apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I wouldnt have bedside tables. I would put floating shelves on either side.

The bedframe you have is rather minimalist, and I think that adding structure around it would confuse the idea of what you have going on.

I love those Lack shelves from ikea.. but there are a plethora of options available! White floating shelves indeed!

Try checking out Overstock.com

I second the floating shelves idea! I have a similarly minimalist bed & am currently using wooden stands I painted a glossy black & added graphic tops to. The only reason I'm still using them is because I store things in them as well- if/when I find other places for those things though, I'd be all over the shelves! - http://cozylittlecave.blogspot.com

I was going to suggest the blu dot modulicious, but after reading comments I think I prefer the floating tables idea.

What about colored round ceramic side tables like these?
http://www.homedecodirect.com/Lime_Green_Ceramic_Garden_Stool_p/hdla-1523.htm

Or something with an interesting shape, like these:
http://www.westelm.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?partNumber=WE-PRODf978&storeId=17001&langId=-1&catalogId=17002&viewSetCode=E&parentId=WE-SH1SLEFRN&retainNav=true&cmsrc=WE-SH1SLEFRN

I think something colored, and not square, would look great.

I like the floating tables idea, but if you wanted storage, how about a pair of kartell componibili towers?

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/shelving-storage/small-space-storage-classic-componibili-from-kartell-044943

Also, what make is the bedframe? It's quite simple and pretty.

it's not just you!!! good night tables are very difficult to find! we've been searching for 3 years for the right ones. finally i just settled for one of those 50's side tables--the small shelf on top of a long table--i hate those. but this one was at the side of the road, "perfect" condition i.e. weatherworn. i like that it's got a few dings because i don't have to worry about water rings from my drinking glasses. and it was free. not $300, enough space for my bedside reading material, etc, and holds a lamp at the right height. this is all i really need, because i don't really look at it when i'm sitting beside it, you know? on my boyfriend's side of the bed he's using his great grandmother's dining table chair. it's enough for what he needs to accomodate: the clock and his glasses. i'm not saying i think you should use whatever's laying around, i'm just saying use what works for you. assess your needs and then put that energy out into the universe. sketch it on paper if you have to. and write it on your facebook status. everyday for three years i lamented "i need a night stand!" and then one day driving around, there it was at the curb, sturdy, non-precious, spacious. voila, thanks, universe! ;) good luck! p.s. i do like the floating shelves idea, too!

I think my next side table is going to be one of these:

http://www.modernests.com/2009/06/wood-block-side-tables.html

Natural, modern, these wood blocks would look great in that bedroom.

I like the floating shelves idea too.  If you don’t want to go that route, I’d suggest checking out side tables intended for the living room, because I think that will give you a lot more to choose from. I'd go with a minimalist design like this magazine table.

I also would advice the Componibili.

I really like them, they are not that expensive and have doors so you can hide stuff out of sight.

I agree, attractive bedside tables are hard to find especially of the MCM variety. I also agree with the floating shelves idea mentioned earlier, but you could also go with some sort of cantilevered table. Either option would leave a small visual footprint in the room. There is also another option that is yet unmentioned, have you considered a custom table, made to your exact specifications? Please pardon the shameless self promotion here, but I make custom furniture and would be happy to help you in creating a solution to this dilemma.

We chose the Ikea Rast nightstands for our room. They are so inexpensive, and quite versatile to finish. I painted ours with a thin coat of white paint but the grain still shows through and the overall effect is quite pretty. The only drawback is that they don't provide much storage, and none of it is hidden, but given that you have survived this far with only boxtops, it seems you could get away with it. If you're painting your room white, I would either just seal them as they are to complement the wood colour of your bed frame, or paint them quite dark.

Assuming like everyone else your going for the minimalist look and you you want to compliment the bed style, I'd go with a low style nightstand or shelves. West elm, which was already suggested has great stuff, but it pretty pricey for a simple nightstand. There's some similar options at CB2 like their Sleepy hollow storage shelf. Otherwise I'd probably agree with going to Ikea and getting some floating shelves or wall storage. Lastly think outside the box, look in other home sections, such as the living room, home decor, office, and even sometimes kid's furniture, which can be cheaper.

I like the marble (possibly fake) topped metal cube tables from cb2... which i can't find at the moment. this glass topped ones are similar. perhaps they would be too low though?
http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=114&f=2463

I've always like the idea of a floating shelf and/or a modern chair as a nightstand.

For a low, modern solution, I stacked two of the West Elm Floating Media Drawers on either side of my bed. They are only $89 each so you are under $200 for each side table. They come in brown or white.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/28955208@N05/3816123776/in/set-72157617367542131/

http://www.westelm.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=17001&langId=-1&catalogId=17002&viewSetCode=E&partNumber=WE-PRODf809&retainNav=true&parent_category_rn=&cmsrc=SCH&parentId=media&parentId=media

Following on A cheap option could be a Benjamin stool from Ikea. The curves may break up the lines of the bed a bit too much, but if used side on it would look quite minimal:

http://www.ikea.com/au/en/catalog/products/70162249

*Following on from the 'chair as bedside table' idea -