Adding legs to a nightstand is a quick and easy way to refresh its look, lift it off the floor and make your bedroom feel cleaner and more modern without replacing the whole piece. We’ll show you how to add legs to a nightstand below so you can get started.
It’s pretty straightforward. All you really need to do is choose the right furniture legs (style and size) and navigate the attachment process. We make it as seamless as possible here at The Hairpin Leg Co., as all our furniture legs come with a detailed builder's guide.
From hairpin legs to tapered oak legs, there’s something for everyone here in our collection. Take the first step towards upgrading your bedroom furniture today!
How to Add Legs to a Nightstand: Step-by-Step Guide
Lifting your nightstand off the floor can raise it to a better height for you to reach your phone, a glass of water, a lampswitch - or whatever else you keep on it. It also gives you easier access to the floor for cleaning purposes.
But for a lot of people, the appeal of adding legs to a nightstand comes down to the aesthetic side of things. You can transform the vibe in your bedroom with minimal effort and cost. Here’s how to add legs to a nightstand.
Check the Base and Internal Structure First
Flip the nightstand over and look at how it’s built before you add anything underneath. Solid wood bases are simple to add to legs to, while particle board or hollow panels need a bit more care.
You need to look for areas that feel firm and consistent rather than thin or crumbly. You won’t be able to fix directly into the underside of a recessed panel or a lightweight backer. A strong fixing point is of the utmost importance. Particleboard or chipboard is prone to degrading around the screws. Don’t have an area of solid wood to screw into? You could use a strong adhesive to glue an area of 18mm thick plywood to the underside of the unit and screw the legs into that.
Choose the Right Height and Style of Leg
Nightstand height is something you have to take into careful consideration as well. The top should sit level with your mattress or slightly below so reaching for a lamp or phone is effortless.
What about style, though? Hairpin legs look light and simple, and are often your best bet for adding legs to a nightstand. Box-section styles bring more presence if the nightstand is heavier. There are also wooden furniture legs if you want something more natural-looking.
Whatever your vision is, you’ll find the best furniture legs here at The Hairpin Leg Co.
Position the Legs for Balance and Clearance
Lay the legs in place before marking anything. Pull them in slightly from the edges so the weight isn’t carried right at the corners. This also helps with skirting board clearance if the nightstand sits against a wall.
Step back and check the alignment from multiple angles. This is a step in how to add legs to a nightstand worth taking your time with, as even spacing can make or break the finished piece.
Mark and Drill Pilot Holes Carefully
Use the mounting plate as a template and clearly mark each hole. Then, drill pilot holes with a bit slightly smaller than the screw diameter. This step matters most with hardwood or particle board. Forcing screws straight in can split or weaken the base. Keep the drill straight and work slowly. A small strip of tape around the drill bit helps you avoid going too deep.
Attach the Legs Without Over-Tightening
Fit the screws using a properly sized screwdriver or driver bit. Tighten until the leg feels secure, then stop. Over-tightening can strip the fixing or compress the material underneath, causing instability over time. Work evenly across all screws to keep the mounting plate flat on the base.
Test Stability and Make Small Adjustments
Most of the work is done at this point! Turn the nightstand upright and check how it sits. Apply light pressure from different angles to see if there’s any movement. Uneven floors are usually to blame for minor wobbles rather than the build itself.
Add Floor Protectors and Final Touches
Finish by fitting floor protectors to the feet to prevent scratches on hardwood floors or damage to the carpet. This will also help with levelling. Give the nightstand a final wipe down and place it in its intended spot. And there you have it, you know how to add legs to a nightstand!
There’s just one thing left to do now…
Shop the Best Nightstand Legs at The Hairpin Leg Co.
Get started adding legs to a nightstand with our selection at The Hairpin Leg Co. We’ve been the trusted choice in the UK and worldwide since 2013 because of our craftsmanship, styles, and customer service.
Our 10 cm hairpin legs are a perfect match for bedside pieces when you want a clean, lifted look with strong steel construction and classic mid-century styling. Want a warmer finish? Our tapered oak legs bring natural character and solid hardwood strength for a more traditional feel.
Every leg we offer is built with makers in mind, from precise fixing points to finishes that hold up in daily use. With sizes to suit everything from compact nightstands to larger furniture builds, you’ll find a solution that fits your project.
Best of all, your order is backed by 60-day hassle-free returns and a 5-year warranty. Now that you know how to add legs to a nightstand, take the next step at The Hairpin Leg Co.!
“Love my hairpin legs, really chunky and sturdy and look great. Delivery was easy and super quick.” - Danielle
“Great products. Didn't know they existed until a Google search turned them. About 24 hours after my first Google search, I had a table! The legs I bought are strong and clearly of good quality, and at a great price. There's nothing here that's not to like.” - Simon
“Easy to order on the website. My queries were answered swiftly and to my satisfaction. Product arrived well packaged and on time. Very pleased with how the legs look!!” - Annette
Parting Thoughts on Adding Legs to a Nightstand
That does it for our guide on how to add legs to a nightstand. This is a simple upgrade that completely changes how the piece looks and functions in your space. It takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, and can have a profound effect in your bedroom.
Adding legs to a nightstand starts with getting the right set. Whether you’re looking for wooden or metal furniture legs, your search ends here at The Hairpin Leg Co. Choose your style, order today and give your nightstand a proper finish that feels built, not improvised!
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