Bedside Table Styling Ideas: How To Style a Bedside Table

The bedroom table or nightstand is a small but valuable part of any bedroom layout. Whether you have one or two, this piece of furniture offers functionality – but if styled well, can also be a thing of beauty.

The shape, size and material of your bedside table matters, as does your selection of items and accessories to go on top. Below, we outline some key styling pointers and provide some inspiration.

First, Think About Your Visual Preferences

Do you already have a bedside table that needs some TLC, or are you starting from scratch? Either way, a great starting point is to think about the overall vision you have for your bedroom, bedside table included. A few basic design principles or rules might help guide the process.

Functionality first: Your bedside table is one of the first pieces of furniture that comes in handy when you wake up and one of the last in use before sleep. From size to storage space, your practical needs are a high priority.

Symmetry and asymmetry: Visual harmony is your overall goal, but this doesn’t mean everything has to match. Will you purchase matching bedroom tables (perhaps as part of a bedroom package), and style them the same way? Or do you prefer a more eclectic, asymmetrical look?

Consider the rule of three: One way of creating visual harmony while still incorporating variety is to adopt this classic design rule. If you want to style your bedside table in a cohesive, distinctive way, try grouping three varied items or accessories together.

Choose a statement piece or feature: Ask yourself, what is the eye drawn to? Your statement feature might be the collection of three fabulous items you’ve chosen to sit on top of your bedside table. Or you might select one specific lamp or vase that makes the whole room pop.

Be true to your taste: Ultimately, there are no fixed rules for selecting and styling a bedside table, or any piece of furniture. Whether you like a clean, minimalist look or prefer bold colours, shapes and details, follow your heart and create a space you’ll love.

Style Your Bedside Table With Functional Pieces

Once you’ve decided on the overall look and theme for your bedside table and surrounding spaces, it’s time to zoom in on the details. Often with bedside table decor, less can be more – and at least some of that valuable tabletop space will be taken up by practical items. However, there’s no reason the arrangement of these items can’t be beautiful.

Lamps and lighting: Lighting is a great place to start, as your bedside table – if you use one – will likely be the largest item in the mix. You could make your lamp a visual focal point, perhaps with a statement colour. Or it could match other colours present on the table or in the room.

Carafe or glass of water: Do you like to stay hydrated before, during or after bedtime? Set aside a space for your glass of water, or take this opportunity to buy a beautiful new carafe and glass for display.

Alarm clock, glasses or personal items: Don’t forget all those small items you like to have within reach in the AM or PM. They may or may not be visually interesting, but still make sure you leave a spot for them.

Phone and charging stations: Speaking of important personal items, your phone, charger and other tech may also take up some real estate.

Have Fun With Decorative Extras

Now, for the fun part! A memorable bedside table is both functional and beautiful. If you have the space, accessorise your bedside table with items that look good and bring you joy.

Books and magazines: For many, this one is an essential! If you love reading, you may want to leave space for whichever book you’ve got on the go. Either way, books can add a sense of height and visual dimension.

Photos and photo frames: A framed photo (or several) of family members, friends or other loved ones may be another must-have. Experiment with eye-catching frames that add extra texture and detail.

Art pieces: Similarly, a framed or unframed painting, photograph or even a ceramic statue can help express your personality.

Plants, flowers and vases: Greenery brings life and vibrancy to any household area, with bedrooms being no exception. A plant or vase will add height to the space and make a visual statement.

Candles and diffusers: Like plants and flowers, candles can be a feast for the senses. Visually, they add height and colour and help set a mood.

Miscellaneous trinkets: We all have some of these, right? If it’s something meaningful to you, consider making it a visual feature.

Add Items To Organise the Space

By this point, you may have pieced together a range of decorative and functional items for your bedside table. You’ve probably also found you need a few tie-in items that help you use the space more efficiently.

Decorative trays: This may not be the first item that comes to mind when you think about space organisers. But trust us – a pretty tray, perhaps made from a mirrored material, can be a game-changer. Use it to add an extra visual layer to the space, and to hold your coffee mug, skincare or jewellery.

Baskets and boxes: Additional containers can help with storage and add visual interest, either outside or inside your bedside table.

Find Your Perfect Bedside Table

Are you shopping for a new bedside table? There are a few factors to consider, including the size of the space next to your bed, the functionality and look of the piece you choose, and the budget you have to work with. For your browsing pleasure, here are some of our most popular designs.

Small bedside tables: Our wide range of designs on the smaller side offer a stylish, compact solution, typically with one or two drawers.

Large bedside cabinets: For those needing more space, our large bedside cabinets deliver expansive surfaces and ample built-in storage.

Modern bedside tables: Always staying on top of trends, we offer bedside tables with contemporary finishes, from rattan weaving to scalloped edges.

Classic bedside tables: We also cater to fans of classic designs, from wooden looks with metal legs to simple on-the-ground styles.

Black or white bedside tables: We offer an exciting colour range, but monochromatic tones are still strong customer favourites.

Smart tables: Our elegant smart tables are engineered with features like wireless charging and USB ports.

Bedside Tables and Bedroom Furniture, Sorted

Buy bedside tables and a range of furniture online or in person with Luxo Living, your destination for comfortable, stylish and affordable furniture. Since we opened in 2001, we have launched over a thousand furniture products in Australia, all impeccably made and affordably priced.

If you have any queries or are a new customer, we would love to hear from you! Please get in touch with our friendly team, or enjoy $50 off your first order.

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