A bedside table is a fairly significant element in the bedroom: both from the point of view of comfort and decor, and based on its functional purpose.
As you know, people are in a dream for 1/3 of their entire lives, which is why one should not underestimate the comfort and convenience of this room and leave its decor and furnishings to chance.
A bedside table should not only be comfortable, but also beautiful, match with the rest of the interior, have many convenient drawers, and a wide enough top surface to be able to put glasses, a phone, a magazine, a lamp, or a watch.
A bedside table should be not only functional, but also beautiful
A little history
Today, few people can imagine their bedroom without such a necessary and functional piece of furniture as a bedside table. Its miniature size does not prevent it from brilliantly fulfilling its purpose and performing various functions - from storing hygienic items on its shelves to a stand for a bedside lamp.
But it all began many centuries ago, when the rich nobility of the Dark Middle Ages, striving for maximum comfort, recognized a special piece of bedroom furniture in an ordinary box.
It turns out that the bedside table was invented by none other than the French, and translated from a melodic language it means a completely unexpected thing - “stump” or in another version “pillar”. And they created it to store such an item that you rarely see in the bedroom, near your bed - for firearms. In those days, multiple enemies, both external and internal, did not allow one to sleep peacefully, and the inconspicuous box perfectly hid its contents and saved its owners more than once.
Only in the middle of the eighth century did the French understand the importance of this furniture - the bedside table gained national love and popularity. The first products were very small, and contained only one shelf and a drawer. After success with French fashionistas, this product, new at that time, began its triumphal march around the world and still remains one of the integral parts of the bedroom interior.
Antique bedside table
Of course, modern furniture is strikingly different from its ancestor and is now a miniature cabinet with one closed or several shelves. The flat top surface allows you to place the item right next to the bed.
Bedside tables of today, the twenty-first century, having a sophisticated and stylish look, can add sophistication, comfort and completeness to the interior to a room for relaxation from all the hustle and bustle and problems. And how much comfort it can give its owners with proper use and distribution of functionality. On top you can put a mobile phone with a morning alarm, a watch from your hand, an unread book, a night light and much more. The depths of the bedside table can store a variety of but very necessary things. For example, a handkerchief, napkins, and even contraceptives. The last item is especially needed by happy married couples and lovers living together.
Functional bedside table
Bedside tables for every taste
In addition to its versatility, bedside furniture can play an important role in decorating a room. With its help, you can diversify and complement the created interior, giving home warmth and a touch of order. After all, the bedside table holds many items that are usually out of place.
The bedside table plays an important role in the decor of the room
A variety of colors, textures and silhouettes allows you to truly choose your own item, suitable in all respects, including height and size. Speaking of material, the word bedside table is immediately associated with wood. But next we will look at all the diversity of a seemingly ordinary object.
Types of bedside tables
Cabinets can be of any size and height: high, low, round or square, made of various materials - wood, plastic; designer or factory - which one to choose depends on the type of room and its decoration as a whole.
You also need to know what exactly you plan to store in the cabinet: an archive of magazines from the past year or a small tube of hand cream for the night. Based on this, the cabinet is selected according to size.
The size of the bedside table is selected based on your needs
In general, any interior will benefit from leaving some part of it free. That's why you don't need to strive to buy a cabinet as large as possible. If you want to store your favorite magazines, it is better to allocate another place for them. It’s better to put two smaller bedside tables than to clutter up the passage in the room with one awkward, but roomy, bedside table that doesn’t fit into the overall look and design.
Bedroom interior with two bedside tables
Depending on the type of placement, the products can be floor-standing or hanging. Floor tables can have legs or they can stand as a whole on the floor. A hanging bedside table makes the room lighter; in addition, it is very convenient to wash the floor under such a bedside table, and the search for rolled-up objects is much easier.
Original hanging bedside table
Another plus of a hanging bedside table is that you can put various accessories under it, for example, boxes for storing cute little things.
It is also worth considering that it is advisable to buy the same bedside tables, especially if there is room to place them on both sides of the bed. If there is room for only one bedside table, then it is better to place it to the right of the bed, so the room will be visually more comfortable. And this is a proven fact and a very old design technique, so if there is no space, you should not neglect it.
