Contemporary Bedroom Furniture: Alternative Nightstand Ideas

The conventional nightstand has become a staple in contemporary bedroom furniture. Aside from having a functional purpose of having a space to keep belongings and necessary items; they also have a great stylish value and use them as decorative accents for your bedroom. Below are some great examples of stunning bedroom nightstands.

• Ludlow Nightstand in Wenge - Pair of 2 by Mod Loft. Featuring floor and top shelf levels, these versatile cubes can be used as end tables, or be turned into multiple directions to create unique arrangements. It is made with solid hardwood construction.
  
  
  
  Bonita 2-Drawer Night Stand in Zebrawood by Allan Copley Designs. Bringing regal elegance to your bedroom environment, this nightstand comes in Zebrawood finish with graceful lines that lead to its tapered leg supports. It is finished in a deep Mocha in oak.
  
  
• The City Night Stand Dark Brown by Zuo Modern. Stately and sturdy, this nightstand is made from solid Elmwood. It has a large drawer with plenty of storage space, along with a large top for ample bedside space.
  
  
  

But if you are looking for something out-of-the-box, something that will match your quirky take on things, then maybe you are looking for something else. Below are some options to consider. Others require some assembly, while others just might be under your nose.

A stack of old hardback books. Give your bedroom an intellectual touch with a stack of books. But rather than stacking them on shelves, treat them with shellac. Pile them up in different directions, and glue them together. Complete it with a piece of glass or slab of wood on top. Now you have one classic nightstand

An ottoman. A nightstand does not have to be complicated and filled with drawers, shelves and knobs. Ottomans make for wonderfully casual nightstands, especially for those with low-rise platform beds, or those who like having their mattresses on the floor. You can balance the items on a silver platter or flat dining tray.

Miniature bookcase. Find a small book shelf and give a complete makeover. Rather than storing books on it, use it for decorative trinkets for your pump, and other nighttime items on top. Using a bookshelf is a great way to punctuate the style of your bedroom without taking up too much room. You can also install shelves on the wall next to your bed, and still serve the same purpose minus the floor space.

Outdoor folding bistro table. If you are going for a tropical, breezy look, go with outdoor furniture to give this effect. A folding outdoor bistro table is not only versatile and sturdy; it gives off a casual vibe. Cap off the look by adding a beachy-looking canopy.

Rolling liquor cart. Those little liquor cards in your home are decorative, and come in various shapes and sizes. This makes them a great candidate for a nightstand. Many of these carts come with locking canisters so they will not roll away. Plus, they should come in handy if you are looking for a little nightcap before sleeping.

Unique Bedroom Ideas: Room Themes for Teenagers

Tastes of teenagers constantly change, and it is usually their bedroom that reflects their unique personality and interests. Oversized posters and neon walls might make for a personal statement, although parents might not be on board with such a decorating direction. The art of design compromise can help bring a mature sensibility to the sanctuary of a teen. Here are some sophisticated and unique bedroom ideas that can easily transition to a guest room when the teen leaves the nest.

Boho

An eclectic bohemian design will bring exotic locale to a teen’s bedroom. Bold wall colors blended with lush textures and rich fabrics set the scene for charmingly mismatched furnishings and accents. Import stores, garage sales and flea markets hold treasures for a boho design. Create an informal setting with a pile of oversized pillows and add romance with a bed canopy like the Tamara Modern White King Size Bed by Nuevo Living, fashioned with saris and shawls. To give subdued lighting, use candles, ornate lamps and brightly colored glass pendants.

Zen

With hectic lives filled with sports, schoolwork and activities, teens could use a quiet place to de-stress. A Zen bedroom pairs minimal design with soothing colors and sleek furniture, and should help unorganized teens manage their personal items by giving storage solutions that will seamlessly blend into the décor. Low and modern furniture pieces like floating nightstands and a platform bed like the Dark Chocolate Orchid Eastern King Platform Bed create clean lines and give the room a feeling of lightness. Separate the sleeping area from the homework space with a shoji screen.

Beachside

Give the teen a bit of summer vacation all year round with a beach-themed bedroom. Use creams, tans and blues to bring to mind the sea and accessorize with artwork, artifacts, and shells that imply that the beach is just beyond the horizon. Keep accessories subtle so you do not create an overly kitschy theme room. Pick furniture pieces that appear to have been collected overtime, and use a vintage surfboard as a headboard for a whimsical touch. Use natural or white washed pine to a West or East Coast feel or dark woods to make it look like a British colonial getaway.

Mid-Century Modern

Turn back the clock to the 1950s and give the teen a retro-themed bedroom. Bright white and punches of bold color will energize the interiors, and incorporate organic shapes and clean lines in furniture, lighting and accessories. Lightwoods with a Scandinavian twist, vinyl upholstery, and molded plastics should word. Keep the bed uncomplicated -- an unadorned platform bed like the Zurich Eastern King Bed by Lifestyle Solutions would be a good choice. Add a flokati area or funky shag rug to give the bedroom a more youthful appeal.