Since I'm in the midst of decorating my bedroom, I've become mildly obsessed with finding the perfect bedside tables. My room isn't very large and my bed is very big (queen-size, pillow-top, 33 inches high, with duvet and box spring). So, this edition of Top 5 Friday is a bit of a personal mission.
Right now, I'm using an old university-era bookcase hidden behind the bulk of my bed that holds a lot of magazines and books, and a chair from my childhood furniture set topped with a pile of old Vogues and my trusty alarm clock.
Chairs As Tables
Photo from Apartment Therapy
Chairs work well if you don't need a lot of surface, or if you don't have a glass of water always at the ready (slanted chair bottoms are the natural enemy of sleepy, thirsty fumbling).
Side Tables
White Hemnes table, $159 (black is $139), photo from IKEA
Even though I need more drawers or shelves, I can't help but love this sweet glass-topped little number. A side table is a good choice for today's extra-tall beds because many bedside tables or nightstands are less than 25 inches high.
Feminine and Traditional
Adelle bedside table, $199, photo from Pottery Barn
The charm of this bedside table is its simplicity. One shelf, one drawer, 30 inches high, no fuss, no muss. It's a good choice to grow up with because it'll never go out of style. I'm drawn to the Victorian details and high, thin legs -- perfect for storing even more underneath.
Search vintage stores, flea markets, auctions and your local Goodwill or Sally Ann for similar styles.
Mirror, Mirror
From left, Jules Large Accent table, $299, photo from Crate & Barrel; Right, Faceted Mirror Sidetable, $199, photo from West Elm
I love the idea of adding a little glam sparkle to a feminine bedroom and I couldn't decide between these two. One is light and boudoir-inspired, definitely alarm clock, French Vogue and bud vase only. The other is chunkier, more Art Deco (with just as little surface space) and a solid choice for a lower bed at only 24 inches high.
A Bonus: The Wacky and Inspired
Safe Bedside Table, photo from treehugger.com
I've been known to keep a corkscrew next to my bed for peace of mind (I know it would be pretty useless if I ever were attacked, but a single gal has her defenses). The Safe Bedside Table by British designer James McAdam takes my corkscrew and raises it a club and shield.
Bonus
Twisted bedside table, photo from housetohome.co.uk
Finally, because I love a little hot pink, check out this stunner by another Brit, Johnny Egg. At $2650, it's completely over-the-top, but isn't it gorgeous?
What's your bedside solution? Which of these styles is your favourite?
Past Top 5 Fridays:
Top 5 Friday appears every Friday on Style Sheet.