Besides the bed itself, nightstands are possibly the most “slept on” pieces of bedroom décor. With so many different styles and aesthetics to choose from, it can be hard to decide which one goes best with a particular set of pillows and headboard. Thankfully, unique nightstands can easily be interchanged to complement each other, almost creating the illusion of two bedrooms in one.
Most importantly, whether there’s one or two of them in the room, nightstands don’t have to match the bed. Not only does this create more visual interest, but it can also enhance a particular vibe even more than just continuing the same style and pattern in a room. Still, even with this freedom, there are a few rules to follow that take the most advantage of this design diversity.
In most cases, beds and bedframes are rectangular, so the obvious route is for nightstands to do the same. For those looking to mix things up, however, a lot can be done with something that’s even just a little bit different. For instance, while the Nova Side Table isn’t too atypical when it comes to shape, its width makes it more of a square than a rectangle. This can create just enough contrast to make both the nightstand itself, and the rest of the bedroom really pop, keeping the décor from “twinning” in a bad way. Still, this might be a bit too similar for some, and a less edgy piece can really soften the aura of the room.
Curved furniture has become increasingly popular, and next to a bed, these types of nightstands make things a lot less angular. The result is a more inviting environment, and the less harsh edges go quite well with the contours of a bed. An example would be the Arlo 1 Drawer Curved Nightstand, with its wooden material and arches giving the room a more natural touch. Featuring one of these nightstands on each side of the bed can also create a sense of “uniform variance,” as they’ll contrast with the bed while beautifully coinciding with each other.
Nothing livens up the joint faster than a fresh coat of paint, and the same visual overhaul can be given to a bedroom without even touching the walls. Brighter, more vibrant nightstands can turn a drab, boring, and dour bedroom into a veritable oasis. This doesn’t have to be over the top, either, with pieces such as the Webb 3 Drawer Solid Wood Nightstand adding a cool sense of color that brightens the room while keeping things soft. Available in several colors, this nightstand has the right amount of minimalism while offering more than enough room for every indispensable bedtime item.
Another option with striking colors is the Wind Wood 2 Drawer Nightstand, with its lacquer including taupe and blue. It has a modern, streamlined aura that goes well with most bedroom aesthetics, with the different paint choices keeping it from blandly fading into the wall. Different color schemes can also accentuate the details on not only the nightstands, but the surrounding furniture. Size also matters, so consider lighter tones for bigger, bulkier nightstands.
While it’s more than fine to mix and match nightstands that don’t automatically seem to go together, there should still be some sort of cohesion. One way to strike a firm balance between freedom and fracas is to choose pieces from the same time period. These will usually have a similar aesthetic, even if they’re not the exact same. It helps if they’re made from the same material, as this can also ensure some level of conformity. For instance, the Benton 1 Drawer Curved Leg Accent Table is made from mindi wood, and while it’s larger and slightly different in design, it shares the same material and even a comparable frame with the Bishop 1 Drawer Curved Leg Accent Table.
Thus, either one could be used on one side of the bed without clashing too much with the other nightstand on the opposite end. Be sure not to use multiple nightstands in completely different styles or materials, even if diversity is the end goal. After all, the dueling aesthetic of farmhouse and boho by the same bed would make for a true disaster. The same goes for wood finishes, even if the patina isn’t exactly similar. Of course, there’s always a cute thrift store find that might not quite go without the other nightstand in a bedroom. In that case, simply painting them is an easy way to turn polar opposites into a matching set.