DEAR GAIL: We were just given my Mother’s bedroom set, but she only had one night stand. There is no way that we could match it as it is about 30 years old. What else can I use besides a regular night stand? Bobbie G.
DEAR BOBBIE: You do have the option of matching the night stand if you wanted, by having one custom made. But if you don’t want to go that route, as if will be more costly, there are many other different and creative options to choose from.
No longer do we have to use a traditional night stand on each side of the bed. Actually, using something different makes your room more interesting and unique.
Since you are working with incorporating your Mother’s furniture, you may not find the same wood or stain color. So instead of trying to match it and maybe not getting it exact, which sometimes brings attention to that you tried to match it but didn’t succeed, consider bringing in a painted piece or completely different wood and finish. To help balance the room so the piece does not stand out as odd, bring in a second piece also in the new finish into the room. It could be just a framed mirror, small accent piece or a few accessories. Of course you could also purchase an unfinished piece and stain to match.
You didn’t mention if you had any space constraints next to your bed, so I am going to assume that you don’t. One idea that is completely different is to use shelves on the wall. Make them at different depths with the deepest on the bottom, so you have room for a table lamp and step them back in depth as you go up. I would use just three as you don’t want to go too high on the wall. They are great for your books, alarm clock, accessories, tissue box and also gives an open feeling with the floor cleared next to your bed.
If you like the idea of the shelves, instead of different depths, do different widths and stagger them on the wall. You just want to make sure you have enough clearance for your bedside lamp to stand.
If you have a lower bed, try using a narrow coffee table that also has drawers. If you can’t find one narrow enough, I have cut down the legs on a sofa back table, which normally run from 12" – 21" wide. It gives you more horizontal space than a standard night stand and a different look.
Now if you have a higher pillow top bed, you can get some of the same advantages of the coffee table option with a desk. You’ll have the space, storage and now the added convenience of a chair to use to put on your shoes, instead of sitting on the bed. Although watch that the chair doesn’t become a piling place for clothes.
Stacker or nesting tables are one of my favorites for any room. Again their tiered ability gives you adding space for all the things you need or want next to your bed.
How about a secretary? Again it is multi-functional, which is one of my favorite things to look for when decorating. Also, if you purchase one with a hutch, you’ll have a place to display accessories and collectibles behind glass doors for easier maintenance. I did this in my girlfriend’s house and it worked great. She has some of her special figurines and mementos and her husband has a place to display his golf items and caps. They each have their own place to decorate and display their favorite things.
A couple other different items you can use are: bakers rack, end table, tea cart, bench, vanity, steamer trunk, console table or a bookcase. Watch for something that will give you the table top space for your bedside items along with added storage, as we can never have enough of that.