Mix & Match Modern Nightstand Like A Professional Interior Design

You've decided to spruce up your bedroom. And maybe the idea is to play around a bit, change up a few things and see how it looks. But your new habit of going to bed with books-in-hand sets up a new dilemma for you to solve. You need extra storage for your reading materials. Then questions like, "Do I get a modern nightstand or a bedside table? And does it have to match?" starts popping up.

Suddenly, changing up a few things wouldn’t cut it, and you need some form of a design overhaul. But what if you could develop the ability to mix & match nightstands like a pro designer? Well, you can, and you only need to read through this article.

Why Mix Modern Nightstands

Does your wardrobe consist of clothes of the same style? Or do you have clothes of different types? A large percentage of the world's population would answer yes to the latter. This is because we mix and match clothes to form a combination that suits our style and personality.

The same goes for nightstands. Most furniture stores sell items in sets. For example, a bedroom set with matching everything). However, buying these would give your bedroom the nerdy "straight out of the catalog" look. Not to say that it's a bad look for a bedroom. But mixing and matching your nightstands would give you a custom feel. One that suits your personality with the added designer touch.

Mixing and Matching: Where to Start

Start by assessing your current bedroom design. What style are you currently rocking? Scandinavian? Minimalistic? Mid-century modern? French provincial, and so on. Then you can research different nightstands that would complement your current design. They could differ in shape, color, style, size, and so on. For example, you can consider the mid-century modern nightstands with an alternative design. One with different shapes, or designs, could fit in with what you've got going on.

However, if you already have matching nightstands, you don't have to start from scratch. You can start by switching out one part of your set. The idea is to replace one with something different. For example, if you currently have Scandinavian nightstands, you can replace one with a different style or shape.  Also, as we'll see later on in this article, you can mix and match with matching nightstands. Sounds ironic, right? Read on to find out how.

How to Mix Nightstands

Interior designers don't just manufacture designs out of thin air. We always have a strategy in mind. So, when mixing and matching nightstands, you must lay out your approach. This way, you can maintain a well-defined symmetry/visual contrast throughout the room.

Here are some interior design rules. You should keep them in mind when researching nightstands or bedside tables.

1. Maintain the Same Style

For a cohesive design, you must maintain the same style, i.e., common materials. In other words, if you're using a mid-century modern design. Maintain the same style when picking nightstands. This way, you can keep your design in sync. Even when you introduce mixing with different shapes, sizes, and colors. For example, all Minimalists or all French provincials.

While the whole idea is to use different nightstands, make sure there's harmony between them. In other words, they should both have touches of the same materials. If you end up using nightstands with identical design and shape but contrasting colors, try to maintain the same metal and wood types for both.

Additionally, if you are big on symmetry, you can still mix and match nightstands while maintaining room symmetry. You can easily do this by purchasing items from the same vendor because most furniture items are made to complement each other.

2. Try Out Different Shapes and Sizes

If you prefer one-dimensional styles, colors, materials, you can still mix and match using shapes and sizes. Firstly, identify the style, color, and material you want for your nightstands, then select two with different shapes and/or sizes. This way, you can set up your nightstands to perform different functions. For example, you could have a large rectangular one that holds all your essentials on one side. And on the other side, a smaller but still rectangular nightstand for organizing and placing things you hold close to your hand.

Also, using different shapes can instill a sense of variety in your room design. Here are other examples/ideas for creating varieties with shapes and sizes:

• On one end, you can place a round-top bedside table for displaying your pieces. And on the other, a square top nightstand with shelves and drawers for storing valuables.

• You can use a large nightstand with up to three drawers to serve as a dresser on one side. And on the other side, a smaller one for your devices (e.g., phones and laptops). This way you can free up space by eliminating the need for an actual dresser.

• You can also use a round-top and a rectangular nightstand to serve other functions. The former, as a garden stool. While the latter can perform the duty of storing items you hold close-to-hand.

3. Maintain Symmetry with Common Accessories

If you're a mid-century modern lover, and you're still not sold on the "mix and match" idea. It's probably because of your love for symmetry. However, you need not worry about losing it. There are so many ways you can maintain your original room design when mixing and matching modern nightstands. One of which is using matching accessories.

You can use accessories like table lamps, frames, mirrors, books, and so on to balance your mix and match. For example, you can place identical bedside lamps on top of both nightstands. thereby, creating uniformity and making for a cohesive room design.

Also, hanging identical mirrors and picture frames at the same distance above the nightstand. For example, 3 to 5 inches will help you maintain symmetry.

