DESiGN HOW TO: Bed & Nightstand Combos

Choosing furniture for a bedroom is not always a simple task. While you can certainly choose a matching set of bedroom furniture, that practice has generally been replaced by mixing things up in coordinating but different finishes and materials. You can successfully use two pieces of furniture from the same collection in a bedroom but never on the same wall or adjacent to each other. Furthermore, a bed and nightstands from a matching “set” used together are definitely not a good look!

Since it’s the bed that sets the overall tone and style of your room it’s best to begin with that choice. The next selection should be the nightstands, chosen to work stylistically as well as functionally with the bed. Then the rest of the selections – dresser, chest, media cabinet, bed bench, chair, other storage pieces, etc. – can be made.

See below for a few nightstand/bed combos we selected in previous projects (and why we selected them):

Natural Materials – sleek nightstands in papyrus (l.) and woven rattan (r.) impart rustic modernity to transitional style

From our English Country Remodel project
From our Modern French Tudor project

Note: Try to repeat the color of the natural material in at least one other item

Linear shapes – straight-lined nightstands with curvelinear headboards soften the space in between windows

From our Modern Manor project
From our Gotchic Farmhouse project

Note: If possible, use shorter or more open nightstands in front of low windows

Round Shapes – round nightstands make a smooth transition in tight spots between bed and wall or other furniture

From our Dutch Colonial Lakehouse project
From our Modern Manor project

Note: Choose nightstands in different colors and/or materials than any adjacent furniture

Modern Shapes – a combination of straight lines and subtle detailing add the right touch for a modern style

From our New Traditional project
From our Lowcountry Leaning project

Note: Keep pieces low and lean for the most modern look

Mismatched pair – two different but coordinating nightstands create a personal, unique look with an element of surprise

From our English Transitional project
From our Boho House project

Note: Keep mismatched nightstands (or nightstand + lamp combo) at the same height

New Traditional – traditional nightstand and bed pairings are updated with color and pattern

From our English Country Remodel project
From our Dutch Colonial Lakehouse project

Note: Use modern or unusual lamps to update traditional nightstands

Four-Poster Drama – unique wicker (l.) and cerused oak (r.) nightstands play a supporting role to four-poster beds

From our English Country Remodel project
From our Modern French Tudor project

Note: Increase overall scale of nightstands with a larger or taller bed

Single Nightstand – a small chest (l.) and pine desk (r.) serve as nightstsands in between pairs of beds

From our Dutch Colonial Lakehouse project
From our English Country Remodel project

Note: Increase size of single nightstand between beds if space allows