Bedside tables are more than just a convenience. They are a necessity these days, as the modern bedroom has become something of a retreat from the workaday world we live in. While people used to barely spend eight hours in the bedroom, today's master bedrooms are built as a sanctuary of comfort and luxury.
In the old days, an alarm clock or even a glass of water could be placed on a dresser off to one side. But as we spend more time watching television, reading or surfing the net on our iPads in bed, bedside tables have become indispensable.
While you could conceivably make due with a floor model lamp for lighting, it's far nicer to have a small table lamp that is scaled to your bedroom. Bedroom lamps are made specifically to fit on bedside tables. Typically the base is smaller, consuming less table space. It is also shorter in stature, allowing you to easily reach over and turn out the light when it's finally time to get some shuteye.
There are other bonuses to bedside tables as well. While you can opt for a table that is open on the bottom with a shelf, you can also get one with one or more drawers so you can keep all sorts of things near your bed. This can range from additional books and eyeglasses to those unmentionables you love to wear, but don't want to always have in a shared dresser.
Of course, who doesn't get an occasional runny nose in the middle of the night? A box of tissues next to the bed will be a real convenience, should you get a case of the late night sniffles.
While you could go to any discount store and find a serviceable table, top quality bedside tables are easy to recognize and add to the beauty of your room, rather than detract from it. One of the great things about bedside tables is that they don't have to be a traditional nightstand. If a table is the right height, nearly any occasional or accent table can be used bedside.
The key is to find bedside tables that fit your needs, including your personal tastes, usage and storage needs.
When thinking about which bedside tables are best for you, first consider what you'll be using the table for. Will it just hold a book and tissues, or will you need a space to store cosmetics, remote control, chargers for your cell phone or iPad, etc.
You also want the table to fit your décor. This should be fairly straightforward. If you have a traditional bedroom set, then you want to go traditional. If you have modern, then stick with modern. However, you can vary this a bit, by going with an accent table, which is meant to stand out on its own. With accent tables, you can also change it up a bit, going with two different accent tables, one for each side of the bed.
Shape and size is something you also want to think about. While nightstands are typically square, you can add visual interest to the room by going with an oval or round table instead. If you're going to go this route, however, keep in mind that these tables need a little extra elbowroom since you need a larger table to get the same amount of table top.
If your room is on the small side, you may want to consider having just one table next to the bed. You never want to overwhelm a room with too much furniture, even if you treasure the extra storage it offers.
Most important, be sure to pick out something you like. There are literally hundreds of choices out on the market and as with any quality piece of furniture for the home, you'll be living with your decision for a long time.