It is recommended to place the bedside table to the right of the bed
A corner bedside table is also suitable for a small room; in addition, it is also very roomy. Such cabinets look very neat and will give any interior an impressive look.
Corner bedside table for a small room
As for the height of the cabinet, it should be equal to the position of your outstretched arm when you are lying on the bed. Otherwise, inconvenience will arise, if you want to put the phone on the cabinet or turn off the lamp, you will have to get up, and if you already wanted to sleep, then sleep may disappear altogether. In the end, such a high cabinet will be annoying, which does not contribute to a pleasant rest and good sleep.
The bedside table should not be higher than the level of the bed
To choose the right bedside table, you need to know the height of your sleeping bed, and based on the parameters, select a bedside table of the same height.
Specifics and purpose of side tables
Despite the fact that the intended use of this furniture is to organize the office space, no one can prevent you from installing it in your home. If you need a place to work at home, then this approach will make it possible to do it very pleasantly and conveniently. The bedside table allows you to remove all additional office supplies, papers, and folders from the table. You can also store spare consumables for equipment in it (cartridges, refill inks, printing paper and the like). Intentionally selected side tables will allow you to place equipment on them as well.
Material for making cabinets
Bedside tables can be made from different materials. Especially when it comes to a designer item: many designers are able to make a bedside table from a piece of logs, from an old suitcase, from a former stool, from pallets, old fruit boxes - from any material that their rich imagination tells them.
It’s not difficult to make a bedside table with your own hands
If you don’t want to use designer finds, then you can buy a factory bedside table. Their materials are not as rich, but more familiar:
• natural wood;
• Chipboard;
• polyvinyl chloride;
• fiberboard;
• laminated chipboard.
There may also be bedside tables with combined manufacturing materials - for example, a bedside table is made of natural wood, but its fittings are made of plastic or metal. As for the choice in the question, “Which material is better?”, then everyone, of course, will have their own preferences and wishes prevail. However, natural wood is undoubtedly the leader in terms of environmental friendliness and durability, but it loses in price - at all times, not excluding ours, it is a rather expensive material.
Combination bedside table
Bedside tables made of natural oak, mahogany, or beech look very beautiful and noble. Wood species tend to differ from each other in wood pattern; sometimes, cabinets can be decorated with skillful wood carvings and various patterns. Ideally, it is better to purchase bedside tables for the bedroom along with a set, so that later there will be no difficulties when selecting this necessary piece of furniture.
Bedside table made of natural wood
A large selection of bedside tables made from the most common material – pine veneer. This option is more economical, but also has its drawbacks. Pine is a very soft material and the places where screws are attached to doors or drawers can crumble over time.
Pine veneer bedside table
Purchasing items made from natural wood means buying things for a long time, because it is very durable and of high quality. If you want to frequently change your usual environment, then you should give preference to fiberboard or chipboard materials. Here, too, there is no need to chase the price - a low price may indicate that low-quality materials were used in the process - for example, glue. In this case, the bedside table may not only crumble over time, but also emit harmful fumes. In the bedroom, such a product can cause irreparable harm to health, especially for those people who have problems with the respiratory organs (asthma, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and so on).
Bedside table made of chipboard
When buying any bedside table for the bedroom, it is better to check with the seller about the presence of a certificate: after all, a bedside table is the thing that will be next to a person when he sleeps. That is why it is especially important to ensure that the materials used are safe and environmentally friendly. For the same reason, it is better not to buy used furniture. Who knows under what conditions it was used? In addition, old furniture can harbor mites that are difficult to notice from the outside as they can be as thick as a credit card and hide in the crevices of the furniture. It is better to give preference to a new piece of furniture.
Operation “DIY Cabinet”
Where does furniture making begin? From the preparation of materials and tools. The list of the first depends on the model you like; the tools are the usual carpenter’s set, which includes:
- grinding machine (sandpaper);
- jigsaw, drill, screwdriver;
- pencil, tape measure;
- ruler, square;
- edge for ends;
- hammer, dowels;
- nail puller;
- screwdriver.
