This is just MHO, but I like to see either mismatched nightstands with matching lamps or matching nightstands with mismatched lamps. I think there needs to be some cohesiveness between the two, unless the bedroom is in a completely "collected", eclectic style. I would probably use a small tableclothed table with your "free" onel
Dee

I agree with Dee - mismatched nightstands - matched lamps, as long as the shades end up the same height.

I would use your wood accent table on the side of the bed away from the doorway. And I would use Minwax Polyshades Bombay Mahogany on it to give it a similar color to the bed.

Do you have a photo of the acrylic lamps? The ones you have now don't have enough presence.

I would do something like a bachelor's chest on DH's side--not add anything else w/more legs.
I also think the weight w/bal out bed and not get lost.

No the nightstands don't have to match in color, but a look becomes easier to achieve if they do compliment each other in some way.
What you could do is, use a brush on stain on the your current table to match anything you get for DH's other side to tie the pieces together.
As for lamps being different or matching, IMO what's more important is they bal in height when looking at them.
This can be achieved by using books as a riser or picking a piece of furniture that's high enough to compensate.

As for the lamps, you need something much, much, bigger in base size so they don't come off looking puny, i.e.,again lost... against the big bed.

Jim

I don't have matching lamps or bedside tables. DH is a four drawer bachelor's chest, like chijim suggested (doesn't show in photos). I do need to change the black shade. It was fairly new when we moved, so I didn't replace. But five years has passed and the cat has bitten in a few places. The silk lining in my shade has been removed, so it will get replaced too. I will probably replace DH vintage marble lamp with something larger, but still vintage. Probably from a local lamp store that makes lamps from found objects. Remember to buy a lamp based on height - don't want the bulb in your eyes if you're laying down reading.

None of the pieces were bought together or match exactly - but they are close enough that they blend well together. I posted pictures recently in this thread:

Here is a link that might be useful: Question About Matching Bedroom Furniture

I agree that a small chest or cabinet would be nice on your DH's side. A mirrored piece could be very nice.

Or, move the current table to his side, and put a skirted table on your side.

We have mismatched nightstands and mismatched lamps. I think you want the overall feeling to work together, but I would say that it is sometimes easier to pull it together if you have mismatched nightstands, to go with matching lamps. No rules, tho.

Since that table was going away anyhow,would you consider refinishing it in a painted finish that is a deeper shade of the grey color in the bedding, and then antique it to pull it into the darker tones of the other furniture? I think it would be a nice compliment.

I like the idea of a chest but our room isn't all that big- if you search for my other posts you will see dozens of other pics that will show you what I'm talking about.
Love the idea of a mirrored piece!!!!!

I'm having a hard time finding a skirted table tall enough- that would be a cheap and easy fix until I find something I really love. It needs to be about 30 inches. (it *does* need to be the same height as my other table, right? (Then I could do matching lamps, which I would like.

Here is a 24 inch diameter table at 30 in height. I am guessing there are others out there, this is just the first one I came across:

decorator table

Another alternative, and one which has worked well for me, is to get a couple of RTA bookcases, perhaps 24 inches wide each, and place them back to back. You can find those at places like Target or the home centers for a low price, and it doesn't matter what they look like, because you won't see them - they don't even have to match, except in height and width. Probably could find some at a garage sale, for that matter.

Then buy the round plywood decorator tabletop (the ones at the home center with the flimsy legs are fine) and remove the pre-attached hardware for the legs. Use "L" brackets to attach the tabletop to the bookcases. Be sure the screws aren't too long so they don't pop through the plywood top.

You end up with an extremely sturdy table, with plenty of shelving underneath for storage, and nothing shows once the tablecloth is on.

I was lucky because I had a couple of those inexpensive bookcases left over from one of the kid's rooms, and I think the table was maybe $20, then a few bucks for the brackets.

Dearheart, nothing has to be a certain way.

Look at what you like and see if your eye continues to be drawn to one side or another. Why?
Look at balance. Heavy on one, light on another? Do you want the lamps to be a focal point, or the beautiful bed?

When you buy, make certain your bed is made the way you're going to want it to be. The pillows will change the height's perception.

The tables don't have to be the same height, any more than the lamps do. Or lamp. No one said you have to have two; there are ways to balance the look. But if you want them to be even, there was a suggestion to elevate a smaller lamp. Lower the table on the other side instead.

