Joanna Gaines' Fixer Upper Nightstand Saves Space Without Sacrificing Style

If you have a compact master bedroom, but want to curate a designer-approved space, take a cue from Joanna Gaines. In Chip and Joanna Gaines' stunning renovation featured on "Fixer Upper: The Lakehouse," she utilized a trending nightstand technique. In a hotel-inspired move, Gaines used a floating headboard with attached nightstands. Similar to floating shelves, the nightstands were attached directly to the headboard itself, saving floor space without sacrificing storage.

Gaines notes in her Instagram post that the stylistic goal for "Fixer Upper: The Lakehouse" was recreating mid-century modern meets Spanish Revival. The warm, wooden headboard with attached nightstands is a key piece in the overall aesthetic of the home. Unsurprisingly, headboards with attached nightstands were a popular design in mid-century America. While a true vintage platform bed with a headboard and floating nightstands will cost you several thousand dollars, there are a few ways to recreate Gaines' reclaimed technique depending on your skill level and budget.

In Gaines' design, the upholstered headboard backs up to the larger, wooden headboard. If you already have a fabric headboard, you can keep it attached to your bed and simply build around it. YouTuber Big Living Little Footprint DIY'd a similar headboard with wood paneling that stretched across the whole wall. This is a great option if you are unable to carve out a large, custom-arched backboard like Gaines' example.

If using a DIY hack to create a floating nightstand is too time-consuming, there are several affordable headboard options that can create a similar effect. For example, IKEA offers the NORDLI headboard, which includes two ledges and two compartments to store books and other necessities. If this option doesn't provide you with enough storage space, Amazon sells the Albott floating bedframe with built-in nightstands. For the most low-cost, low-effort recreation, consider simply installing mid-century-inspired floating nightstands next to your bed. These Comfify floating nightstands from Amazon include a drawer and an additional shelf.