This idea works best on simple cube-shaped nightstands. We made ours from 16mm Supawood. The finished size is 450 x 450mm and the shelf is positioned about 150mm from the top. Paint the cube inside and out with a wood undercoat and then with two to three layers of white enamel paint. Leave each coat to dry properly before you apply the next one. Paint the letters on the side that faces forwards when the open side faces the bed. We chose the letters M and D for Mom and Dad.

We first drew each letter on a sheet of paper 450 x 450mm then cut the letters out to use as templates. Keep the letters simple so that they are striking to look at and easy to read. Use spray glue to stick the paper template in place on the cube, trace the letter with a pencil then neatly stick masking tape just inside the outline of the letter. Paint the background with enamel paint in the colour of your choice – we used Plascon Velvaglo Bovine E29-6. Leave the paint to dry properly before you remove the masking tape.

Text and image: Ideas