What to Look for in a Bedside Table

When choosing bedside tables, there are a few factors to take into consideration to insure you select a table that will not only look great with the rest of your bedroom furnishings, but will also provide the functionality necessary to meet your everyday needs. Although tastes and needs vary according to individual preferences, there are a few key things to look for when selecting bedside tables.

  Creating a Tradition Look with Bedside Tables 

For those who prefer a more traditional look, selecting two matching bedside tables, one for each side of the bed, in a wood color and style that matches the bed itself is often the best approach. This matched look is reminiscent of the matching bedroom suites that were popular in more traditional bedrooms of the past, and the look continues to be popular today. When choosing bedside tables with a traditional look, most will have at least one small drawer, which can be handy for storing small items that you might need in bed, such as the remote control for your television, your reading glasses, or a favorite book. If you like to read in bed, make sure the bedside table you choose is large enough to accommodate a reading lamp, unless you already have a light fixture on the wall beside your bed. If you have greater storage needs, or the bedroom is especially small, you can economize on floor space in the bedroom by selecting a bedside table that has multiple drawers. The table won't take up any more floor space than a simple table with one drawer, or even one without any drawers, but you will have the added bonus of additional storage space within the room.

Although traditional bedroom styling generally dictates a matching bedside table on each side of the bed, modern looks are often much more flexible. For example, if you live alone and only have a need for a bedside table on one side of the bed, you can add an interesting look by adding one larger bedside table only to the side of the bed that you use the most. This effect often looks especially nice when the bed is pushed up against the wall on one side of the bed, with the table placed on the free side. Contemporary looks for bedside tables include those which do not have to match the exact styling of the bed itself, which can create an interesting look. Glass is often used in modern styles of bedside tables, in addition to metal detailing and sleek painted surfaces.

Eclectic Decorating with Bedside Tables

For those who embrace an eclectic decorating style in the bedroom, the sky is the limit as far as selecting bedside tables. Repurposing vintage pieces of furniture, such as a telephone stand or a small three-legged table with a rounded front edge that can be placed flat against the wall beside the bed, can add interesting variety to the bedroom decor. Even bar stools can be used to create bedside tables, especially when topped with a circle of interesting fabric that falls to the floor. This eclectic style of choosing bedside tables can also be used to create a shabby chic style in the bedroom.

Metal-Wall-Art.com senior staff writer, Alyssa Davis, specializes in designing with large wall decor and metal wall art.

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