9 Smart Ideas for Your Bedside Table: Nightstands That Bring Style and Function Together

Has your nightstand become a catch-all for the day's assortments and clutter? If it has become a convenient spot for any item, such as glasses, books, chargers, pens, trinkets, and anything else, it IS time to take charge of your bedroom with these smart nightstand ideas.

You'll have a more orderly start each day, and your mornings will thank you!

Choices for nightstands can range from a set of vintage dressers or an eclectic combination (such as a footstool and a writing desk) to a modern retro pair of matching bureaus.

Whatever style you prefer when considering bedside tables, it is necessary to take into account these nightstand ideas from the standpoint of both functionality and aesthetics. The right choice will serve your purpose and achieve the style you like.

Mary Patton, designer at Mary Patton Design, advises that you have to ensure there's enough room for a lamp and other bedtime essentials, like a glass of water or your favorite book.

As for aesthetics, you have plenty of creative freedom. Your nightstand doesn't have to match the headboard or bed frame. It can just be a matte finish, a splash of color, or even a natural material for an organic feel.

For photo inspiration, check out: 51 Bedside Tables that Blend Convenience and Style in the Bedroom and 5 BEDSIDE TABLES THAT BRING FUNCTIONAL STYLE TO YOUR BEDROOM'S DÉCOR.

Talk to JarvisInteriors experts today to help you add character and vibrancy to your bedroom with a handpicked nightstand!

 

So, here are 9 beautiful and smart ideas for your bedside table:

1- Simple is best in a small room

Consider a bedside table that will fit neatly and stylishly in a tiny bedroom –if your bedroom space is small. Consider basic mid-century modern design, slimline legs, and a neutral or monochrome color palette. A suitably sized bedside table does not steal away from the overall design scheme and can be simply moved around as the bedroom design evolves and changes.

Read also: 25 small bedside tables to save space in compact bedrooms.

2- Think about your proportions

Consider the proportions of the bedside table in relation to the height of the bed when selecting your nightstand.

If your headboard is tall and upholstered, the visual weight of your bed should be complemented by your nightstand. Put another way, a taller mid-century chest of drawers would work while a low-profile mid-century end table would not.

3- Pick the right light

It is really important to choose the right light for your nightstand. Balance is the key!

After considering the proportions of your bed and nightstand, opt for a lighting concept that's not overwhelming and is easy to reach to switch on or off. It should have room for daily items, like reading glasses, a book, and a glass of water while combining balance between utilitarian function and aesthetic form.

As to the design, take cues from the unique features and dimensions of your nightstand. Think about whether your bedside table has any hardware, like a pull or knob, that blends well with the design of the nightstand lights.

And when selecting the lampshade, most light is filtered by lighter shades while a moody feel is achieved by darker shades. Colored shades are a suitable option if you want a pop of color. In terms of size, the shades should be two-thirds the length of the lamp.

4- Mix metal and wood for a modern organic look

The much-desired organic-modern bedroom design can be achieved by pairing sleek metal with natural, pale wood tones, which effectively draws attention to the texture of each material. This pairing is perfectly complemented by streamlined silhouettes.

5- Select design that follows the shapes in your room

While contrast might be appealing in some cases, your bedside table selections will feel more coherent if they resemble the bed's outline and shape.

For instance, if your bed has a bespoke headboard that isn't too high, you can place art above it to get the feel of higher ceilings. A round-shaped table connects well with a curved headboard. And you can choose nightstand colors that are in keeping with the other hues and tones in your room.

6- Lighten your bedroom with blonde wood

Unlike heavy, conventional tones, such as cherry and walnut, light-colored wood helps create a more soothing and serene atmosphere. Blonde wood also makes a smooth transition from light to dark hues.

Add a middle ground of light blonde wood if your scheme plays with light and dark.

7- Source retro pieces for personality

To introduce personality in your space, try this bedroom styling idea: Look for your bedside tables in an antique or vintage store rather than buying them brand-new. Your finds will be more unique and more long-lasting, too.

8- Get a leather-covered design for a luxe look

Bedside tables feel more luxurious with leather trimmings.

9- Try scalloped edges

Scalloped designs afford you practicality and style. Whether Grandmillennial or neo-traditional look, scalloped edges are a must.

Raised, scalloped edges will help ensure nothing falls off from the table, while not short of beauty.

 

Read related: 6 Ideas on How to Style a Bedside Table Like an Expert

17 stylish chest of drawers to suit every space

  

A nightstand alternative

Quite frankly, the only thing that limits what you can use as a bedside table is your creativity!

Here are some common alternatives to conventional nightstands:

-A wall-mounted shelf

-Dressers or small chests

-A stool or hard-topped ottoman

-A writing desk

-A dining chair or bench

-A living room end table

-Cube storage

-A steamer trunk

Bedside tables should be functional, but they can (and should) also be stylish. While they serve as a perfect spot to put books, a vase of flowers, a lovely lamp, and a bottle of water –among other essentials, they can definitely bring character to your bedroom.

Talk to the design experts of JarvisInteriors to spark your creativity. The perfect bedside table project is waiting for you!

For additional expert tips for your home design, read this article from JarvisInteriors: How to Enhance Your Outdoor Decor With Colorful Window Boxes.

 

 

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CONTENT Credits

Bedside table ideas – 15 looks for rooms of all shapes and sizes

Photo credits

51 Bedside Tables that Blend Convenience and Style in the Bedroom