Guest Post: Mandy from Interior Design Musings

August 14, 2012

Thanks Elizabeth for letting me fill in today on your fabulous blog. I hope your move is going oh so smoothly. One great thing about moving is how all your furnishings look totally new and fresh in a different space. I look so forward to all your posts on how you pull the new house together!

My name is Mandi, and I’m an interior designer and blogger in Birmingham, Alabama. Today, I want to talk to you about beside tables. This has been on my mind lately since I am working on our Master Bedroom. I am not quite ready for the big reveal of my space (you will have come check it out on my blog later this month); but I did want to share some thoughts with you on styling bedside tables. At first glance, this little spot does not seem very daunting. But when you really start to think about it, there is more to it than meets the eye. It can be very challenging to style such a small spot and make it look spectacular while ensuring it’s practical for everyday life.

Here are my tips for accomplishing the perfect balance.

Consider Architectural Elements

You may have elements already in the space you must work around, or you may consider adding some detail to this focal wall for interest.

I often have clients that are paralyzed by windows on either side of the bed. They can not get beyond the notion of placing bedside tables in front of the windows and the window treatments, for that matter. Don’t let windows stop you from using fabulous side tables. I think a layered look on the major focal wall gives the space a really high end look. Also, you don’t have to worry about what to hang on the wall above the bedside tables (which I discuss later in this post).

Think About LightingI think most people place a table lamp on their bedside tables and call it done. Of course this is an option; but there are so many other sources of lighting which can give a space some WOW factor.

A chandelier creates drama and elevates a entire atmosphere in a bedroom. Also notice the his and her reading cans above the bed. These are a clever solution for additional light.

I adore swing arm lamps and actually have them in my own bedroom. The main reason, it frees up lots of table top space for additional accessories.

Remember, lighting can really take a bedroom in a dramatic style direction as well. Check out these modern pendants mounted on the ceiling – a real statement.

Here’s another pendant but the style feels more like contemporary cottage.

I just adore this image for a boy’s bedroom. Wonderful example of thinking outside the box on lighting.

Storage Needs Should be Considered

If you have lots of other storage options in the space, then consider light and airy bedside tables (which is so decadent!). But if you need additional storage, the bedside table is a huge opportunity. With lots of storage, you can do more than stash some lip balm and a note pad. You can include necessary clothing items, jewelry, ties and cuffs links or any other difficult to hang items which really frees up space in your closest.

I love this example. Even if the actual furniture piece does provide storage, you can incorporate it by layering in a basket or trunk for some closed storage – like this console table (which I love to use as a bedside table if you have the space).

Think About Dual Purposes

If you don’t have the luxury of tons of space in your bedroom, it is essential that every single piece you include in the space have a dual function. In this example, the bedside table also serves as a writing desk for correspondence.

Here is a triple function – bedside table, extra storage, and a vanity area. Talk about bedside table extraodinaire. And it’s gorgeous too.

Consider Contrast
Consider selecting bedside tables to contrast your headboard/bed. This can give you such a wonderful impact. I am not a fan of a matching bedroom suite. I love the idea of the bed being the star of the room with the bedside tables juxtaposed for interest. In this case, the beside tables are stealing the show!

Well Thought Out Artwork
When considering a bedroom focal wall, you have three spots to consider – over the bed and above either bedside table (unless you have windows to fill these spots). The trick is to contrast the bedside table artwork with what you include over the bed.

I love the use of the brackets in this example. Sometimes these are difficult to incorporate due to the profile. So, over the bed is a very clever spot for them. Also, pairing them with the mirror works wonderfully.

There are so many things I love about this image, the lacquered ceiling and the metallic trim work gives the space an edgy feel. Also, layering the artwork over the bed – stunning.

If you have an unbelievable headboard, allow it to be the focal point of the bedroom and use mirrors for depth over the bedside tables. These will compliment and not compete with the headboard.

Non-artwork art looks so great when paired with large prints in this example by the very talented Bunny Williams. I also love how she has hung the prints to create visual space for the table lamps. Also, notice the second lower print is not completely over the bedside table – so you don’t have to have substantial bedside pieces to use this idea.

Bunny Williams

Remember, with thoughtful planning, you can take a bedroom focal wall from nice to totally fabulous. Thanks for sharing your time with me today! Come visit me over at the Muse sometime soon. M.

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Leave a Comment 9 Comments Filed Under: guest post

Comments

17 Perth says:

August 14, 2012 at 6:06 am

This is so helpful. After just getting a new bed–I have been struggling with how I wanted to proceed with the bedside tables. I love the 3 in 1 bedside table—vanity and desk area. Space is limited for me so that might be the perfect solution! Thanks!

Reply
sherry hart says:

August 14, 2012 at 6:37 am

So many great thoughts here! Great post.
sherry hart recently posted..SCOTT’S

Reply
Whitney @ drab to fab design says:

August 14, 2012 at 7:20 am

We are getting ready for a master remodel, so this was very helpful!!
Whitney @ drab to fab design recently posted..We called in the pros and have some BIG news!

Reply
classic•casual•home says:

August 14, 2012 at 8:25 am

Thanks, Mandi…I need to redo our guest bedroom…now I am thinking that a desk may be the way to go! Great examples.
classic•casual•home recently posted..It’s Just Decorating.

Reply
Laura@Elegant Nest says:

August 14, 2012 at 9:41 am

Currently in a master bedroom redo myself…and searching for bedside tables as we speak! Thank you for all of the inspiration and ideas. I am actully hoping to walk in to my favorite thirft store and find 2 campaign side tables that I could paint white and use next to my bed…is that too much to ask for?!?
Laura@Elegant Nest recently posted..Going for Gold…

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Amy @ PaintWineRepeat says:

August 14, 2012 at 10:36 am

Great guest post! I love the texture in all the sample photos. I am currently decorating my own master bedroom and styling vs.function on my bedside tables is definitely a concern! Thanks!
Amy @ PaintWineRepeat recently posted..Painting a Dresser (without sanding) Tutorial – Part 1

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Donna @ A Designer's Perspective says:

August 14, 2012 at 11:26 am

Great post with great examples! Thanks for sharing!

http://www.donnaviningblog.com
Donna @ A Designer’s Perspective recently posted..A Little Grey Gardens Inspiration

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Heidi @ Decor & More says:

August 14, 2012 at 12:47 pm

Great post, Mandi! We have matching too-small bedside tables right now (and have for years) and I”m dying to go with something different! Lots to think about and ooogle over here… thanks for sharing!
xo Heidi
Heidi @ Decor & More recently posted..Ugly Duckling Dining Room: Wall Art {Blogging Without Borders}

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Tanya from Dans le Townhouse says:

August 17, 2012 at 9:13 pm

FABULOUS ideas and totally drool-worthy examples in the room featured.

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