When creating a bedroom interior quite often, people do not pay attention to such furnishings as a bedside table. But it will make you remember yourself when you want to put a glass of water somewhere or put down your watch before falling asleep.
Bedside tables, with all the variety of their appearance, must first of all perform a number of specific functions, and, of course, fit into the room in which they will be installed. When selecting them, it is necessary to take into account some parameters, including size and appearance.
No. 1. Bedside table size
definition of the scenario for its use, adjusted for the area of the bedroom, will help you choose the optimal size of the bedside table . If this piece of furniture is intended to be used only as a stand for a lamp and a mobile gadget, and the bedroom is not large in size, then you can opt for a compact bedside table or even a bedside table. When the bedroom area allows and there is a need to store bed linen and clothes in the nightstand, then the choice falls towards roomy models with a lot of drawers.
Regardless of what functions are assigned to the bedside table, it must meet basic ergonomic requirements in order to be truly comfortable to use:
- height – the most important parameter of the bedside table. If it is high, it will block the view of the room, and from a cabinet that is too low, you can easily knock over a glass of water. Perfect option - bedside table. Firstly, this makes the bedroom symmetrical and balanced, and secondly, it is in this case that the bedside table will be most convenient to use;
- The width is selected depending on the parameters of the bed. If we are talking about a standard double or single bed, then a bedside table with a width of 50 cm or less is perfect. Next to a huge bed, a small nightstand will look inharmonious, so in these cases, choose models with a width of 50-100 cm;
- depth is selected depending on the usage scenario, but it is advisable not to purchase models where this parameter exceeds 50 cm, as they may make it difficult to access the sleeping area.
, the principle of proportionality with the bed comes first . If the latter has a massive headboard and looks solid, then the cabinets should not be light and airy.
How to choose a nightstand in a small bedroom
Selecting furniture for a room with a small area is a process that requires special care. It is necessary to select interior items in such a way as to visually enlarge the space without cluttering it. As a rule, the bed takes up most of the space, so as not to burden the interior, opt for narrow and high bedside tables. You can also complement the overall design with shelves above the bed. Such a platform will serve for convenient storage of small items and other items.
No. 2. Bedside table material
An equally important parameter when choosing a bedside table is the material of manufacture, and here the market pleases us with sufficient variety:
- tree – the most environmentally friendly material that has enviable durability, strength, has a warm surface, and retains a pleasant aroma. Such a piece of furniture will serve faithfully for decades. Wood is plastic and pliable, so cabinets are often decorated with beautiful carved patterns. The downside of wooden products is their high price, but it can vary significantly depending on the type of wood. Products made from oak, birch, beech, ash, and mahogany will cost much less than similar ones made from pine. This is explained by the insufficient strength of the latter. Pine is a soft wood, so over time, screw connections can become loose, causing deformation of the product;
- MDF cabinet will cost much less, but it’s difficult to call it natural. MDF boards are made from wood chips; urea resins act as a binder, which allows us to talk about the environmental friendliness of the products and the almost complete absence of formaldehyde emissions. The top of the slabs can be painted, veneered with a thin cut of valuable wood, or laminated with a film that allows you to imitate any material - the range is huge. In terms of price and quality ratio, this is one of the best options for today;
- chipboard cabinets must be used with great caution. For the production of chipboard, resins are used, which during operation can emit toxic formaldehyde. It is important to look at the emission level in the furniture documentation: for use in the bedroom it must be E0 or E1. The main advantage is low price;
- combined option , when the frame is metal or wood, and the finishing is made of glass, mirror, plastic or forging. The combination of materials allows you to create exclusive models that can truly decorate the bedroom, but you shouldn’t forget about functionality;
- if you want to make your bedroom even more sophisticated, then you can choose cabinet upholstered in leather. Such products look impressive, it is difficult to get injured in the event of an accidental impact, and they are also practical to use.
Manufacturing materials
Modern models are constructed from a mixture of materials. They combine plastic and wood, sometimes producing metal models.
Bedside tables made of natural wood are most often used in a classic style
Conscientious manufacturers use high-quality materials:
- natural wood . Expensive, but high-quality material for making a cabinet. In the interior, furniture looks aesthetically pleasing and makes it complete;
- MDF and PVF . Standard material for making cabinets. These materials are mixed or used separately. For long-term use, the bedside table is coated with varnish and paint;
- metal or glass . I use these materials for individual orders. The models are durable and stylish. These materials are combined with plastic or retractable mechanisms.