To finish an “ugly” material, use varnish, paint, stain, fabric or eco-leather. If the second option is chosen for decoration, then before painting the surfaces must be treated with a primer. It will improve the adhesion of materials, reduce paint consumption, and ensure color saturation.
The optimal way to connect wooden parts is still “tenon and groove”. When making small furniture, wooden dowels are often used, for which holes of the appropriate diameter are drilled in the pieces to be joined. To ensure maximum strength of the future piece of furniture, all joints are coated with wood glue before assembly. Metal hardware is usually used to secure drawer guides.
Wooden bedside table with drawers
The first stage of furniture manufacturing is the search for a suitable model and its drawing. Most of the debutant masters use ready-made schemes that can be found relatively easily on the Internet. The advantage of this option is the minimal risk of making serious mistakes, since these drawings have already been tested. Another advantage is the ability to adapt the scheme depending on your conditions.
After purchasing everything you need, they begin to work.
Frame assembly
The first step is to mark the material using a pencil and ruler. Then the workpieces are cut out with a jigsaw, polished, and then holes for fasteners are prepared. Front panels for drawers are usually decorated immediately - with stain, varnish, paint. Experienced craftsmen recommend “refining” all workpieces before assembly. In this case, the furniture is guaranteed more reliable protection.
- The easiest way is to use self-tapping screws. In this case, small holes are pre-drilled at the fastening points. Their diameter is slightly smaller than that of the fasteners.
- The best option is to use a special tool. This is a jig for drilling holes at an angle - using an “oblique screw”. In this case, there will be no defects left on the surface of the wood.
- After preparing all the elements, assembly begins. First, a wooden frame is made. To do this, wooden boards are screwed on both sides using self-tapping screws and oblique holes made. First, all the workpieces are attached to one side, then they are attached to the other.
The tabletop, bottom and back wall are attached to the frame. The last part is usually made of thin material - plywood or fiberboard. It is fixed with small furniture nails. If you choose a model with wooden moldings, then they are glued around the perimeter of the tabletop with wood glue. Excess is wiped off immediately.
Creating boxes
This stage is also not very difficult, but the master will definitely need precision and accuracy.
- They proceed to installing guides for the drawers, for which lines for installation are drawn inside the frame. Then the elements are fixed in the marked areas. Do not forget that the fastening must be as reliable as possible, since the load on it will be significant and constant.
- The boxes are assembled: the sides are connected to the back wall. Then the mating parts are screwed to them, and then they adjust the mechanisms. Lastly, the front panels are fixed, which have previously been sanded and coated with a decorative composition.
How can I attach facades? There is a mandatory condition: this stage is carried out in installed, not removed, boxes. Therefore, it is better to place the furniture “semi-finished product” on the back wall.
- The simplest option is to use wood glue, without the help of any additional fasteners.
- A more complex method is “landing” on dowels. In this case, holes are made in the parts to be connected with the same diameter as for wooden dowels. Their depth is about ½ the length of the bosses. Both surfaces are coated with glue, then carefully hammered in. Usually they use a “substrate” (a piece of board, a block) and a “gentle” tool - a rubber mallet.
The third solution is to use self-tapping screws. However, both last options are difficult, since it is very easy for a debutant to make a mistake with the fixation points. The consequence will be a displacement of the drawer facades.
"Handmade"
If the cabinet drawers “want” to have handles, then you can first attach them to the front panels, and then start assembling the drawers. In this case:
- The facades are laid on a flat surface, then marks are made for fastenings. Check the results several times, on all panels.
- After completing this stage, guide holes are made. To do this, hammer a thin nail into the marked points, which is then pulled out using a nail puller.
- Drill holes with a drill. Their diameter must match the parameter of the fittings screws. Then install the handles and carefully tighten the fasteners with a screwdriver. In this case, it is not recommended to be zealous; zeal may cause excessive pressure on the panel.
After completion of the work, the finished product is decorated, dried, and then “put into operation.”
Cabinet made of chipboard (chipboard)
The second potential do-it-yourself cabinet is furniture made from chipboard, which is valued for its affordable price, ease of manufacture and decent results. In this case, the work is not too different.
