Bedside tables require just a few essentials: usually a reading light, an alarm clock, and maybe some storage space. Within these requirements, there's a lot of room for individual expression in this very personal space. We've rounded up a range of bedside tablescapes, from minimalist to maximalist. Which one's your favorite?











we have 2 flip top school student desks
view venus_thames's profile
It's such as simple concept, but most folks here got it wrong: 5 out of 7 of these night tables are the wrong height.
They are either higher than the mattress - so you have to sit up to see anything on that Componobli (and the lamp is practically useless) - or they're below the height of the mattress, so you have to lean over the edge of the bed to get anything (or prop your clock up on books, as in the "Maximalist" room)
Measure the height of the surface of your mattress from the floor and get tables that are the same height.
view bepsf's profile
i use a hand-carpentered wood painting travel case my grandfather in law made (he left it to me when he passed on).
am i the only one who doesn't like the look of matching bedside tables and lamps (one set on each side)? seems very hotel-y and too matchy-matchy to me.
view *heather leaf*'s profile
the rule about tables is as silly as the rule about rugs. if a person is happy with how it looks and functions that's all that matters. it does help though, if you can turn the lamp off without having to practically get out of bed.
view dM's profile
heather leaf,
I,too,dont like matching bedside tables .
I have 2 vintage light blue travel cases at one end and a vintage danish floating nightstand/shelf at the other side .
view Jennah's profile
i agree that the rules are silly.
a bedroom should be an oasis and that means something different to every different person.
i love the idea of the white bench but just with only a few essential items.
water carafe, light, pen and journal and cell phone (its how i send reminder messages to my email). i never use a alarm clock.
view Goody's profile
What, nobody wants to discuss the Craftmatic Adjustable Bed used in the cheerful room????
view danabrooklyn's profile
These things HAVE to be within arms reach of my bed to keep me from getting up 27 times each night:
light source
cell phone
lip balm (it's an addiction)
tissue
books
pen & post-its
slippers (cold floors suck!)
and...
my purse du jour
view Stephie_is_a_dork's profile
my bedside table is currently surrounded by ugly dolls. i love seeing their little faces when i wake up.
view elvira13's profile
I don't think the table height rule is necessary. I don't mind if they're slightly shorter, I don't mind if they are the same height, and I don't mind if they are slightly (1.5" or less) higher. But when they start getting as tall as that picture with the componobili storage unit, it just looks silly.
view atlantadesigner's profile
really love the wood armed lamp in the h is for home pic. love everything in the h is for home pic actually.
i also like the idea of mismatched tables... i think it nicely reflects the two people sharing the bed or perhaps two sides of a personality and which ones i may wake up as ;)
sigh... also a big reminder how badly i want a nice carafe.
view pinstripeprincess's profile
Does anyone know where the beautiful orange floral bedding comes from?
view Shae's profile
Stephie & I basically have the same bedside needs. I'd add lotion & antihistamines.
view madampince's profile