Decorating Guides
10 Beautiful Bedside Vignettes to Inspire Sweet Dreams
An artfully arranged bedroom nightstand can do wonders for soothing sleep and energized awakenings
A bedroom is a very private space. Hotels know this and add a beautifully wrapped chocolate on the bedside table for that personal touch. The bedside table can tell a lot about a person. You can find out all sorts of things — for example, reading preferences, what family members look like (from photos) and late-night snack preferences. If you were to peek at my bedside table you would discover my iPad (on the Houzz homepage, of course), a half-read Steve Jobs biography, Arrowhead water and finally my tiny glass turtle, named Lucky. I know, not very exciting.
I love decorating these spaces because they are so personal. Bedside tables are important because they're the last thing you see when turning in for the night and the first thing you see when you wake. These small, intimate spaces have to pack a visual punch, by adding color and texture. At the same time they serve practical needs, like holding our alarm clocks and eyeglasses. They come in all shapes and sizes, different colors and styles. I've been asked many times about accessorizing these spaces. Here are some ideas for what I call the bedside vignette or, in simple terms, nightstands and the stuff we put on them.
I love decorating these spaces because they are so personal. Bedside tables are important because they're the last thing you see when turning in for the night and the first thing you see when you wake. These small, intimate spaces have to pack a visual punch, by adding color and texture. At the same time they serve practical needs, like holding our alarm clocks and eyeglasses. They come in all shapes and sizes, different colors and styles. I've been asked many times about accessorizing these spaces. Here are some ideas for what I call the bedside vignette or, in simple terms, nightstands and the stuff we put on them.
This is the area where you can really make a statement with lamps. I find that square lampshades, or round lampshades that are 14 inches or less in diameter, work best against a wall.
Drawers are always great for storing things you need but don't want to get up for. I love this alternative lighting detail instead of a table lamp. A hanging chandelier on either side of the bed provides beautiful symmetry and frees the nightstand for other personal accessories.
A classic serpentine chest of drawers holds a crystal lamp, a small sculpture and fresh flowers. Also included here is a small piece of art in dreamy bedroom colors. Art does not have to be hung on a wall. Leaning small artworks against the wall provides a layered look .
A step table is a great option beside a bed because it allows layers of surface area. A lamp, books, art, water and fresh flowers all fit on this versatile piece. Notice how the color of the step table adds to the room's palette.
A petite tray table with a small drawer has just enough space for a colorful lamp, fresh flowers and a small jewelry box. Boxes of any style are great for holding earrings and necklaces taken off just before bed.
This homemade bedside table consists of vintage suitcases on blocks. It's a creative and visual win for this room. Notice that the suitcases are on the low side, allowing for an adjustable lamp and a full view of the window. All the bedside basics fit onto a tray that provides a flat surface.
Consider a wall-mounted table for the tiniest of spaces. There's just enough room for an adjustable lamp, art and an alarm clock.
A beautiful white chest of drawers holds a lamp in the center, a plant to the left and an alarm clock. Notice the federal-style mirror to the side of the lamp, creating a layered bedside vignette.
What's on your bedside table? Share your style with us in the Comments section.
What's on your bedside table? Share your style with us in the Comments section.