How to Style Your Bedside Table Like a Pro
Make your bedside the stylish star of your bedroom with these chic additions
Laura Wheat
23 September 2015
Houzz UK Contributor. Freelance Journalist and interiors obsessive, newly ensconced in a handsome Edwardian semi on top of a hill.
Houzz UK Contributor. Freelance Journalist and interiors obsessive, newly ensconced... More
There’s something undeniably seductive about a beautifully styled bed, complete with crisp linens, plump cushions and a perfectly proportioned bedside table. However, the reality very often consists of mismatched nightstands, crumpled sheets and a half-drunk cup of morning tea. To make those alluring designer vignettes – complete with flowers, oversized lamp and colour-coordinated books – into more than a decor dream, take a look at these 10 tips, then create a little style sanctuary next to your own bed.
Set the scene
Start by considering your scheme as a whole. Think about lighting, your bedhead, and the wall above and beside the bed. A fancy buttoned or patterned bedhead will usually work best with a plain bedside table in a simple shape. Likewise, if your bed is more pared back, try introducing two or three colours via cushions, lamps or blankets, and stick to patterns of a similar scale.
Start by considering your scheme as a whole. Think about lighting, your bedhead, and the wall above and beside the bed. A fancy buttoned or patterned bedhead will usually work best with a plain bedside table in a simple shape. Likewise, if your bed is more pared back, try introducing two or three colours via cushions, lamps or blankets, and stick to patterns of a similar scale.
Accouter Group
Add interest with art
Artwork is perfect for adding character to your sleep space, without committing to a major makeover. Interior designers often ‘ground’ a bed with one wide picture hung above the centre of the bedhead. Or you could follow this example and opt for multiple prints arranged either side of your bed. Pick out some of the colours used elsewhere in the room on pictures for maximum coherence.
Artwork is perfect for adding character to your sleep space, without committing to a major makeover. Interior designers often ‘ground’ a bed with one wide picture hung above the centre of the bedhead. Or you could follow this example and opt for multiple prints arranged either side of your bed. Pick out some of the colours used elsewhere in the room on pictures for maximum coherence.
Ponder a pendant
As well as saving surface space, hanging a small bedside pendant light can bring elegance and originality to your set-up. Just be sure to consider the likelihood of ever wanting to move the position of your bed before booking the electrician!
As well as saving surface space, hanging a small bedside pendant light can bring elegance and originality to your set-up. Just be sure to consider the likelihood of ever wanting to move the position of your bed before booking the electrician!
Select a space-saving sconce
If you’re a fan of clutter-free nightstands, another alternative lighting option is a wall-mounted sconce with a switch. Fitting these will be a messy job, involving chasing out the plaster to run cables, so make sure you tackle it prior to decorating.
If you’re a fan of clutter-free nightstands, another alternative lighting option is a wall-mounted sconce with a switch. Fitting these will be a messy job, involving chasing out the plaster to run cables, so make sure you tackle it prior to decorating.
Get the height right
When shopping for new nightstands, it’s worth noting down the height of your bed. As a general rule, bedside tables work best when they are as tall or slightly taller than the top of your mattress. Smaller tables can look lost, particularly if your bed has a French-style rounded back that doesn’t sit flat against the wall.
When shopping for new nightstands, it’s worth noting down the height of your bed. As a general rule, bedside tables work best when they are as tall or slightly taller than the top of your mattress. Smaller tables can look lost, particularly if your bed has a French-style rounded back that doesn’t sit flat against the wall.
Style with symmetry
When in doubt, go symmetrical. Even a busy scheme like this one looks deliberate and tasteful due to the matching tables and lamps on either side. A couple’s nightstand contents don’t have to be rigidly identical as that would be impractical, but by introducing symmetrical elements, balance is maintained.
When in doubt, go symmetrical. Even a busy scheme like this one looks deliberate and tasteful due to the matching tables and lamps on either side. A couple’s nightstand contents don’t have to be rigidly identical as that would be impractical, but by introducing symmetrical elements, balance is maintained.
Swap in some storage
If you yearn for a sleek bedside table, but frequently find your nightstand piled high with books, paper and other bits and pieces, consider switching to a small chest of drawers. This will provide lots of storage within reach – and no excuse for a messy bedside.
If you yearn for a sleek bedside table, but frequently find your nightstand piled high with books, paper and other bits and pieces, consider switching to a small chest of drawers. This will provide lots of storage within reach – and no excuse for a messy bedside.
Accent with accessories
A few carefully chosen accessories are all it takes to make your sleep space shine. Here, an ammonite tray acts as a jewellery holder, while a small wall-hung print and bright-based lamp add colour and interest.
A few carefully chosen accessories are all it takes to make your sleep space shine. Here, an ammonite tray acts as a jewellery holder, while a small wall-hung print and bright-based lamp add colour and interest.
Try a two-in-one
For rooms with two single beds and limited floorspace, select a bedside table that can do double duty, serving the needs of both occupants. This ladder-style shelving unit works a treat as a bookstand, while clip-on lights make a practical but minimalist addition.
For rooms with two single beds and limited floorspace, select a bedside table that can do double duty, serving the needs of both occupants. This ladder-style shelving unit works a treat as a bookstand, while clip-on lights make a practical but minimalist addition.
Go for a glass top
If you enjoy breakfast in bed or love to layer lotions on your skin last thing at night, it’s sensible to select a glass-topped table that’s quick to clean and stain-proof. Any local glass company should be able to cut a piece of toughened glass with polished edges to fit an existing table. Choose a clear finish for simplicity, or mirrored glass for added glitz.
TELL US
What’s your bedside table like – and what’s on it? Share you thoughts or photos in the Comments section.
MORE
What Your Bedside Table Says About Your Style
Bedside Tables With a Difference: 11 One-of-a-Kind Ideas
Spend More Time in Bed … With the Right Bedside Table
If you enjoy breakfast in bed or love to layer lotions on your skin last thing at night, it’s sensible to select a glass-topped table that’s quick to clean and stain-proof. Any local glass company should be able to cut a piece of toughened glass with polished edges to fit an existing table. Choose a clear finish for simplicity, or mirrored glass for added glitz.
TELL US
What’s your bedside table like – and what’s on it? Share you thoughts or photos in the Comments section.
MORE
What Your Bedside Table Says About Your Style
Bedside Tables With a Difference: 11 One-of-a-Kind Ideas
Spend More Time in Bed … With the Right Bedside Table
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Marion - I know extra cushions look pretty and add a bit of colour, but I restricted myself to just 2 small ones - any more would get really annoying. I love some of the styling but I really couldn't cope with little bowls of flowers sitting on top of my books. I want ready access to my books so I can read them. I do have a little wooden box that can take all the stuff like my watch, rings, glasses, etc.
I love the 'two in one ' room with the ladder storage unit - the white walls, natural wood, blue cushions - all so well thought out, makes for great style.