Spotlight On: The Bedside Table

A thoughtfully considered bedside table should not only reflect your unique personal style but also be functional, providing space to store practical items. In this blog, we share our expert advice for dressing a bedside table, to create a well-balanced and stylish display.

'Proportions are key to create a balanced bedside ensemble, which can be achieved by varying the height and scale of the objects you select.'

Before selecting a bedside table, it is important to consider the overall proportions of the room and the space you are working with. As a general rule, the top of your bedside table should be in line with the top of your mattress. This ensures it is easy to access and visually creates a continuous line. A wide bedside table works well with a larger bed, whilst a small round table is better suited to a room with limited space.

Likewise, displaying tall objects adds height and drama to a larger room, whereas smaller decorative pieces work well in a smaller bedroom as they do not overwhelm the space. Proportions are key to create a balanced bedside ensemble, which can be achieved by varying the height and scale of the objects you select. For instance, in this Walpole Mayfair bedroom, a tall, sculptural light is visually offset by a vase of blue hydrangeas and a photo frame. The monochrome photograph was chosen to anchor the space and mirror the clean lines of the bedside table below, as well as tie in with the dark colour scheme.

As a bedside table is often the last thing you set your eyes on at night, it’s important that it helps to create a harmonious and relaxing environment for resting. A luxurious candle looks elegant even when it isn’t lit and helps to counterbalance larger objects such as lamps. We love Byredo, Fornasetti and L’Objet for their range of exquisite scents encased in beautiful holders. Fresh flowers not only provide a pleasant scent, but also inject much-needed colour and texture.

White hydrangeas or roses create a timeless arrangement that looks understated and elegant in any room. A personal touch is another way to further enhance a bedside table. A picture frame filled with a sentimental photograph or piece of art brings personality to a space. Add to this ensemble a decorative bowl or tray to include a low-profile dimension to the display, whilst also providing a space to conceal and organise any clutter.

'Choose a lampshade that reflects the same shades used throughout the bedroom to ensure the overall scheme feels harmonious and seamless'.

There are endless options for bedside lighting that are both beautiful and functional in design. The size of the lighting should reflect the scale of the bed, but shouldn’t occupy more than a third of the table surface. To judge whether a lamp is the right size for a space, ensure that it is roughly in line with the height of the headboard.

Choose a lampshade that reflects the same shades used throughout the bedroom to ensure the overall scheme feels harmonious and seamless. We love the look of pendant lights, which not only save on surface space but help to frame a stunning headboard and create symmetry. For example, a pair of Lee Broom tumbler pendants crafted from lead crystal and oak, are the perfect design to highlight the bespoke upholstered headboard in one of our Belgravia Townhouse guest suites.

The key to successfully styling a beside table is through a minimalistic approach. A curated selection of timeless pieces is more impactful and will prevent the space from feeling cluttered or chaotic. The accessories selected should enhance, not hide, the surface of your bedside table, allowing the craftsmanship and design of the table itself to shine.

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