No. 3. Bedside table design
The design, as well as the size, is selected depending on the use case of the cabinet. If it is needed to place a lamp and glasses on it, then a neat bedside table without doors or drawers will be enough. For those who are used to storing a thousand and one little things near the bed, it is better to choose a model with closed shelves so that numerous necessary things do not create a feeling of chaos in the bedroom.
Pay attention to hanging bedside tables . They, just like their floor counterparts, can be equipped with a different number of drawers and shelves, only they are separated from the floor surface by 10 to 50 cm of space. This makes the bedside table lighter and weightless, and the bedroom more original. You will feel the benefits of a hanging model when you drop something and find it without difficulty, because you don’t have to lie down on the floor, shine a flashlight, and rummage around in search of the dropped object. Under the cabinet you can place a beautiful basket or box for storing small items.
In the smallest bedrooms, the bedside table can be replaced with a bedside shelf (or shelves). It will be possible to place only the most necessary things on them and make sure that there is no clutter there.
In small bedrooms it is rational to use combined furniture . For example, a bedside table can simultaneously serve as a wide, spacious chest of drawers and smoothly transition into a closet or shelving unit. Moreover, in one item you can combine the functions of a bedside table, dressing table and work desk. To ensure sufficient comfort when working, the table must be of an appropriate height, and to maintain balance and proportionality, you will have to take care of a higher bed. To avoid incidents, it is better, of course, to select all the furniture together and think through every little detail in the bedroom interior in advance.
Beauty is in the little things. Selecting accessories
Very often, when choosing furniture, we make one big mistake, which spoils our entire impression of a seemingly good design - we do not pay attention to the fittings. The same goes for bedside tables.
You need to be very careful about this point. Handles and drawer guides should be made of quality materials and well assembled. The handle should be easy to use and the drawers should be easy to open. Tight retractable systems that creak, poor quality handles, closers or unreliable hinges can easily ruin even the best furniture.
The bedside table is divided into two types:
- floor. This cabinet stands on legs or on the frame itself;
- suspended. This cabinet is attached to the wall. The plus is that it looks very unusual, but the minus is the complicated installation.
No. 4. Cabinet shape
The shape of the bedside table can be one of the following:
- square or rectangular - the classic and most common option. This model is appropriate in any bedroom and almost any interior style, it is functional, practical and versatile;
- corner cabinet Great for small bedrooms and allows you to get the most out of corners that often go unused;
- round and oval The cabinets look impressive, but they cannot be called universal. Such products will not fit into any bedroom, but will become an integral part of the interior in the Art Nouveau style;
- non-standard options . Sideboards in the shape of a chest or a pyramid, broken, with a lot of curves and unusual shapes are more of a decorative decoration for the bedroom than a functional thing, but they really look impressive.
Varieties
There are a wide variety of types of bedside tables. Before purchasing, you should analyze all the characteristics to make the right choice. In addition to cost and appearance, it is important to pay attention to safety of use, stability, and ease of use.
By shape
Bedside tables for the bedroom can be of different shapes:
- Square and rectangular are classic options that are suitable for any room. Moreover, they can be made both in a modern style and in a conservative one. These are comfortable, practical models that easily fit a lamp, books and other necessary little things.
- Round and oval are the ideal solution for small rooms. Side tables can be installed both in the immediate vicinity of the bed and in the corners of the bedroom. This will take up space that would normally be useless. Such models are convenient because they do not have corners, which often cause injuries.
- Corner is very convenient because it can be installed in the corner of the room and thereby turn it into a functional space.
- Non-standard - gives the room uniqueness. This could be a model in the shape of a pyramid, a chest, a ladder or a large box.
The most popular are classic square and rectangular products. In addition, oval and round models are in demand.
Rectangular
Square
Oval
Round
Corner
Non-standard
By configuration
There are transforming cabinets that can easily change the configuration. This feature significantly increases their functionality. The following types of models are available:
- With a table top or with a rotating tray. This is a special mechanism that allows you to select the height and degree of inclination of the table.
