Solid Cherry Mid Century Modern Shelf Unit
For this project, my client requested a mid-century modern shelf unit similar to one she had seen at a big-box store, but she wanted it customized to better suit her specific space requirements. She also expressed a desire for an additional drawer in the lower section. No problem! The design of this shelf unit was based on a piece she had admired at West Elm, but it wasn't quite the right size for her intended location. Together, we worked out the ideal dimensions and refined the design elements, including the choice of materials—cherry wood. The core of the shelf unit is the bottom case, which houses the two drawers. This section is crafted entirely from solid cherry wood and features a beveled front edge, allowing the drawers to sit slightly recessed—a hallmark of mid-century modern design. The drawers glide smoothly on undermount, soft-close drawer slides, providing both aesthetic appeal and functionality. After selecting the rough-sawn cherry wood I would need, I began by preparing the rough-cut pieces for the base cabinet, which serves as the foundation for the entire unit. This part is crucial since it determines the overall dimensions and alignment of the rest of the structure. Initially, I cut the case pieces to their rough lengths, leaving them slightly longer than necessary so I could trim them later after assembly. Following this, I let the pieces rest overnight to settle any internal stresses before proceeding with further milling. The next morning, I passed the pieces through the jointer again to ensure they were flat, then planed them to their final thickness. Once all the case components were prepared, I glued them together to achieve the precise width required for the depth of the case. After allowing the glued pieces to dry completely, I sanded them down to 120-grit sandpaper to remove any residual glue and ensure the panels were perfectly smooth. With the case pieces ready, I used the table saw and my table saw sled to create 45-degree bevels, which would form the corners of the case. To enhance the structural integrity of the miter joints, I used a Domino joiner to insert small dowels into the beveled edges. While gluing an end grain joint like this provides adequate bonding, adding these dowels significantly strengthens the connection. This step also allowed me to perform a dry fit of the case, enabling accurate measurement for the drawer dividers and the back panel. The drawer dividers were positioned using dominos, while the back panel, made of solid cherry, fits into oversized grooves routed into the sides of the case. These oversized grooves accommodate seasonal expansion and contraction of the wood. You can see the bevel on the inside of the case's front edge, another classic mid-century modern detail. Before final assembly, I prefinished both the back panel and the interior surfaces of the case components. Applying the finish at this stage simplifies the process compared to finishing the assembled piece. For this project, I used OSMO Poly-x Satin, applying two coats. Once the finish dried, I glued the case together, clamping it securely to ensure it remained square throughout the drying process. With the main case complete, I turned my attention to constructing the frame and shelves that make up the upper portion of the unit. Using the finished case as a reference for critical measurements, I began building the frame and lower case supports. The frame consists of two vertical supports at the back and two shorter front supports that slope upward to meet the top. I started by constructing the back and front vertical members, as these calculations were straightforward. The case is supported by two curved stretchers in the front and back, with the primary support concentrated at a 4-inch section in the center. The lower side supports primarily serve to stabilize the frame rather than providing direct support to the case, adhering to the original design's specifications. Here’s a glimpse of me assembling the frame around the case: Once the frame was constructed, I glued it together in sections. Below is an image of one side of the frame being glued. And here is the fully assembled frame with the shelves in place. The frame uses dominos for connections, while the shelves are secured with 8mm dominos. Finally, after thorough sanding and preparation, I applied the finish to both the frame and the case separately. Once dry, I positioned the case inside the frame and reinforced it with screws from within the case into the frame. Here are some images of the completed piece. [Images of the finished shelf unit] This was a highly enjoyable and engaging project. Many clients request custom builds inspired by store-bought designs, and as long as I can incorporate unique modifications, I’m happy to take on these projects. For this shelf unit, I was able to add a second drawer to the bottom case, among other tweaks. I hope you found this project inspiring. If you’re looking for a distinctive piece of furniture, feel free to reach out! *Disclosure*: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. If you purchase anything through these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support is greatly appreciated! --- Would you like to stay updated on future projects? Sign up below to receive updates via email: [MailChimp Signup Form]Hyaluronic Acid Cheeks Forehead Wrinkles
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