I’m calling it. The nightstands are done. Until I tweak them. So, really, what I’m saying is that this “done” business doesn’t mean a thing.
His.
Hers.
In general, I think guys tend to like less stuff on their nightstand. And they want the majority of what’s there to be practical. Think alarm clock, good lighting and a few good reads. To add a little life, bring in some greenery, manly animalia and masculine art. I also used a wire {versus woven or fabric} basket on the bottom shelf of HH’s nightstand for an industrial look. One thing I learned during this fun styling project…HH prefers no blatant pictures of kids in the bedroom. Apparently, it can be distracting? {I guess I need to find a new home for this one.} He said he heard about it on Bob & Tom.
sources: swing arm lamp // driftwood frame // tribal print // one drawer nightstand // brass rhino // wood alarm dock
Women, on the other hand, like some pretties on their nightstand. Think fresh flowers, jewelry, photos and shiny objects. I’m a book-in-bed kinda girl so my nightstand holds books galore. I put framed photos on the bottom shelf of my nightstand to keep HH from feeling weird.
sources: swing arm lamp // driftwood frame // modern geo print // one drawer nightstand // Threshold yarn-wrapped gazelle // two-sided picture frame
If you’re looking for a foolproof his & hers nightstand decorating recipe, try keeping the basics {nightstand, lighting, any wall frames, etc.} the same then cater to different gender needs and wants with a mix of tabletop accessories and artwork. You get a balanced but not perfectly matched look. Of course, using non-matching nightstands and lamps is great too! Either way, try creating height next to the bed – either with lamps or wall art – and then fill the space between the higher objects and nightstands with accessories.
I used swing arm wall lamps and non-matching framed prints to create height next to the headboard. I used clipped greenery {from my backyard}, stacks of books and other tabletop accessories to bridge the gap between the higher items and the nightstands.
I have a hard time leaving store bought furniture and accessories alone. I always find something to tweak. Here, I spray painted the nightstand knobs gold. Originally, they were black and lost against the dark wood drawer. The gold knobs are like gold stud earrings. Simple, classic, easy. I also spray painted the two-sided picture frame {99¢!!} gold to dress it up and tie into the other gold objects. It looks like it should cost at least $5 now.
Our new bedroom setup might be detrimental to the blog. After the kids are tucked in for the night, all I want to do is jump in bed and put those swing arm lamps to good use. READING. I’m talking about reading.
Do you have any tips for his & hers nightstand styling?
PS – To all my gay and lesbian friends {no DOMA!}, any feminine men and any masculine women out there, sorry for the stereotypical post. Feel free to read this as Masculine & Feminine Nightstands and apply accordingly.
images: Dana Miller for House*Tweaking
budget decor, DIY, interior design