A well-styled bedside table styling can serve as both a functional and aesthetic element in your bedroom. By thoughtfully arranging decorative items and essentials, you can create a space that feels organized, inviting, and reflective of your personal style. Whether you prefer a minimalist look or a more decorative approach, styling a bedside table allows you to balance practicality with design.
In this blog post we will show you how to style a bedside table so that it functions properly. Read on to learn more about which components and tools are needed for the job as well as detailed instructions on completing the task!
Importance of Styling a Bedside Table
Styling a bedside table goes beyond just aesthetics—it plays a crucial role in enhancing both functionality and comfort in your personal space. A well-styled bedside table ensures that essential items, such as a book, reading glasses, or a glass of water, are within easy reach, making your nightly routine more convenient.
Additionally, it allows you to express your personality through design elements like decorative lamps, framed photos, or plants, which can add warmth and character to your bedroom. By combining practicality with a touch of creativity, styling your bedside table can transform it into an integral part of a peaceful and organized living space.
Consider Your Bedroom’S Overall Style
When styling your bedside table, it’s important to consider your bedroom’s overall style to maintain a cohesive and harmonious look. For instance, if your bedroom features a minimalist aesthetic, opt for a simple bedside table with clean lines and minimal decor. A sleek lamp, a single book, or a small plant can complete the look without adding unnecessary clutter.
On the other hand, for a more traditional or rustic style, a wooden bedside table paired with vintage-inspired pieces like a classic clock or textured fabric elements can enhance the warmth and charm of the space. Ensuring that your bedside table complements the larger bedroom design will create a unified and visually appealing environment.
10 Methods How to Style a Bedside Table
1. Start with a Clean Slate and Assess Your Space
Before diving into the fun of decorating, the first step in styling your bedside table is to clear everything off and take a moment to assess the space. Consider the size of the table, its surface area, and the surrounding room style. A small nightstand might require a minimalist approach, while a larger one allows for more layers and decorative touches.
Think about how much space you need for practical items—like a lamp or alarm clock—and how much room you have for adding style. Wiping the surface clean and starting fresh allows you to make deliberate choices that suit both your aesthetic and daily habits.
2. Choose a Functional and Stylish Lamp as a Focal Point
Lighting is an essential element of any bedside table setup, and the lamp you choose can define the mood of your entire bedroom corner. Pick a lamp that complements the table’s size and your overall decor—whether that’s modern, vintage, rustic, or eclectic. For a cohesive look, consider the lamp’s shape and material in relation to other pieces in the room.
A tall, slim lamp works well on smaller tables, while a broader or sculptural lamp adds presence to a larger nightstand. Aside from aesthetics, ensure the lamp casts a soft, warm glow that’s ideal for winding down in the evening.
3. Layer with Books to Add Height and Personality
Books are more than just reading material—they’re versatile styling tools that add height, color, and a glimpse into your personality. Stack one to three books with attractive spines, preferably in a cohesive color scheme or matching your room’s palette.
Place them underneath smaller decorative objects like candles, trinket boxes, or a small vase to create height variation and dimension. If you’re a nighttime reader, keep your current book on top or tucked into a drawer, and use more decorative hardcovers for styling. Books instantly make the bedside table feel curated and lived-in without cluttering it.
4. Add a Personal Touch with Framed Photos or Art
Incorporating a framed photo or a small piece of art gives your bedside table a warm, personal feel. Whether it’s a picture of a loved one, a cherished memory, or a minimalist print, a frame adds structure and vertical interest to your tabletop.
Choose a frame that matches the room’s decor—brass or matte black for modern styles, wood for rustic or boho themes, and ornate designs for vintage appeal. Keep the scale appropriate; small to medium-sized frames work best so they don’t overwhelm the space. This simple addition can make your nightstand feel more connected to your story.
5. Use a Tray to Organize and Anchor Smaller Items
A small tray or dish on your bedside table serves both form and function, helping to corral loose items while adding a decorative element. Use it to hold your nighttime essentials—like lip balm, glasses, or hand cream—and keep everything looking tidy. Trays come in various materials such as marble, wood, ceramic, or metal, and can be chosen to complement your overall theme.
This one detail creates a sense of order and prevents your nightstand from feeling messy, while still allowing quick access to the things you reach for before bed.
