In the bedroom, the most important element next to the bed (literally) is the – you’ve guessed it – bedside table. Just like every living room has a coffee table, no bedroom is complete without a bedside table (or two).
The bedside table is the first thing we see in the morning and the last thing we see before going to bed, so naturally, you’d want to get yourself something you love. In addition, you also need the bedside table to be practical and offer enough storage to help keep your bedroom free from clutter. With that being said, let’s explore bedside tables in detail so that you can choose a piece that perfectly matches your bedroom.
How to Choose a Bedside Table?
When it comes to choosing a nightstand that will be the perfect addition to the bedroom, there are two factors to consider: the overall design of the space and your lifestyle and habits. For instance, if your bedroom is styled in a mid-century fashion or has a Scandinavian vibe to it, consider browsing the range of designer bedside tables with a retro touch. On the other hand, if you want your bedroom to have a coastal feel, opt for Hampton’s style nightstands.
And since you’re going to be using your bedside table a lot, always go for durable materials such as oak, teak or walnut. Not only are these materials more lasting, but they also give the room a rich, warm texture. If you want to create symmetry in the bedroom and get two designer bedside tables, ask yourself is there enough room. The bedroom should be an airy, soothing space that’s free of clutter and excessive use of furniture can make it feel crowded.
How High Should a Bedside Table Be?
The bedside table’s proportions should fit the room precisely so that everything looks balanced. So, remember to consider the size and design of the room and the height of the bed when deciding how high the bedside table should be. For instance, in a larger room with a low platform bed, any nightstand that’s low but wide will look great and proportional. If you have less floor space, you can opt for a more narrow model with extra shelving. The basic rule is that the bedside table shouldn’t be higher than the mattress nor too low. After all, you wouldn’t want something that’s too low to easily reach or too high to tower over you while you sleep and disrupt the airflow.
Do Bedside Tables Have to Match?
So, you want to style your bedroom according to Feng Shui and place a nightstand on each side of the bed. A pair of tables can indeed make the room appear more symmetrical, and provide you with twice the storage. So, if you have the space, I’d say go for it! And don’t feel like you have to find a matching pair. In fact, two different nightstands can add variety and interest to the room, as long as there’s a common feature that brings the two together. For instance, try pairing similar styles of designer bedside tables that only differ in their colour.
But be careful not to combine two completely opposite styles of bedside tables. A metal nightstand would definitely look bad when matched with a classic wooden unit. The best way to go is to consider the current theme of your room such as Scandinavian, French provincial, art deco, or shabby chic, and then find a pair that can complement it.
How to Decorate Bedside Table?
A nicely styled nightstand can go a long way to freshen things up in the bedroom. Especially when it’s decorated with things that are colourful, fresh and soothing, like for instance, plants. Whether you opt for a beautiful vase with fresh flowers or a cute pot with a succulent, plants are hard to beat when it comes to giving the space an instant dose of style, texture, and vibrancy. Though, be careful around prickly cacti.
If you love reading to fall asleep, then having a small bookshelf atop your nightstand will be perfect for keeping your bedtime reads. And wherever there are books, there must be a reading lamp of some sorts as well. Opt for a lamp that perfectly matches the look of your nightstand and is not higher than your head when reading in the bed as not to cast uncomfortable shadows.
If you’re not a fan of plants, nor ornaments, another way to keep things interesting is to add a small piece of art. Instead of mounting it on the walls, a colourful painting or an art print can be beautifully displayed on your nightstand. This way, you can keep your walls bare which will preserve the cleanliness and tranquillity of the space, creating a relaxing sleeping atmosphere.