Think two matching nightstands on either side of the bed is the only way to decorate a bedroom? Not anymore!

One of the hottest bedroom decorating trends right now involves pairing two different styles of nightstands that complement each other but that each have their own unique look. Mix-and-match nightstands can be both practical and stylish if you know how to find the perfect combination.

Here are some bedside table ideas and nightstand decor tips to make your bedroom a more personalized space.

Determine Your Ideal Aesthetic

Without a doubt, the bedroom is the most intimate and personal room in the house. Therefore, bedrooms are perfect places to show your true self and express your personality through special pieces of furniture and decorations.

If you want your bedroom to be a private sanctuary that's calming and will ease your mind, stick to a neutral aesthetic with lots of white and tan colours, soft textures and uncluttered surfaces. If you love to read or write in a journal at the end of the day, create a cozy nook in your bedroom with a comfy chair and some colourful throw pillows, lights, tapestries, mirrors and plants can all add to the aesthetic design of your bedroom too. and plants can all add to the aesthetic design of your bedroom too.

With these types of room accents in mind, now shift your attention back to nightstands. A bedside table in a certain colour or style can tie together different aspects of the bedroom so they look intentional and not random. On our website, you can browse nightstands by style (rustic, modern, etc.) and by colour (dark brown, grey, etc.) to stay consistent with the theme you're going for.

Explore Different Nightstand Pairings

There are quite a few different ways to pair nightstands together based on shape, size, colour, materials, storage capabilities and how they coordinate with the bed. For example, you can create visual interest in the bedroom by putting a small nightstand on one side and a larger one on the other side - especially if one is round and the other is rectangular. It's also fun to combine different textures with your two nightstands, such as having one primarily made of wood and the other made of metal.

Consider who will be sleeping in the bed and how much storage space each person likes to have within arm's reach. Some people are minimalists and simply want a spot to place a bottle of water overnight, while others love to load up their nightstands with books, lotions and extra socks. Personalize this space with a bedside table that fits each person's nightstand style so that you and your partner feel at home in this room.

If you don't share your bedroom with someone else, you might consider skipping the second nightstand altogether for an asymmetric look. You don't have to limit yourself to just nightstands beside the bed. It's also fun to pair a nightstand with a bookshelf on the other side, or perhaps an accent chair or dresser instead.

If you're a little nervous about mixing and matching, it doesn't get much easier than basic black. Try pairing the Beth Nightstand with the Demi Nightstand for effortless mix-and-match style with two different storage options. It's also easy to pair a nightstand featuring two different colours and textures, (like the Reese Nightstand in sleek black and rustic grey) with a bedside table that features just one of these elements in a different way (like the Kate Nightstand).

But don't be afraid to play around with colour while keeping the design style consistent. For an elegant and glamorous "Old Hollywood" look, you might pair the Dawn Nightstand in blue with the Faye Nightstand in dark brown to maximize bedside storage with a vintage twist.

How to Decorate Your Nightstand

After you've picked out your nightstands comes the really fun part... decorating them!

If your nightstands look very different from each other, you can tie their styles together with decor that matches. Placing similar lamps on each side table will do this, as well as arranging a stack of books on each nightstand or hanging artwork in the same size frames over each one. It's also possible to make a visual connection between your bedside tables by hanging matching wall sconces or matching mirrors above each one.

Decorative vases, easy-care houseplants and sound machines to lull you to sleep can also be placed on mismatched nightstands to suit your taste. Since nightstands are very personal spaces, you can also use these surfaces to display trinkets from your travels or photo frames of your favourite people. A small decorative bowl to hold jewelry, a glasses case and a candle can be placed here as well as long as the surface space is large enough.

Finding a Balance Between the Style and Function

No matter what your personal style is, The Brick has nightstand combos that will look great in every bedroom. Shop online or in one of our many stores across Canada to see our diverse collection of nightstands and find the ones you love the most!