Bedside Table Ideas

Nearly everyone uses bedside tables to hold bedside lamps, books, glasses and countless other items that they use right before bed or may need during the night. Though their purpose is very utilitarian, their looks do not usually follow this trend. Many bedside tables are made to look trendy and fashionable with hundreds of styles and colors from which to choose. However, though so many choices exist, some turn to atypical choices for their nightstands. Whatever your tastes, the possibilities are nearly endless. Does this Spark an idea?

Exotic

This style works best for those who love a foreign or eclectic decor. Exotic bedside tables are usually covered in some kind of organic material. The most common is tight-woven bamboo or wicker with leather accents. These stands can be made entirely of wicker or have a wooden base underneath. Other exotic nightstands are covered in suede or leather with oiled bronze hardware. These also may have decorative rivets around the edges of the top.

Both of these styles usually have traditional shapes: a set of drawers, a drawer and a shelf or a drawer and a door opening to reveal a set of shelves. They are perfect for those who need a lot of storage next to the bed but want to keep things neat. One caution: If you like to keep a beverage on your nightstand, always use a coaster with these materials. Condensation will stain and weaken them.

Simple and Unusual

If you have neither a lot of money nor a lot of space next to your bed, these nightstands work well. Simply set a pretty chair with a ruler-flat seat or a decorative ladder next to your bed. For the chair, you can set a tall, thin lamp on the seat along with a book and some water, perfect for the minimalist. For the ladder, use an articulating light with a strong spring clip at the bottom; these often come with pretty glass shades. You can also change the shade to suit your style. Use wire to make decorative hooks to hold your glasses and jewelry. Screw a piece of wood to one of the rungs to hold your book and a glass of water.

Many pretty, vintage chairs are available at flea markets and yard sales; some of them just need a good sanding and a new coat of paint or stain. You can make a decorative ladder yourself from sturdy, varnished branches, screws and decorative twine.

Vintage and Modern

Wrought iron and wicker is the way to go for those with a vintage or Victorian style. These nightstands have iron frames molded and curled into spirals and vines with wicker tops and shelving. You have a lot of options with this kind of nightstand. Some have wicker or wooden drawers built in while others have several shelves below the woven top. You can also easily convert another piece of vintage furniture into a nightstand. A pretty, Victorian style bar cart doesn't have to hold wine and liquor. Instead, it can support your reading lamp and nightly routine items.

If your style leans toward more contemporary lines, you might do well with a different kind of metal. Because many people keep electronic files rather than hard copies, filing cabinets are becoming obsolete. Instead of tossing them, paint them with a bright, fun color and set them next to your bed. Top them with an aluminum lamp and line the drawers with felt to protect items stored there.