How to Style Bedside Tables Like A Designer

Knowing how to style your bedside tables is one of the easiest ways to instantly transform the whole look and feel of your bedroom without a full furniture overhaul. With some simple yet functional bedside table styling touches, you can make your bedroom work better for you, while looking fantastic too. Don’t know where to start? Explore our step-by-step guide for styling a bedside table like a designer, carefully curated by our in-house stylists:

 

Pick The Perfect Bedside Table

When it comes to bedside table styling, it’s all striking the right balance between scale, texture, colour and finishes to create a cohesive looking bedside table set-up.

To pick the perfect bedside table for your space, consider the height of your bed and the size of the room and ensure your bedside piece feels proportionate. Putting this into practice, bigger bedside tables should have larger lamps and decor while smaller bedside tables need slimmer and lighter decorative touches.

Next, decide on the look and feel of your bedside table arrangement. For a coordinated look, opt for matching bedside tables, or for a more eclectic look mixing two different bedside table styles can bring dimension to any bedroom design.

Lastly, consider storage solutions. If you like having your everyday essentials on-hand by your bedside, a multi-drawer bedside table can keep items organised and out of sight. For minimalists, a simple one-drawer or a sculptural bedside table offers more visual appeal with some functional storage space.

 

Start Styling With A Table Lamp

Once you have decided on your bedside table, begin by styling the largest piece of decor first: a table lamp. As one of the most important elements in bedside table styling, table lamps add height, create balance and bring function back to your bedside. So, all other decorative touches should work around it.

Position the table lamp in the back corner of your bedside table closest to your bed for a warm and inviting glow. For a functional reading night, choose a table lamp height that sits between the top of your mattress and bedframe.

Short on space? Use a slimmer lamp base to avoid overcrowding or opt for a wall sconce or pendant light to create a light and clutter-free look.

 

Add A Tray For Structure

To bring function back into your bedside table styling and avoid everyday essentials causing clutter, place a small tray next to or layered just in front of the table lamp. This tray can be used to group smaller items together, such as jewellery, watches, hand creams, lip balm and beyond, for an ordered and organised look.

Pick a catchall tray that contrasts your bedside table for texture. Think a wooden tray on a white bedside table or a ceramic tray on a wooden bedside table. By layering textures and playing with different finishes, you can evoke emotion and create a sense of warmth in your space.

 

Infuse With Personality

Good bedside table styling isn’t just about aesthetic appeal, but how the arrangement makes you feel. So, it's important include elements that showcase your unique sense of style and mean something to you. After adding a tray, introduce one low-profile personal item such as a small bowl, framed photo, sculptural decor or a candle. This can make the styling really feel like you rather than a staged space.

 

Leave Room To Breathe

Now all the bedside table styling elements are on the bedside, it’s important to take a step back and make sure the table doesn’t feel too full of clutter. Leave one section of the tabletop clear to place down phones, drinking glasses or books. By using negative space in your design, you can create a calming look that’s important for any bedroom.

 

Bedside Table Styling Formulas

To make bedside table styling even simpler for you, our designers have pulled together some easy formulas to follow. Pick one from the list below and pull together an artfully arranged bedside in seconds:

Minimalist Bedside Table Styling

• Table lamp
• Small tray with 1-2 items
• Empty space

Everyday Bedside Table Styling

• Table lamp
• Tray with personal items
• Book

Guest Room Bedside Table Styling

• Table lamp
• Tray with guest essentials
• One decorative piece

 

Bedside Table Styling By Design Theme

Have a specific style in mind for your bedroom but unsure how to bring this to life through bedside table styling? Browse trending interior design styles below for tailored tips:

Modern Coastal 

To embrace the relaxed yet refined look of the coastal design theme, start with a white or rattan bedside table. Pair this with table lamps featuring natural materials like a linen-look lamp or lamp bases with stone or wood. Complete with woven baskets, ceramic vases or a small plant to bring the outside in.

Japandi 

With a focus on clean lines and warm textures, tap into the Japandi style through a rich natural wooden bedside table. Top with an organic lamp featuring soft curves or linen textures. Tie it together with a small wooden tray for balance and structure.

Scandinavian 

Use the Scandinavian design principles of light, warmth and restraint and opt for a bedside table with soft curves and a warm timber look. Pair with a ceramic-style lamp, a small stack of books and a touch of greenery for a calm and cohesive look.

Mid-Century Modern

Mid-century modern bedside table styling focuses on strong silhouettes, rich tones and intentional placement. Start with a dome-shaped lamp or pleated lamp shade representative of the vintage MCM style. Pair with a decorative object such as a brass accent or geometric decor piece.

 

Bedside Table Styling Mistakes To Avoid

Looking for what to steer clear of when it comes to your bedside table styling? It can be easy to get carried away in your design. Some design mistakes to avoid include:

• Styling decor pieces before the table lamp
• Incorporating too many small items on the tabletop without a tray
• Lamps that are too short or bulky for the bedside table
• Using too many pieces of decor to cause clutter
• Forgetting about cable management when styling

 

Bring Your Bedside Table Dreams To Life With Mocka

Now you’ve learned about everything from design principles to the styling do’s and don’ts, it’s time to put these tips together and create your dream bedside table look! At Mocka Furniture, our curated collection of bedside tables has something to suit the scale and size of your bedroom in a range of contemporary designs. Explore the range online today to transform your bedroom into a stylish yet functional space in your home.