Assembling a Bedside Table — Step-by-Step Guide and Tips

August 14, 2026

Assembling a bedside table typically requires the correct fitting of cam lock connectors, wooden dowels, and drawer runners to ensure a sturdy carcass.

Whether finished in classic Sonoma oak, modern anthracite, or industrial concrete look, the fundamental furniture assembly steps are similar across most designs. A precise approach ensures uniform gap sizes and smoothly running drawers. This guide walks you through the standard assembly process for bedside tables & nightstands.

Preparation and Contents

Before beginning assembly, check the full contents of the package. Furniture made of chipboard or MDF is supplied flat-packed. Lay out all parts on a soft surface, such as the packaging cardboard or a rug. This protects surfaces against scratches, particularly on delicate finishes like Scandinavian white or high gloss.

Check the included parts list. Fittings are often grouped together in a separate bag. Sort these into small bowls beforehand.

Required Tools

For assembling standard bedside tables & nightstands, you generally do not need specialist tools. Have the following ready:

Cross-head screwdriver (usually PZ2 or PH2)
Slotted screwdriver
Rubber mallet (alternatively: standard hammer with a scrap piece of wood as protection)
Cordless screwdriver (optional, strictly on a low torque setting)
Tape measure or folding rule
Spirit level

Step-by-Step Assembly: Bedside Table with Drawers

The following guide outlines the assembly of a typical model with two or three drawers. For specific drill holes, always refer to the printed assembly instructions for your specific piece of furniture.

Step 1: Fitting Drawer Runners to the Carcass

Lay the side panels of the carcass flat on the floor. Start by screwing the cabinet profiles of the runners into place. Depending on the model, these will be roller runners or ball bearing runners. Note whether they are full extension or single extension. The runners must be fixed precisely into the pre-drilled holes (typically in System 32). Use the short, flat Euro screws or wood screws as specified in the manual. Pay attention to the orientation: the drawer entry opening must face the front edge of the side panel.

Step 2: Inserting Dowels and Connecting Bolts

Carefully tap the wooden dowels into the corresponding end faces of the bottom and top panels using the rubber mallet. Then screw the metal connecting bolts of the cam lock connectors (often referred to as Minifix) into the designated threaded holes on the side panels. Tighten them hand-tight without stripping the thread in the chipboard.

Step 3: Assembling the Carcass

The furniture now comes together like a three-dimensional puzzle. Slot the bottom panel, any cross rails, and the top panel onto one side panel. The bolts slide into the large circular drillings in the adjoining panels. Insert the circular cam lock housings into these drillings. The small arrow on the housing must point towards the bolt. Turn the housing approximately 180° with a cross-head screwdriver until you feel clear resistance. The panels are now firmly locked together. Next, position the second side panel and lock it in place following the same principle.

Step 4: Fitting the Back Panel

Place the assembled carcass face down. Position the back panel on top. Before driving in the first back panel nail, measure both diagonals of the carcass using a tape measure. If both measurements are identical down to the millimetre, the carcass is squared at a precise 90° angle. Now nail the back panel securely all around at intervals of about 10 to 15 cm. Alternatively, some models secure the back panel using small screws and wedge brackets.

Step 5: Assembling the Drawers

Now assemble the drawers. Join the drawer side panels to the rear panel, usually using wooden dowels and screws. Slide the thin drawer bottom into the routed groove. Fit the front panel and lock it using cam connectors. Finally, screw the drawer profiles (the counterpart to the cabinet runners) flush against the bottom edges of the drawer sides. Attach the handles to the front.

Step 6: Insertion and Alignment

Slide the finished drawers into the carcass. With ball bearing runners, you often need to thread the channels together precisely and push past the initial resistance with gentle pressure. Check the gap alignment. If the drawer fronts catch or rub, check that the runners have been screwed into the same row of holes on both sides.

Wall Mounting and Anti-Tip Protection

Even though bedside tables & nightstands are compact, wall fixing can be sensible. In particular, tall, narrow models with three drawers tend to tip forward if all drawers are opened and loaded simultaneously. Use the included anti-tip bracket (usually a small metal angle bracket or a fabric strap). Drill a suitable hole in the wall, insert a wall plug, and screw the bracket firmly to both the wall and the top panel of the bedside table.

Common Pitfalls During Assembly

Stripping screws in chipboard: If using a cordless screwdriver, set the torque to a low level (e.g. setting 3 or 4). If a screw spins freely, it loses its holding power. A drop of wood glue mixed with sawdust in the pilot hole can remedy this.
Mixing up runners: Cabinet runners come in left and right versions. Check the stamped markings (L/R) or the diagrams in the instructions.
Skewed carcass: If the back panel is nailed on without measuring diagonals first, the bedside table remains out of square. The drawers will inevitably jam.

Bedside Table Assembly FAQ

How long does it take to assemble a bedside table? For an experienced DIYer, assembling a model with two or three drawers takes around 30 to 45 minutes. If you rarely assemble flat-pack furniture, allow roughly 60 to 90 minutes.

Why is the drawer sticking or running unevenly? Runners are often not mounted completely level, or screw heads may protrude slightly, rubbing against the wheels or ball bearings. Check that all screw heads sit flush within the runners.

Can I use wooden dowels without glue? With most modern self-assembly furniture, glue is not strictly necessary because stability is provided by mechanical fasteners. However, adding some wood glue to the dowels noticeably increases long-term carcass rigidity.

Choosing the Right Hardware for Your Bedroom

Getting the best setup depends on bed height and storage requirements. Box spring beds require taller configurations, whereas low-profile beds suit minimalist units. Pay close attention to dimensions (width, height, depth) to maintain balanced proportions in the room. For an overview of different hardware setups and runner types, explore our range of fittings for bedside tables & nightstands. With the right tools and a methodical technique, building any unit — whether sleek in anthracite or classic in a wood finish — is quick and solid. Explore quality hardware solutions for bedside tables & nightstands and put these assembly steps straight into practice.