How To Match Bedside Table With Bed | A Quick Guide

Learning how to match bedside tables with beds is an important component of balance and visual appeal in the bedroom. A well-matched set of furniture adds aesthetic and functionality to a room. Materials, styles, sizes, and balance should be considered. Attending such details will create a bedroom cohesive in style.

1. Choose the Right Height and Proportion

To master how to match a bedside table with a bed, consider 2 factors: the size of your bed and the general size of your bedroom.

• Bed size: The size of your bed will affect the dimensions of your bedside table. A small table beside a king-sized bed is out of place, just like a large one would overwhelm a twin bed. For the best balance, the table's height should be level with your mattress or up to 2 - 4 inches higher for ease of access.
• Room size: Adjust bedside table width to your room size. Compact tables suit smaller bedrooms, while larger rooms can accommodate wider options. For a twin bed, a table width of 17 - 20 inches is ideal, except between two twins where a wider table is better. For a queen bed, aim for 20 - 26 inches, and for a king bed, go for 24+ inches to ensure proper spacing.

2. Match the Style

First, marry the table to your bed's style. Quick guide:

Modern beds require sleek, minimalist tables in neutral colors, possibly with integrated tech features. 

• Traditional beds are a perfect place for elegant nightstands featuring rich wood tones, decorative details, or brass hardware. 
• Rustic beds call for weathered wood tables with wrought iron or distressed finishes that set the tone. 
• Eclectic beds will do with mix-and-match styles, but the table needs to complement at least one aspect of the bed color and material for balance.

Second, create visual harmony by making either the bed or the bedside table a focal point, but not both. If your bed is elaborate, balance it out with simple bedside tables. Contrasting-wise, if you have an impressive-looking bedside table, use a minimalist bed. That gives contrast and creates interest without overwhelming the space.

3. Blend Material & Texture

There are 2 ways to choose the material for a bedside table: using the same materials or mixing and matching different materials.

Using the same material for both the bed frame and the bedside table can create a cohesive look. For example, if your bed frame is made of wood, a wooden bedside table can create a unified look.

Moreover, it would be a good idea to try to introduce some other material to break the uniformity. The nightstand might as well include a marble top, while details in perforated rattan on the headboard could be used. A glass top on a nightstand could be another interesting variation that keeps the little shifts tied in but does not allow the room to get monotonous.

Regardless of the material combination, ensure they are durable. The materials used for bedside tables are limitless: wood, metal, glass, and acrylic are some of the most commonly used. Solid wood provides classic durability, while metal and glass add that sleek, modern appearance.

4. Prioritize Functionality and Storage

Choose a bedside table based on your storage needs, opt for drawers or shelves for organization, or a simple design for a minimalist look. Consider both your essential bedside items (night lamps, alarm clocks, books) and whether you need the nightstand primarily for storage or as a surface for those items.

If storage isn’t a priority and you prefer a minimalist aesthetic, a simple stool can work perfectly as a nightstand. This is especially useful in smaller bedrooms where space is at a premium.

5. Choose the Right Lighting

Choose bedside lamps that complement the bed and nightstand for functionality and a cohesive appearance. The design of the lamp should be compatible with your bedroom's style.

In choosing lamps for cohesion in style, choose lamps that will match the style of your bed and table. Sleek, minimalist lamps suit modern settings, while ornate designs work best in traditional spaces. If the room is eclectic, try unique lamp designs showcasing your personality and make sure it lifts up the look. Matching materials could tie it together.

For size lamps for nightstands, consider height and width for functionality and aesthetics:

• The bottom of the lampshade should be at chin level when sitting in bed.
• If the nightstand matches the mattress height, choose a lamp that is 2 - 3 inches taller.
• The lamp width should be about 1/3 the width of the nightstand, which should be 1/3 - 2/3 the width of the mattress.
• Place the switch of the lamp within comfortable reach, about 21 - 28 inches from the floor.
• The shade height should be two-thirds of the lamp body, and the width about twice the width of the base.

How you are using the space will determine how many lumens for your bedside lamp.

