Okay, make that two nightstands. Though technically they’re just our living-room side tables…
…that were displaced by the arrival of Karl.
Even though they aren’t originally meant to be bedroom furniture, we love these Target tables (from the Victoria Hagan collection, purchased a few years ago) and those seeded-glass lamps (from the Nate Berkus line that used to be at Linens N’ Things) too much to let them sit in storage. So for now they’ve found a home on either side of our bed.
Beyond simply filling space, they make the bedroom feel more balanced and they add a lot of practical function. Sherry’s short arms were struggling with putting her phone and magazines on the floor, so having a proper surface within reach is a real improvement. At first we worried the tables might be a touch low, but they’re only about five inches below the top of the mattress, which makes everything very easy to reach. We can read in bed without straining, and grabbing a book or a glass of water is as simple as rolling over.
They aren’t necessarily permanent. Sherry has mentioned wanting eggplant-colored lamps someday, and I’d like nightstands with a drawer for concealed storage. But these pieces were free to us, they work well, and they’re a great interim solution while we decide on more permanent options. For now they’re doing exactly what we need.
One unexpected perk is how they change the feel of the room in the evening. Swapping the harsh overhead fan light for the softer glow of the table lamps instantly makes the room cozier. The paint color softens and leans a touch greener in that warm light, and the lamps cast interesting, dramatic shadows across the ceiling—courtesy of our bed frame’s silhouette. It’s a small change that has a surprisingly big impact on the atmosphere.
Another practical benefit is convenience: I no longer have to get up to flip the wall switch when we’re ready to turn out the lights. That small convenience keeps bedtime routines smoother and allows us to relax more quickly. No more pretending to be asleep so the other person will turn off the light—just reach over, click the switch on the table lamp, and that’s it. Simple comforts like that add up.
Looking ahead, the next project on our bedroom list is replacing the fan. It’s functional, but it’s not particularly attractive, and it slightly clashes with the softer, more curated look we’re building. We’ve been browsing a few options that are a little more design-forward—something that might make us smile every time we look up. Nothing is set in stone yet, but it’s on the shortlist.
In the meantime, these side tables and lamps are doing a great job of bridging the gap between what we have and what we want. They strike a nice balance between style and usefulness, and they change the mood of the room in ways we didn’t expect. It’s a reminder that small, inexpensive swaps can refresh a space and improve daily life without a major overhaul. We’ll keep enjoying the comfort and ease they bring while we plan the next updates.