Welcome back to our miniature furniture series! In our previous lesson, we successfully crafted a beautiful bed for your dollhouse. Today, we’re taking the next logical step by creating a matching bedside table that will perfectly complement your miniature bedroom setup. This project continues our journey in building a complete, scaled furniture collection that brings your dollhouse to life.
Working in 1:12 scale, this bedside table project maintains the same attention to detail and craftsmanship standards we established with our bed construction. The proportions and styling will create a cohesive look that transforms your dollhouse bedroom from basic to extraordinary.
For this build, I’ve chosen cedar wood for its workability and beautiful grain pattern. Cedar machines beautifully at this small scale and provides the durability needed for handling. The table saw remains our primary tool for achieving the precise cuts essential in miniature work, where even the smallest measurement error becomes magnified.
Step-by-Step Video Tutorial Process
The construction begins with cutting all pieces to size, following our detailed measurements for the tabletop, sides, back panel, and internal shelf. We’ll start by preparing the side panels, carefully routing dados for the shelf placement. Next, we’ll cut the rabbet joints that will house the back panel, ensuring a professional finish.
Assembly follows a logical sequence: first joining the sides to the internal shelf, then adding the back panel for structural integrity. The tabletop attachment requires special attention to grain direction and wood movement considerations, even at this miniature scale.
The finishing process involves careful sanding with progressively finer grits, followed by your choice of stain or natural finish. I’ll demonstrate proper technique for achieving an even finish on these small surfaces without obscuring the beautiful cedar grain.
Throughout the video tutorial, I’ll share tips for maintaining accuracy at this challenging scale, including jig-making techniques and measurement strategies that ensure consistent results. These methods will serve you well in future miniature projects.
You’ll find everything you need to succeed with this project. A comprehensive PDF file accompanies this lesson, containing detailed diagrams and precise measurements for every component. As always, our lessons remain available in video format, allowing you to replay techniques and follow along at your own pace.
This bedside table will be the perfect finishing touch for your dollhouse bedroom collection.
