No. 1. Bedside table size
definition of the scenario for its use, adjusted for the area of the bedroom, will help you choose the optimal size of the bedside table . If this piece of furniture is intended to be used only as a stand for a lamp and a mobile gadget, and the bedroom is not large in size, then you can opt for a compact bedside table or even a bedside table. When the bedroom area allows and there is a need to store bed linen and clothes in the nightstand, then the choice falls towards roomy models with a lot of drawers.
Regardless of what functions are assigned to the bedside table, it must meet basic ergonomic requirements in order to be truly comfortable to use:
- height – the most important parameter of the bedside table. If it is high, it will block the view of the room, and from a cabinet that is too low, you can easily knock over a glass of water. Perfect option - bedside table. Firstly, this makes the bedroom symmetrical and balanced, and secondly, it is in this case that the bedside table will be most convenient to use;
- The width is selected depending on the parameters of the bed. If we are talking about a standard double or single bed, then a bedside table with a width of 50 cm or less is perfect. Next to a huge bed, a small nightstand will look inharmonious, so in these cases, choose models with a width of 50-100 cm;
- depth is selected depending on the usage scenario, but it is advisable not to purchase models where this parameter exceeds 50 cm, as they may make it difficult to access the sleeping area.
, the principle of proportionality with the bed comes first . If the latter has a massive headboard and looks solid, then the cabinets should not be light and airy.
DIY bedside table: where to start
If you are a “newbie” in this matter and have no experience in making home furniture, start self-training in the skill by designing simple pieces of furniture. For example, a bedside table of standard sizes.
When starting work, decide on the details. Remember that the height of the cabinet depends on the design features of the bed.
First make a sketch. Draw a sketch of the future interior item on a piece of paper or create it using a computer program. The standard dimensions of a bedside table for a bedroom have been described above, but you can make small adjustments to these values. Then you need to decide on the design. After this, you can start designing.
No. 2. Bedside table material
An equally important parameter when choosing a bedside table is the material of manufacture, and here the market pleases us with sufficient variety:
- tree – the most environmentally friendly material that has enviable durability, strength, has a warm surface, and retains a pleasant aroma. Such a piece of furniture will serve faithfully for decades. Wood is plastic and pliable, so cabinets are often decorated with beautiful carved patterns. The downside of wooden products is their high price, but it can vary significantly depending on the type of wood. Products made from oak, birch, beech, ash, and mahogany will cost much less than similar ones made from pine. This is explained by the insufficient strength of the latter. Pine is a soft wood, so over time, screw connections can become loose, causing deformation of the product;
- MDF cabinet will cost much less, but it’s difficult to call it natural. MDF boards are made from wood chips; urea resins act as a binder, which allows us to talk about the environmental friendliness of the products and the almost complete absence of formaldehyde emissions. The top of the slabs can be painted, veneered with a thin cut of valuable wood, or laminated with a film that allows you to imitate any material - the range is huge. In terms of price and quality ratio, this is one of the best options for today;
- chipboard cabinets must be used with great caution. For the production of chipboard, resins are used, which during operation can emit toxic formaldehyde. It is important to look at the emission level in the furniture documentation: for use in the bedroom it must be E0 or E1. The main advantage is low price;
- combined option , when the frame is metal or wood, and the finishing is made of glass, mirror, plastic or forging. The combination of materials allows you to create exclusive models that can truly decorate the bedroom, but you shouldn’t forget about functionality;
- if you want to make your bedroom even more sophisticated, then you can choose cabinet upholstered in leather. Such products look impressive, it is difficult to get injured in the event of an accidental impact, and they are also practical to use.
The size of the bedside table depending on its configuration
The dimensions of the bedside tables directly depend on the size of the bedroom where it will be installed, its load with other furniture, the height and width of the bed and, of course, the design and construction features. The size of the top cover may depend on the shape of the product.
When choosing a bedside table, you need to remember about the depth of this product. It should be selected depending on how it will be used. But it makes sense to buy those models whose width is more than 500 mm, but no more, otherwise it may turn out that it will be difficult to lie in place.
No. 3. Bedside table design
The design, as well as the size, is selected depending on the use case of the cabinet. If it is needed to place a lamp and glasses on it, then a neat bedside table without doors or drawers will be enough. For those who are used to storing a thousand and one little things near the bed, it is better to choose a model with closed shelves so that numerous necessary things do not create a feeling of chaos in the bedroom.
Pay attention to hanging bedside tables . They, just like their floor counterparts, can be equipped with a different number of drawers and shelves, only they are separated from the floor surface by 10 to 50 cm of space. This makes the bedside table lighter and weightless, and the bedroom more original. You will feel the benefits of a hanging model when you drop something and find it without difficulty, because you don’t have to lie down on the floor, shine a flashlight, and rummage around in search of the dropped object. Under the cabinet you can place a beautiful basket or box for storing small items.
In the smallest bedrooms, the bedside table can be replaced with a bedside shelf (or shelves). It will be possible to place only the most necessary things on them and make sure that there is no clutter there.
