🛏️✨ Minimalist Bed Chest – Sleek Storage for a Classic Design With CNC Precision.

When my daughter got a new bed—the Rolf Heide “Stapelliege” design classic—we needed a practical yet stylish storage solution for bedding. Instead of buying a standard box, I designed a custom bed chest that perfectly matches the bed’s minimalist aesthetic.

The chest is made from 15 mm birch plywood, reinforced with a 40x40 mm aluminum frame, and features precisely CNC-cut parts. The lid rests freely on top, while 3D-printed end caps with felt pads protect the wood. With concealed screws, a sleek recessed handle, and a durable child-safe lacquer finish, this storage solution is both functional and visually seamless—plus, it offers plenty of space!

Materials

1. Birch plywood (15 mm thick) – CNC-cut for precision, edged with 1 cm radius
2. 2x 90 x 70 cm
3. 2x 40 x 70 cm
4. 1x 70 x 40 cm (bottom)
5. 1x 89,8 cm x 39,8 cm (lid with groove)
6. Aluminum profiles (40x40 mm, Nut 8) – for the sturdy internal frame
7. 4x 60 cm
8. M8 screws– to secure the bottom
9. 4x M8 x 40 mm
10. M6 countersunk screws (for the side panels) – 6 per panel
11. 24 x M6 x 25 mm
12. M6 T-nuts
13. 24 x M6
14. 3D-printed end caps – to protect the wood from the aluminum edges
15. 4 x für 40x40 Al profile
16. Felt pads – for added surface protection
17. 4x for each side
18. Cardboard sheet – placed between the bottom panel and the frame
19. 4x 4x4 cm with 6 mm hole
20. Child-safe acrylic lacquer – for a smooth, sealed finish
21. 500 mL
22. Sandpaper (240 grit) – for a flawless surface

Tools

1. Electric drill + bits M8 and M6 (including countersink bit for flush screws)
2. M8 tap & tap wrench – to cut threads into the aluminum profiles
3. Allen key set – for assembling the aluminum frame
4. Orbital sander – for smooth edges and surface
5. Foam roller – for an even lacquer finish
6. 3D printer for the end caps

1. Thread the Aluminum Profiles: Use an M8 tap to create threaded holes at the ends of the aluminum profiles. This allows you to secure the bottom panel with M8 screws.
2. Print the end caps for the profiles: Using this available file, 4 end caps for the profile are printed and attached to the ends without threat: https://www.printables.com/model/118347-4040-extrusion-endcap-40x40
3. Prepare the Plywood Panels: The plywood panels should be CNC cut to fit the dimensions of your bed chest (93 cm x 43 cm x 70 cm). You’ll need one large bottom panel and four side panels. Use 240-grit sandpaper to smooth all edges and surfaces for a flawless finish.
4. Drill the Necessary Holes: Drill holes in the plywood for the M6 countersunk screws that will hold the side panels in place by means of the slot nuts that attach to the aluminum profiles.

1. Seal the Wood: Apply the child-friendly acrylic varnish to both sides of the plywood pieces using a foam roller. This first layer will protect the wood and give it a nice finish. Work in the direction of the grain!
2. Sand the Surface: After the first layer of varnish dries, lightly sand the surface with 240-grit sandpaper to remove any unevenness and ensure a smooth finish.
3. Apply a Second Coat: Once the wood is sanded, apply a second coat of varnish to further protect the surface and give it a polished look.

1. Install the Aluminum Profile Poles: Begin by securing the four 40x40 mm aluminum profiles at each corner of the bottom plywood plate. These profiles should be positioned upright to create the framework for the chest. To avoid any direct contact between the aluminum profiles and the plywood, place a piece of cardboard underneath the aluminum profiles on the bottom plate. This will protect the wood from any damage.
2. Attach the Short Side Panels: Next, align and attach the shorter side panels to the aluminum profiles using the pre-drilled holes and slot nuts. Secure them tightly with M6 screws.
3. Attach the Larger Side Panels: Now, attach the remaining two larger side panels to complete the structure. Again, use the same method with slot nuts and screws for a strong, sturdy connection.
4. Add Felt Pads and place the lid: To prevent any scratches and protect the wood, stick felt pads to the 3D printed end caps. Position the lid on top of the assembled structure. It will rest securely on the aluminum profiles at the edges.
5. Ensure Stability: Double-check the structure, making sure all connections are tight and the lid fits securely without any wobbling.

This minimalist bed chest is not only a perfect match for your specific Rolf Heide “Stapelliege” bed but can also be adapted to fit a variety of bed designs or other furniture pieces. The clever use of aluminum profiles and CNC precision cutting allows for a customizable, sturdy, and sleek solution that can be easily adjusted to different dimensions or uses.

Whether you’re adding storage to a platform bed, enhancing a mid-century modern design, or creating a multi-functional piece for your living room, this design principle provides the perfect foundation for versatile, space-saving storage. Its modularity means you can easily expand the system or modify it based on your needs – truly a design solution that grows with you.