There's something wonderfully warm about nontraditional bedside tables to personalize a bedroom. In this case, the "nontraditional" isn't a table at all, but serves the same purpose: the bedside chair. Other than the mantelpiece-turned-headboard, these bedside chairs were the first thing we noticed about this bedroom. More examples below:

Martha Stewart Living example (via
Bedroom via 



In my first little apartment I used two tiny antique plant stands as bedside tables. I have also seen an antique tool box stood on end and used as a little side table. What a cute idea!
http://www.makemineeclectic.wordpress.com
view jessimarie33's profile
I like it , thanks for the idea.
view sassydo's profile
I'm using a chair as bedside table at the moment but just because I have still to find the ideal bedside... it's far from practical, there isn't enough room for all my bedside stuff.
Her you can have a look, although many things have changed since this pic was taken (new paint, new lamp, many more books and a jewelbox) the chair is still there.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/98598827@N00/527540074/in/set-72157600185027044/
view plch's profile
carrie bradshaw did this too!
view madfish's profile
I did this in my old studio apartment, since I didn't have anyplace else to put an extra chair. It worked realy well.
view mattab's profile
love the chairs as bedside tables. Not a fan of the mantle as headboard.
view Seaside's profile
I have a very tall bed, and most bedside tables out there are literally coming up short for me. I've been thinking of using some cool antique wood bar-height stools. I want to put a little round table top on the seat, and a smaller shelf in the middle where the brace/footrest is.
Any thoughts on this spin?
view shockthebourgeois's profile
How resourceful. I love its simplicity.
view bookgirl's profile
Carrie Bradshaw's apartment was my first thought, too.
view first5times's profile
shockthebourgeois: I had the same problem with my tall bed and ended up using small bathroom cabinets (Target's to be exact). If you want storage, they're the way to go. They look like extra-tall nightstands.
Your DIY idea sounds cute, too.
view first5times's profile
Great idea. I use a barstool as my beside table!
view velocityrachel's profile
I use some inherited clear, acrylic folding chairs for bedside tables. Clip on lamps keep the seat free for the putting-on of stuff. I did this out of lack of money rather than style.
view alpha's profile