IKEA DIY Cane Night Table | Easy Tutorial for Beginners
This easy step-by-step IKEA DIY Cane Night Table tutorial will show you how to transform the RAST dresser into instagram-worthy night tables on a budget.
Give your bedroom the makeover it needs all on a limited budget with this simple step-by-step tutorial that includes plenty of photos and videos making it perfect for beginners.
Sometimes the mood strikes to redecorate your entire home, but once you realize just how much all that new furniture is going to cost… you think again. Well, thats where this easy IKEA hack comes into play!
Similar cane night tables can be found on your favourite furniture site for upwards of $500 each. But I was able to make BOTH of these for a total of $300 (only $150 each!)
I am so in love with how beautiful these night tables look. They really complete my bedroom, make it feel so expensive, and they’re practical too (the drawers are a life saver and way to hide all my bedside knick knacks like books, tallow whip, etc.). Plus, there really is nothing quite like the satisfaction of knowing you made it all by yourself.
I am by no means a handy person and I’ve never done something like this before. I was so nervous! But that is why I am confident in saying that literally anyone could make these. If I can do it, so can you!
Supplies Needed:
- 2 IKEA RAST Dressers
- Black Paint or Wood Stain (or colour of your choice)
- Clear Polyurethane Top Coat
- Rattan / Cane Fabric
- Wood Trim
- Wood Glue & Clamps
- Drop Cloth (to protect floors when painting)
Tools Needed:
- Staple Gun & Staples
- Paint Brush
- Scissors
- Sand Paper (optional – electric sander)
- Wood Saw (optional – more on this soon)
- Drill
IKEA DIY Cane Night Tables:
Here is a general overview of the steps involved in making these magazine-worthy night tables.
- Step 1: Build IKEA Rast dresser according to instructions
- Step 2: Paint or stain tables and allow to dry
- Step 3: Cut rattan fabric to size using scissors
- Step 4: Apply wood filler and sand
- Step 5: Staple rattan fabric to drawer fronts
- Step 6: Cut wood trim using saw (or get cut at your local Home Depot)
- Step 7: Glue wood trim to drawers
- Step 8: Attach drawer handles
As you can see, it’s really not that complicated at all! If you’re prepared and determined, you could easily have these done in just one weekend too.
Where to buy Cane or Rattan Fabric?
I purchased the cane fabric online from Frank Supply. This is the medium radio weave in 24″ width. For two night tables, you’ll need a total length of 42″.
Step 1: Build IKEA Rast Drawer Unit
Open up your IKEA box and get to work building these dressers according to the instructions it comes with. Just skip the last step for now and don’t add the drawer handles (we’ll do that later).
Step 2: Paint or Stain Tables
Now it’s time to paint or stain the furniture using whatever colour you would like.
I used a black wood stain from Varathane and ended up using about 5 layers, applied over the course of 3 days. If I could go back in time I would have opted for some black paint instead of stain, as it would have required a lot less time to get the same black opaque finish.
I should also note that you only need to paint the main unit, not the drawers.
Optional: Once dry, you can apply one layer of a clear polyurethane top coat. This will help to prevent stains and scratches.
Step 3: Apply Wood Filler
While your paint or stain is drying, you can get started working on the drawers. The first thing we need to do is fill in the pre-drilled holes on the drawer fronts using a natural coloured wood filler. Allow to dry and then sand smooth.
Step 4: Soak & Cut Cane Fabric
Then soak the cane fabric in water for at least 30 minutes, or overnight. I filled up my bathtub with water and held the fabric down using some candles for weight. This will help to soften the fabric making it easier to cut and apply.
Once soaked, remove the cane webbing and lay it down on a towel. Measure the drawer face and cut it to size, leaving a little room around the edges for the wood trim to go. I cut mine to be 6 inches wide by 21.5 inches long.
Step 5: Staple Cane Webbing to Drawers
Attach cane webbing to centre of drawer front using a staple gun. Add a staple every inch or so along the edge.
Step 6: Cut Wood Trim
Cut the wood trim to size. You can either use a saw at home, or you can take it to your local Home Depot and they will cut it for free for you! Just make sure to make your measurements ahead of time before going.
For 2 side tables, you’ll need 12 pieces that are 58cm in length and 12 that are 13.2cm in length. Once cut, be sure to sand the edges smooth.
Step 7: Glue Wood Trim
Apply wood trim to drawer fronts using wood glue (I used the Gorilla brand wood glue). Use clamps to hold the pieces in place while they dry.
Step 8: Attach Handles
You’re almost done! The very last step is to attach handles to the drawers. Use a drill bit to create a hole in the top centre of each drawer front and then screw in the handle of your choosing. I used the knobs that the IKEA Rast dresser comes with but painted them black first.
Watch: Video Tutorial
If you’d rather watch this IKEA DIY Cane Night Table tutorial, then check out this short 3 minute video!
I truly hope this post was helpful. If you end up making this Easy IKEA DIY Cane Night Table, be sure to tag me on instagram @gwenthemilkmaid – I would love to see it!
And if you have any questions, leave a comment below.
Related Posts:
My Farmhouse Bedroom Makeover & Decor Ideas
Shop This Post:
- IKEA RAST Dresser
- Cane Webbing
- Gorilla Wood Glue
- Clamps
- Drop Cloth
- Staple Gun & Staples
- Electric Sander
- Extra Sandpaper