Bedside Table Options (I’ve Decided To Buy Instead Of Build)
I’ve had to come to terms with reality. I had been planning to build the bedside tables for our bedroom, and my plan was to build something like this…
When I made that decision, that nightstand was $1829. Now the price is over $1900. There’s no way I can spend almost $4000 on two nightstands, and that’s the reason I decided to build.
But after the closet project, which took way longer than I had expected, and in which I built the whole thing by myself, I’ve come to realize that I just don’t have the drive or energy to jump right into a furniture building project.
I was trying to make a mental note of everything I actually needed to build/make for the foyer and bedroom, and I’ll have enough on my plate without adding “building two nightstands” to that list. I already plan to:
- Install wainscoting (not exactly a building project, but close),
- Sew draperies for two windows and one door,
- Upholster a headboard,
- Build a bed frame,
- Possibly build some bookshelves,
- Refinish our current dresser, and
- Reupholster an existing bench for the foyer.
And that’s in addition to all of the other standard stuff, like trim (baseboards, crown molding, door facings), installing wallpaper, and general decorating to finish the areas.
As I mentioned on Friday, I’ll also need to do some pretty extensive work on the hallway bathroom to make way for the new attic access, as well as the new hot water heater and the scuttle hole to the crawl space beneath the house.
It’s going to be a challenge to get the areas completely finished by the end of the year, but for my own mental health, I need to get us into our bedroom by the end of the year. I want to start off 2026 with this area completely finished, with us being settled in our new bedroom suite, and with me being able to focus on the next big project — my workshop. And I really don’t want to take on any building projects that aren’t absolutely necessary until I have my workshop set up. A base for our bed will be necessary since I have to build it to exact specifications, but bedside tables aren’t. There are plenty of options out there for bedside tables.
So towards that end, I’ve decided to go ahead purchase bedside tables. Since the ones I really wanted are out of the question because of the cost, I set out to find similar bedside tables at a much more reasonable price.
The top contender right now is this one, which actually comes as a set of two for $571 from Houzz. These are 27” high, 28.37” wide, and 15.75” deep.
I have my heart set on something that is a light to medium wood color since they will be sitting against white wainscoting and dark teal velvet draperies, with dark teal grasscloth above, and an upholstered headboard in fabric that has a creamy white background next to them. Here’s a reminder of the overall look…
But of course, since I did that mockup, I’ve changed the color of the floors in the bedroom suite. So now, the bedrooms suite floors are a light color.
Perhaps, now that the floor has been changed, I should be looking for darker nightstands. You can let me know what you think about that. I like contrast, so I had planned on the dark floors and light bedside tables, but I don’t necessarily need that kind of contrast. I also don’t want to make the room too dark overall. And they’ll still have the dark teal velvet draperies behind them.
Wayfair has the very same bedside tables, but they’re listed for $712 for a set of two. Don’t these look the same to you?
I also like these from Wayfair. I actually like these feet better, but I like the overall design of the previous bedside tables a little better. These are $479.99 for a set of two (affiliate link). These are 30.9” high, 33.9” wide, and 15.7” deep. So I do like that these are a bit wider than the ones above, but they’re not that much wider. It’s not really enough to make a significant difference.
And these are the final contenders that I’ve found. These are from Wayfair also, and they’re $869.99 for a set of two. Although, if you’re feeling generous and just want to donate a bit more money to Wayfair, they also have this exact same set of two bedside tables listed for $1179.99. How crazy is that? Anyway, these are 26” high, 27.3” wide, and 17.3” deep.
So those are the three that I’ve narrowed it down to. I’m still leaning towards the first one, but you can let me know what you think.
Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
I love the first option as well.
I don’t know why, but I’m always a sucker for a little reeded trim. I vote #3!
You can also change the hardware to something similar to the expensive ones, if that’s one of the things you love about it!
With Kristi’s mad skills, she can change out the feet if she wanted to, as well!
I like the first one
you could consider updating the feet on nightstands you otherwise love
I like your first choice the best. I do not like the feet on the second one and I don’t care for the trim on the third. Also glad you’re buying instead of building. It’s one less thing to take up your time and energy.
I like the first ones. The single drawer pull is nice and the pull-out writing table seals the deal.
Exactly first one is the winner.
I really like the first set … The set is too light and I just don’t like the the third set.. But the first set really nice, is VERY similar to your original choice, and is reasonably priced.
Also, fwiw … It might be worthwhile to hire out the attic access project if you can. There’s nothing pretty/unique about it … It’s just a functional thing that needs to be done. You’ll be working over your head the whole time and because it’s not really something you’ve done before, it’ll probably take longer, too. I’m concerned that you’ll risk reinjuring your neck/back. <3
*the *second* set is too light
I agree with Jenny contracting out the attic access is a work smarter not harder idea.
I say go with the largest (tallest and widest) of the nightstand contenders. Bigger is better next to a large bed.
Crazy slower idea: Create a sample area-drape the wall paper sample, lean a painted white door to mimic wainscoting in front. Take pictures at different times of the day with lighter and darker toned items. Later review the pictures a few days later to see. You got time to shop and form a detailed idea before purchase.
