No bedroom design is complete without nightstands–they’re an essential place for your nightly glass of water, your alarm clock, your remote control, and your phone charger, after all! Your instinct might to automatically buy two matching nightstands, but it actually can add a whole new dimension to your bedroom design if you choose to mix and match different nightstands.
When mixing and matching, it’s key to have a strategy in mind so that your overall bedroom design still looks cohesive. It’s all about strategic visual contrast while also maintaining some symmetry, as well as a distinct decor style throughout the room.
Here are a few easy bedroom design rules to keep in mind when mixing and matching nightstands or bedside tables and making your bedroom furniture purchases during your bedroom refresh or renovation projects this year!
Keep Your Nightstands the Same Style
The first rule to keep in mind when you mix and match nightstands is to stick to one cohesive style and common materials. That way, even when the shapes and sizes contrast, the overall visual motif stays very unified (all Mid Century Modern or all French Country, for example). Make sure the nightstands relate to each other by having touches of the same material present in both of them.
If you end up working with two nightstands that have a similar look but contrasting finishes, try to keep two main metals and two main wood types and coordinate between them. If you want to mix and match nightstands but still like symmetry, consider purchasing nightstands from the same furniture collection because usually they are made to mix and match. It can also help if you try to match the color or material of your bed frame.
Mix & Match Modern Classic Nightstands
Lucille Modern Classic White Grey Wood Fancy Face Nightstand
Experiment With Shapes
Once you have identified a style, color, or materials that you like for your nightstands, go ahead and start experimenting with the overall shape and the height. You will likely find that you get a dose of added functionality! For example, one side can have a smaller side table with one drawer and shelf to function as a nightstand, while the other side can be a little bit higher and wider, with three drawers to act as a dresser.
Additionally, having fun with shapes is a fantastic way to add visual variety. One side can be a rectangle with shelves and drawers, while the other side can be a round shaped where you can place display pieces. You can also use one functional (full-sized) nightstand with a drawer on one side for storage (almost like your own personal bedside file cabinet) and a smaller round/square side table to save space–the smaller one can be used for devices (phone, tablet, etc).
Photography Credit: Emily Henderson
Photography Credit: Left: Why Decor; Right: Tara Lenney Design
Mix & Match French Country Nightstands
Sarabeth Modern French Patterned Cast Grille Overlay Antiqued Mirror Wood Nightstand
Use Common Accessories on Your Nightstands for Symmetry
There’s no need to worry about sacrificing symmetry when you mix and match for a modern nightstand look. There are so many ways to keep your room feeling sophisticated and symmetrical even when choosing to forgo matching sets.
Use matching accessories (frames, table lamps, mirrors, or books) to balance the design. Having two identical bedside lamps on top of each nightstand will help create balance and make the mixing and matching feel very natural to the eye.
You can also hang identical mirrors or picture frames above the different nightstands (hang them about 3-5 inches above) to add some visual symmetry on the walls. When you accessorize strategically, you’ll find that a nightstand featuring the right style elements really is a very versatile piece of furniture.
Photo via Lonny
Photography Credit: Left: House Beautiful; Right: How to Decorate
Mix & Match Mid-Century Nightstands
Thomas Bina Almera Mid Century Dark Wood Nightstand
Photography Credit: Kathy Kuo Home