- First, the contours of future parts are drawn on the chipboard, then they are cut off.
- The end parts are covered with an edge, which is applied, covered with a sheet of paper or cloth, and ironed.
- All blanks are assembled into a single structure, guided by the drawing. The parts are connected not with self-tapping screws, but with confirmations.
- Lines for guides are drawn inside the frame. They and their counterparts are secured with self-tapping screws. Then the boxes are collected.
If the furniture must be mobile, then rollers are screwed to the bottom.
The simplest TV stand
There are many options for such designs, but for those who are interested in the topic “Do-it-yourself cabinet, but with a minimum of effort,” you can get acquainted with the following original, but simple option.
To work you will need:
- glued board - 2 pieces (30x400x2000 mm);
- cuttings for making legs;
- drill, feather drill;
- water-based varnish;
- stain.
Self-tapping screws and metal corners are used as fastening elements. To prevent the supports from scratching the floor covering, it is better to find felt. The work consists of several stages:
- First they deal with furniture panels. Since the material is almost ready for use, preparation is minimal: sharp corners are removed and the ends are sanded.
- Points for drilling holes are marked on the workpieces - 4 on each panel. In one of them they are made through (the bottom shelf), in the other they are deepened by several millimeters, creating grooves. The cuttings are cut into 4 equal pieces.
- Using a feather drill, holes are made for the legs of the cabinet; their diameter is equal to the cross-section of the handle. Then all elements are covered with stain in three layers, each of which is left to dry on its own.
- They work on the legs: small pieces of felt are attached to the bottom of each element. Then measure the height of the bottom shelf and put corresponding marks on the legs. In these places, metal corners are attached so that they are hidden behind the supports.
- Assemble the cabinet: the supports are inserted into the holes, then secured with corners to the bottom shelf.
The last stage is decorating the structure with varnish. If the owners don’t really like the “gloomy” color of the structure, then the stage with stain can be skipped, limiting themselves to decorating with varnish. By the way, the author made this cabinet as a temporary “housing for the TV”, so there is no need to criticize the debut product too much.
Sink design
This DIY cabinet is a separate “topic for research”, since this option puts forward special requirements for furniture. This combination makes it possible:
- get a convenient (additional) place for accessories and equipment;
- close unattractive elements - drain pipe, wiring, etc.
However, this design is not without its drawbacks. These include tightness inside the cabinet, which will become a problem during the inspection of the hoses and siphon. No one can guarantee that water will not get inside the furniture, and in this case the service life of the product will be significantly reduced. Therefore, first, owners need to think about the feasibility of such “amateur activities,” since ready-made furniture is designed specifically for wet rooms.
Materials for production
In this case, the durability of the cabinet depends on the quality of the materials. There are several suitable candidates.
- Tree. The best choice would be an array of hard rocks. The most worthy contenders are considered to be the “duet” - oak and larch. The rest of the wood needs the most reliable protection from moisture.
- Wood-based materials. In this case, moisture protection is mandatory. A possible candidate is laminated chipboard, but in this case it is necessary to ensure high-quality edge edges. The best solution is laminated MDF, which is more durable.
- Drywall. Sheets on a metal frame have already become a “classic”. Such structures are widely used for constructing ceilings, leveling walls, and erecting partitions. Drywall countertops are covered with tiles, which are fixed on top of the waterproofing layer.
Glass is not the best option for bathrooms, even tempered glass. This material remains potentially hazardous, especially for wet rooms with tiled floors.
Selecting a bedside table to match the design of the room
The appearance of the bedside table directly depends on the style of the room: a classic mahogany nightstand will look ridiculous in a high-tech interior, and vice versa, a laminated nightstand will not fit into the atmosphere of a baroque room.
Dependence of the type of bedside table on the style of the room:
• the colonial style (oriental) will be emphasized by a bedside table or bedside tables made of rattan with low legs of a rectangular silhouette. Decorative elements are appropriate: weaving, floral patterns, ornaments, the bedside table can be a natural color;
Colonial style nightstand
• cabinets made of real wood are suitable for a classic style. Massive cabinets without legs will look good. The decor here should be fittings - they can be in the form of forged handles and corners. As for the color, it is better to choose the color “mahogany”, this will give the room the appropriate mood.
