DIY Plans to Build a Celia Dresser

A Cute and Curvy Dresser That Is Easy to Build!

The curves on this simple dresser are so elegantly cute! The DIY plans to build a Celia Dresser feature curved lower edges on the front and sides, curved legs, and three drawers. I’ve included all of the templates to make cutting the curves easy-peasy! This project can be completed in a weekend.

Materials:

•  (<– affiliate link!)
• 1-1/4″ brad nails
• Edge banding (<– affiliate link!)
• 3 sets of 18″ drawer slides (<– affiliate link!)
• Cabinet pulls
• Wood glue
• Sandpaper (100, 150, 220 grits)
• Finishing supplies (primer & paint, or stain, sealer)

Lumber:

• 1 – 1×2 at 6′
• 1 – 1×2 at 8′
• 1 – 1×6 at 8′
• 2 – 2×4 at 6′
• 1 – 4′ x 8′ sheet of 1/4″ plywood
• 1 – 4′ x 8′ sheet of 3/4″ plywood

Cut List:

• 4 – 2×4 at 31-7/16″ – Legs
• 2 – 3/4″ plywood at 18″ x 27-5/16″ – Sides
• 1 – 1×6 at 29″ – Lower Front Apron
• 5 – 1×2 at 29″ – Front & Back Stretchers
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 21-1/2″ x 33″ – Top
• 1 – 1/4″ plywood at 23-7/16″ x 30-1/2″ – Back
• 6 – 3/4″ plywood at 4″ x 18″ – Drawer Box Front & Back
• 6 – 3/4″ plywood at 4″ x 26-1/2″ – Drawer Box Sides
• 3 – 1/4″ plywood at 17″ x 27″ – Drawer Box Bottoms
• 3 – 1×6 at 28-3/4″ – Drawer Fronts

Click on the drawings for a larger view!

Step One

Cut the pieces to length for the legs. Print the templates, align the registration marks and tape the sheets together. Cut along the lines with scissors, and position the template on the 2×4 with temporary spray adhesive. Cut the leg using a jigsaw or bandsaw.

Step Two

Cut the pieces for the sides. Print the templates, align the registration marks and tape the sheets together. Cut along the lines with scissors, and position the template on the lower 5-1/2″ of the sides. Cut the curves using a jigsaw or bandsaw.

With the pocket hole jig set for 3/4″ material, drill pocket holes in each long side edge. Secure the sides to the legs using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. The inside faces of the panels will be flush with the inside faces of the legs. The curves on the lower part of the legs will face out!

Step Three

Cut the pieces for the front and back stretchers, and drill pocket holes in each end. Secure the back stretchers to the legs as shown using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. The back faces of the stretchers will be flush with the outside faces of the legs.

Step Four

Cut the piece to length for the lower front apron. Print the templates, align the registration marks and tape the sheets together. Cut along the lines with scissors, and position the template on the 1×6 with temporary spray adhesive. Cut the apron using a jigsaw or bandsaw. Drill pocket holes in each side edge, and secure the piece to the legs using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. The front face of the apron will be flush with the front faces of the legs.

Step Five

Secure the front stretchers to the legs as shown in the drawing.

Step Six

Cut the piece for the top. The top will overhang the sides and front by 1/2″. Secure the top in place using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.

Step Seven

Cut the piece for the back. Secure the back using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.

Step Eight

Cut the pieces for the drawer box sides, front, and back. Cut the groove in the bottom edge of each piece at 1/4″ wide by 1/4″ deep using a table saw or a router and a straight bit. Set the pocket hole jig for 3/4″ material and drill pocket holes in each end of the drawer box sides on the opposite side as the groove. Make sure that the pocket holes will not interfere with the groove. Secure the sides to the back using glue and 1-1/2″ pocket hole screws.

Step Nine

Cut the piece for the drawer bottom. Slide the bottom into the grooves in the sides and back. The piece should fit snugly but not too tight.

Step Ten

Insert the front edge of the drawer box bottom into the groove on the drawer box front. Secure the drawer box sides to the drawer box front using glue and 1-1/2″ pocket hole screws.

Install the drawer slides according to the manufacturer’s installation instructions, locating them 3/4″ back from the front face of the legs. Make any necessary adjustments.

Step Eleven

Cut the pieces for the drawer fronts. Mark the position for the drawer pulls and drill the holes. Shim the drawer front in the opening – there will be a 1/8” gap around all sides – then drive screws through the holes for the drawer pulls into the drawer box. Open the drawer, and secure the drawer front using countersunk 1-1/4” screws from the inside. Remove the screws from the holes for the drawer pull then finish drilling the holes. Install the drawer pull. Take a look at this easy tutorial on installing drawer fronts.

Finish as desired.

Not only can this piece be used as a dresser (for clothes) but it can be used as storage in a large bathroom, dining room, or entryway! Have any questions about the DIY plans to build a Celia Dresser? Leave a comment below!

Originally posted 2015-08-28 08:00:01.