...because home doesn't happen overnight.

nightstand 1

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.

nightstand 2

His.

nightstand 3

Hers.

nightstand 4

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.

his nightstand

sources: swing arm lamp // driftwood frame // tribal print // one drawer nightstand // brass rhino // wood alarm dock

nightstand 5

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.

her nightstand

 

sources: swing arm lamp // driftwood frame // modern geo print // one drawer nightstand // Threshold yarn-wrapped gazelle // two-sided picture frame

nightstand 6

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.

nightstand 7

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.

nightstand 8

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

106 Comments

11.July.2013

I <3 this post – especially for the disclaimer at the end.

Also, I really love that styling!

This is definitely my new favorite room of yours! You do a great job!

Do those lamps plug into outlets or did you have to do some type of behind-the-scenes electrical?

11.July.2013

I love your blog, but the disclaimer made me sad. If other people are going to voice their opinions I’m definitely going to voice mine. I really rather read design/home blogs with no political slant. So there’s my 2 cents.

11.July.2013

“It looks like it should cost at least $5 now.” <<<<—– funny!!

11.July.2013

I’m not sure how saying that gay and lesbian people or folks who don’t identify with stereotypical gender norms (maybe a woman prefers a crisper, more masculine look) might be reading as a political slant, to be fair. It’s sad that inclusivity is somehow political these days.

11.July.2013

Thanks for the disclaimer! Inclusivity for the win!

11.July.2013

Also, that isn’t a political slant. It’s a human rights slant :)

11.July.2013

You have such gorgeous style! And I come here for just that. Your disclaimer was unnecessary. I have also felt uncomfortable with some of the sexual references lately – like I have to look behind me and make sure one of my kids isn’t reading over my shoulder!

11.July.2013

Your blog is YOU, humor, style, life, whole kit ‘n caboodle. If anyone is uncomfortable with disclaimers, or afraid of their children reading about inclusive vs exclusive language (how unfortunate that it makes anyone uncomfortable), or heaven forbid cute -though VERY subtle- references in ‘italics’ (!). This is a free country and we should all choose to read what we are comfortable with, on any level. I, for one, love your sense of humor and hope you continue to be yourself. This is one of the first blog comments I’ve ever made, on any blog (design or otherwise). Keep up the great work and honest, funny, real, fresh perspective!

11.July.2013

Cute! I love both sides! And that phone-dock/alarm clock is really cool for only $30-something.

I kihave to say, I agree with HH on this one — I’m not big on baby pictures in my bedroom. And it’s not just for THAT reason. I love my kid like crazy, but the bedroom is my sanctuary from pretty much everything, including her. *cue crippling WASP guilt*

But to each her own. I like your clandestine kid-photo compromise.

11.July.2013

I completely agree with Tasha. You are not a corporation with a board of directors. This is your personal blog with your personal opinions, and I always look forward to reading it. I wouldn’t ask someone to change their blog anymore than I would ask a friend to change for me.

11.July.2013

What gold spray paint do you use? I’ve been having trouble finding the right shade….but yours looks glorious!

11.July.2013

I love your sense of humor! Keep it up…people need to learn to lighten up a bit :) P.S. I love your blog also

11.July.2013

For me it is a moral slant that has become political. Not what I click on here for. For each of us based on our beliefs it is something different. But we could probably agree about headboards or nightstands:)

11.July.2013

Love this post, and your blog, and your disclaimer just made me a lifetime reader. Kudos!!

11.July.2013

I really like your nightstands. Mine are so blah right now – I’m feeling inspired!

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.

I really don’t see how your post is stereotypical or why you felt the need to apologize. It ruined the whole post for me. I’m not even thinking about nightstands anymore, I’m not thinking about how stupid the last part of the post was.

11.July.2013

I adore your style and devour your blog. Your disclaimer was lovely in its thoughtfulness and makes me wish we were personal friends. Cheers to being inclusive!

11.July.2013

Long time reader, first time commenter!

I’ve been looking forward to this nightstand post and you didn’t disappoint! I absolutely love them. I look to you as a role model (I’m 21) for raising a family and having an amazing home. Basically I hope I’m as awesome and inspiring as you ~when~ I grow up ;) Your disclaimer set that in concrete.

11.July.2013

What did all those humorless hags do before they could make denigrating judgements on blogs? Get a life and leave the fun for the rest of us!
M

11.July.2013

I agree with Tasha. I read because I like your style (tho I don’t share it, but I like reading how you come to things and make decisions), but mostly I read because you are funny and fun and seem like someone I’d hang out with in real life. Thank you for being real and authentic.

11.July.2013

Love the touches of gold and the prints look awesome! This has created a bit of bedside envy around here, off to remove the dental pick, 58 hair ties and replace the burnt out bulb at mine!

11.July.2013

Love your blog!!!! Just chiming in to say I appreciate your I inclusive PS! Spreading love and acceptance is never a bad thing! Can’t say the same about spreading fear and judgement. Keep it up!