Unfortunately You can’t rule out the undertones messing around until after you buy it. When you do take time, you end up with is panted pieces because you like color for warmth and paint is easier to adjust/repair (exception was entryway console). An alternate is buy for the shape/function/material then DIY finish it darker as needed.
Get the first ones. Then, if you need them darker, you can do that in an afternoon or two, that is easy enough.
I really love the 2nd set of bedside tables!!
From your bedroom mock-up, I would possibly go with the darker nightstand for cohesiveness with the window shades. The nightstands will be on the rug, right?
Perhaps it’s just my screen but the tones seem pretty honey-colored and I wonder how it will look with your beautiful new floors. For me, that would take precedence over anything else. Take your time and I know you’ll find the right thing.
#1 – the pullout self comes in really handy. If you really like the feet of #2 you can swap those out. I’ve asked companies for touch paint /stain. Usually they supply it. Have it color matched to a pint/quart size.
The first two appear to have a pull-out tray or writing surface at the top. Others do not. If that is a useful feature for you, choose those. If not, I would read the descriptions carefully to see what they are made from.
I would just use something temporary for my nightstands and then after the workshop is complete build the nightstands. I’d rather wait to be able to build exactly what I want.
I agree. If this were me, I’d move into the bedroom with the bed and nightstands that were in the previous bedroom, get the workshop ready and then build the bedside tables and bed of my dreams.
But it’s not me, and that’s okay.
You build and DIY so many things, that every time you post that you’ve decided to buy something I go a little YAY KRISTI for you giving yourself a break on something! 😀 I like your top contender the best.
Buy ones with the pull out shelf You will find that very handy.
I like the first ones!
I like the first set with the pull out tray. I always seem to need extra room on end tables & nightstands. Of course, you are much neater than I am. I like my frequently used items right at hand, not in a drawer across the room!
The color of the wood is beautiful and the price is right! Consider the price of materials and subtract from the retail price. That’s what your time is worth. Not much in this case. I’ve been pricing lumber/plywood and it’s not cheap.
Love #1 We have a similar set and I love the pull out option, sometimes it’s handy to put something on because the bedside table sits back too far to easily reach an item. I often read in bed and it gives me extra room to set a large book or glass of water.
I like the first ones too. They have the extra pull out “tray” (or whatever it’s called) above the drawers, which is so handy! I have a table by my bed with this feature, and when I was in bed a lot with my knee fracture, it was nice to have that extra space for a book or when I was having a meal in bed. I like the style and color of the first one also.
You will like that little pull-out drawer on the first one. I like the taller ones.
I’m glad you are buying so it gets done. You have proved to yourself that you can build, you just don’t want too now.
Have a good week.
The first bed tables you picked look great. Go with your instincts.
By the way.
Did your dog recover
I love the idea of a pull out shelf on the Wayfair bedside tables. I think that will come in handy. You selected several without that feature. Do you think it will make a difference in your final decision?
I love the second ones, th $479 Wayfair ones for their generous width – for me that extra 6″ per side is a huge deal! More room for nice large lamps, a more luxurious scale, and I like the pale natural wood color (if it’s not grayish in real life). In fact the overall look is just classier to me. The other two have a honey orangey tone I don’t love, and the scale is more bitty.
I think you can customize your pick later down the road. Switch feet, stain/paint, hardware. With the option to do that, you can pick whichever is the best fit by size for you.
You probably don’t have the time, but I’ve found excellent high quality furniture at estate sales, even at a fraction of this price. And if you don’t like the finish – refinishing is a snap compared to a new build. There are estate sale websites that list sales in your area. The hunt is kinda fun.
The third set from wayfair, the top drawer looks like one big drawer masquerading as two smaller drawers. If it’s a three drawer unit, great. If it’s actually a two drawer unit will that be practical for how you want to use it? I much prefer a couple shallow drawers bedside.
First one, definitely. You and Matt are presumably the only ones who see your bedroom and you can use the savings on another project elsewhere. And on a typical day you probably don’t go into your bedroom very many times anyway.
No way to use the ones you have in the room you are sleeping in now by repainting them for your new bedroom?
If I had to pick from the three choices, I like # 2 the best because the color is more neutral than the orangey tones of the other two. If they need a little color treaking change, it would be easy to do and ditto on the topic of the legs.
I agree. I think I’d find a way to make do with something you already have, something from marketplace before buying any of these with the intention of building exactly what I wanted once the workshop was done.
Love the first ones! You could always find new feet in the future if they really bother you.
I like the first set the best. They’re not too orange, imho. I also like the feet on that set; it gives a bit of curve without being obvious. And the pull out tray will definitely come in handy.
I’m lovin’ the almost blond, lightest stained pair – is that #2?
I like the first set. I love slide out trays, and gives you extra surface if you need it, put it away when you don’t.
While I love reading your posts, I don’t comment much on FB. However, when I read this I had to weigh in! I had a similar scenario with nightstands. I looked all around; ended up buying nightstands that were on the larger side, like the ones you posted from Wayfair, that are 34 inches wide. Best thing I ever did! They function both as a nightstand and a mini-dresser. I never realized how useful the extra storage space would be for clothing overflow, books, etc.
I love the 1st set.
The first ones will be easier to vacuum under!