Bedside Table and Lighting - Southern Living

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Matthew Gleason

Coordinating Style

Think about how a table fits in the style of the room as a whole. This curvy cloverleaf table mirrors the lines of the pattern on the bed linens. A candlestick lamp with a coordinating color palette finishes off the look.

Photography Laurey W. Glenn / Styling Leigh Anne Montgomery

Storage

Your bedside table will do double duty when it isn’t a table at all. Use a small chest of drawers for added storage space.

Photos by Jean Allsopp

Table Height

The optimum height for a bedside table is even with the mattress top. An adjustable arm sconce installed at eye level frees up space on a small tabletop.

Photo: Roger Davis

Unique Options

For added character, consider a non-traditional piece like an antique trunk or stack of vintage suitcases.

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Shelf

A second shelf for reading materials leaves more space for a wide based lamp and keeps the top clutter free.

Budget Solution

If you need an inexpensive bedside table in a hurry, replace the lid on a large galvanized garbage can with a round wood board, and cover the whole thing with a large tablecloth that reaches the floor. Transform a simple lampshade by adding trim in a contrasting color.

Drop-Leaf Table

A small drop-leaf table can double as a desk when the leaf is lifted. Keep the antique look consistent with a refined, classic lamp.

Pullout Surface

This table comes with a fun feature—a handy pullout tray for added tabletop surface. A clear glass lamp base and neutral shade blend with the wall color and don’t compete with the patterned bed linens.

Style Guide: Bedside Table Solutions