In small bedrooms it is rational to use combined furniture . For example, a bedside table can simultaneously serve as a wide, spacious chest of drawers and smoothly transition into a closet or shelving unit. Moreover, in one item you can combine the functions of a bedside table, dressing table and work desk. To ensure sufficient comfort when working, the table must be of an appropriate height, and to maintain balance and proportionality, you will have to take care of a higher bed. To avoid incidents, it is better, of course, to select all the furniture together and think through every little detail in the bedroom interior in advance.
No. 4. Cabinet shape
The shape of the bedside table can be one of the following:
- square or rectangular - the classic and most common option. This model is appropriate in any bedroom and almost any interior style, it is functional, practical and versatile;
- corner cabinet Great for small bedrooms and allows you to get the most out of corners that often go unused;
- round and oval The cabinets look impressive, but they cannot be called universal. Such products will not fit into any bedroom, but will become an integral part of the interior in the Art Nouveau style;
- non-standard options . Sideboards in the shape of a chest or a pyramid, broken, with a lot of curves and unusual shapes are more of a decorative decoration for the bedroom than a functional thing, but they really look impressive.
No. 5. Style and design of the bedside table
If a few years ago designers strongly recommended choosing a bedside table exclusively in the same style as the headboard, today they allow a mixture of styles, but within reason, of course. a universal option , which can successfully fit into any interior style.
The style of the cabinet is selected depending on the overall decor of the bedroom:
- minimalism involves using products of simple geometric shapes without decoration or frills. The cabinet can be made of wood, but not have carving elements and be painted in one color. Mounted models are perfect. Glass can also be used as a material. Preferred colors: black, white, shades of gray and milky;
- high tech also assumes clarity of form and the absence of any curls. Cabinets with chrome elements, metal frames and glass countertops are perfect;
- classic style involves the use of wooden cabinets with carved elements. Models made in antique style, massive squat cabinets, as well as products upholstered in leather will look harmonious. Preferred colors are calm light and dark shades;
- baroque – these are curvilinear forms, curved facades, ornate legs, an abundance of decor. The material used is valuable wood, sometimes forging;
- country style involves the use of simple massive cabinets, preferably made of wood or its imitation, dark colors are held in high esteem;
- Scandinavian style – these are simple white cabinets made of wood or its “substitutes”. The fewer decorative elements, the better;
- for a bedroom in style Provence cabinets made of wood in pastel shades, perhaps with a worn effect, are suitable. You can use bedside tables with “skirts”, i.e. with fabric curtains, which can be easily replaced if desired, thereby updating the interior;
- modern involves the use of cabinets of unusual shapes and made from non-standard materials, such as leather.
Bedside table materials: style vs. care requirements
Bedside tables come in a variety of materials. Your choice will depend on your tastes, existing decor and material care requirements.
Glass bedside tables
Glass gives bedside tables a modern and airy look. However, it is fragile and sensitive to scratches, and also attracts dust and leaves marks . Thus, it will have to be cleaned frequently .
Wooden bedside tables
Whether you choose solid or composite wood, exotic woods or something else, wood is always in style with a naturally elegant look. However, it stains easily and should be cleaned regularly using a damp cloth, wax or rag.
Metal bedside tables
Metal is an excellent choice for nightstands and industrial or retro designs . You can choose from steel, aluminum or wrought iron . However, the maintenance requirements for the cabinet depend on the finish of the material and can range from basic to complex (comparable to glass).
If you don't clean very often, use a brushed metal or metallic finish and any dust buildup will go unnoticed !
Rattan bedside tables
Exotic-looking bedside tables are created from rattan . The durable and natural material can be molded into any shape and looks great with a wooden bed frame .
Moreover, it is easy to maintain: a damp sponge or cloth is all you need for daily care, and a small amount of diluted linseed oil should be applied at less regular intervals.
Bamboo bedside tables
Bamboo is both environmentally friendly and fashionable. These nightstands are also durable and easy to clean.
PVC bedside tables
PVC bedside tables come in all colors, patterns, finishes and shapes - all within a reasonable price range! This material is especially popular for children's bedside tables.
It has fairly simple maintenance requirements, but be careful with scratches, as sensitivity is the material's main weak point .
No. 6. Bedside table color
There are no rules for choosing the right color for a cabinet - there are only a few recommendations and typical color schemes that will allow you to achieve the best result:
- the color of the cabinet is matched to the color of the head of the bed - a classic and time-tested technique, and the materials used may be different;
- the exact opposite of the traditional technique - contrasting the color of the cabinet with the color of the headboard . For example, white cabinets are selected for a black headboard, brown ones for a beige one, etc.;
- the color of the cabinets is similar to other furniture in the bedroom (except for the bed);
- the color of the cabinets can be matched to the color of the floor, walls or door;
- the nightstand fits into the overall color scheme of the bedroom if only one color is chosen, for example, beige or gray;
- A bedside table can serve as a color accent and not be combined with any other piece of furniture, but when trying to create an extravagant bedroom, it is important not to cross the line and end up in complete bad taste.
