DIY Boho Wicker Rattan Cane Nightstand

DIY: Boho Wicker Rattan Cane Nightstand

6/1/2019

When looking for nightstands, we loved the look of wicker/rattan/cane but couldn't find anything we liked in the right price point. So instead we found these inexpensive side tables and upcycled them into a boho wicker rattan cane nightstand! The end result was well worth it at the cost of $35 each / $70 for two nightstands vs. $113 for a similar one at Target.

Level: Intermediate. We ran into a few problems that required troubleshooting in the making of this project. Making exact cuts and aligning everything properly was a bit tricky at first - we definitely had better luck with our second one once we got the hang of it!

Materials for 2 Night Stands:

(1) Costway Bamboo Storage Shelf Nightstands (set of 2)
(1) Commonwealth Basket Cane Webbing
(2) Wood Square Dowels (3/4" x 48")*
(2) Hinge Sets (set of 2)*
(4) Earth Magnets*
Wood Glue
Miter Saw
Hammer
Drill

* Note: Materials and measurements will be for 2 nightstands, as the Costway nightstands we used came in a set of 2. You could easily upgrade any nightstand with your own measurements! If you're only making one, you will only need 1 wood square dowel, 1 hinge set, and 2 earth magnets.

Instructions:

Measure each wood square dowel into 4 pieces: (2) 15.5" and (2) 8.25" pieces with alternating 45 degree angles so that the length is maintained on the long edge (see figure A). Cut the dowel with a miter saw. Keep the leftover end piece - this will be useful later on.
Form the wood pieces into a frame and wood glue the frames together (see figure B). Let glue dry.
Cut the cane webbing in half so that you have two pieces, one for each frame. Place the webbing upside down and the frame on top of it. Mark where the corners are with a Sharpie. Cut the corners and fold the edges inward so that the cane fits inside the frame (see figure C - cut along dotted lines and fold along solid lines).
Place the cane inside the frame so that the edges sit against the frame. Using the leftover end piece from step 1, place the beveled edge of the wood into the edge of the cane and hammer the wood piece along the edges to crease the cane as close as possible to the frame (see figure D). Do this until the cane sits flush against the frame. (If this sounds confusing, see this video for more help).
Trim the excess cane with scissors so that the edges are flat against the frame. Use wood glue to attach the cane to the inside of the frame. Let glue dry.
Measure 2 hinges equal distance from the edge of the frame and pre-drill pilot holes. Then attach the hinges to the frame using the provided screws. To align the hinges to the nightstand, roll a piece of masking tape into double sided tape and place a piece on the bottom of each hinge. Trace over where the holes are, then align the frame to the nightstand. Let the tape attach to the nightstand and pre-drill pilot holes. Attach the hinges to the nightstand.
To keep the frame closed, we're going to use magnets. Turn the frame upside down. Drill a shallow hole on the left side frame and a matching hole on the right side of the nightstand. Glue the earth magnets in, making sure that they match up. (Hint: If you drill a hole that's too deep, the magnets won't stick to each other as the frame will block it. Use wood filler to push the magnet closer to the frame, or just use 2 earth magnets on the side that's too deep).

That's it! Decorate your nightstand - we loved the look of dried flowers and vintage books.