How To Use Side Tables As Nightstands

In bedroom design, the side table stands out as one of the most adaptable yet frequently overlooked pieces of furniture. While nightstands have long been the conventional option for bedside storage and surfaces, using side tables in this role presents a chic and versatile alternative that can enhance both the aesthetic and utility of your bedroom. This blog will delve into the concept of using side tables as nightstands, providing tips and inspiration to help you craft a space that is as attractive as it is functional.

Why Consider Side Tables as Nightstands?

Before diving into the how-to, it’s important to understand why you might choose side tables as nightstands over traditional nightstands. Here are a few compelling reasons:

1. Versatility: Side tables can serve effectively as nightstands and are available in numerous shapes, sizes, and designs, offering remarkable flexibility. No matter if your bedroom is small or expansive, you can find a side table that seamlessly suits your space.
2. Design Flexibility: Utilizing side tables as nightstands permits you to break free from the conventions of standard bedroom furniture. This choice can introduce a unique design feature into your room, enhancing its visual appeal.
3. Cost-Effective: Frequently, side tables used as nightstands are more affordable than their traditional counterparts, enabling you to save money while maintaining both style and functionality.
4. Space-Saving: For those dealing with limited space, side tables as nightstands provide a more streamlined option that still delivers the necessary surface area and storage solutions.

Choosing the Right Side Table

When selecting side tables as nightstands, there are several factors to consider:

1. Size and Height: The height of side tables as nightstands should be compatible with your bed. Ideally, the tabletop should be level with or slightly below the top of your mattress. This makes it easy to reach for items like a glass of water, a book, or your phone.
2. Style: Choose side tables as nightstands that complement the overall design of your bedroom. Whether you prefer a minimalist look, a rustic vibe, or something more traditional, there’s a side table to match your aesthetic.
3. Storage: Think about how much storage you need from side tables as nightstands. Some side tables come with drawers or shelves, providing extra space for items you’d like to keep close at hand but out of sight.
4. Material: The material of side tables as nightstands is also important. Wood is a classic choice, but metal, glass, or a combination of materials can add a modern or eclectic touch to your space.
5. Functionality: Consider what you’ll use side tables as nightstands for. If you need a spot for a lamp, make sure the table is sturdy enough to support it. If you want to use it for storage, look for options with drawers or shelves.

Creative Ways to Use Side Tables as Nightstands

Once you’ve chosen the perfect side table, it’s time to think about how to style and use it as a nightstand. Here are some creative ideas to get you started with side tables as nightstands:

1. Combining Different Styles: Don’t hesitate to blend various styles of side tables. For instance, you might place a stylish, contemporary table on one side of the bed and a more classic or rustic one on the opposite side. This approach creates a lively aesthetic that enriches your bedroom, utilizing side tables as nightstands.
2. Incorporating a Tray: If your nightstand side tables have limited tabletop space, think about using a tray to keep your items organized. A tray effectively gathers smaller items such as jewelry, a smartphone, or a remote control, ensuring the surface remains clean and uncluttered.
3. Utilizing Stacked Tables: For those who need additional surface area or storage, consider stacking two side tables as nightstands on top of one another. This technique is particularly effective with nesting tables or those that have a slender design.
4. Adding a Lamp: A lamp is a nightstand essential. When choosing a lamp for your side tables as nightstands, consider the size of the table and the height of the lamp. A tall lamp on a small table can create an elegant, elongated look, while a shorter lamp might be better suited for a larger table.
5. Incorporating Storage Baskets: If your side tables as nightstands don’t have built-in storage, you can add a basket underneath to hold books, blankets, or other items. This is a great way to add functionality without cluttering the tabletop.
6. Experimenting with Colour and Texture: Take advantage of your side tables as nightstands to infuse your bedroom with fresh colours and textures. A vibrant, colourful table can act as a striking accent piece, while one with a unique texture, such as a woven or metallic finish, can enhance the room’s depth and visual interest.
7. Wall-Mounted Side Tables: For a sleek and contemporary aesthetic, consider opting for floating side tables as nightstands. These wall-mounted designs conserve floor space and present a tidy, streamlined appearance. They are ideal for smaller bedrooms or when you wish to maintain a clear area beneath your bed.
8. Multipurpose Functionality: In compact spaces, it’s essential for every piece of furniture to serve multiple functions. Nightstands with integrated drawers or shelves can fulfill the role of both a nightstand and a storage unit. Utilize the surface area for necessities like a lamp and a book, while keeping the drawer or shelf for additional storage options.

