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11 Vignettes to Inspire a Clutter-Free Nightstand
Turn that bedside table into a place for the eye to rest at the end of a long day
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design is collected, not decorated, and that homes should always be as comfortable and functional as they are chic. In addition to writing for Houzz, I work as the Head Copywriter for Layla Grayce and Zinc Door.
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design... More »
We all know how easy it is to crawl into bed at the end of a long day and in our exhaustion, dump everything from eye glasses to the newspaper to our kids’ toys on the bedside table. Avoid this clutter and the headache that accompanies it by looking at this space as an opportunity for design. There is no need for anything grandiose; you can use things you already have. I promise you; if you fashion an adored vignette atop your bedside table, you’ll have instant motivation to put your Soduku book in the drawer before messing up your masterpiece. Check out the following photos for some tips for creating a nice design for your bedside table — with room for your book, too.
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| We’ve all heard it: sometimes less is more. The same goes for vignettes. Just like everyday stuff can clutter a surface, so can too many well-intentioned knickknacks. And you do want to leave room for a book or glass of water. |
by Emily Ruddo
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When working with more objects, look for a mix of heights. You may already have a lamp on your bedside table, which can kick things off with a dominant height. From there, look for short objects as well as a few in the mid-range, like the flowers you see in this picture. Elevate short objects with a small book. Have fun and play with your vignette until you get it right.
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Do you read a book every night before bed? Let it become a stylish accessory to your vignette, too.
Step back and see the big picture of your nightstand: it’s possible it will be best completed by a framed piece of artwork behind it. Notice the three tiers of height here: the framed artwork is the tallest, then the lamp, then the stack of books and objects.
by betsy burnham
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For a more casual and versatile arrangement, leaning the art piece against the wall.
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If you feel like your bedroom’s lighting could be stronger, consider incorporating a mirror into your vignette. When placed behind the lamp, the mirror will help the light reflect through your space.
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Trays keep everything contained. This particular tray gives the entire look a new personality with its cheery yellow.
Fresh flowers is an easy way to complete a vignette, and you can’t beat the aroma and color.
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When your bedside table is a suitcase atop a stool, you already have the beginnings for an impossibly chic vignette. A tray, flowers, lamp and artwork are the perfect touches.
by Birdseye Design
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If you need a place for little things like a watch or earrings, you may want to incorporate bowls into your vignette.
by TILTON FENWICK
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If you have an open bedside table like this that doesn’t allow you to hide things away in drawers, sneak a basket onto one of the shelves. With a lovely vignette on the surface and baskets to keep books and everything else corralled, you’re bedside table will appear calm and collected.
Tell us: What's on your nightstand?
More: Make the Most of Your Bedside Space
Tell us: What's on your nightstand?
More: Make the Most of Your Bedside Space
Ideabook published on Feb. 2, 2012.
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People found the photos in this ideabook after searching for:
I use my phone or iPod instead of an alarm clock.
I have a lamp, small tray for any glasses/bowls that I many use and then I leave my iPod on the nightstand overnight.
These are lovely but not real. Obviously mother in law was coming to visit. I remember my dad telling me in the 60's that one of his questions interviewing a prospective employee was to ask them what they had on their night table. He said it told a lot about a person! Remember it was the 60's.