How Can I Make My Bedside Table Look Nice? A Pro Designer's Insights
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Time to read 8 min
Hello there! So you're wondering how to make your bedside table look nice? Well, you've come to the right place.
I've been styling bedside tables for over a decade now, and let me tell you, this small surface can truly transform your bedroom's entire feel.
Think about it - your bedside table is likely the last thing you see before drifting off to sleep and the first thing greeting you each morning. Shouldn't it be something that brings you joy?
When I redesigned my own bedroom last year, I spent nearly as much time on my bedside styling as I did selecting the bed itself!
The beauty of bedside table styling is that it's both functional and decorative. You need certain items within arm's reach, but you also want the arrangement to complement your overall bedroom aesthetic.
Rather like choosing the perfect accessories for an outfit, the right bedside table styling pulls everything together.
Table of Contents
Essential Items to Make Your Bedside Table Look Nice Elegant Styling Tips to Make Your Bedside Table Look Fancy 10 Designer Methods to Make Your Bedside Table Look Professional Measurements to Make Your Bedside Table Look Balanced Our Most Popular Solid Wood Bedside Tables How Can I Make My Bedside Table Look Nice: Final Thoughts FAQ: How Can I Make My Bedside Table Look Nice? Related Readings
Essential Items to Make Your Bedside Table Look Nice
When my clients ask what belongs on a bedside table, I always reply with another question: what do you need within reach at night? Your nightstand should reflect your personal evening and morning routines.
Most people typically include a combination of practical items and decorative elements. The essentials often include a reading lamp, perhaps a carafe of water, your current book or e-reader, and maybe your phone (though I recommend keeping electronics to a minimum for better sleep, darling).
Beyond the basics, consider what supports your nightly routine. Do you apply hand cream before bed? Perhaps a small decorative dish to hold your rings? Maybe you enjoy a notepad to jot down thoughts that might otherwise keep you awake.
For many of my clients, a small plant or fresh flowers create that perfect touch of life and colour.
Remember that less is often more. Your bedside table shouldn't feel cluttered or overwhelming - that's hardly conducive to relaxation! Select items that serve a purpose or bring you genuine pleasure when you look at them.
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Elegant Styling Tips to Make Your Bedside Table Look Fancy
Let's chat about elevating your bedside table from functional to fabulous. The key is in thoughtful selection and arrangement rather than simply adding expensive items.
Start with a proper foundation. A small tray can instantly make even random items look intentionally grouped. I love vintage silver trays, but marble, brass, or even a beautifully textured ceramic piece works wonderfully. This single addition creates a designated space that says "these items belong together."
Layering adds dimension and sophistication. Consider varying heights - perhaps a taller lamp or vase alongside a shorter stack of books or a shallow bowl. Think of it as creating a little landscape that guides the eye. In my own home, I use a slightly taller lamp balanced by a medium-height small plant and a lower stack of books with a decorative object atop them.
Quality over quantity applies beautifully here. One exquisite hand-thrown ceramic vessel will elevate your space more effectively than several mass-produced trinkets. Look for items with interesting textures, subtle detailing, or personal significance. That little brass elephant I found while traveling in India remains one of my favourite bedside accents - it adds character while remaining elegant.
Lighting deserves special attention if you're aiming for that "fancy" feel. A lamp with a substantial base (think ceramic, marble, or brass) and a proper fabric shade instantly elevates the entire arrangement. The right warm-toned bulb creates an atmosphere that no overhead lighting can match.
10 Designer Methods to Make Your Bedside Table Look Professional
Now for some specific techniques to achieve that designer look! Here are my favourite approaches that I've refined over years of interior styling:
- Create a visual triangle - place your tallest item (usually a lamp) at the back, medium height items in the middle, and shortest elements at the front, creating a pleasing triangular arrangement that draws the eye
- Use the rule of three - group items in threes for visual interest
- Incorporate something living - a small plant or bud vase
- Layer books - stack a few beautiful books and top with a small object
- Add something reflective - a small mirror, crystal object, or metallic accent
- Include something personal - a framed photo or meaningful keepsake
- Bring in natural elements - a small stone, shell, or wooden object
- Consider scale - items should vary in size but remain proportional to the table
- Add soft texture - perhaps a small fabric coaster or tiny bowl for jewellery
- Create negative space - leave some areas empty for visual breathing room
The most successful designer bedside tables aren't overly contrived - they balance function with beauty while reflecting something of the owner's personality. When I style a client's space, I always make sure to incorporate at least one item that tells their story.
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Coordinating Elements to Make Your Bedside Table Look Cohesive
This question comes up in nearly every bedroom consultation I conduct. The short answer? Not necessarily, but they should coordinate thoughtfully.
Perfectly matching bedside tables and lamps can certainly create a sense of order and symmetry, which works beautifully in more traditional or formal bedroom designs.