Finally, nightstands are a versatile piece in the interior design chessboard.  especially, when you strategically combine accessories with your mix and match. 

4. Mix Different Design Styles

There are design styles that complement each other. For example, mid-century modern and contemporary. In addition, there are different ways you can mix and match styles. One of which is using a different but complementary to your overall design. For example, if your current room design is the French Provincial, you can select Scandinavian nightstands.

Here are a few ways you can do this:

• Using nightstands, each of different styles that complement each other and your room design. This is a common occurrence in rooms where partners have different styles. An excellent example of styles that complement each other are traditional and modern designs for the nightstands in an overall minimalist design. If styled correctly, this setup will give you an eclectic interior design look.

• Keeping color constant with varying styles: This can also form the perfect mix for your design. Most designers do this. If most items in the room are of the same color, there's no need to look for something new. For example, if you have a white room with a white bed, using white nightstands of different styles would make for a calm yet appealing design.

• Using nightstands with different styles but the same material: Another fun way to experiment with this furniture type. For example, modern and contemporary nightstands, both with brown oak finished wood.

5. Experiment with Different Heights and Accessories.

Mix and match nightstands with different heights. But you must be careful not to focus too much on the design that you throw functionality out the window. In other words, experiment with height if they'll be useful to you. For example, a slightly taller set up on one side would greatly complement one that's smaller (in height).

Here are other height ideas:

• For a balanced but sophisticated look, you can use accessories with different heights to complete each setup. The height difference between the accessories could be the same as that between the nightstands. For example, you can use one as a garden stool for a taller plant and the other for books.

• You can strategically use similar accessories on both. For example, a taller lamp on the smaller nightstand and a shorter lamp on the other, in a way that they balance out.

If you're not sure what height combination you should use. Go for a tall nightstand that's 3 inches above your mattress height and one that's 4 inches lower; for the other. For example, if your bed is 24 inches tall, choose nightstands with heights 27” and 20.”

6. Try out Different Materials

For something a bit less official and structured, you can mix and match materials. Here, you can choose to go with the same or different but complementary colors and shapes. If this sounds too boho eclectic for your room design, you need not worry; you can equally mix things up while keeping the flow refined.

A good example of materials you can mix and match for a free-flow design are wood and seagrass. Even with different shapes and colors, they'd seamlessly complement each other. Also, if you have a sleek metal bed, this mix can add great contrast to your room design.

7. Pair Finishes or Materials

Another way you can mix and match nightstands is by pairing the same finishes or the same materials (or both). You can select nightstands with different attributes like shape and size but under the same finishing and/or material. For example, two wooden nightstands would greatly complement each other, even if they are of different sizes or shapes.

Also, using nightstands that share a finish that complements the room design is a perfect combination. Generally, having mismatched furniture items that share a common trait always makes for a great design.

8. Pair the Same Visual Weight

There are different ways you can make nightstands with different styles, and materials, more appealing. one of which is by using pieces of the same height and visual weight. For example, you can have a large enough setup, with shelves and drawers to store handy materials, on the one hand. And, on the other hand, the same sized round-top nightstand to serve as a lampstand.

9. Keep your Bed and Other Available Pieces of Furniture in Mind

Every piece of furniture in your bedroom is important in creating that custom feel you desire. Especially the prominent pieces. For example, your bed or “chest of drawers” are most likely the largest pieces of furniture in your room, and as such, play a vital role in your design.

In that case, you won't want your main components competing visually. Consider all your pre-existing furniture when making choices about what should flank your bed.

Start by trying to complement your largest piece of furniture. For example, If your bed is on the loud side of design, pick out simple nightstands to mix and match. And if the reverse is the case, feel free to experiment with the "loudness" of your nightstand.

10. Experiment with Different Accessories

Do you want the mix-match design, but you already own a matching set? Here's one way you can mix and match similar nightstands: use the different accessories. For example, different table lamps. This way, you get to enjoy the mix-match look with so little commitment.

It's Up to You

No rules are stating that your nightstands or bedside tables should or shouldn't match. However, mixing and matching these items offer design enthusiasts an avenue to imprint their style in a room. But before you head on to picking out new nightstands, you must consider certain keynotes discussed in this article. One of which is your current room design. The last thing you'd want is to include new features that'll disrupt your design.

Therefore, except you're switching entirely to a new design, make nightstand choices based on your current one. For example, for a mid-century modern design, this modern nightstand from Bedroom Emporium would fit in seamlessly.