My original goal just had been cohesion. While mirror images look pulled together and often classy, there are plenty of practical reasons to have different things on each side of the bed. First are space constraints, which can leave one side empty (Image 10) or can be helped by dressers and desks pulling double-duty bed-side (Images 3 and 5). Second, asymmetry can save time and money. In my experience, if I'm looking on Craigslist or in antique and thrift shops, it's a lot easier to find a single lamp or side table than a pair. Finally, if two people are sharing that bed, it makes sense for each to have something that fits his needs, habits, and taste — even if it's just different lamps (Images 2, 6, 7, and 8).
Thoughtfully asymmetrical bedside areas look effortlessly good, but how do you pull it off? In Image 7, the lamps are different styles but two colors that clearly fit into the room's color scheme. Similarly, Image 6 shows a table lamp and a reading light that are cohesive because they go with the room's muted palette. In Image 1, the two prints give balance, and your eye is drawn from the floor lamp to the art to the hanging organizer. The similar heights of the different styles of tables in Images 2, 4, and 8 mean that both sides have a comparable visual weight, and the off-center art in Image 8 balances out the painted architectural details.
Images: 1. Domino via SFgirlbybay 2. Milk Magazine 3. Lizzy's Lovely Little Dollhouse 4. Emmas Designblogg 5. Lonny 6. Elle Decor 7. Design*Sponge 8. West Elm 9. Desire to Inspire 10. Stephen and Todd's Fantastic Mr. Farmhouse
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The bedsides in our master are asymmetrical, but not necessarily in a good way (my side has a large nightstand from my grandfather, and my husband has a small trash find table.) I really like the way our guest room turned out, though.
I'm a fan of the look, but I'm even more of a fan of the bedspread in photo #4.
I can handle things being asymmetrical, but not unbalanced...I guess I need things to be symmetrically asymmetrical?
I think it looks really cool to have different things on either side of the bed, as long as they are roughly the same scale and cohesive. Otherwise, I think it would drive me nuts :)
I ran across this same issue when decorating my bedroom and ultimately decided too much symmetry is boring. Some people really hated my decision. But I'm happy with my transformation http://www.aliceindesignland.com/blog/before-after-my-bedroom.html
where, oh where can I get the bedspread in photo #4! LOVE IT!
I really love the bedspread in #4, but I don't think I could sleep (or do much else) in that bed with that little kid painting constantly staring out at me...
Does anyone else feel uncomfortable looking at these pics of poorly balanced qi? Not great for your feng shui.
Folks often confuse symmetry with "Matchy-matchy".
Symmetry is all about pairs and balance - It's soothing and pleasing to the eye.
Matchy-Matchy is when folks buy sets of furniture - ie: a headboard, dresser, armoire and nightstands (or in the Living room: a sofa, loveseat & chair - or 2 end tables, a coffee table and sofa table) all in the exact same style & finish, all from the exact same manufacturer, all from the same store, often at the same time.
What bepsf said.
It hurts my eyes to look at these pictures! I need symmetry. We are all different.
Loving the bedspread in pic #1.
I am absolutely, unquestionably AGAINST symmetry. Hate it, hate it, hate it. Somehow it always makes a room's layout look forced, and that's not what a home is about.
For feng shui, if you are a couple, then you want to have items in the bedroom in pairs, items should be very similar or matching. Items that differ could cause inequality or a lack of partnership in the relationship. Having only one of an item symbolizes lonliness and is not beneficial for the relationship.
That said, my nightstand lamps do not match and I only had a lamp on one side for quite some time! But I'm single (with a frequently visiting boyfriend). So, I'm not too worried about the lack of "pairs".
I do strongly believe in feng shui in regards to no electronics in the bedroom (tvs computers), no work items and no items under the desk. I do find when my bedroom is just a bed, nightstand (with things tucked away in the drawers), I sleep through the night restfully.
Love the paint color in bedroom #2!!! We have exactly the same!!!
I, on the other hand, want to know about the purpley goodness in #2, but have little hope as the source is french and it's talking about stockholm. ._.
PURPLE ACCENT WALL. Incidentally.
Husband collects large steamer trunks (and has one as his side table) and I have nothing but a floor lamp on my side. Post has inspired me to fix our lopsided mess. Totally agree about the bedspread in #4... MMMM!
"I am absolutely, unquestionably AGAINST symmetry. Hate it, hate it, hate it."
That's funny since people who are considered "most attractive" have symmetrical facial features...
Automobiles, Traditional architecture, formal landscape design, furniture design, Aeronautical and Naval design - There's so much symmetry in the world...
I am dealing with this right now. We have one nightstand because my husband thinks it would be too tight to fit the 2nd matching one. 2 of our bedside + our queen bed = that entire wall with a couple inches to spare, maybe.
So he wants a smaller/narrower one for the other side.
I am still conflicted on whether we should match colour and material (wood, white) or just the colour, maybe with a metal or wicker table. Or if I should mix up the colour? Not look like I attempted to match it and failed?
And should the new bedside whatever match another piece of furniture in the room? (which would be the armoire we don't have yet, I guess).
Argh. I'm an idiot. It's just I don't know where line between "artfully assymetrical" vs. "jumbled thrift store" is. And I don't want to find it after I've bought stuff.
We have the same night stands (tables with three shelves each--what can I say, we are readers) but different lamps. Since we also have different light requirements for reading at night (yes, we are "old"), this works for us. In the end I see this as an issue of utility rather than aesthetics. On the other hand, I hate being in a room without a decent wattage bedside lamp--I have to read before going to sleep and this is a major issue when we travel.