- Matryoshka is a compact product, when assembled it looks like an ordinary cabinet. At the same time, a round rolling table is hidden inside, which can be moved to any place.
- With extendable table. In the product, the tabletop is hidden under the upper horizontal surface. It can be pulled out if necessary.
- With lifting table top. They are produced in two variations. In the first case, the tabletop acts as the surface of the cabinet, in the second it is located on the side wall and tilts to the side.
Subtleties of choosing and placing cabinets in the hallway of different sizes
Bedside tables are traditionally equipped with drawers and shelves for organizing the storage of things. Their number, as a rule, varies from one to three. In small designs there is either no shelf or only one.
Medium and large bedside tables can accommodate 2-3 shelves and drawers. There are models with a built-in open shelf on top. In this case, the facade can be covered with a door. There are models that only have retractable storage structures. Standard versions with three drawers are the most popular.
With rotating tray
Matryoshka
With extendable table
With lifting table top
By installation method
Standard bedside tables are located on the floor. They can be placed in a corner, in the center of the room. The presence of wheels makes it easy to move the product around the room. Such models are characterized by stability and mobility. Among the disadvantages of the cabinets is their massiveness.
Another type of product is suspended or mounted, mounted on the wall. These models greatly simplify the cleaning process. Hanging bedside tables make the interior of the room more airy and harmonious. This method of fastening will not allow you to place it in a corner or in the center of the bedroom - this is their drawback.
Floor
Hanging
No. 5. Style and design of the bedside table
If a few years ago designers strongly recommended choosing a bedside table exclusively in the same style as the headboard, today they allow a mixture of styles, but within reason, of course. a universal option , which can successfully fit into any interior style.
The style of the cabinet is selected depending on the overall decor of the bedroom:
- minimalism involves using products of simple geometric shapes without decoration or frills. The cabinet can be made of wood, but not have carving elements and be painted in one color. Mounted models are perfect. Glass can also be used as a material. Preferred colors: black, white, shades of gray and milky;
- high tech also assumes clarity of form and the absence of any curls. Cabinets with chrome elements, metal frames and glass countertops are perfect;
- classic style involves the use of wooden cabinets with carved elements. Models made in antique style, massive squat cabinets, as well as products upholstered in leather will look harmonious. Preferred colors are calm light and dark shades;
- baroque – these are curvilinear forms, curved facades, ornate legs, an abundance of decor. The material used is valuable wood, sometimes forging;
- country style involves the use of simple massive cabinets, preferably made of wood or its imitation, dark colors are held in high esteem;
- Scandinavian style – these are simple white cabinets made of wood or its “substitutes”. The fewer decorative elements, the better;
- for a bedroom in style Provence cabinets made of wood in pastel shades, perhaps with a worn effect, are suitable. You can use bedside tables with “skirts”, i.e. with fabric curtains, which can be easily replaced if desired, thereby updating the interior;
- modern involves the use of cabinets of unusual shapes and made from non-standard materials, such as leather.
Materials and decor
Products are also distinguished by materials of manufacture. The raw materials used affect the appearance and performance characteristics of the cabinet. Wood products, MDF, and chipboard are most often chosen for the bedroom.
The advantages of different types of cabinets with a mirror in the hallway, their design
Tree
Most often, preference is given to wooden products. The solid wood bedside table looks decent, is durable and comfortable to use. In addition, this material is environmentally friendly, natural and durable. Decent care will ensure that the product retains its appearance for a long time. Solid wood allows us to produce cabinets of all shapes and designs. Mirrors and carvings are used for decoration. The fittings for such models are made of metal of various shades. Among the disadvantages of wooden cabinets is the high cost.
The mirror element on the product will help expand the space.
Chipboard and MDF
Products made from MDF and chipboard cost less than wood. This is a material made from pressed wood chips with the addition of adhesive components. This cabinet can be made in a variety of shades and designs and is budget-friendly. Among the disadvantages, low strength is noted. In addition, unscrupulous manufacturers may use formaldehyde during the manufacturing process, which is hazardous to health. To decorate such cabinets, they use finishing with plastic, fabric, leather, and metal fittings of different shades. Classic rectangular and square cabinets are usually made from these materials.
