Bedside Tables With a Difference: 11 One-of-a-Kind Ideas
Make something old new again with these creative and thrifty bedroom solutions
Bedside tables are the landing pad for so many of our things – mobile phones, books, tissues and reading glasses, to name a few. And yet the tables themselves are rarely as varied as the stuff that goes on them. Why are we so engineered to accept a generic design of four legs and a tabletop for our bedside? This is one area of your bedroom that’s full of potential for expressing unique character. And few things pack more personality than unusual repurposed items. So here are 11 pieces you can rethink to create statement-making bedside tables that are sure to awaken your sleepy head.
2. Industrial stools
An old doctor’s stool fits in a tight space between the bed and a built-in storage unit in a squeezy studio apartment.
An old doctor’s stool fits in a tight space between the bed and a built-in storage unit in a squeezy studio apartment.
3. Antique sewing machines
That old sewing machine that may be hiding in your attic or garage can be put to good use at your bedside. It’s also a great opportunity to showcase a long-forgotten family treasure. The filigree of the metal base also adds visual interest and especially complements rustic bedrooms, such as the one shown here, but also traditional and edgier contemporary bedrooms.
That old sewing machine that may be hiding in your attic or garage can be put to good use at your bedside. It’s also a great opportunity to showcase a long-forgotten family treasure. The filigree of the metal base also adds visual interest and especially complements rustic bedrooms, such as the one shown here, but also traditional and edgier contemporary bedrooms.
4. Vintage luggage
Vintage suitcases make a spectacular bedside table when stacked atop one another. The height can be varied by adding or subtracting pieces, and the luggage can also double as storage for infrequently used items. Here a handsome trio of leather suitcases combined with houndstooth-patterned cushions, a sisal area rug and antique car illustrations gives this room the strong and confident look of a bygone era.
Vintage suitcases make a spectacular bedside table when stacked atop one another. The height can be varied by adding or subtracting pieces, and the luggage can also double as storage for infrequently used items. Here a handsome trio of leather suitcases combined with houndstooth-patterned cushions, a sisal area rug and antique car illustrations gives this room the strong and confident look of a bygone era.
Painting dissimilar pieces of luggage a solid colour unifies any colour or material differences and makes their shapes appear more pronounced. The two white suitcases here create a carefree bedside table in a beach-themed bedroom.
5. Tool chests
A tool chest is possibly the most durable bedside table option. Its steel construction, glossy red enamel finish, multiple drawers for storage and heavy-duty castors are defining characteristics. It’s also one of the few bedside tables that locks.
A tool chest is possibly the most durable bedside table option. Its steel construction, glossy red enamel finish, multiple drawers for storage and heavy-duty castors are defining characteristics. It’s also one of the few bedside tables that locks.
6. Desks
Multitasking as a writing surface as well as a beside table, a desk is another way to save space while accommodating different needs. As most desk surfaces are about 75 centimetres high, they make for a higher-than-average bedside table surface, but do the job nicely.
Multitasking as a writing surface as well as a beside table, a desk is another way to save space while accommodating different needs. As most desk surfaces are about 75 centimetres high, they make for a higher-than-average bedside table surface, but do the job nicely.
7. Architectural details
Salvaged architectural details can make lovely bedside tables. Here a lone but intricately carved wooden corbel has been wall mounted underneath a window to provide a small bedside surface. While its greyish patina and form are stunning, the angled shape may also prevent some bangs and bumps in the middle of the night. As these pieces tend to be heavy, make sure there is adequate support behind the wall surface before installation.
Salvaged architectural details can make lovely bedside tables. Here a lone but intricately carved wooden corbel has been wall mounted underneath a window to provide a small bedside surface. While its greyish patina and form are stunning, the angled shape may also prevent some bangs and bumps in the middle of the night. As these pieces tend to be heavy, make sure there is adequate support behind the wall surface before installation.
8. Wooden folding chairs
Folding wooden chairs create an excellent bedside table and can double as seating if needed. Because they’re usually compact, folding chairs are especially useful in small bedrooms. The light green chair is a charming addition to this sweet bedroom. Not happy with the colour of your existing chair? Milk or chalk paint allows for an easy colour change in easygoing pastoral hues.
Folding wooden chairs create an excellent bedside table and can double as seating if needed. Because they’re usually compact, folding chairs are especially useful in small bedrooms. The light green chair is a charming addition to this sweet bedroom. Not happy with the colour of your existing chair? Milk or chalk paint allows for an easy colour change in easygoing pastoral hues.
A turquoise antique medical table adds a touch of history to complement this rustic bed, which was made from pallets. An industrial wheeled base allows maneuverability.
10. Hanging tables
These creative bedside tables are made of galvanised steel sheet metal and hung from the ceiling at two different levels. The tables playfully reference children’s swings in this bedroom shared by two sisters.
These creative bedside tables are made of galvanised steel sheet metal and hung from the ceiling at two different levels. The tables playfully reference children’s swings in this bedroom shared by two sisters.
11. Bicycle wheels
Perhaps the epitome of upcycling, this bicycle wheel makes a sporty, fun bedside table. Isreali designers Marie Chen Hanan and Gil Hanan say their wheel table design makes use of an old leg from a hospital machine. Meanwhile, the glass tabletop is a bit smaller than the tire, allowing the rubber to serve as a natural bumper.
When using glass as a tabletop, be sure the glass is tempered, also known as toughened. Tempered glass is about five times stronger than regular glass and, if broken, it will fall in small, chunky pieces versus sharp shards.
YOU TELL US
Do you have an out-of-the-ordinary bedside table? Tell us about it in the comments section below.
MORE
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Perhaps the epitome of upcycling, this bicycle wheel makes a sporty, fun bedside table. Isreali designers Marie Chen Hanan and Gil Hanan say their wheel table design makes use of an old leg from a hospital machine. Meanwhile, the glass tabletop is a bit smaller than the tire, allowing the rubber to serve as a natural bumper.
When using glass as a tabletop, be sure the glass is tempered, also known as toughened. Tempered glass is about five times stronger than regular glass and, if broken, it will fall in small, chunky pieces versus sharp shards.
YOU TELL US
Do you have an out-of-the-ordinary bedside table? Tell us about it in the comments section below.
MORE
Nifty Thrifty: 19 Inventive Repurposing Ideas
10 Ways to Get Your Interior Lighting Sorted
Designer Tricks to Pick the Perfect Lampshade
Shipping crates paired with bricks and timber are a memory for many as makeshift uni furniture. However, this crate is casual and cool. The vibrant advertisement against the bright red wooden floor provides the majority of colour in this otherwise fairly neutral bedroom.
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