Oh my gosh, I am working with a client/friend on designing a new look for their bedroom and I swear, sometimes I just want to open up a can of crazy on them! Please don't worry or think I've lost my mind by writing this about this particular client/friend. They know they drive me to want to pull their hair out! As with most clients that you work with for a while, you become friends. Hmmm, it could end up being one of those love/hate relationships, ya know? But anyhoo, it has gone past just the client/designer relationship and now gotten into that area of "I love you when you let me do my job, but I will hang you off a cliff when you don't"! See, the difference in this relationship is that with a straight on designer/client relationship, you can't be so direct with your thoughts of wanting to go all out serial on them! Trust and believe, the desire is there!
Mirrored glass bedside tables are so popular. They are beautiful and add such an elegance to any bedroom. Truth? I'm kind of sick of them. It's just that they have shown up everywhere...even in my own bedroom! I've had my lovely chest though, for a few years now. However, I got mine before I started seeing them featured in every store and catalog. The great thing about mine is that it isn't a "bedside" table, but I use it as such, and that is one thing that I am liking about the way we live right now. We have stepped outside of what we typically thought for bedside tables and began using other pieces of furniture to accomplish the desired affect both functionally and aesthetically.
Nesting tables are always a great choice because they generally have the surface space needed for an alarm clock, a glass of water, and a great bedtime read. They also can be styled so lovely if all you're wanting it for is looks. Come on now, I know there are many of you out there that forego the functional aspects of any type of furniture in lieu of looks, until you find that you need it!
Okay, so right now I am totally loving this three shelf etagere! This is actually one of the pieces that I am trying to get my friend to go with for one side of the bed. Look at all of the space that you have! If you've got items that you need to keep by your bed that you don't necessarily want on display, then get a really cool box and hide them in. The openess of this piece shouldn't deter you from serious consideration! It is a fantastic piece for the space and if you ever tire of it in the bedroom, there are many other uses for it as well; the bathroom for instance. If you hadn't figured it out yet, this was more of a sales pitch for this piece!
This lovely little Pagoda style shelf is another great example of how this type of furniture can add so much to the bedroom. I love the curve of the legs, and yes, this one looks a little feminine but can easily be offset with more masculine elements sitting on it, or in a darker finish.
Now, this little number is more on the traditional side, but made so modern with the addition of the studs! Don't you just love it! The details really make this piece. It's got an open shelf and a drawer for storage.
I have to confess that I've never considered a small desk as a bedside table, but I can see where it makes sense! I love this idea, not to mention the small stool with it's shaggy covering! This is something that I would totally consider for my next bedside table!
Okay, so this is somewhat the design for the bedroom we're working on, as far as the really cool wallpaper, upholstered bed, and hanging lamps. Again, the Parsons table can be great anywhere! I love the look here with the cowhide stool. This table can be used as a console, a small desk, or even ta da a bedside table!
This console table is another wonderful option that should be considered. Because it has a slim metal frame with a narrow top and base it doesn't seem to take up much visual space at all. It is just so pretty with the color palette already established for this bedroom. It has plenty of surface space and can be styled so nicely to make a big impact in the rooms design.
This is another traditional style bedside table with a nod to modern with the white drawers. This one has generous space for clothing and other items, as well.
Not so traditional is the use of a bar cart for a bedside table! Now, I prefer to actually have alcohol on my bar cart, but hey, go in the direction of your creativity! I like it though! It has a whimsical kind of c'est la vie quality about it!
Lucite tables are another one that has popped up everywhere in it's use. These can be found in living rooms as side tables and coffee tables, as well as in offices as chic, fashionable desks. There are many styles to choose from and I think can add a surprising element to the bedroom.
Pedestal tables of any variety, in my opinion are classic wherever you place them. Be it a generous sized wooden pedestal or a metal one like the one featured above. You can't go wrong with this selection.
To my friend that I know is reading this; I hope I've given you enough ideas to consider for bedside table options. Any one of these can be found in varying finishes, sizes, and styles. I know you have a preference, however don't discount everything else that's out there just waiting for you to explore, and have a wonderful time shopping for. If we can't find it, then we'll have someone to build it!
Rhonda
