The Sunday News
BEDSIDE tables of today are no longer those hardwood, boxy pieces with drawers we are used to. They have transcended their basic functional role and evolved into major contributors to the ambiance of a room. Instead of buying a new nightstand, use these ideas and convert useless possessions into a unique decorative piece capable of standing on its own.
One thing that instantly adds a romantic quality to a room is a well-balanced shabby chic décor. A time-honoured, heavily painted folding chair will look awesome next to a bed dressed in white, frilly linen — the seat will work perfectly for holding an alarm clock, a lamp eye drops and reading material.
Ladder decor is trending at the moment, so why not make climbing out of bed a little easier? In this arrangement, the rungs serve as shelves for books, glasses, jewellery and a clip lamp, but you may well use it as a rack to hang a robe or whatever else you like to put on first thing in the morning.
It’s good to have a leg up for sky-high cabinetry or changing light bulbs, but what’s there to do with a vintage step stool that cannot be folded and hidden in the pantry or slipped under kitchen furniture? A wooden stepladder can find new life as a bedside table, with comfortable shelves for more than just a night lamp and a book.
An ordinary crate can be transformed into a wonderfully practical accessory. And it’s such a great way to add a rustic touch to your bedroom!
If you have an industrial look in mind, a basic filing cabinet will be a cool and affordable choice.
The best thing about this project? You take something that’s literally garbage and turn it into something beautiful and functional. An old, metal trash can will look perfect in shabby chic or industrial settings, and most importantly, can easily double as storage. Just scrub it decently, give it a fresh coat of metal paint, and voila!
An antique trunk can be used as a cool nightstand with an old-world charm. There’s something really special about incorporating a trunk into home decor. Whether it’s made of leather, wood, metal or wicker, vintage trunks can really add heaps of charm and character to your space. And the best part is they are big storage options for those of us who struggle with space limitations.
The sound of drums may not be the most desirable thing in the morning, but a drum nightstand is another cup of tea. It’s funny, cheeky, and probably cheaper than buying traditional furniture if you can find a second-hand instrument shop.
If reading in bed is your daily ritual, you will love the idea of making a nightstand from old magazines or your favourite books. To make the pile more stable and reliable, tie it with a string or ribbon, or just hot glue the magazines together if you’re not planning to browse through them again. On top of the pile there’s enough room for a little lamp and a few nighttime necessities. — decorlove.com
