home design

How To Decorate A Bedside Table For A Cozy, Stylish Look

When it comes to bedroom decor, bedside tables are an often overlooked but essential piece. Of course, they provide a convenient spot for items you use daily, but they also give you the perfect opportunity to add a personal touch and elevate the aesthetic of your room. However, decorating a bedside table can be a bit tricky–you need to find that perfect balance between functionality and style. 

That’s why today, I’m sharing a practical round-up of ways to decorate a bedside table while keeping it both beautiful and practical. 

How To Decorate A Bedside Table For A Cozy, Stylish Look

In this post, I’ll discuss whether bedside tables are necessary in your bedroom and share some creative tips to enhance their look. You’ll find tips on how to make your bedside table a standout piece without sacrificing functionality. From storage solutions to decorative accents, this post is designed to help you achieve a nice balance in your bedroom. Whether you prefer a minimalist style or a more eclectic feel, I’m sure you’ll find something below that works for you!

Are Bedside Tables Necessary?

While bedside tables may seem like an optional piece of furniture, they’re beneficial for enhancing both functionality and style in the bedroom. Bedside tables provide essential storage for items you need close at hand, like a lamp, phone, books, or a midnight glass of water. Beyond being practical, they also offer a chance to add some personality to your space, creating a nice, cohesive look with your other bedroom furnishings. 

Should Bedside Tables Match The Bed?

Yes and no. It’s really not a hard-and-fast rule. Most experts will recommend having a cohesive look, but it’s not totally necessary for your bedside table to be an exact match to your bed frame. Rather than keeping your bedroom furniture matchy-matchy, I prefer to create contrast and dimension. 

You can even mix materials, like a rattan bedside table with an upholstered bedframe to add depth and interest to your space. The key is to just make sure the pieces feel balanced, matching or not. It’s a lot like console tables. You want them to look cohesive in your house, but as long as the overall look isn’t “clunky” you can use your creativity!

How To Style A Bedside Table

Minimalist Style

For a clean, clutter-free look, a minimalist approach is nice. Keep the table surface simple with only a beautiful lamp, a coffee table book, and a vase with fresh flowers or a candle. This style is all about functionality and simplicity, making the space feel serene and easy to navigate. Choose a sleek, low-profile, small nightstand, and avoid overcrowding the top of the table. 

Eclectic Mix

If you enjoy mixing it up, an eclectic bedside table can add personality and charm to your bedroom. This style works well when paired with a mix of vintage and modern bedside table decor or a blend of different textures like rattan and metal. Add some meaningful decor items like a decorative vase, a framed photo, a bright book, or a quirky lamp. To recreate this look, focus on mixing and matching materials, but keep it complementary so it’s not chaotic. 

Coastal Charm

A coastal style bedside table usually incorporates materials like wicker, wood, or rattan in natural, blue, and white shades. To achieve this look, choose a nightstand with a sturdy rattan or wood frame. Add a cheerful lamp with mixed materials, a stack of coffee table books, and a vase of hydrangeas. This is both functional and timeless, perfect for those who love a calm coastal feel.

Cozy And Layered

A cozy and layered bedside table incorporates warm colors, soft textures, and a sense of inviting comfort. To style a bedside table in this way, start with a wooden or upholstered bedside table and layer it with decorative items like a beautiful small planter with a plant, a vase with flowers, or a candle. You can add some personal touches, like a book you’re currently reading or a nice photo of your family in a pretty lacquered frame. This style creates a warm, inviting, and serene place to enjoy your downtime. 

Scandinavian Inspired

Scandi never goes out of style. It’s known for its simplicity, light colors, and functional furniture. A Scandinavian-style bedside table usually features clean lines, light wood finishes, and few decorations. To create this look in your bedroom, choose a light wood or white nightstand, and keep accessories minimal. Stick to only a few decorative objects, such as a lamp or a plant on top to maintain a calm, serene bedroom aesthetic. 

Style your nightstand to match your decor!

Decorating a bedside table is all about finding that perfect balance between style and functionality. Whether you prefer a minimalist look or enjoy mixing up styles, the right bedside table can completely change your bedroom atmosphere.

I hope these tips and decor ideas have inspired you to give your bedside table a little makeover! Feel free to experiment with different styles and check out more of my decor tips. And if this inspired you to revamp some other parts of your house, take a peek inside my home for some more inspo!

 

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