Tag Archives: Nightstands

Bedroom Design: 5 Ideas for Nightstand Alternatives

Post by Tracy Kaler.

In my opinion, a bedroom isn’t complete without a pair of nightstands or other furniture on which you can place essentials such as an alarm clock, phone, bottle of water, and pair of eyeglasses. That being said, a nightstand in a traditional sense isn’t the only option for this practical bedside piece. These five choices are viable alternatives depending on your lifestyle, taste, and room layout.

Skirted table
If you don’t need the storage in your bedroom, you can get a custom skirt made for a round, square, or rectangular table. Add a piece of glass for easy maintenance and you’re good to go.

Writing desk
A small desk can double as a place to write a note and work on a laptop, as well as hold necessities. And you don’t have to be symmetrical about it. It’s fine to use a bedside table on the other side of the bed.

Side table
This tiny side table does the trick, as it holds a bedside lamp and an alarm clock. It appears as if there’s just enough space for a water bottle.

Shelf
A short bed wall didn’t leave much room for nightstands, so SGW Architects in Chicago decided on a pair of cleverly designed shelves instead.

Built-in unit
This clean, uncluttered built-in offers everything a nightstand does as well as more storage than the usual single-drawer bedside table.

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Bedroom Design: 5 Things I Must Have in My Bedroom

Post by Tracy Kaler.

Everyone has a wish list when designing a bedroom. Some things may be for aesthetic purposes only, while others may be functional. Here is my lineup of must-haves that I can’t live without in my personal sleep space.

1. Nightstand with a drawer
As much as I adore bedside tables, I need a proper nightstand with at least a single drawer, if not double. I like to keep everyday items like eyeglasses, earplugs, tissues, hand lotion, lip balm, and more, tucked neatly away so these necessities are nearby when I need them.

2. Decorative throw
Whether I drape it over a chair or leave it at the foot of the bed, a throw has its place in my bedroom. I prefer a knitted or crocheted style, which adds texture and is ideal for snuggling.

3. Ceiling Fan
The sound of a fan soothes, the light, yet constant breeze cools, and the circular movement relaxes. Any bedroom I own or sleep in on a regular basis must have a ceiling fan.

4. Television
Sleep specialists will profess that TV in a sleep space is a big no-no, but I find a big screen a necessity in my bedroom. I rarely watch while trying to fall asleep, but on occasion, reality television or late-night comedy clears my head and prepares me for the following day.

5. Window treatments
Even though I don’t feel relaxed in complete blackness, I prefer city lights at their dimmest setting when I crawl into bed. I also fancy sun in the morning, however, so blackout shades provide too much darkness. A lined roman shade and lined curtains on my oversized bedroom window control light in both morning and evening hours. This combination filters just the right amount of sunlight, and subdues the 24-hour brightness of Manhattan at night.

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