If you think normal is boring, you’ll love this post. Today we have bedside table ideas for those of you who like a little bit of fun in your decor… something to make you smile.

What is the actual purpose of a bedside table? Somewhere to keep your book / watch / glass of water / cell phone / medicine / random trinket for the night when you get into bed. Our unique bedside table ideas all serve that purpose. They are perfect bedside tables… without actually being bedside tables! 

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Read on, and you’ll know exactly what I mean.

Unusual Bedside Table Ideas:

In my post on stylish bedrooms, one of the essentials listed was bedside tables. It’s definitely practical and very convenient to have a night stand close to your bed. You don’t necessarily have to use a regular table on 4 legs though. It can be something quirky and fun that adds it’s own personality to your room. So here are some unusual bedside table ideas that can be put together very easily.

(1) Stack Up Your Books

Stack up a pile of books high enough and it makes a very useful little stand to keep your things. These could be books you are currently reading. Imagine the convenience of having your library stacked up right next to you. Or old books you’re done with.

I love the way they’ve covered up all the books in the same paper here to match the colour scheme.

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Can you see the piece of marble on top of the books here? Makes for a more stable table. If you’re looking for more space, you could also top up the stack of books with a large tray. That will automatically give you a bigger table top to place your things.

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(2) Use a Stool

This is a super idea if you have a smallish room. A narrow stool takes far less space than a regular night stand would. You can use metal or wood. Give it a good polish, or paint it in bright colours.

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And again, add a tray on top if you want more space.

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(3) Use Suitcases

A great way to add even more space with that stool above, is to top it up with a suitcase. It gives you a larger table top AND the space inside the suitcase too.

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Or stack up your suitcases like the books. That’s loads of storage and a great look.

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(4) Use a Trolley

You could use a pretty drinks or food cart as a side table. This one is useful if you have another seating area in the room too, and you’d like this table to service both. It helps keep your things close whether you’re sitting or lying in bed.

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Else a small, cute and functional storage cart like this one is perfect.

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(5) Fix A Simple Shelf

A simple, single shelf in a small room makes a very useful bedside table. You could simply fix a wooden or glass top on simple wall brackets.

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Or use ornate hardware to make it really pretty.

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I think this shelf on top of that beautiful corbel is simply stunning.

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(6) Hang Your Bedside Table

Use this if you have less floor space, or don’t like a cluttered floor.. or simply because it looks great. Hang your bedside table from the ceiling.

It can be a large, swing like platform.

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Or a small floating shelf. Either way, it always looks great.

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(7) Use Old Drawers

Have an old table you’re giving away? Don’t throw away the drawers. Paint, distress and / or decoupage them to make these amazing wall shelves. Fix it close to your bed and it makes a great bedside table.

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If you fix them in straight, you get even more space. Love how the hooks and knobs work to hang all the trinkets.

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(8) Use a Ladder

Every step of the ladder automatically gives you a shelf to use. So a ladder makes an extremely useful bedside table. Whether you use a small step ladder that fits neatly by your bed…

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Or a tall, full sized ladder that can go as high as you want, it will look great in a rustic, farmhouse style bedroom.

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(9) A Chair For A Table

No, that’s not a mistake. If you don’t have a table, use a chair!

Match the style to go with the style of your room, and chairs make really cute bedside tables.

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Paint it and style it to match your room. And you’ll always have a spare seat for a friend!

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That’s our 9 amazing, alternative bedside table ideas for you. They are unusual, quirky, fun… and yet very useful. Which of these is your favourite and which are you most likely to use? Do write in the comments below.. I love hearing from you.

Bedside tables are only one of many essentials that go into making a good bedroom. If you are looking for the complete list, don’t miss this post.

Until next time,