Tired of the extra dining chairs that stood as nightstand place holders beside my bed — and with limited money to spare — I came up with a solution for "new" bedside tables. At the Habitat ReStore, there were two perfectly grungy typist stands that I snagged for a cool $10.
For me, the beauty of repurposing these old office fixtures in my bedroom was creating a balance between a bit of a rugged industrial feel and the pretty florals and softer touches in the space. One of the stands even has a little bar in the middle that perfectly fits a storage container I already had.

You can find typist stands in a variety of sizes though most heights are pretty standard (around 26 inches high). They work just as well as side tables in a living room area, and most typist stands have drop leaves that can extend the surface for multiple purposes. I've wheeled mine out of the bedroom to supplement a bar area in my living room during parties. The possibilities are plentiful!

Images: Amanda Johnson


Stanley Console by ...
love!
Funny, I just found three of these in the basement at work and was wondering whether they'd work as a nightstand or side table.
I purchased one years ago at a yard sale...it is amazing how many incarnations this has had in my home...a very versital table!
I got one of these at a thrift store and painted it white and put a design on it and now use it as a microwave stand in the kitchen. mine even has a little drawer. so handy!
mines a gorgeous turquoisey color. I carried it a mile and a half home from an estate sale I stumbled across.
Now I want one.
I have a turquoise one I found on the street.
I did this about a year ago and have really liked it:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/59012244@N06/5406484057/
ooooh, if only i could find one...or a few ;)
Keep your eyes peeled, gypsy marie. I literally found one on the curb a few years ago. With sanding and some stain, it looks quite nice and makes a great nightstand, side table, occasional table, whatever. Check your local thrift stores, too.
I just bought one a few weeks ago for $10 to use as a bedside table. Best place ever to find these tables-university surplus stores.
I thought I was so original! I've been using one for about 5 years. Snagged it at Brownstone Antiques in Andersonville!
I found a black one on craigslist for $8. I use it as a side table in my livingroom. Perfect height.
ha. i thought I was clever.. I have had a vintage family one as a side table for a while now... it was too cool to toss....also have a different one holding our "box style" tv and the components stacked below on a basket
Love this! What's the paint color of this room?!
So funny. I just picked up one of these last week at a thrift store. It is already doing duty as a bedside table. Until I saw this post, I wasn't even sure what it was for in its past life.
cute bedroom !