How do you choose the right nightstand that is bound to give you both functionality and visual appeal? Can you count on some expert guidance to make the right choice?
Luckily, our experienced interior design professionals have put together the following guide that will make the selection much easier. Check out the expert tips below to put emphasis on both functionality and aesthetics.
Choose the Right Size
Let’s start with a few basic considerations before moving on to the more interesting aspects of picking a bedside table.
In order to make the right choice, you need to have the bed already in place. Measure both the bed and the amount of space available by its side. A good bedside table needs to fit the available space while also being in balance with the other pieces of furniture. In other words, you can’t have a massive bed and a tiny nightstand by its side. A little bit of wiggle room should also remain available after the placement of both pieces side by side.
As a general rule of thumb, you should pick a nightstand that is as tall as the top of the mattress on your bed. This way, you’ll find it easy to reach a book or turn the lamp off when you’re relaxing on the bed. The width of the bedside table should correspond to the width of the bed. There’s no exact formula to use here. If possible, visit a furniture store that has beds and nightstands side by side. This way, you’ll see the two pieces alongside each other and you’ll identify the scale that seems most visually-pleasing. Based on this experiment, you can come up with rough guidelines pertaining to the width of the nightstand for your own bedroom.
Storage Space
Finding enough storage space in a small bedroom can be very tricky. Unfortunately, many people don’t account for a nightstand’s storage capabilities when buying such a piece of furniture.
Most bedside tables have a single drawer on top of a small cabinet. That’s the most common format but it’s not the only one.
Some bedside tables have multiple drawers or a box-like design that has several units stacked on top of each other. Think about the belongings you’d like to keep in a nightstand – books, personal care items, cosmetics, medications, etc. Knowing how much you’ll have to fit inside the bedside table will allow you to eliminate the designs that don’t come close to what you’re looking for.
Material and Colour Selection
This one is a no-brainer, right? Most bedside tables are made of wood and that’s the material you should be pursuing.
Wood is a classic choice that has timeless appeal. If you enjoy its appearance and texture, a wooden nightstand will make you happy.
Those who have a more unorthodox approach towards home décor selection, however, may want to opt for alternatives. A glass and metal combo will look super unique, adding some sophistication and a few industrial vibes to the bedroom design.
Modern bedside tables can also be crafted from stone, paper and various types of plastics/synthetic materials. Each of these choices has its pros. Synthetics, for example, are both lightweight and very durable. A few of these modern materials lack the “cheap” feel that we often associate with plastic and they can even resemble more expensive materials like marble and granite.
When it comes to colour, you can either match the rest of the furniture in the bedroom or opt for a contrasting piece. Neutral tones will always work well, no matter what the overall bedroom colour scheme is. If the bedroom itself is subdued, you can pick a funky and bright nightstand to create a focal piece and an accent.
Consider Unusual Choices
Standard bedside tables aren’t always going to be a good choice for your bedroom. If you’re dealing with a small space or a funky layout, a classic boxy nightstand may be impossible to fit inside the room.
In those instances, pursuing an alternative approach will be a much better idea.
A floating shelf that’s attached to the wall is an example of a modern, minimalist bedside table that will work well. While this solution lacks storage space, it will still provide a surface area for the placement of books, a lamp and a few personal care essentials. If you have enough space, you can even fit a few floating shelves on top of each other.
A built-in wall niche is another minimalist opportunity that can replace the classic bedside table. If you are considering this approach, however, you’ll need to inform your renovation crew. In the absence of a wall recess, one will have to be created. This is a structural change that will have to occur before decorating commences.
Repurpose Other Items
Finally, you may want to turn a certain piece of furniture into a nightstand. This opportunity allows you to get very creative and it will always result in a unique piece.
An old crate can easily be remodelled into a nightstand. You can also use a vintage chair (with the back support cut off), a garden stool or even a bar stool. Sky is the limit – you have so many choices. The considerations mentioned above still apply and you have to pay attention to size, scale and storage space availability.
Do you have questions about furniture selection and proper placement? Contact Home Guide today for our full-service renovation contractor services and we’ll guide you through all the important aspects of home décor and interior design.
