Believe it or not, your bedside table isn’t just somewhere to put your phone and a glass of water. Not at all! If you put a bit of thought into its presentation your bedside table can become a crucial part of the décor, contributing to the sense of visual weight and harmony. In fact, decluttering this space might just help you get in the right headspace to drift off into a perfect repose.
Unsure where to start? Or perhaps feeling overwhelmed by the huge stack of unread books by your pillow? (We’ve all been there). Well, that’s completely natural and, lucky for you, we have the solution. So keep reading and we’ll impart you with all the tricks the interior designers use to keep things clean in the best possible way.
Why bother with bedside table décor?
Ever feel overwhelmed by clutter or switched on by a busy room? If your bedside table or nightstand is chock full of random items – earplugs, eye mask, trinkets, alarm clock, books, phone, water, a tangle of charging cables… – then this might be why.
Don’t feel bad, though. It’s easy to accumulate bits and bobs by your bedside either during the morning rush or nighttime tiredness. But keep this up for too long and things feel less than functional, the surface more of a dumping ground than a cherished piece of bedroom furniture.
By putting a bit of effort into your bedside table organisation you can transform the chaos into a focal point, pumping your bedroom scheme with a sense of sophistication and intentionality that really pays off. We mentioned this in our dressing table organisation guide but the difference between styling and furnishing a room is small, but it makes a large impact. All the more reason to give the tips we’re about to share a go.
How to decorate a bedside table: Design principles to take to heart
“Tidy room, tidy mind” is a saying that we interior design enthusiasts have run into more times than we can count. But is there much truth to it? Some studies seem to indicate so, meaning that design concepts that encourage tidiness, practical use of space and visual harmony are all great tactics for inducing a good night’s sleep and a deeper sense of calm. Here are just a few of these principles that you can easily implement.
Picking the right surface
The most impactful bedside table décor starts with bedside tables that look the part. Fortunately, we can take some of the labour out of finding the perfect one as we already created this buyer’s guide to bedside tables and cabinets. Nevertheless, here are a few quickfire pointers.
You ought to think about the following:
- Materials and finishes: Do you want to add the warmth of wood? What about cabinets with metal detailing like handles? Consider how the colours will work with the existing scheme.
- Styles of bedside tables: With an abundance of aesthetics on the market, you can pick from anything between contemporary and rustic, and beyond.
- Storage capacity: At Evelyn Lily, it’s never form over function when they can go hand in hand. Always think about which options can cater to your storage needs, whilst looking good, of course!
- Size: Sizing isn’t just about whether the piece fits in the room, it’s about how it fits. You can have fun here – oversized bedside tables create a sense of editorial modernity while slimline ones give a more subtle touch.
Bedside table placement
We kinda hinted about this when we mentioned sizing, but you don’t have to strictly stay by the rules. Of course, you’ll want both side tables to be equidistant from the bed, but there’s no set rules with how close they should be.
As long as you can reach the essentials – a glass of water or a lamp switch, for example – you can play about with perspectives. More space can build up a feeling of roominess and squishing them in there will make the space cosier or, at the extreme end, pretty cramped. And this goes with the territory – definitely measure up before buying!
Symmetry and asymmetry
Whether you prefer the clean lines of symmetry or the dynamic energy inherent to asymmetrical design, both can elevate your space when thoughtfully executed.
Symmetry offers a sense of order and calm. If you want to try it out, have a go at placing identical lamps or matching vases on either side of the table. The effect is a structured, balanced look that exudes calmness, which is exactly what you need for a serene bedroom environment. Here, it’s all about using repetition to establish a cohesive feel, which ties into the broader design principles we’ve discussed thus far.
On the other hand, asymmetry is an opportunity to make onlookers stop and think, perhaps even disrupting expectations. When done right, an asymmetrical arrangement encourages the eye to move across the space, offering a sense of organic, natural flow. Odd numbered groupings of items are an easy way to pull this off.
Playing with height
If you want a feel of dynamism to the room, playing with height is the best place to start. You can pull the eye upwards or vice versa, manipulating the senses and keeping you on your toes visually.
It’s a good idea to consider varying the height within your decorative groupings. A single tall plant, like a potted orchid or peace lily, make for a striking contrast with smaller accessories, encouraging a sense of depth. On the flip side, placing multiple smaller items in a grouped arrangement on one side of the table, like a collection of candles or sculptural objects, can add texture and complexity to the space.
The power of narrative
It sounds a bit ‘woo-woo’ but your bedside table décor can tell a story that can drastically alter the energy of the room. This is all pretty conceptual, so how do you achieve a sense of narrative?
Well, there’s choosing a theme for one. The theme you choose for your bedside table is a simple tool for narrating your story. Perhaps your love for travel is reflected in a collection of small souvenirs from your journeys, or maybe a passion for art is echoed in the form of a small sculpture or a decorative art book.
Whatever your preference for decoration, make sure each item shares commonalities so it doesn’t feel haphazardly thrown together. On the other end of the spectrum, equally don’t keep things too match-matchy, otherwise, you won’t get the sense of authenticity that gives the room its meaning.
