apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

beautiful dresser. i think i'd need to see the bed before opining on the nightstands but something steel, with similar color/texture would be an obvious choice. my only real advice is to measure the height carefully. nightstands are at their best when the top is even with the top of the mattress.

I voted mix it up, but if they are not obvious night stands they could be used as lamp tables or landing strip elsewhere in your home and would always be there if you change your mind

Please don't let furniture buying/not-buying be something you "forever regret."

With that said, I voted for getting the matched set. The dresser is lovely, and I'm a fan of a matched bedroom (with other eclectic pieces thrown in for variation). BUT it doesn't seem like you are... do what feels right for you. Good luck!

Forever is a long time, but I would still go for matching. :)

Sara,
The nightstands (which come in a wonderful variation of sizes) seem to be multipurpose so if you didn't want to use them ALWAYS as nightstands, then they could be used elsewhere. An important question is -- do you have room in your studio?

Do you have room for the nightstands in your current situation?

Do you need nightstands in your current situation?

Do you like nightstands?

Do you like these nightstands? (As in, are they something you'd consider purchasing if the matching issue weren't there?)

If you're taking advice from your parents (or anybody else, for that matter), do you share sensibilities with them? (Yeah, this is so loaded when you're talking about your parents and/or the space you grew up in, esp. when you're young/just starting out.)

Yes, we should be buying investment pieces, but there's a limit to how much "forever" thinking should be brought into this sort of purchase. Furniture shouldn't be a prison.

On the other hand, they're nicely designed and flexible pieces, so if you like them, they could serve any number of purposes in your current and future homes (per peardown, above).

mix it up. it's more interesting. plus, if you ever get tired of the look, you will only have to change one instead of both!

I know you're probably limited on space but couldn't you still put to use the nightstands elsewhere if you were to purchase the matching set?

Buy a matching pair of night stands, but not the pair that match the furniture. That way you have variety, but not "matchy"... hope that helps!

Wow, I spent the last 6 years in a studio and sure didn't have room for nightstands on either side. Not sure what your layout is, but I wouldn't invest in items you don't have real practical use for now.

I think buying just one of the nightstands might be a good compromise. You'll have a bedside element tying in to the dresser -- but if you get any other nightstand or use a wooden or metal chair (easily moved for guests to use!) as a nightstand on the other side you can also shake things up a bit and not go too far with symmetry or matchiness.

Otherwise I agree w/ JuliaL -- matching nightstands but a different style. Good luck!