A couple of years ago I found a pair of matching bedside tables. We’ve been living with them just the way we found them. I’ve decided that this is the year I’ll give them a makeover. Not only will they get a new paint job but I also want to style them so they’ll look nice and be useful. Most of the time I just play around with items until they look right but I wanted to find a formula for how to style a nightstand. First, let me share the formula I came up with, then watch the videos to see them put into practice.
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How to Style a Nightstand
The secret to making your nightstand look professionally styled is layering.
Lamp
Lighting is a must on a nightstand. Even if you don’t have any of the other layers, you must have light. Finding a lamp with a usb port is a bonus. You can charge your phone without climbing around under the bed trying to plug in your charger!
Kristi shared a great article asking the question, “Should bedside lamps match?” What do you think?
Either way, I love her little typewriter table used as a bedside table.
Large Mirror or Piece of Art
Next, either hang or lean a large mirror or piece of art on the wall at the back of the nightstand.
Smaller Mirror or Piece of Art
The next layer is a smaller piece of art or a photo. You can either lean it against the larger piece of art/mirror or put it in a frame with a stand.
Tchotchkes
What’s a tchotchke? It’s “stuff”… books, figurines, doo-dads, etc. These can be useful or just decorative.
Tony added a unique tchotchke on her cute Ikea nightstand makeover:
Tray, Dish, or Ring Holder
Find a cute vintage dish (or make one!) for when you take off your jewelry at night. I have a small glass coaster that I keep tucked in the corner of my nightstand drawer.
I’m not sure how I feel about hanging nightstands but I do like how Crystal layered the jewelry box on the books on hers.
Plant
If you don’t have much light in your bedroom add a fake plant or flowers. I like faux succulents “planted” in a vintage pitcher or mug.
- 24 DIY Faux Succulent Planters
- Assorted Faux Succulents
- 12 Plants for Your Bedroom
- 17 Houseplants that will Clean the Air in Your Home
Basket
Baskets are great for extra storage if your nightstand has an open shelf. Or you can add a basket under or beside your nightstand. You don’t even have to use a nightstand as a nightstand… use a little side table and add a big basket like this:
Racheal hit ALL the points in her styled nightstand:
If you enjoyed seeing how to style a nightstand, you might also like these articles:
- 10 Easy Ways to Update Your Bedroom for the Summer
- How to Care for Your Pillows
- 12 DIY Headboard Ideas
- 43 Small Bedroom Ideas
- 5 Rustic Master Bedroom Ideas
Thanks for reading. Leave a comment and let me know what you have on your nightstand. Featured on Swing into Spring.
‘Til the next project,
Ann @ Duct Tape and Denim
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Kathy A says
I guess boxes of tissues, a Bipap machine, a clock radio, and a tube of Chapstick just don’t count as style, huh? Never seen any of these in nightstand pictures; HOW do people live?
ducttapeanddenim says
lol… I keep my phone on my nightstand as my clock and radio. And I have a drawer for the other stuff. When I finish my bedside tables I’ll show you a more realistic way to style it. Thanks for the comment.
Julieta says
Thanks so much for the post.Much thanks again. Really Cool.
Theresa says
Lovely post, and styling tips. Thanks for sharing at the Inspiration Spotlight party @DearCreatives Sharing.
Judy says
Great tips! I will be featuring this tonight at my Swing into Spring party. The party opens at 8pm EST. Please stop by and pick up an I’ve Been Featured button. Thanks. http://diybydesign.blogspot.com
Mother of 3 says
Thanks so much for sharing these wonderful ideas with us at the Summer Time Fun Linky. I just realized that I don’t have a lamp on my nightstand but that would come in handy. Pinned.
Luan says
I have matching nightstands, do I need a lamp on both?
ducttapeanddenim says
You don’t necessarily need a lamp on both sides. You could put a lamp on one side and a tall floral arrangement, vase, or other piece on the other side to balance it out. We actually have lamps on both sides of our bed but they don’t match.