6. Introduce Natural Elements for a Calming Effect
Bringing in a touch of nature instantly enhances the coziness and serenity of your bedside table. A small potted plant, a sprig of eucalyptus, or a tiny bouquet of fresh flowers in a bud vase can add freshness and a pop of color. If you don’t have a green thumb or want something low-maintenance, dried florals or faux greenery can offer the same soothing vibe.
The organic shapes and textures contrast beautifully with hard surfaces like lamps and books, creating a balanced and inviting scene that subtly connects your indoor space to the natural world.
7. Include a Candle or Diffuser for Ambience
Scents have a powerful impact on mood and atmosphere, and adding a beautifully packaged candle or a subtle diffuser to your bedside table is a lovely way to engage the senses. Choose calming fragrances like lavender, vanilla, or sandalwood to help you unwind.
Candles in decorative jars can double as visual accents, adding to the color and texture of your vignette. Always place candles away from flammable items and blow them out before sleeping—or opt for flameless versions or essential oil diffusers for a safer option. This detail adds warmth and a spa-like ambiance to your nightly routine.
8. Balance Symmetry and Asymmetry for Visual Harmony
Styling a bedside table is all about achieving a pleasing composition. If you’re styling two bedside tables, they don’t have to match exactly, but they should feel balanced. One might have a lamp and a tray, while the other features a stack of books and a plant, but both should carry equal visual weight.
For a single table, play with symmetry by centering a lamp and flanking it with items of varying heights. An asymmetrical layout can also work beautifully when there’s a central item anchoring the composition. Trust your eye to find the right balance between polished and natural.
9. Keep Essentials Within Reach but Concealed
Part of great styling is knowing what not to display. Use the drawers or lower shelves of your bedside table to stash personal or unsightly items such as chargers, notebooks, or medications. Consider using small containers or pouches inside the drawer for added organization.
This helps the surface stay clean and styled while keeping the necessities conveniently close. If your nightstand lacks drawers, use decorative boxes or baskets on a lower shelf. Hidden storage solutions let you maintain the aesthetic integrity of your design while still accommodating your daily needs.
10. Refresh and Rotate with the Seasons
Finally, one of the joys of styling a bedside table is that it doesn’t have to remain static. Refreshing your table with the seasons keeps your space feeling new and in tune with the time of year. In the fall, you might add a warm-toned candle or small pumpkin; in spring, switch to florals and lighter textures.
Swapping out books, artwork, or a decorative object every few months allows your nightstand to evolve alongside your lifestyle and mood. This ongoing creative process not only prevents visual fatigue but also keeps your space feeling dynamic and expressive.
Conclusion
Styling a bedside table is a small but powerful way to enhance both the function and beauty of your bedroom. By combining practicality with aesthetic choices—such as lighting, layering, natural elements, and personal touches—you create a space that supports relaxation and reflects your unique personality.
These ten elaborated methods provide a thoughtful, flexible approach to styling, whether your goal is a minimalist retreat or a richly decorated bedside haven. Thanks for reading our blog post on how to style a bedside table! We hope you found it helpful and informative.
Huston Douthit is a distinguished figure in the world of furniture design, with a decade of expertise creating innovative and sustainable furniture solutions. His professional focus lies in merging traditional craftsmanship with modern manufacturing techniques, fostering designs that are both practical and environmentally conscious. As the author of Fruniturix, Huston delves into the art and science of furniture-making, inspiring artisans and industry professionals alike.
Education
- RMIT University (Melbourne, Australia)
Associate Degree in Design (Furniture)- Focus on sustainable design, industry-driven projects, and practical craftsmanship.
- Gained hands-on experience with traditional and digital manufacturing tools, such as CAD and CNC software.
- Nottingham Trent University (United Kingdom)
Bachelor’s in Furniture and Product Design (Honors)- Specialized in product design with a focus on blending creativity with production techniques.
- Participated in industry projects, working with companies like John Lewis and Vitsoe to gain real-world insights.
Publications and Impact
In Fruniturix, Huston shares his insights on furniture design processes, materials, and strategies for efficient production. His writing bridges the gap between artisan knowledge and modern industry needs, making it a must-read for both budding designers and seasoned professionals.