Chipboard
MDF
Plastic
Stylish plastic bedside tables are less common, but such models look very original and unusual. They can be of different shapes and colors. They must be handled very carefully, since they are easy to split, and scratches on such products are too noticeable. Plastic can be decorated with stickers and decorative elements made from different materials. The products are equipped with plastic or metal fittings.
Glass
Glass bedside modules are practical, weightless, create the illusion of space, ideal for small rooms. They are fragile in appearance, but very durable. Bedside tables are made from such types of mirrors as matte, patterned, tempered and so on. Furniture made from this material looks interesting even without decoration, but sandblasting, photo printing, stained glass, and laser engraving can be used to make it unique.
The range of bedside tables is varied. In the furniture departments you can find both completely glass products, as well as combined ones, consisting of several parts and even with a mirror facade. The disadvantage of such bedside tables is that they require constant care, as fingerprints remain on the surface and dust is visible.
Metal
Metal cabinets are very rare; usually this material is combined with glass, wood, and mirrors. The stylish design fits perfectly into modern interiors, especially high-tech ones. The products are distinguished by their durability, conciseness, and strict lines. The downside is that they are heavy, which prevents them from being suspended. They are decorated with glass, mirror inserts, and equipped with metal fittings.
Covered with eco-leather
Models covered in leather, fabric, and fur look very unusual. The base is chipboard or MDF. A bedside table made of eco-leather is pleasant to the touch and adds coziness to the interior. This material is environmentally friendly and durable if treated properly, but it is easily damaged. Leather cabinets can be of different shades and textures. They are decorated with large rhinestones, buttons, and metal fittings to match the base material.
No. 6. Bedside table color
There are no rules for choosing the right color for a cabinet - there are only a few recommendations and typical color schemes that will allow you to achieve the best result:
- the color of the cabinet is matched to the color of the head of the bed - a classic and time-tested technique, and the materials used may be different;
- the exact opposite of the traditional technique - contrasting the color of the cabinet with the color of the headboard . For example, white cabinets are selected for a black headboard, brown ones for a beige one, etc.;
- the color of the cabinets is similar to other furniture in the bedroom (except for the bed);
- the color of the cabinets can be matched to the color of the floor, walls or door;
- the nightstand fits into the overall color scheme of the bedroom if only one color is chosen, for example, beige or gray;
- A bedside table can serve as a color accent and not be combined with any other piece of furniture, but when trying to create an extravagant bedroom, it is important not to cross the line and end up in complete bad taste.
Let's decide on the form
Floor or hanging, the cabinet can have the following shape:
- rectangular or square. Universal classic. This is the most functional model. It fits any interior;
- corner. Ideal option for small spaces. This shape will allow you to make the most of the corners;
- oval or round pedestal. This form requires a certain room. It is better to select them only if there are prerequisites and design ideas for this;
- more unusual in shape. A chest, a pyramid, a cabinet with curves - such furniture serves more as an interior detail, but not for functionality. However, it looks very interesting.
Form
Rectangular/square – placed anywhere in the room. This is a classic cabinet shape that will harmoniously fit into almost any interior.
Corner – installed in the corner. This solution makes sense for a small bedroom.
You can find oval and round bedside tables. They are very elegant, but less versatile, since they do not suit every interior. Sometimes there are cabinets made in the form of a “chest” or “casket”. There are also completely exclusive solutions, such as a glass pyramid or a staircase.
Bedside tables: standard sizes in original design solutions
A standard size bedside table in the traditional sense is a compact piece of furniture of small dimensions with two drawers.
However, the interior design industry synchronously moves with the times, and the usual options for furniture elements are being replaced by unusual, catchy and extraordinary ones.
If you are looking for original designer bedside tables, you can find sizes, photos and their descriptions in the manufacturers' catalogs. Such products can be easily selected in standard sizes. Companies involved in the manufacture and sale of furniture are pleased to offer us a large number of various options:
- Classic: made of wood or materials that replace it, such products are very versatile and will fit organically into any interior.
- Elegant nightstands with a glass table will add a romantic touch to your bedroom.
- Wide bedside tables are very roomy and perfect for spacious rooms.
- With facades, lids and sides treated with genuine leather or leatherette. An extravagant option that will be appreciated by lovers of everything flashy, as well as the Art Deco style in the interior.
