I Traded My 1930s Nightstand for This Pink Wayfair Find (See Why!)

With my last move, I traded my Manhattan studio for a Brooklyn one-bedroom. Translation for non-New Yorkers: I basically went from Harry Potter’s broom closet room to the Taj Mahal. Thrilled to have so much extra space, I had big dreams for the decor. My wallet, however, put a stop to those plans pretty quickly. To start, I’d have to stick to mostly thrifted finds and hand-me-down furniture. The first item on my (thrift) shopping list? A new nightstand. 

I headed to Facebook Marketplace to start my search. It can be hard to determine quality on Marketplace, so I tend to gravitate towards solid wood pieces where possible. When I spotted this antique 1930s nightstand listed for just $75, I knew it was a real gem. The ornate burl wood drawer fronts really drew me in. A few messages and two days later, and I was carting it home in an Uber. I felt so lucky to have scored such a gem — but the celebration didn’t last long.

The piece was gorgeous, but as soon as I got it into position, my heart sank. I knew right away it wasn’t right for the space. I’d been trying to curate an eclectic look in my new apartment, mixing modern and vintage pieces in an effort to keep it from feeling too much like my grandma’s house (given most of my other furnishings were actually from my grandma — or my parents’ attic). But it’s a delicate dance. The combination of the antique nightstand styled directly next to my vintage vanity (and old wooden chair) threw off the space’s balance. The room desperately needed a pop of modernity. 

Although I knew my Facebook find just wasn’t a fit, I was hesitant to get rid of it. It really was a gorgeous, high-quality piece; was I a fool to let it go? Ultimately I reminded myself that it just didn’t work for my space. And that’s OK! I was happy to pass the old nightstand on to someone who’d appreciate its beauty even more. Once I had it out of the space, I felt relieved — and as soon as its replacement arrived, I knew I’d made the right choice. 

For months I searched for a replacement, and I kept coming back to the same piece: the Kartell Componibili. This iconic modern design couldn’t be more different from my current nightstand. I’d been lusting after one for years; the only problem was that before the move, I didn’t have a place for one. Plus, they sell for around $300, which was way over my budget. But one lucky day, I stumbled upon the perfect solution: The Latitude Run 4 Tier Round Storage Drawers from Wayfair looked almost identical, and had great reviews.

Was it sacrilegious to replace an Art Deco antique with a plastic storage container, I wondered? I’m not usually one to seek out a look-alike, either, as I believe there’s value in investing in original quality designs. But my budget was tight, and this piece was perfect for the space aesthetically and practically. I needed something with storage, and it offered plenty. It was just the right height for my tall mattress. Plus, I didn’t want to make the same mistake I’d made before by settling for a piece I didn’t really love. So, I went for it and placed the order. And I’m so glad I did.

I considered playing it safe and ordering the storage drawers in white, but I ended up with the pink color, which matches my floral patterned headboard. When the package arrived, it was light as a feather, and the new nightstand only took about 10 seconds to assemble — all I had to do was stack up the pieces. Once I put it into position, it was like the last piece of the puzzle had fallen into place. Finally, my bedroom felt balanced. Although it might be controversial to swap a solid wood antique for a plastic piece, all that truly matters is that I love it in my space. 

This whole nightstand saga only reinforced for me that good design really does take time. A truly intentional space feels curated and collected, which simply can’t be done overnight. My room is still not “done,” per se. But now I appreciate my adorable pink nightstand even more. Take your time with decorating, and remember: Good things come to those who wait.