How To Choose the Bedside Table of Your Dreams

The bedroom is our most private space, and the items we fill it with all share a personal bond with us in one way or another. Take the bedside table for instance. As a simple furniture piece it can tell a lot of things about its owner – what his family looks like (from photos), his reading preferences, even his favourite snacks. If you were to have a glimpse of mine you’ll discover my gorgeous vintage alarm clock, a glass of water and a half-read book by Stephen King. I know, very simple – but above all functional.

Besides keeping our most private items, 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. The key thing to keep in mind is that the bedside table should really be all about function. In a bedroom where clutter should be kept at bay to ensure a soothing atmosphere, a bedside table with ample surface space and multiple drawers can prove to be a useful storage solution. Drawers are always a great way to store all the things you need without getting out of bed.

But whether it has rows of drawers or is simply a regular nightstand, the bedside table should be the perfect height to allow for comfortable reach. Even if you had the most wonderful table in the world, you wouldn’t be happy unless you’re able to easily put down a glass of water or reach the light. Therefore, always consider the height of your bed when choosing your your bedside table. Anything more than 10 cm higher or lower simply won’t look right.

Eventually, you’re going to have to decide whether to match the bedside table with the rest of the room. In the past, when people went shopping for bedroom furniture, the normal thing was to get a whole “bedroom set”. Every bedroom in every house was matched and truthfully, a bit boring. It no longer has to be that way, home design now celebrates diversity when it’s done in a tasteful manner. And in the bedroom, the bedside table could be just the perfect way to add subtle variety. For instance, a bedside table walnut design can be wonderfully paired with a white bedroom interior to spice things up a bit.

However, be vary to not go overboard with your experimentation. A metal nightstand would definitely look bad matched with a classic wooden bed frame. 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 bedside table that can compliment it. For instance, if you’re inspired by Scandinavian design, you might want to consider more earthy colours and natural materials. If you’re considering a wooden bedside table walnut, maple, or oak all have a wonderful shiny appeal and can withstand years of heavy use.