11.July.2013

Loving the way you styled your night stands! I’m working on getting our bedroom decorated, so these tips are perfect!

11.July.2013

Love how you made the most of the small wall space under the sconces with the framed prints!

I have a couple of those 99 cent frames. Now I am going to have to paint mine, too!

11.July.2013

Love the nightstands… and your style! Thanks for putting yourself out there on the internet day after day, I really enjoy reading!

11.July.2013

No political slant intended. In my real life, I have family members and friends who are gay and they read this blog. In writing this post, I wanted to make it clear that they and any women who prefer a masculine aesthetic and any men who prefer a feminine aesthetic – no matter their sexual preference – could implement these ideas too. That’s all. Somehow by trying not to offend people I did offend people. I guess I can’t please everyone.

11.July.2013

Who knew the BIG controversy would be kid photos in the bedroom or not?! Haha. I never thought of it that way – as keeping the kiddos’ faces out to keep it a sanctuary but it makes total sense!

11.July.2013

It’s Rustoleum Universal in metallic pure gold.

11.July.2013

In my real life, I have family members and friends who are gay and they read this blog. In writing this post, I wanted to make it clear that they and any women who prefer a masculine aesthetic and any men who prefer a feminine aesthetic – no matter their sexual preference – could implement these ideas too. That’s all. Somehow by trying not to offend people I did offend people. I guess I can’t please everyone.

11.July.2013

My blog is like a real friendship. I open up over time and eventually my immature humor comes out! Glad you enjoy it ;)

11.July.2013

We have the same nightstands, but different knobs. I thought that would be a good way to personalize the nightstands, but stick to a common theme.

11.July.2013

That’s a lot better than what I had going on before I forced myself to deal with our nightstands!

11.July.2013

Crap. Then you might be disappointed to know that I haven’t really grown up. I still have the sense of humor of a teenaged boy.

11.July.2013

The entire room is beautiful! I may have missed this somewhere, but I would love to know where your bedding is from.

11.July.2013

Hello Miss Dana
Love your blog. I wish we were real life friends!

11.July.2013

I love your blog and also agree with those who said they appreciate your inclusivity. I thought from the beginning of this post how nice it was that you were taking your husband’s taste into account to style his nightstand to fit his likes and personality, basically including him in the makeover of the bedroom as well. After reading your disclaimer, I am even more sure of your good heart and inclusivity. Thank you for sharing your awesome style and blog with us. I will continue to read and can’t wait to see what you come up with next! Not to sound repetitive, but I, too, feel like I wish we were friends. You seem like an fantastic person. Keep it up!!

11.July.2013

Awesome setup and I must have that alarm clock!

11.July.2013

Love love love your blog.

The basket under your side table- where is it from?

11.July.2013

How many times can I love this?! I can’t even begin to tell you how this may be my fave thing you’ve done yet. Totally, completely,wholeheartedly love.

11.July.2013

Love these!!! I am working on my bedroom/nightstand/lighting/etc as well, and yours is so inspiring! Great job!

12.July.2013

Thank you for sharing all the wonderful things you used to stylized these nightstands. When I showed my husband the alarm clock dock, he LOVED it. I think I will buy it now and stock it away for Christmas! What a great idea and it is beautiful in your space.

On a completely different note regarding some of the comments here, I am sorry people were offended. I’m sure you know by now that a blog will attract all sorts of people and you can’t please them all. Please shrug it off (if you haven’t already done so!) and don’t mind them. What you wrote was your choice and sensitivities toward YOUR friends and family. People who won’t want to be your friends or who only saw the “negative” part of that post, can stay negative or leave. All I read was positive and great ideas.

12.July.2013

Your husband is right about the photos. It is bad feng shui to have photos of people in your bedroom. We don’t have any either! I really like your nightstands.
Jule

12.July.2013

Your disclaimer made me love you even more. Thank you xx

12.July.2013

Great post, Dana! I agree with the other supportive comments about the disclaimer — yay for being inclusive and sensitive! It matters.

Summer

I’m loving your bedroom, Dana and the styling of your nightstands. My husband would be happy with just a clock and a lamp on his nightstand. I especially love how you reacted to the comments. :-) Keepin’ it classy!

12.July.2013

I am going to copy the crap out of this post in my own home. =) Granted, I favor the more masculine aspects of this post, it is all great information on how to bring to different looks together. Great job as always… No matter what personal touches (disclaimer, slight sexual references, ect.(which I love BTW)) you choose to include, I always get excited when I see that you have a new post.

12.July.2013

I just want to chime in that I too appreciate your inclusiveness and thoughtfulness. I’m sorry that you are too sophisticated for some of your readers.

12.July.2013

I’m curious. Why is the last part of the post “stupid”? Because you disagree with it?

12.July.2013

I love that your personality shines through in your posts! I like reading about your projects and seeing your evolving style, of course, but it’s the conversational tone and glimpses into your life that really hooked me. Dana “House*Tweaking” Miller, keepin’ it real!

