Bedtime Stories: Fancy Up the Foot of Your Bed
Whether you’re looking for additional storage, seating or both, consider these stylish options
Jess McBride
October 5, 2016
Houzz Contributor. Custom decorating professional and content creator for the home design industry with a lifelong passion for color, pattern, and texture of every "stripe"
Houzz Contributor. Custom decorating professional and content creator for the home... More
When it comes to decor on and around a bed, people tend to focus on bedding, headboards, nightstands and lighting, to name a few of the common considerations. But the foot of the bed often goes ignored. Here are some clever ways to fancy up the foot of yours.
Storage Solutions
If you need a little extra storage in the bedroom, try something different from the standard matching armoire or dresser against the opposite wall in favor of a credenza with a width similar to your bed. A bedside credenza with drawers is a prime amenity if you already have a sizable closet but would appreciate having pajamas, robes or extra blankets closer at hand.
If you need a little extra storage in the bedroom, try something different from the standard matching armoire or dresser against the opposite wall in favor of a credenza with a width similar to your bed. A bedside credenza with drawers is a prime amenity if you already have a sizable closet but would appreciate having pajamas, robes or extra blankets closer at hand.
If your bedroom is on the small side, a credenza can act as a stand-in for both closet and nightstand. This London home features a vintage mint green Asian credenza that makes a delightful statement at the foot of the bed.
Not to belabor the point about the utility of storage at the end of the bed, but this rounded piece goes beyond. What looks like a free-standing piece of furniture is actually an integral part of the bed frame. Because it’s markedly taller than the mattress, it also adds an appealing sheltering quality to the bed.
Additional Seating
With more people treating the master bedroom like a retreat destination within the home, it’s not surprising that many of them are being decorated like full studio apartments, with sofas, televisions and even coffee bars. This tufted leather settee is an ideal scale that doesn’t overpower the space.
With more people treating the master bedroom like a retreat destination within the home, it’s not surprising that many of them are being decorated like full studio apartments, with sofas, televisions and even coffee bars. This tufted leather settee is an ideal scale that doesn’t overpower the space.
As an insomniac, I’ve become quite versed in sleep experts’ tips and tricks for a good night’s sleep. Apparently one key is to reserve your bed for sleeping only. Therefore, if you’re trying to adopt better sleep habits, a daybed or chaise longue at the foot of the bed is a good option. You can stretch out and read a book on it before traveling the short distance to your bed for some serious shut-eye.
If you don’t want to commit fully to permanent seating at the foot of your bed, chairs might be the way to go. These petite examples can waltz flexibly between rooms to provide extra seating during a party, or can serve as a coat rack, bookshelf or coffee table, depending on your needs.
Ottomans, stools and poufs also provide flexible options at the foot of the bed. They can serve a variety of functions and can be pulled into other parts of the home when extra seating is needed.
For smaller bedrooms, a low-profile bench can serve as both additional seating and an extra nightstand when there’s not room for one on both sides of the bed.
If you want to combine seating and storage, a storage ottoman will do the trick. It’s a great place to stash extra pillows, throws and sheets without jamming the linen closet.
Office Space
If you don’t have room for an office at home but want extra workspace, a desk at the foot of your bed might be the answer. One that has drawers will also provide extra storage.
If you don’t have room for an office at home but want extra workspace, a desk at the foot of your bed might be the answer. One that has drawers will also provide extra storage.
Makeup Vanity
When bathroom space is at a premium, placing a makeup vanity at the foot of your bed might make sense. This bed’s tall footboard creates a safe space between the makeup and the crisp white bed linens.
When bathroom space is at a premium, placing a makeup vanity at the foot of your bed might make sense. This bed’s tall footboard creates a safe space between the makeup and the crisp white bed linens.
Entertainment Console
I expect some mixed feelings from sleep experts who recommend screen-free bedrooms, but I also know plenty of people who would find this entertainment console at the foot of the bed a dream setup. The console features a retractable TV and bench seating.