It's up to your eye. Nothing is written in stone. It's all in the look & how things flow together.

Christine

Well shoot. Husband came home and said he did NOT like the look of mismatched night stands and he wants nice, matching night stands.

If you'll remember, he also chose the bed. I really need to stop asking him for opinions.

SO- if I go the matching route, any suggestions? Since our windows go to the floor, I want night stands that are "open" at the bottom.. does that make sense? (rather than a bachelor's chest.) Our room is not huge, and with this massive bed, I'm trying to pick "airy" pieces that compliment it.

Oh, and fwiw, I am NOT fond of the night stands that come with the bed. See link below. Then again, maybe they would work just fine.

I also need to get a dresser and chest.. originally I was going the mismatched route... but that is stressing me out. It might be easier to order it all and be done with it... and jazz it up with accessories.

I think my "beef" with the Bernhardt set is the pulls. They are a bit too rustic for my liking. Then again, in the whole scheme of things, does that really matter?
??

Here is a link that might be useful: Vintage Patina by Bernhardt

I have to laugh because after being married for 22 years, I have learned not to ask my DH's opinion if I am afraid of the answer. Nothing in my entire house matches but we both like antiques and rarely do you find matching things. Getting back to your nightstand dilemma, what about the nightstand that is open on the bottom in the Bernhardt collection? Pottery Barn also has several that would work and have various sizes. They have several collections that have both square and round nightstands which would be somewhat the same but give you a little variation. Would he go for something like that? I love your bed by the way. Good luck!

That is actually the nightstand I am considering. (the one that is open.) I feel like I am over thinking this... dh is "on" me to get buy all the furniture already and to be totally honest, I just do not have the time to spend hours looking and looking. Plus, I have (gone to all the local stores) and haven't seen anything I love. We're not antique people... and I want to buy quality furniture...
??

I think your old table is a bit too wide for that space..... Something narrower, imo, would fit the space better with the large bed in mind.

This PB one could work, if you like the style:

Their "Daniella" nightstand has the curved legs like your table. It looks a bit whimsical, but it might be the right size for that space.

Good luck!:)

I do agree that the table I'm using is a little to wide. I guess I just loved the fact that I already had it!!!

I am seriously considering just purchasing the matching night stands... they're simple enough and are the right height.

That said, off to look at the PB ones!

Just a suggestion -- have you shown your DH pictures of rooms with mismatched night stands? I know that when I suggest something to my DH, often his first reaction is that it is weird. But, then I show him pictures of what I'm talking about and he usually agrees it looks good. This is the reason I keep so many of my past decorating magazines.

On the other hand, nothing wrong with matching nightstands!

Have you considered doing your WTs first? To me, it looks odd to see your window below the table like it is now. I'd want to see how the two connect before finalizing that decision. I know you want a lighter feel, but I think you need to maintain a similar scale to the bed. Even if you don't get the ones that are sold with the collection for your bed, that would be a good guideline to shoot for in terms of the dimensions. I also like the suggestion of a skirted round table on your side and Bachelor's Chest on your DH's side. You could also achieve a lighter / less wood look, by opting for painted nightstands or even mirrored nightstands would look stunning.

Not sure how well you can see my two night stands and lamps... but everything was different but the shades. I also tried to make the lamps of the same height.

{{!gwi}}

aktillery, I love your bedroom. It looks so inviting and is so tastefully done! Do you mind sharing your paint color? And while you're at it, can I fly you out to decorate my house? :D

I am loving the idea of mirrored night stands.... what do you think of something like this? (link below)

The price is a little steep, so I would hopefully be able to find something cheaper (but still good quality) for less at my local stores...

Here is a link that might be useful: mirrored night stand

So the night stand I have shown (the wood one) is 32" wide x 30" tall. The height is right, but I do agree with the pp that it is too wide. I think I need something about 28" wide...
(so the mirrored night stand above would also be too wide... which is a good thing bc it's also a bit $$$.)

So here is what I'm thinking now- look for mirrored night stands... and maybe just go ahead and order the matching dresser and chest. They are the right size... I like the storage... I am just not fond of the pulls... they're a little bit rustic... but is that really a big deal?

thoughts?