1. Keep It Simple In A Small Room
If your bedroom is on the smaller side, you might want to consider a bedside table that fits beautifully and neatly in a small bedroom. Think slimline legs, simple mid-century modern design, and a neutral or monochromatic color scheme. Here, this perfectly-portioned bedside table does not distract from the overall tailored scheme and can be moved easily as the bedroom design changes and evolves.
2. Consider Your Proportions
'When selecting a bedside table, think about the proportions as it relates to the height of the bed so they complement each other,' say Patton. If you have a tall, upholstered headboard, your nightstand should stand up to the visual weight of your bed. In other words, a low-profile midcentury end table wouldn't work, but a taller mid-century chest of drawers would.
3. Invest In A Design That Serves Two People
If your shared bedroom is for two people, think about positioning a bedside table – one that is big enough for two – in-between twin beds. Invest in a design that coordinates beautifully with the rest of the room for a cohesive and tailored scheme that fits perfectly.
4. Choose The Right Light For Your Bedside Table
Choosing the right lamp for your bedside is really important, as Lance Thomas, principal designer at Thomas Guy Interiors explains:
'The key is balance! Consider the dimensions of your bed and nightstand and choose a lighting concept that doesn’t overpower and is easy to reach to turn on or off. It should combine aesthetic form and utilitarian function and make sure there’s room for everyday items, such as a book, glass of water, reading glasses, etc..' he says. As far as design goes, Guy suggests taking cues from the details and dimensions of your nightstand. 'You want to consider if there’s any hardware on your nightstand, such as a knob or pull which will complement the aesthetics of the bedside lights,' he says. 'A common mistake is selecting a lamp that doesn’t balance well with the parameters of the nightstand and bed. The lamp shouldn’t be higher than the bed frame and should be more or less taller than the height of the nightstand.'
5. Mix Wood And Metal For An Organic Modern Look
The juxtaposition of natural, pale wood tones and sleek metal emphasizes the texture of both and creates the coveted organic-modern bedroom trend. Streamlined silhouettes complement the pairing perfectly.
6. Or Consider All Metal For An Industrial Style Bedroom
For the loft look (or for a tiny bedroom idea) a simple metal bedside table adds function without taking up too much room, physically or visually.
7. Look For A Design That Follows The Shapes In The Room
While contrast can be nice in some instances, your bedside table ideas will feel more cohesive if they play off of the shape of the bed.
8. Keep It Light With Blonde Wood
Light-colored wood helps set a more soothing and relaxed vibe than heavy, traditional tones like cherry and walnut. Plus, blonde wood is a natural transition from light colors to dark ones.
9. Source Retro Pieces For Individuality
To fill your room with personality, try this bedroom styling tip: Instead of shopping new for your bedside tables, try sourcing them from a vintage or antique shop. Your results will be more unique, and more sustainable, too.
10. Invest In A Leather-Covered Design For A Luxe Look
Leather accents add a sense of luxury to bedside tables. 'This Julian Chichester bedside table is a go-to of mine because of its excellent quality. The proportions are perfect for a two-foot tall bed, and they come in two widths to suit most room sizes,' says Lucia Caballero, interior designer at Lucia Caballero.
11. A Scalloped Edge Is Pretty And Practical
Going for a neo-traditional or Grandmillennial look? Scalloped edges are a must.
12. Vintage Pieces Work Well With Layered Schemes
When it comes to choosing a bedside table, you want to pick something that is functional as well as beautiful, notes. Emma Deterding, founder and creative director, Kelling Designs. Before you purchase anything, think about how you'll use your bedside table, and what you need from it to help you narrow down the best choices.
13. Slimline For Small Bedrooms
'Size does matter when it comes to bedside tables, and if you aren't a book reader then you can afford to go for a narrower option – less is more right? However, if your bedroom is small then a tall and slim option will work wonders, this white painted design is ideal and it has a drawer, which is always a bonus!' says Andrea
14. Look Out For Unusual Shapes
'Shape is key – round or oval will soften and flow whereas square and rectangular will create a more linear and geometric design. Within a bedroom scheme it's good to have a mix of shapes for interest, and of course, a bedside with a shelf is always top of our lists,' says Melanie Griffiths, editor, Period Living
15. Go For A Small-Scale Design
Sometimes bigger isn't always better, as this slimline, barely-there bedside table shows. This compact design blends beautifully with the tailored simplicity of this modern bedroom. Having a small bedside table might sound like a negative, but in fact, this minimal look will ensure that you keep clutter and chaos to a minimum.