When I freshened up the guest room
with new linens and my Estate Sale furniture
I switched out the side table for one
that I had upstairs in one of the "kid" rooms.
I am embarrassed to say
that I just threw whatever I had lying around
on the table just to get the photos done.
Now that we are having showings
for the house every weekend
I decided to get down there and do it right!
Typically when you are working
with a bedside table, a lamp is involved.
I say typically because one could also mount
a light fixture on the wall
next to the bed for reading.
But, in this case I have a lamp.
It is important that your lamp
is the right size for the table.
An oversized lamp or a teeny tiny lamp
would be out of scale and not look right.
Artwork or even a mirror
above the night table is also
part of the formula for an attractive display.
In my case I hung a painting
by Mr. Beaux's grandmother over the table.
I love having these very special pieces
integrated into my home decor.
They hold so much meaning
and they make me smile
every time I pass the room.
I usually keep the accessories to three
(an odd number) and try to make them useful also.
I like to have a pleasing height
arrangement varying the objects
from largest to smallest.
If you find that too many things
are the same height then elevate
them on books or a decorative box.
And, remember to incorporate something
natural, something shiny and something textural.
So let's break it down:
The clock is useful and shiny,
the flowers are natural and propped up
on the books for height,
the butterfly tray is great for holding
jewelry or a pair of glasses.
The books are textural and
they might also be interesting
reading for your guests.
I like how these tulips coordinate
with the painting and the book that I used.
They were actually in the kitchen
for a while and on their last legs.
It always amazes me that you can
cut the ends of the tulips
and stick them back in water
and they last for a few weeks.
I bought this tray at Nell Hill's a long time ago.
It has been used all over the house!
This is really off topic from the bedside table styling
but I put a tray of magazines under the table
for my guests to browse through...
Just for fun,
let's try another combination
of things on the table....
This time I have an oil painting leaning
against the wall instead of hanging.
This painting was done by my
Mother In Law.
I would have liked to have two
to layer them, but I searched around
and couldn't find exactly what I was looking for...
A small white pot filled
with red begonias and a stack of books...
I needed something shiny
so I found an old piece of hardware
and an old doorknob and put them on top of the books...
Does this combination fit all of our rules?
Does this combination fit all of our rules?
Lamp
Art
Flowers
Arranged in three
Shiny
Textural
Natural
Varying heights
Colors complementary to our design
I guess I could have added
a small tray or bowl to make it complete.
Whew! There is a lot more to this than meets the eye!
What are your rules for styling a bedside table?
Until Next Time,
Beaux R'eves,
Sharing at:
What We Accomplished Wednesday @ Green Willow Pond
Vintage Inspiration Friday @ Common Ground
Home Sweet Home @ The Charm of Home
Home Sweet Home @ The Charm of Home
Treasure Hunt Thursday @ From My Front Porch To Yours
You did a really nice job, Cindy. I love how you have things arranged (and rearranged). How I do a bedside table really depends on if it is "for looks" or for real. lol If it is for looks I do pretty much like what you do- the odd number 3/5/7 of objects. If it is real life- one of those is always a small box of decorative tissues. I like a 3 way lamp so that people can read or have more ambient lighting if they want it.
ReplyDeleteIt is always fun to do the accessorizing part, isn't it? Nice job there- xo Diana
Great job Cindy...I think both ways looked pretty!
ReplyDeleteAlmost forgot love your new look!
ReplyDeleteBoth combos are VERY pretty. I, personally style our bedside tables with things that mean something to us. Right now I have a lamp, a Chinese jar and a FUNNY picture of our granddaughter on my side. The picture makes me smile every night:)
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas Cindy...My tables are pretty close..One or two little tweaks and I'll be OK..Thanks
ReplyDeleteIt looks so pretty and I appreciate all of the hints. I do agree however, that there need to be tissues :^)
ReplyDeleteI love the first display the best...probably because I am a tulip freak!
Blessings to you and good luck on this weekend's showing!
J
Cindy, I think your styling looks great. I have a clock on my bedside tables in the guest room and the master. I actually use my iPhone for an alarm now, but now everyone does. I also have a coaster, for a glass or drink beside the bed. I often include a small basket in the guest room that has bottled water, a few snacks, fruit, a note pad and pencil / pen, and anything I think of for a specific guests. I, too, have a stack of magazines for reading and books in the room. A box of tissues is also on one of the bedside tables. Like you, I try to keep it to three things.
ReplyDeleteThe tulips with the painting is my favorite!! Beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteWow!what a Amazing blog and valuable information. Thanks for putting so much efforts in writing this article.Nice Post
ReplyDeleteGood JobandGreat PostandNice Information