustrates some subtle yet important parts of the design. Notice how the top and bottom stretchers are set in a bit from the legs… they are not flush. Also, the panels on the back and sides are set back from the stretchers. These subtle details create shadow lines, which add visual interest to the piece.
Another important detail are the relative sizes of the stretchers themselves. The bottom stretcher is 2″ wide while the top stretcher is only 1″ wide. When you look at a piece like this, which is short, your perspective is almost always from above. When looking down from above, the top stretcher, which is closer to you, will look wider, and the bottom stretcher, which is farther away from you, will look narrower. It’s the Doppler effect in action. By making the bottom stretcher physically wider than the top stretcher, you prevent the piece from looking top heavy when viewed from above.
To view the entire Nightstand Project series, please visit my project page.
Hey Dave…….here I’m complaining about Sketch-up, but I sure do like the pictures you’ve shown us. One thing I hate is sitting on the fence….but you seem to have put me there;…….. for now.
You are really hitting on some next level elements with your shadows, site lines, and set-backs just great stuff to see incorporated and written about. All aspects that make the build more efficient. Love it Dave!!!!!!
What do you think about putting that top inlay on the vertical flat or vertical edge of the top maybe use a wing cutter on the router. That top view with the maple inlay actually looks a bit immature for your thought process. I can see your hesitation. Dave, I’m just kinda think’in a bit here extending a bit. What do you think….are your 2 drawers to deep and therefore not as functional (this is where the Sketch-up drawering renders inconclusive) to use….possibly creating potential clutter inside???? Can the carcase dimensions take 3 drawers????
Very cool Dave…….I appreciate your confidence in woodworking to allow discussion…..rare and enjoyable.
Neil
Hi Neil,
I’m definitely not happy with the inlay detail right now. I like the idea of having some inlay, but I have very little experience with it, so I’m struggling a bit. All I know is that what I have right now looks clumsy to my eye.
I’m completely self-taught in both woodworking and design, so my knowledge is a bit uneven. Putting my whole thought process out on the website is a great way for my to learn from others with more experience… so I really appreciate the help that you’re giving me! I’m also hoping that others can learn something by following my thought processes.
I like your suggestion on putting an inlay in the vertical portion of the top. That just gave me an idea that I’d like to play with a bit in Sketchup. I think I might have just had one of those “A-Ha!” moments now that I’m thinking back to some other comments that you posted earlier. I’ll post a new picture when I have something that I like better.
Dave
I’m not a woodworker, Dave, just a kitchen designer, but I have to tell you…that night stand is beautiful. I love the curves. I would use a bronze pull on the drawers and maybe go with the 3-drawer idea.
Love your blog!
~Maria in Montana
http://www.lifeonthestillwater.wordpress.com
The stand is evolving nicely. The drawers really give it some mass. Thanks for pointing out the design elements of perspective and the setbacks – very good to be reminded of these things.
I’m wondering how much thought you’ve given to the mechanics of the piece. Is the top going to be made of ply, veneered? Will you be able to pull off these curves? Seems to me the inlay is going to be a bitch, espec. since you’re new at it and they are curved!
I agree with Maria, use bronze or something warm and more traditional for the pulls – maybe even make your own out of a contrasting wood.
Good point about the depth of the drawers, too. Definitely something to consider.