Minimalism and decluttering
As divisive as it is, there’s a reason minimalism is so popular. The less clutter, the more relaxed the room feels. This brings us to a good point: you don’t need to overstuff your bedside table with numerous accessories to make an impact.
Instead, carefully select a just a few pieces that truly enhance the space. Think about using a carefully chosen lamp or an elegant clock, alongside a few books that you actually intend to read. Anything that eats up space and you don’t use frequently can be hidden away out of sight.
Colour psychology
Just as colours set the tone in various art forms, they can build up a specific mood on your bedside table. The soft blues of a vase, the earthy tones of a wooden tray, or the vibrant hues of a flower arrangement can speak volumes about your personality and environment. Blend the bedside table décor with the wider scheme and everything looks genius put together.
For example, imagine a bedroom where soft, muted green walls create a serene backdrop, while the natural warmth of oak bedside tables and shelving bring an organic, earthy feel to the space. Then a crisp white duvet adds a fresh contrast, with accents of deep navy in throw cushions and a woven rug tying in with the oak pieces. Sounds gorgeous, doesn’t it?
For more insights on how to combine colours with oak furniture, check out our article on the subject, where we explore the nuances of using colour to your advantage.
5 creative bedside table decor styling ideas
Let’s get down to business, here are 5 examples we’ve prepared to give you a good dose of inspiration.
1) Make storage pretty: from jewellery stands and boxes to hidden drawers
A bedside table doesn’t have to simply display decorative items; it can also be a practical storage solution that’s just as visually appealing. A jewellery stand or decorative box works wonders to keep your precious accessories organised and, if sized correctly, could become a focal point.
Prefer to keep clutter completely out of sight? Then choose a bedside table with drawers that you can use to hide away medication, cables or any other personal items lacking that visual element. For an added touch, a glasses holder or tray can ensure your essentials are always within reach without ruining the aesthetic.
2. Floating bedside cabinets for lightness and minimalism
For the ultimate sense of lightness and modern minimalism, floating bedside cabinets are a striking choice. These space-saving designs not only create a sleek, streamlined look but also allow the floor space underneath to remain open, which can make your room feel larger and airier.
Floating tables often have simple lines, with hidden storage that maximises functionality without detracting from the room’s design. This is perfect for smaller bedrooms (box bedrooms come to mind) or anyone who loves the minimalist aesthetic. Plus, you can experiment with different materials such as wood, metal, or glass for a tailored look that suits your style.
3. Lean into a stylistic era
One of the easiest ways to make your bedside table stand out is by embracing a particular design aesthetic or even blending several styles for a more eclectic look. For a touch of sophistication and luxury, look to Art Deco bedroom design – a style characterised by bold geometric shapes, luxurious materials like marble and brass and high-gloss finishes. An Art Deco-inspired bedside table could feature sleek, lacquered surfaces with gold accents, paired with a mirrored tray or a striking geometric lamp.
Alternatively, the Mid-Century Modern style offers an enduring elegance characterised by its minimalist sensibility and love for organic forms. Think of pieces that marry form and function, where clean lines meet expertly crafted materials. A beautifully designed bedside table in walnut or teak, with its iconic tapered legs and understated profile, would be a crowd-pleaser. Here, lean into its simplicity – no excessive ornamentation, just a celebration of natural materials and precision in design.
4. Match the bedspread for seamless coordination
Your bedside table décor doesn’t have to exist in isolation; it can be beautifully coordinated with your bedspread and other bedroom elements.
For a cohesive look, match the colour palette or motifs of your bedspread with photo frames, candles or decorative trinkets on your bedside table. For instance, if you have a soft, blush-toned duvet, add a few rose-gold photo frames or a small pinkish vase.
You can even rotate items based on the seasons; swap out floral trinkets for cosy, autumn-inspired objects like a pumpkin-shaped jar or a knitted throw during the cooler months. This adds a personal touch and keeps your bedside table décor fresh and relevant throughout the year.
5. Layering to build up texture
Without texture a room will look flat – it’s as simple as that. So when it comes to styling your bedside table, one of the most effective ways to elevate the space is through a thoughtful combination of textures.
The tactile nature of objects is connected to the space’s visual depth, so with new builds in particular it’s a stepping stone towards a true sense of personality. Thus, a cabinet should not only visually appealing be but inviting to the touch. We’d suggest starting by choosing a bedside table that has rich textures, such as a wooden surface with a beautiful grain or a piece with a tactile finish like brushed metal or lacquered wood. This prevents things from feeling too hollow.
Then, complement this base with contrasting materials: a velvet-lined jewellery box, a smooth glass vase or a woven tray. These elements can create a refined balance between soft and hard textures as well as a wonderfully tactile experience. The key is to keep the combination cohesive – don’t overcrowd the space with too many competing textures. You don’t want your beautiful piece of furniture to be overpowered by the décor or lost in the clutter.
Don’t sleep on it!
After getting all the way through this guide, you better not sleep on these bedside table décor ideas, otherwise, you’ll be seriously missing out. It sounds really basic but removing a few items, building around your accessories’ commonalities and playing around with dimensions like height can be the missing puzzle piece to a bedroom look that feels a tiny bit ‘off’. Try out our tips and see how you can work towards a more cohesive and, most importantly, restful environment. We know you’ve got it in you!