- Fans of modern, minimalism and hi-tech styles will certainly appreciate hanging bedside tables. The dimensions of such products are very compact - they do not take up much space and at the same time are in no way inferior to floor-standing options in terms of functionality.
- The original bedside tables made from a combination of glass and metal look very creative.
- Bedside tables with a pull-out table are an indispensable option for those who like to have breakfast in bed.
Standard cabinets in various variations
If you need a “standard” size product, but at the same time you are a lover of original solutions, the solution is simple. The long-familiar square-shaped bedside tables can today be replaced with:
- rounded - for lovers of smooth lines and original solutions;
- corner – suitable for small rooms;
- square on elongated square legs - suitable for a bedroom in the Baroque or Art Deco style;
- many other options in different shapes.
laminated chipboard
It differs from the classic chipboard panel by an additional layer used as a decorative coating, presented in the form of a laminate. This material has a rich selection of textures and shades and is easy to process.
Laminated chipboard is used to make the facade of the cabinet. Remember that when working with such material, you will have to order the cutting of parts according to the size of the bedside table from a special company, since such an operation can only be performed on a professional machine, otherwise you can damage the top layer of the coating, which, if handled incorrectly, can peel off or crumble at the edges .
Dimensions
The size of the cabinet is determined, first of all, by the area of the room and its intended purpose. If the bedroom is small or the cabinet is needed only as a stand for a book, lamp or mobile phone, then you can choose a model with 2-3 shelves and a drawer. In a large bedroom, you can put a more spacious cabinet with a larger number of drawers.
The size of the cabinet can also be influenced by its location and the interior features of the room. In some cases, two small cabinets located on the sides of the bed will look more advantageous than one large one. And, conversely, one large model can fit perfectly into the bedroom interior.
The height of the model should be correlated with the height of the bed: too high will block the view in the room, too low will be inconvenient to use, as there will be inconvenience when getting objects.
Important: keep in mind that the quantity and size of furniture affects the quality of ventilation of the room. This is especially true for the bedroom. In order for the room to be well ventilated, the furniture should not be large.
Bedside table - purpose and characteristic features of the models
The bedside table has quite versatile uses.
It serves as a storage place for various things: books, cosmetics, medicines, small items, clothes, etc. Models of impressive size are used for storing bed linen.
A lamp, decorative elements, and an alarm clock are often installed on its tabletop.
Some models are equipped with an additional tabletop, which makes it possible to organize a workplace and drink a cup of tea or coffee.
Products of original design serve as decoration for the bedroom, emphasizing the individuality of the design and the good taste of the owner.
A bedside table is a small cabinet, the design of which includes shelves, drawers, and additional equipment.
Height of the bedside table in the bedroom
Ideally selected bedside tables are, first of all, those that are located at the level of the bed, since a model that is too high or low will be uncomfortable to use, so before purchasing it is worth measuring the distance between the floor and the top edge of the mattress.
Requirements for the size of the bedside table
The size of the bedside table in the bedroom is very important, based on the size of the bedroom.
If everything is clearly arranged, it will be easier to choose a convenient size for the bedside table, provided that it will only be used for a table lamp or telephone.
In this case, the room should not be large. In this case, you can look at a more spacious model or even choose a small bedside table.
But, if, on the contrary, the dimensions of the room are impressive in size, and there is a need to store clothes and bedding sets in the bedside table, then you should pay attention to multifunctional bedside tables with a large number of drawers and compartments.
The main thing when choosing a bedside table is convenience, regardless of how it will be used.
What should be the design of an ideal cabinet?
You need to understand right away that there is no ideal design. It all depends on the purpose of such a cabinet. If such furniture serves only as a table for a book, for example, then drawers and doors are not needed here. If you need a cabinet for everything you can put, a model with shelves, drawers and doors is suitable.
This principle applies not only to floor-standing, but also to wall-mounted cabinets. Moreover, in this case, the suspended counterparts have a fairly big advantage. Since they are located at a distance from the floor, it is easy to find all lost things under them. To do this, you will not need to move the furniture. In addition, such cabinets look lighter with the same functionality.
If the bedroom is too small for a bedside table, you can replace it with a shelf. They are just as roomy and functional, with one difference: such furniture is open on all sides, due to which dust quickly accumulates on it and things pile up.
