When it’s time to freshen your bedroom, don’t be fooled into thinking the only, or even the best, answer is to run to the store and buy a whole new suite of matching pieces.  You have options!

SURPRISE!

A bedroom is a perfect place to introduce a little of the unexpected.  There’s no reason that a nightstand has to be a traditional piece of bedroom furniture.  Determine what function you need the bedside table to perform and then look for an unusual solution.

Search thrift stores and shop yard sales for a piece of office furniture you can paint and repurpose.  All these drawers make for a great storage piece and the color really makes it stand out.

A chest can make a charming bedside table and provide excellent seasonal or extra blanket storage in tight quarters.

Instead of a chest, put your vintage luggage finds into use by stacking them to the appropriate height.  Again, some great extra storage space for little used items.

A very creative option that takes very little space, this ladder is a creative way to provide just a little bedside ease.  And a little whimsy.

Thrift stores, yard sales, gifts (castoffs) from friends or family can all be upcycled to make a lovely addition to your bedroom.  If it’s a little worn, paint it….try a sponging or faux finish technique you’ve always wanted to try.  It’s a small piece of furniture and a great place to start.

Rethink the Obvious

There’s no reason you have to use just a single table.  This row of three tables is so much more dramatic and unexpected and gives you some extra display space.  This type of simple cube is readily available and can be very affordable.

Mismatched furniture gives the most interest and maximizes your space in a way that makes sense to you and your needs.  Stacking bedside tables give so many options and in this case are light and easy to move if the trundle needs to be used.

I love the versatility and effectiveness of this furniture combination.  The small painted chest on one side is perfect for a reading lamp and could even serve as a chest of drawers while the taller piece on the other side might hold collectibles and seasonal clothes below.  The two different heights are very interesting and make for a dynamic focal wall.

If extra storage isn’t a major concern, consider using something like the round table above.  This eclectic room really benefits from the addition of this soft shape.

DIY Nightstand Projects

A little decoupage can work magic on an unfinished or beat up piece of furniture.  Decide what sort of look you want (above or below) and with just a little brush work, a lot of decoupage medium, and some creativity, you can have a one-of-a-kind nightstand.

Cut up some wallpaper, scrapbook paper, or any decorative paper and decoupage it to the furniture for a more free-flowing look.

If space is at a premium, consider using a pretty decorative shelf as your table.  Keep your eyes open for a pretty outdoor shelf that can be painted or something vintage that just needs a bit of polish or paint.

Go Traditional…

Maybe you’re one of those people who just can’t quite make themselves use a ladder as a nightstand!  Not to worry.  Even if your preference is to use a traditional nightstand, you can still mix it up a bit, primarily by choosing nightstands that don’t match your headboard.

Even though the above bedroom is very traditional and has matching side tables, the design splash comes from the oversized scale of the pieces and the fact that they don’t match the bench or headboard.  Also those giant lamps really add to the drama.

Whatever your nightstand needs, with just a little imagination and careful shopping, you can create a bedroom that shines with personality.  Use these ideas as a jumping off point to give your bedroom a fresh new outlook!

If you’d like some help transforming your bedroom, Cindy and I are available to help……just visit our consultation page and see how affordable we are.