15th October 2024
Expert tips for choosing the Perfect Bedside Table
In our last post, we offered our tips for pairing your coffee table and side tables with your sofa [insert link to previous post using bolded text as anchor text]. Today, we exploring expert tips for choosing the perfect bedside table for your bedroom. This may seem like a similar thought process, and in many ways, it is, but there are certain things to bear in mind that need to be considered when it comes to bedside tables.
While the living room is a shared space where family and guests gather, the bedroom is a private sanctuary where we go to seek rest and relaxation. It’s the space where we unwind, recharge, and find comfort, making it one of the most personal rooms in the home.
Every detail, from the furniture to the lighting, plays a role in creating an atmosphere of calm and relaxation. A well-chosen bedside table is more than just a functional piece; it contributes to the overall feeling of serenity and balance. It is a companion to our daily rituals — waking up, preparing for the day ahead, then winding down and resting at the end of a long day. When thoughtfully curated, the perfect bedside table helps transform our bedroom into a peaceful haven, perfectly aligned with our personal style and needs. It offers a place for the essentials that enhance our rest and comfort.
Proportions and Functionality
When choosing the perfect bedside cabinet or bedside table there must be a balance between proportion and functionality. Our customers are always curious about how to choose the right size and style of bedside table.
How Tall Should a Bedside Table Be?
Ideally, bedside tables should match the height of your mattress or be slightly lower for ease of use and to avoid discomfort when reaching for pieces you have placed upon them.
When it comes to the proportions of the nightstand, you will want to consider the size of the bed and how much space you have in the room. Choosing an extremely slimline bedside table when you have a large king-size bed may leave your nightstand lost in comparison. Equally, if space is restricted in your bedroom, you won't want overly large nightstands that take up what little space you have available. Choose the right size bedside table that creates a sense of comfort, harmony, and balance in the room.
What Style Bedside Table to Choose?
When making a choice, consider where the bedside nightstand will be used. Different styles of bedside tables work better in different rooms. A small bedside stand might suit a cosy guestroom for example, while larger options with more storage may work better in a main bedroom.
Be sure to also create balance with the aesthetics by choosing bedside tables that work harmoniously with the other furniture in the room, particularly the bed. You can choose to match the bed and the bedside table for a more uniform and cohesive look. This can be achieved by pairing our stylish and practical Saharsa Cane & Mango Wood Bed with the warm, sophisticated aesthetic of the Kanz Mango Wood Bedside Table. Or you can choose pieces where the aesthetic is complementary but not matching as is the case with our timeless Indali Mango Wood Bed and our stylish and versatile Karoko Marble Side Table.
To create a cohesive and balanced look, we always recommend that your bedside tables match each other. Choosing two different pieces can confuse the design and create a feeling of disharmony which is never desirable in a room that meant to be our sanctuary.
Pairing your bedside tables with your bed is about more than just function — it's about creating an intentional design narrative that enhances the overall mood and flow of your bedroom.
Materials and Finishes that Add Depth and Character
Bedside tables come in various materials from metal, and wood to rattan, hemp and cane. If you are looking for a nightstand that adds character, we suggest our pieces that are made from sustainable mango wood like our perfectly proportioned, handcrafted Dasai Mango Wood Bedside Table or pieces that have been lovingly crafted from the wooden panels from Indian trucks like our Ibo Reclaimed Wood Bedside Table.
Choosing high-quality, natural, ethical and sustainably-sourced materials like mango wood, you're investing in pieces that will stand the test of time — both in terms of durability and style, while supporting a more sustainable future for our planet. Mixing textures and finishes will enable you to add visual depth without overpowering the space. It adds character while maintaining cohesion.
Stylish Storage Solutions
Bedside tables provide useful surfaces to accommodate our personal belongings. Each item we place on our bedside table adds to the story of how we live in our space. It's about thoughtful, intentional design choices that reflect our personal routine and create a soothing environment.
Bedside cabinets that offer additional storage beyond the tabletop are more practical and allow us to maximise our space and meet our needs. Bedside cabinets that incorporate drawers or open shelving provide storage for items such as books, medication, glasses, jewellery, decorative pieces, or other personal items that we may want to keep close by.
When selecting your bedside storage, consider your habits. If you tend to accumulate items, a bedside cabinet with drawers can help maintain a tidy, uncluttered look. If you are a very tidy person, then open shelving could work for you, particularly if you enjoy styling your belongings.
Personalize Your Bedside Table with Considered Decor
Beyond its practical functions, the bedside table serves as a canvas for personal expression. Consider styling it with meaningful items that, not only add to the calming atmosphere of your bedroom but also tell a story of you and your home. A well-chosen lamp, a small potted plant, or a favourite book can contribute to the mood of the room. Adding a tray for personal items or a small ceramic dish for jewellery or watches can also enhance its functionality while keeping clutter at bay. The key is to curate a bedside space that not only complements the design but reflects the essence of your personal routine, helping to foster a sense of order and serenity.
Bedside tables are a reflection of the rituals and intentions that we put into curating our most private space. They should therefore be suited to our individual rituals for waking up and winding down as our day starts and ends.
Thoughtful Design for a Peaceful Sanctuary
Well-chosen storage not only reflects our personal style but also enhances our daily living and fits seamlessly into our personal rhythm. A bedside cabinet should tell a story of comfort, convenience, and thoughtfulness in its design.
Selecting the right bedside table is important for both practical and aesthetic reasons. Pieces that incorporate ethical craftsmanship, natural materials, and timeless design will stand the test of time. Creating a cohesive, storied space through these design choices makes the bedroom not only a reflection of our lifestyle and values but also a space that nurtures and supports our well-being, every day.