However, in most contemporary spaces, I recommend what designers call "coordinating" rather than "matching." This means selecting pieces that speak to each other through complementary elements while maintaining their individual character.
Measurements to Make Your Bedside Table Look Balanced
Let me share some helpful measurements to guide your styling. These create balanced, visually pleasing arrangements:
| Element | Ideal Height | Ideal Placement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lamp | 55-65 cm | Back corner | Should be tall enough to cast light for reading |
| Books | 10-15 cm stack | Middle ground | 3-5 books maximum |
| Vase/Plant | 15-25 cm | Opposite corner from lamp | Keep proportional to table size |
| Tray | 2-4 cm height | Central placement | Should cover approximately 1/3 of surface |
| Decorative Objects | Under 15 cm | Front area | Smaller items toward front for visibility |
| Negative Space | N/A | 30-40% of surface | Essential for visual breathing room |
| Distance between items | 5-10 cm | Throughout | Prevents cluttered appearance |
These aren't rigid rules, of course, but rather guidelines I've found create the most pleasing arrangements. The proportions matter more than exact centimetres - you want harmony between your table size and the items upon it.
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How Can I Make My Bedside Table Look Nice: Final Thoughts
How can I make my bedside table look nice?
As we've explored, it's about thoughtful selection, mindful arrangement, and ensuring the space serves both your practical needs and aesthetic desires.
Start by clearing everything away and considering what you truly need and love. Select pieces that bring you joy while serving practical functions.
Arrange them with attention to height variation, grouping, and negative space. Step back periodically to assess the overall impact, making adjustments until it feels both useful and beautiful.
Remember that your bedside table should evolve with you. Seasonal adjustments - perhaps fresh flowers in spring, a cozier lamp in winter - keep the space feeling current and intentional.
Don't be afraid to refresh your styling as your needs and preferences change.
Most importantly, create a bedside arrangement that feels personal and supportive of your lifestyle.
The most beautiful styling in the world falls flat if it doesn't enhance your daily experience. Choose items that make you smile when you see them first thing in the morning and last thing at night.
After all, these small moments of pleasure contribute significantly to our overall wellbeing.
FAQ: How Can I Make My Bedside Table Look Nice?
What size lamp works best on a bedside table?
Your lamp should be proportional to your table, typically standing about 24-30 inches tall from the table surface. The lamp base should occupy no more than one-third of the table's surface area to maintain balance.
How many items should I put on my bedside table?
Most designers recommend limiting your arrangement to 5-7 items for visual clarity and functionality. This number allows for both necessary items and decorative elements without creating clutter.
Should both bedside tables in a room match?
Your bedside tables should coordinate rather than match exactly, creating visual harmony while maintaining interest. Complementary styles, finishes, or eras work better than perfect pairs in most contemporary designs.
What's the ideal height for a bedside table?
Your bedside table should be approximately the same height as your mattress top or within 3-4 inches higher or lower. This ensures comfortable reach while maintaining proper proportion in the room.
How do I style a very small bedside table?
With limited space, prioritize one statement piece (like a distinctive lamp) and one essential item (like a small clock). Scale is crucial - choose smaller versions of accessories and consider wall-mounted solutions for lighting.
What colours work best for bedside table styling?
Choose colours that complement your bedroom's palette while promoting relaxation. Soft neutrals, gentle blues, and natural wood tones typically create the most restful environment according to sleep research from environmental psychology .
Should I put my phone on my bedside table?
Sleep experts recommend keeping phones outside the bedroom to improve sleep quality. If necessary, place your phone face-down and consider a dedicated charging station that conceals the device.
How often should I refresh my bedside table styling?
Update your bedside table quarterly to reflect seasonal changes and prevent dust accumulation. This rhythm allows for meaningful adjustments without becoming overwhelming.
Can I put food or drinks on my bedside table?
A carafe of water with a glass is appropriate, preferably on a coaster or small tray. Avoid food items that might attract pests or create unpleasant odours in your sleeping environment.
What type of plants work well on bedside tables?
Choose small, low-maintenance plants like succulents, air plants, or small pothos varieties. Some plants, like lavender or jasmine, may promote better sleep through gentle natural fragrance.
How do I prevent my bedside table from looking cluttered?
Implement the "one in, one out" rule whenever adding new items to your bedside arrangement. Regular editing and the use of containment solutions like small trays or dishes prevent accumulation.
Should I match my bedside decor to my overall bedroom theme?
Your bedside styling should reflect elements of your bedroom's overall design language while allowing for personal expression. Create cohesion through colour, texture, or material connections rather than exact matching.
What lighting temperature is best for bedside lamps?
Choose warm light (2700-3000K) for bedside lamps to promote relaxation and proper melatonin production. Adjustable brightness allows for both reading and ambient evening lighting.