Bedside table in classic mahogany style
• for the English style, a bedside table can act as a bedside table;
English style bedside table
• for a Scandinavian interior, the ideal pieces of furniture would be cabinets painted white or natural shades of wood and made of unpainted veneer; this is the case when simplicity is appropriate;
Bedside table for interior in Scandinavian style
• wooden bedside tables are also suitable for Provence style. Only they should be distinguished by grace - thin legs, figured turning, wood carving;
Elegant bedside table in Provence style
• high-tech style may allow you to purchase a bedside table with ethnic motifs, or you can place an item with metal frames and glass shelves;
Laconic bedside table in high-tech style
• for the Baroque style, an elegant bedside table with curved legs will come in handy;
Baroque style bedside table
• a country-style bedroom will be decorated with a rustic-style nightstand. You can use a cabinet trimmed with leather or fabric.
Wooden bedside table in a country style bedroom
Types of structures
Particular attention is paid to the installation method of the design. There is a hanging and floor option.
In the next article we will talk about the topic - a bedside table with your own hands. Let's try to describe this topic in more detail.
The first type creates the illusion of lightness and facilitates the cleaning process. Fastening is carried out using mounting loops or strips. When working with loops, the main thing is to take accurate measurements. A plank is a plate made of metal. It is attached to the wall, and then the bedside table is hung using hooks placed on the frame.
As a result, a gap is formed between the wall surface and the module. The hanging option is suitable for small models with low loads, so the main thing is to weigh in advance what is going to be stored in the bedside table.
A very simple installation method is to place the bedside table directly on the floor. The support is provided by legs or a plinth system.
The presence of slats along the perimeter of the lower horizon guarantees greater durability, but leads to the collection of dust and small debris. The smallest stand height is 70 mm.
- The front component performs artistic functions and allows the doors and bottom drawer to open normally.
- The walls on the sides add more structural rigidity. To move the furniture very tightly to the wall, cut off part of the base at an angle.
- The back strip is placed at a certain distance from the edge, without interfering with the baseboard. She takes on the main part of the load.
The legs in most models have a height adjustment function. This makes it possible to place the furniture very evenly, without paying attention to the permissible flaws in the floor covering. The main thing is that the material of the supports can support the weight of the product. Typically, metal, wood, and high-strength plastic are used to produce legs.
The presence of rollers will ensure the product's mobility. With their help, furniture can be easily moved around the room; stoppers help prevent unauthorized movement of wheels. High-quality rollers should spin smoothly when moving.
In the next article we will talk about the topic of purchasing a whitish bedside table. Let's try to describe this topic in more detail.
How to choose a bedside table - recommendations
It is a generally accepted fact that a cabinet located near the bed is convenient, practical, and functional. If the set is purchased already along with the cabinets, then there is no need to select anything. But it happens that the bedside table is not available, or customers don’t like it, or it is not yet possible to purchase a bedside table. If the selection is made after purchasing a bed or set, then you should pay attention to tips on how to choose it correctly.
1. Selection of a bedroom set based on the size of the room. In the first place is such a parameter as height; if it is impossible to reach the bedside table from the bed, then it is worthless. The cabinet should be equal in height to the bed.
When choosing a bedside table, be guided by the size of the bed
As for the width, the bedside tables are selected according to the size of the bed, observing the principle of symmetry and balance. If the bed is wide, then it is better to choose non-miniature bedside tables, which not only will get lost against the background of the bed, but will also introduce an imbalance into the overall appearance of the room. It is better to choose the same wide bedside tables. Their width can be 50-100 cm.
If the sleeping place is small, then a bedside table with a width of up to 50 cm is sufficient. Depth is also important, because the capacity of the bedside table depends on it.
Nightstand for a small bed
Another simple way to choose a nightstand is to base it on the type of headboard of the bed. If it is massive and upholstered in leather, choose a bedside table in a classic style (many of them also have leather-upholstered sides); if the headboard is elegant, with openwork forged elements, then the bedside table should be elegant. With forging elements. The main rule in this case is maintaining harmony and balance.