I expect some mixed feelings from sleep experts who recommend screen-free bedrooms, but I also know plenty of people who would find this entertainment console at the foot of the bed a dream setup. The console features a retractable TV and bench seating.
Potted Plants
Looks like this bedroom might need a few more cacti if the goal is to keep the dog out of bed, but plants are nonetheless a wonderful, natural addition. This look works best with a platform bed and minimalist bedding, since plants may appear dwarfed next to an opulent bedskirt and extra-deep mattress.
Looks like this bedroom might need a few more cacti if the goal is to keep the dog out of bed, but plants are nonetheless a wonderful, natural addition. This look works best with a platform bed and minimalist bedding, since plants may appear dwarfed next to an opulent bedskirt and extra-deep mattress.
Pet Beds
Here’s a solution for pet owners who lose sleep to their pet’s tossing and turning beside them. The foot of the bed may be the only spot your buddy will consider relocating to once he’s had a taste of 800 thread count. Get him something equally luxurious and it might not be too hard a sell.
Here’s a solution for pet owners who lose sleep to their pet’s tossing and turning beside them. The foot of the bed may be the only spot your buddy will consider relocating to once he’s had a taste of 800 thread count. Get him something equally luxurious and it might not be too hard a sell.
DIY Approach
This DIY platform bed made of wood pallets leaves just enough room for a shoe display. The look pairs especially well with bohemian decor. And topping it with pretty heels rather than stinky sneakers is ideal, but I hope that goes without saying.
More
10 Ways With Benches at the Foot of the Bed
The Pros and Cons of Making Your Bed Every Day
This DIY platform bed made of wood pallets leaves just enough room for a shoe display. The look pairs especially well with bohemian decor. And topping it with pretty heels rather than stinky sneakers is ideal, but I hope that goes without saying.
More
10 Ways With Benches at the Foot of the Bed
The Pros and Cons of Making Your Bed Every Day
J.S.Brown & Co. is an award winning, full service Design / Build remodeling contractor with more than three... Read More
Related Products
Wannemacher Interiors strives to enhance their clients' lives by incorporating smart and functional design... Read More
Related Stories
Trending Now
The 10 Most Popular Bedrooms So Far in 2024
By Becky Harris
Feather your nest in style with inspiration from Houzz readers’ most-saved bedroom photos
Full Story
Feel-Good Home
How to Create a Joyful, Clutter-Free Bedroom
Take these steps to set up a calm and beautiful space that restores body, mind and spirit
Full Story
Lighting
How to Light Your Bedroom Right
By David Warfel
Discover these professional tips for lighting your bedroom and achieving a better night’s sleep
Full Story
New This Week
6 New Bedrooms With Wonderful Wall Treatment Ideas
See how pros awaken these spaces with color, pattern and texture using various wall treatment strategies
Full Story
Trending Now
The Top 10 Kids’ Spaces of 2023
Get ideas for beautiful built-in beds and storage pieces, as well as charming decor, from these most-saved photos
Full Story
Monthly Home Checklists
Your Checklist for Quick Houseguest Prep
Follow these steps to get your home ready in a hurry for overnight visitors
Full Story
Trending Now
The Top 10 Bedrooms of 2023
By Becky Harris
Get ideas for comfortable seating areas, light neutral palettes and layered textures from these most-saved photos
Full Story
Holidays
10 Essentials for a Gracious Guest Room
Stock the room with these basic items to make your overnight visitors comfortable
Full Story
Kids’ Spaces
20 Kids’ Bedrooms That Pump Up the Fun
Space scenes, VW buses, a castle and other fun elements inspired these out-of-this-world bedrooms for toddlers to tweens
Full Story
New This Week
5 Positively Pleasant New Bedrooms
Designers, including two found on Houzz, used a stylish mix of furnishings to create welcoming retreats
Full Story
Great article Jess! The suggestion of placing a make up vanity at the foot of one's bed is pretty unique and interesting. I might try that next time when I redecorate my bedroom. However, in the mean time, I actually have a TV at the end of my bed which is the root of all my sleeping problems ha ha. Again, thanks for sharing this great article!
Kelly