Styling Your Side Table Nightstand

Styling side tables as nightstands involves more than just placing a lamp and a book on top. Here are some tips to make your side table nightstand both functional and stylish:

1. Layering: Create visual interest by layering items of different heights and textures on your side tables as nightstands. For example, pair a tall lamp with a shorter stack of books or a small vase. This creates a balanced and aesthetically pleasing look.
2. Personal Touches: Incorporate personal items like a framed photo, a small piece of art, or a plant on your side tables as nightstands. These personal touches can make your side table nightstand feel more like a curated part of your bedroom rather than just a functional piece of furniture.
3. Minimalism vs. Maximalism: Decide whether you prefer a minimalist or maximalist approach with side tables as nightstands. A minimalist nightstand might feature just a lamp and one or two small items, while a maximalist approach could include a variety of decorative objects, books, and more.
4. Lighting: The importance of lighting in utilizing side tables as nightstands cannot be overstated. Select a lamp that complements the table’s dimensions while also providing ample illumination for reading or other activities. For smaller tables, a wall-mounted lamp can be an excellent space-saving alternative.
5. Symmetry vs. Asymmetry: While symmetrical arrangements for side tables as nightstands offer a classic, timeless appeal, don’t hesitate to experiment with asymmetry. For instance, you might position a lamp on one side of the table and a small stack of books on the other, achieving a look that is both balanced and visually engaging.
6. Seasonal Changes: Think about updating the décor of your side tables as nightstands to reflect the seasons. During summer, a light and breezy aesthetic with a vase of fresh flowers might be in order, whereas in winter, you could introduce a cozy vibe with a small candle and a pile of beloved books.

Side Tables for Different Bedroom Styles

Side tables as nightstands can work in any bedroom style, from modern to traditional. Here’s how to choose and style side tables as nightstands for different design aesthetics:

1. Modern Bedroom: In a contemporary bedroom, choose nightstands that double as side tables featuring sleek lines and simplistic forms. A metal or glass option can introduce a refined look, while a uniform color scheme enhances the overall harmony. Complement these with a minimalist lamp and a selection of carefully curated decorative items.
2. Traditional Bedroom: For a classic bedroom, select wooden nightstands that showcase traditional craftsmanship. Seek out tables boasting turned legs, ornate details, or a deep wood finish. Match these with an elegant lamp and a few charming accents, such as a decorative clock or a petite vase.
3. Rustic Bedroom: In a rustic-themed bedroom, opt for nightstands crafted from reclaimed wood or metal that convey a sturdy aesthetic. Look for tables featuring a weathered appearance or industrial elements. Complete the look with a vintage-inspired lamp and natural accents, such as a small potted plant or a collection of old books.
4. Bohemian Bedroom: A bohemian bedroom calls for a mix of patterns, textures, and colours. Choose side tables as nightstands with an interesting texture or finish, like a woven or painted table. Pair with a colourful lamp and a mix of eclectic accessories.
5. Glam Bedroom: For a glam bedroom, look for side tables as nightstands with a bit of sparkle or shine. A mirrored or metallic table can add a touch of luxury, while a crystal or glass lamp completes the look. Keep accessories minimal and chic for a polished finish.
6. Minimalist Bedroom: In a minimalist bedroom, less is more. Choose simple side tables as nightstand with clean lines and a neutral colour. Pair with a minimalist lamp and just one or two carefully chosen accessories, like a small plant or a single book.