When it comes to decorating a new bedroom, we tend to spend a lot of time and effort choosing the perfect bed frame, mattress, and bedspreads to create a pleasant evening sanctuary. However, nightstands and dressers are also functional pieces that can have a major impact on the look of your bedroom. It’s important to choose the right pieces to complete your design as well as provide enough storage for all your belongings. This article will help you find the best bedside tables and dressers for any bedroom.
6 Tips for Choosing Nightstands
#1 Consider the Scale of Your Room
The size of the room is often what determines how large or small your furniture needs to be, and nightstands are no exception. If you haven’t already, choose the bed and mattress first. This will determine how much space you have to work with when selecting a bedside table. If you have a small room, a king-sized bed could take up too much space and make the room feel small and cramped, however if you choose a twin-sized bed in a large room your bedroom may feel too empty. Once you’ve selected the right bed, you can use the style and size of the bed to choose the rest of the furniture in your room.
#2 Choose the Right Size
Once you’ve determined the space that you have to devote to your bedside table, you will need to measure for the correct size. Typically, nightstands are between 25” and 28” tall. When placed next to the bed, the nightstand should be roughly the same height as your mattress in order to easily reach any of the items that you have stored inside or on top of the table.
The width that you will need depends on the amount of available space as well as how you plan to use your table. If you plan on keeping a variety of items like a lamp, alarm clock, or decorative accents on your bedside table (and you have the available space), look for a wider option with plenty of tabletop space. If you prefer a more minimalist approach, have a small space, or already have plenty of bulky furniture pieces in your room, choose a narrower option.
#3 Play with Style
In the past, bed frames, nightstands, and dressers were typically purchased together as a set so all the furniture in the bedroom had a cohesive look. This is still an elegant option, but many people are also using nightstands in particular to add a bit of contrast to their decor. Try looking for unique pieces that share certain similarities to the other decor elements in your room such as color, material, or shape. For example, if your bed has a metal headboard, look for a nightstand with metal knobs or finishes.
#4 Consider Your Storage Needs
Bedside tables can be used to store a variety of items such as books, medication, glasses, cell phones, and more. The type and amount of storage you need can help you decide which nightstand is best for your bedroom. If you want to tuck clutter or private items like medication out of sight, look for a bedside table with drawers or cabinets. If you want to keep items easy to access, choose a piece with shelves and open-face drawers. If you found the perfect end table, but it is a bit lacking in storage options, place a decorative basket, box, or bucket on top of the table to store your odds and ends.
#5 Do Not Worry About Matching
When most of us picture nightstands, we think of two identical nightstands, located on either side of the bed. Some people like the uniform look or require two tables to accommodate their needs as well as their partner’s. However, if you don’t have the space, can only find one perfect nightstand, or fall in love with two unique styles of bedside tables, don’t worry. With proper arranging, you can style two identical nightstands, one nightstand, or two unique nightstands in a way that will complement your decor.
#6 Be Creative
If you’re not finding the ideal nightstands, consider expanding your options. Other pieces of furniture can be easily utilized as a bedside table including end tables, console tables, garden stools, and even bar carts. In fact, some of these offer unique benefits like extra table space, mobility, and storage options that are not typically found in typical nightstands.
6 Tips for Choosing Dressers
Tip #1 Consider the Scale of Your Room
Like nightstands, the first step when it comes to choosing a dresser is to take a good look at your room. Dressers are available in a wide range of styles and sizes, but typically range between 36” to 60” wide and 16” to 20” tall. A dresser that is too large can take up valuable floor space in a small room while a dresser that is too small can seem out of place in a large room.
Tip #2 Consider Your Storage Needs
Dressers are available in a wide variety of sizes, but generally fall into one of three categories when it comes to design:
- Horizontal Dresser: This type of dresser features one column of drawers. The drawers are typically in a smaller size.
- Double Dresser: This type of dresser features two columns of drawers for more storage. This style also features a wider tabletop which makes it easy to pair with a mirror and provides more surface space.
- Combination Dresser: Similar to the horizontal dresser, this type of furniture features a central single column of drawers but has a cabinet off one or both sides to store larger items.
The best option for you depends on how much and what types of clothing and other items you plan on storing in the dresser. You should also take note of the number as well as the width and depth of the drawers to determine how much space the dresser will provide.
Tip #3 Choose the Right Size
Once you know how much storage you need, you must also determine the correct size. If you have a small space, consider a narrower design that can be easily tucked into a corner. If you require a lot of surface area to place items like lamps, jewelry boxes, and beauty supplies, look for a wider dresser. You should also take note of other furniture and decor pieces that you plan on having in the room. If you want to hang a mirror or picture over your dresser, do not choose one that is too tall that would prevent placing the mirror at eye level. If you plan on placing a TV on top of the dresser (and you can do so without scratching the finish), check the weight capacity of your dresser to ensure that it is sturdy enough to support the TV.
Tip #4 Choose the Right Material
A dresser’s material can affect both the look of the bedroom as well as the longevity of the product. Different materials can be used to create different room styles as well as complement your existing furniture. Woods provide a classic, traditional look and offer a durable design that can be used for years while metal dressers can appear quite glamorous or industrial depending on the construction. MDF, or microfiber density, is another modern man-made material that is available in a wide range of colors to complement any room palette. If you plan on placing a heavy item like a television or decorative item on top of your dresser be sure that the finish is durable enough to resist any scuffs or scratches. If you plan on painting your dresser, look for one with a softwood construction like pine or fir for the best final appearance.
Nightstands and dressers may not be the first thing you notice when you walk into a bedroom, but they are useful pieces that you will use everyday and help create a unique decor style for your bedroom. Finding the right options will help ensure that your bedroom looks great and has all the storage options you need for years to come.
To learn more about finding the right furniture pieces for your home, check out our blogs 6 Tips to Mix and Match Living Room Furniture Like a Pro and How to Style Your Dining Room for an Elegant Everyday Look.