2. Selection of bedside tables according to design. For lovers of comfort and accessibility to small things at hand, bedside tables with many drawers and compartments are suitable.
Bedside table with drawers
If you are not a fan of drinking tea with honey before bed and reading books in bed, a cabinet with a minimum of departments is quite suitable for you. By the way, there are furniture sets in which shelves and bedside tables are already built-in. The downside here is that these bedside tables can no longer be moved, and it’s difficult to change them, only if together with the headset. But the advantages are also obvious - there is a built-in bedside table, shelves above the head, and there is no need to select pieces of furniture separately.
Laconic bedside table with two drawers
3. For those who like multifunctionality, we can suggest buying not bedside tables, but bedside tables. Such a table can play the role of a coffee table, a dressing table, or even a work table. The only requirement is that such a table must be higher than the bed. Here the area of action is greatly increased, but the free space is reduced, so placing such a table in a small bedroom is also not recommended. You'll have to make do with a wide, but still cabinet.
Functional bedside table
4. The design and style of the bedside table should be combined with the bedroom set or bed, but they may not match in color. Some modern styles, suitable for eccentric people, allow for a mixture of styles: for example, nightstands in the spirit of futurism are selected for an elegant bed, or vice versa - a chic Neo-Baroque style nightstand with a minimalist bed can be an excellent combination.
Combination of a classic bed with a bedside table in a modern style
5. Color combinations and a combination of different materials are allowed : for example, the head of the bed can be made of leather, and the bedside table can be made of plastic. The color of the bedside furniture can be combined with the color of the wallpaper. In general, you need to be extremely careful when choosing shades of bedroom furniture, since flashy colors will not allow you to rest properly and will still affect the subconscious. If there are differences in the color scheme, they should not be too flashy, because this will harm the health and quality of rest.
The bedside table should be in harmony with the bedroom interior
6. An option is allowed when the color of the bedside table is directly opposite in color to the color scheme of the head of the bed . For example, the headboard is white and the cabinets are black. Either the bed is wenge color and the bedside tables are white, or the bed is beige and the bedside tables are chocolate color. But pastel or dark tones must remain (see point 5).
The color of the nightstand contrasts with the color of the headboard
7. A color scheme is possible when the bedside tables are brighter accents in the room. In this case, you need to conduct research on color and its effect on a person. This aspect will not have much impact if rarely anyone spends the night in the bedroom and the room is used for guests or is empty for another reason.
Bedside table as a color accent in the room
That's how much an ordinary bedside table can mean, especially if you take its choice seriously. A relatively young piece of furniture has long become a person’s assistant in the bedroom - without it it is very difficult to find a place for many things, especially small ones and those that may be needed at any moment. Knowing a few useful tips on choosing a high-quality, beautiful and multifunctional nightstand, you can make the interior of your bedroom even more perfect, and this is what everyone who knows the price of real comfort and relaxation strives for. These two things are priceless for a person, and a bedside table helps to maintain harmony, comfort and strength at the end of the day. Choose the right furniture and take care of yourself!
Equipment
The selection of a facade opening system is quite traditional for cabinets:
By request, the next note will be on the topic - a lot of furniture - a TV stand. We believe you will like it.
- Swinging open. The door is attached to the body at the side using furniture movable hinges. If there is a need to open, pull outward towards you. In this case, the sash will require a large amount of space. Don't drag it by force. Jerks and pressures lead to breakage of fasteners;
- Folding. The method is used very rarely. The hinges are moved down the sash. In this case, side folding brackets with position locks are added. The sash opens outwards downwards until the locking device clicks;
- Retractable. Drawer design system. Compact rollers with external side guides are used. Very susceptible to changes in altitude. They immediately start to get stuck in the grooves. They take up a lot of free space when open. The drawer cannot be fully extended without deformation of the rollers.
It is better if the cabinet contains drawers and shelves with a straight bottom. This makes it possible to organize storage most efficiently. As a rule, you can put whatever you need inside. But, items should not get dirty. Liquids are stored vertically to avoid leaks.
