Even if you have a wall-mounted lamp and a Kindle, you probably find you need more bedside table storage than you have. Magazines, books, gadgets, water, alarm clock (or iPhone) and other stuff we won't mention: nightstands can become clutter magnets.
That's where good ole drawers come in. Sure, the simple table at the bedside can be pretty or sleek, but I need a drawer or cabinet to tuck away my junk. Here is a round-up of some nice nightstands with just enough storage (because if you need a ton of storage at the bedside it is probably time to graduate some of those books to the shelf and call it a day).
FIRST ROW
1 Clockwise from top left: Sisu nightstand from Anthropologie, $998. This is pricey but very pretty. Steppe nightstand from Crate & Barrel, $499. Ledge white nightstand from Crate & Barrel, $299. (Also available in Java, a dark wood). True Modern 11-ply nightstand in white from All Modern, $399.
2 Slice swoon wall mounted shelf from CB2, $149. I actually love this color and think it is great that you can put the shelf at any height you want. Also, the space below can be used for a basket or a place to put your slippers.
3 Stria from West Elm, $254.
4 Ambience Antiques on 1st Dibs has this 19th century Louis Phillippe commode for $550. The marble top is excellent and practical...
5 1930s vintage steel cabinet from Urban Remains Chicago, $395. Pretty unconventional, yes. But certainly a conversation starter (should you be at a loss for words in bed). And there's storage!
SECOND ROW
6 Danish modern sappy walnut nightstand from Arrowhead Wood on Etsy, $404.
7 Pair of mid-century upcycled nightstands from Hundred Acre on Etsy, $650 (for two).
8 Mid-centrury nighstand from West Elm, $211.
9 Grove 3-drawer nightstand in solid Walnut from Room and Board, $1,199.
Sources: As credited above.
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The Anthropologie nightstand is a copy of a design by TH Robsjohn Gibbings design for Widdicomb. It should criminal what companies like that do and the prices that they ask for to do it.
http://www.icollector.com/T-H-Robsjohn-Gibbings-nightstands_i5058875
Every single one of these prices are criminal, IMHO! ;)
Ok, I know that fashion and design can be somewhat cyclical... I'm really looking forward to non-minimalist and non-straight-from-the-50s-and-60s home design suggestions!
Storage near a bed is a MUST (kleenex, alarm, book/kindle, light, toys...), but these options do absolutely nothing for me.
Right now, we're using large-ish cube-shaped cupboards with a stained-glass door (made by my dad when he and my mom moved in together) - while, aesthetically, I'm getting kind of enh about them, I do love both the storage and the stained glass, so I've been considering painting them white (the pine wood is looking rather worn!)
Good lord! For what you'd pay for some of these, why not just put the tons of money you must obviously have lying around into a bigger apartment and use that as storage? Honestly, the best night stand I've found for maximum storage and minimal price is from Target, their cubes. I have the one in that link, and the same one but with two drawers instead of an open face, stacked next to my bed. On sale they were under 40 bucks for the pair. Not the most stylish, but highly functional and completely customizable (lining the cubes with patterned paper inside, painting them, etc.). Not gonna win any awards, but I can at least pocket the $1,159 savings(!) while I keep an eye out for something cuter at the thrift store.
The George Nelson bsu night stand is by far the best I've ever experienced. I got a great deal on mine at the local Mid Century Modern antique shop. I'm sure there are plenty floating around.
Are some of these pretty pricey? Yes, but not all of them.
There always is a cheaper version to be had for any piece of furniture, but at some point, I think you have to switch to thinking of it as just a functional expense and more as a quality of life investment ... assuming you have some $ to spend. Crates from Target seem very "starting out" to me. If that vibe still works for you when you're older, good for you.
I'd rather spend a couple of hundred bucks in some sturdier, more functional, and more attractive pieces. Doing so obviously a highly personal decision, but it's our home for goodness sake.
I agree, @INDY JEFFREY. Some of these are expensive, but not all of them and many are very nice. I have beautiful vintage side tables that offer plenty of storage. And they were $125 each. Hardly a wallet breaker.
I love the 1930s vintage steel cabinet (though I hate the price). But if you need a "conversation starter" in the bedroom, you might be in trouble.
Oh wait, so we're not supposed to use ladders, chairs and buckets as nightstands?