A piece of Arts & Crafts furniture is a perfect example of an object that is greater than the sum of its parts. Simple rectangles of wood, a modest taper here, a gentle arc there, and a handful of squares moving quietly over the surface. These elements alone are respectable enough, but when you braid them together in the chest of drawers you see here, there’s an earthy symphony that the eye never tires of.
This chest of drawers is the latest addition in a suite of Arts & Crafts-inspired projects for the bedroom that started with the gentleman’s dresser back in Issue 128. Like its predecessor, it’s mostly white oak and maple frame and panels made with tongue and groove joinery. Lots of woodworking fun and challenges here.
In the spirit of generous marketing quotes, “but wait…there’s more!” You have the added bonus of a wall mirror that echoes the design elements of the bed that you see in the inset photo. So if you choose to build it as well, your handsome quartet of furniture will blossom into a quintessential collection of Arts & Crafts furniture.
Building the SIDES & BACK
The solid-wood side panels you see above, along with the back panel that’s on the next page, are made with tried and true tongue and groove joinery. It’s a classic joint that makes for strong, good-looking panels.
The grooves in the stiles and the tongues on the rails provide plenty of glue surface. The