• For soft ambient lighting, aim for about 220 lumens.
• For gentle relaxation lighting, about 400 lumens is ideal.
• For reading or focused tasks, choose a lamp with 440 - 450 lumens to avoid eye strain.

Related Article: How to Choose the Perfect Table Lamp Size for Any Room?

6. Coordinate Colors

When it comes to matching your bedside table with your bed, coordinating colors plays a crucial role in achieving a harmonious and visually appealing bedroom. The color wheel can be a helpful tool in selecting the right combinations.

Complementary colors, located opposite each other on the wheel (like blue and orange), create a vibrant contrast that energizes the space. On the other hand, analogous colors, found next to each other (such as blue, blue-green, and green), offer a calming and cohesive feel when paired together.

For example, if your walls are a soft blue, pairing a navy bed frame with light blue bedside tables can create a serene atmosphere. However, be cautious of closely matching colors, as this can lead to a monotonous appearance.

For a more dynamic approach, consider using a triadic color scheme, which involves three evenly spaced colors on the wheel, like red, yellow, and blue. This method can add liveliness while still maintaining balance.

If you prefer a bolder aesthetic, contrasting colors can also work beautifully. Aim for a palette of three to four shades to maintain balance in your bedroom, using the 60-30-10 rule for distribution: 60% dominant color, 30% secondary, and 10% accent.

Before making your final decision, test how the colors interact in your space. Observe them under various lighting conditions to ensure they create the desired effect both during the day and at night.

7. Balance the Arrangement

You can select from many different kinds of bedside tables. In creating a balanced look, you might want to use 2 matching tables, but you can also pull off an eclectic look by combining different styles. You can pair a traditional table with a small desk, a chest of drawers, or even a decorative stool.

Note: Just make sure the heights are relatively consistent, keep mismatched tables within 1 - 2 inches of each other if using lamps. Alternatively, wall sconces can eliminate the need for matching table heights.

The bed is always the first piece of furniture you should choose in your bedroom. Being the largest and most dominating, it sets the theme of the room. First, decide on the overall feel you want to give the room and which colors are in the room; then make your bed selection. After you have chosen your bed, select bedside tables and other furniture that complement the bed rather than competing with it.

Note: While matching nightstands can create a cohesive look, mix-and-match options offer more personality. For new bedrooms, choose complementary nightstands. Add personal touches later.

8. Add Decorative Elements

It will also complete the understanding of how to decorate nightstands, allowing them to look their best with the style of the bed. A key rule is to display items in odd numbers for a curated look. Consider adding decorative lamps, small plants or vases, books, decorative boxes, or personal mementos.

Also, pay attention to height and balance. For instance, if there is a lamp and a plant, the plant should not be taller than the lamp because this will block some of the light.

Furthermore, establishing stylistic continuity will be achieved by choosing items that complement the style of your bed. A modern bed with a sleek, modern lamp can be complemented by a minimalist tray, while a traditional bed is better served by a classic lamp and a more ornate box. This makes the look work.

Here are some lamps that help illuminate the beauty of a nightstand:

• Catbus from my neighbor Totoro lamp
• Whale shark and diver table lamp
• Godzilla's atomic breath table lamp
• Eustoma bedside table light

5 Steps On How To Match Bedside Table With Bed

Matching your bedside table to your bed can really elevate the look of your bedroom. Here's a 5-step guide to help you find the perfect pairing:

Step 1. Assess Your Bedroom Style: Consider your bed's style to make a complementary choice for the nightstand.

Step 2. Measure and Choose Proportions: Take the measurement of your mattress height and bedside space for proper fitting.

Step 3. Identify Your Requirements: Consider style, size, color, function, materials, and lighting to match a bedside table to your bed.

Step 4. Personalize Your Space: Feel free to express your individuality with your nightstands by experimenting with different materials, textures, and colors for a unique touch.

Step 5. Final Review: The last step is to stand back and judge the general effect, making changes as required.

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Ultimately, how to match bedside tables with bed comes down to personal style and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve in your bedroom. You can confidently choose a bedside table to go along with your bed by paying attention to the elements highlighted in this quick guide, as it will not only elevate the beauty but also the functionality of your sleeping space.