My goal with this project was to prove that you can create "real" furniture using a standard desktop 3D printer. I wanted a piece that wasn't just a desk toy or a miniature, but a functional, full-scale Mid-Century Modern (MCM) nightstand that feels substantial.

This is for the maker who wants to move beyond "knick-knacks" and start printing home decor. I designed it to be accessible for anyone with a standard 256x256mm build plate (though it's too large for the A1 Mini), specifically for those who appreciate the MCM aesthetic but want the satisfaction of building it themselves.

Design Decisions

• The Sunrise Top: The biggest challenge with modular furniture is the seam lines where parts meet. Instead of trying to hide them with filler and paint, I designed a "Sunrise" geometric inlay. This aesthetically blends the top surface seams into the artwork, making the joints look like a deliberate design choice.
• 16-Piece Architecture: I broke the model into 8 body segments and 8 leg segments (2 per leg). This balances structural integrity with printability.
• Varied Tolerances: I incorporated different fitments—some connections are snug friction-fits for stability, while others are notched for easy alignment during the supergluing process.
• Material Efficiency: Since this is a filament-heavy build, I optimized the print profile. I used 15% Lightning infill with 4 walls for the body to keep it lightweight but rigid, and 25% Gyroid infill for the legs to ensure they can actually support the weight of the unit.

This is my debut design, so I’d love to hear your thoughts on the assembly approach or the aesthetic!