Not your average nightstand

Have you ever looked at your bedside table and thought you could do more with it? Well, you can. Here are some ideas…

1 Vintage suitcases look great stacked on top of each other, plus they can double up as convenient storage. Similarly, an old chest or trunk can also serve as a nightstand and storage in one for extra blankets and pillows.
2 A wall-mounted shelf works well in a tight spot as it takes up zero floor space and you can place it at a preferred height next to your bed.
3 Nesting tables that come in sets of two or three are a clever idea for when you need an added surface for a bowl of popcorn and a hot mug of coffee on a lazy Sunday. The beauty of them is that they can be used individually and then pushed back into one another to save space.
4 If you have the space, a writing desk next to the bed is perfect for a lamp, books, magazines, your alarm clock, etc. Plus it also offers a nice spot to sit and jot down your thoughts in a journal or diary.
5 A small bookcase can serve as a useful and stylish nightstand alternative, with plenty of space for your favourite reads. Paint it a bold shade, like red, to make it really stand out. And set it on wheels to make it easy to move around.
6 Repurpose a drinks trolley or butler’s tray and use it as a nightstand to hold all your sleep-time essentials.
7 Not only suited for outside on a patio, rattan and wicker side tables can work well as decorative nightstands too.
8 An ottoman can offer an assortment of options as a bedside ‘table’ when it comes to colour and style.
9 Chairs make for excellent bedside tables and can double as seating if needed. Because they’re usually compact, folding chairs are especially useful in small bedrooms. Any armless chair or stool with a flat seat can also provide enough of a surface to take the place of a nightstand.
10 A small ladder, particularly a wooden one, can provide a unique look and several surfaces for placing items. The steps should be broad enough to be practical.

Quick tips:

• The perfect height for a nightstand is even with the top of your mattress.
• If you like to read in bed, make sure the bottom of your lampshade is at shoulder height so the light can hit the pages.
• Got limited space next to your bed for only a small nightstand? Suspend lights from the ceiling to save on needing room for a bedside lamp with a base.
• There’s no law that says you absolutely need a bedside table. If you like to sleep ‘light’ (no books, phones, glasses, etc within reach), then skip the nightstand altogether and invest in a beautiful floor lamp instead.
• Give your current nightstand a makeover by replacing the drawer knobs and giving it a coat of paint.
• When shopping for a nightstand, make sure to explore the store’s side-table offerings too, as they are often similar in terms of style, height and storage.
• Keep a delicately scented candle on your nightstand. For a calm, relaxed mood, choose a scent inspired by the ocean or something floral. Also include something that has special meaning to you, be it a photo in a frame or something from your travels.