I love that you have an open mind (even if it’s only over nightstands!) and not being afraid to say so. There’s so much gender stereotyping in this world, thank you for acknowledging it.

Whoops “aren’t afraid to say so”. I should learn how to proofread…

12.July.2013

Love this! I didnt realize how sad our nightstands were until now! Just ordered the alarm clock for the hubby…so cool! Found it on amazon for about $10 less and free shipping…for anyone else looking to get one, too.

12.July.2013

(and my hubs feels the same way about kid pics in the bedroom)

12.July.2013

I’ve got a serious case of the giggles now… so people are seriously offended by your disclaimer? Do they really think that gays are not interested in design? LOLLLLLLL

I enjoy reading your blog, and your honest humor keeps me coming back!

12.July.2013

I agree with Britt! And I have to say that your disclaimer at the bottom made me like you even more than I already did (because, obviously, in my head we’re bffs). A blog is about who you are, what you care about, and who/what you love. Thanks for being the real you!

12.July.2013

Thanks for being you and taking the lumps for it with the innuendo and the disclaimer. I appreciate it when people are fearlessly authentic daring us to accept them for who they really are – much like the gay and lesbian community has done the last two decades.

12.July.2013

The disclaimer kind of ruined the post for me too. It sounds like you are apologizing for being who you are (a straight female who appreciates a feminine nightstand?) and it seems way off topic (DOMA?, REALLY?). If you did a post about petite fashion or styling straight hair, etc. would there be a disclaimer for those with larger frames or curly hair? just seemed like overkill.

12.July.2013

hahahaha! THIS! :)

Love the post, people need to chill. Inclusive talk rules!

12.July.2013

It’s because she included the generalizations that all men prefer practicality and a more no-nonsense nightstand, while all women enjoy senseless, shiny pretties over practicality. Since that’s definitely not true for everyone, her PS was certainly on topic. If she did a post about how all real women look best with long billowy straight blonde hair or come in a size two or SAHM or how a women couldn’t be happier than bringing her man a sandwich, yes, I’d expect a disclaimer would be appropriate there as well. Either way, her initial wording goes beyond potentially offending the LGBT community. I’m a straight women and enjoy practicality over pretties and was slightly offended by the initial phrases. It says I’m somehow lacking as a women because of my preference, and that’s just not true. I’m happy for Dana to be who she is on here, but I’m happy she also thought to remember that we aren’t all the same and included those thoughts at the end.

12.July.2013

Beautiful styling, as always. Can’t believe this became such a controversial post! While I think only someone looking to be offended would read malice into a his/her post, when I read the disclaimer I smiled & thought it was nice you were being inclusive. I’ve seen similar apologies in other design blogs for calling things “girly” etc. Honestly, I don’t think it’s a big deal to stop and examine our language and assumptions sometimes.

But really, I’m posting because I love the wire basket on HH’s side. Source?

Beautiful job, Dana!

12.July.2013

As much as i can appreciate your disclaimer and inclusivity, as others have named it, I think one issue here is that you have confused sexual orientation with gender and gender stereotypes- 2 different things. Many folks confuse this and again, as much as I appreciate your effort to make public your political and social values, just be clear not confuse them! It might make people question how much you really understand and about this issue- gender and sexuality are not one in the same. In fact they are all both very fluid and not as much of a dichotomy as you have named. Just be sure to educate yourself on these issues before posting, especially because of your public status.

12.July.2013

Hi! First things first; Love your blog!!

I wanted to share my 2cents, only because I haven’t seen anyone else bring it up. I do want to say I wholeheartedly agree that it is YOUR blog and you CAN say whatever you want.

There is the perspective that by posting the disclaimer you did, you were actually being exclusionary first. Your disclaimer inherently implies that people of gay and lesbian persuasion are indeed fundamentally excluded by a post about the bedroom of a heterosexual couple. Your world consists of being heterosexual. No worries. Just because you posted about you and your husbands nightstands did not make this post any more potentially exclusionary than any other post you have done about your household/ life. If you feel like you need to explicitly welcome LGBT readers, you ought to just put it in your header.

My point is, nothing about you or your blog is exclusionary.

If I happened upon a blog written by a gay man (which has absolutely never happened…<–sarcasm) that highlighted his and his partners nightstands, I wouldn't expect him to write a disclaimer stating that I as a heterosexual woman could still go ahead and be inspired by his design.

I totally get where you were coming from, and it's a loving and kind space. You can trust that those qualities are apparent in every post you write :-) You, just by being you, ARE inclusionary.

12.July.2013

THIS :-) Terrific point.

12.July.2013

Kroger!…of all places. But it was a few years ago. I got a bundle of different sized wire baskets for cheap. I found the one on HH’s nightstand up in the attic when I purged and organized a few weeks ago. I love shopping my attic!

12.July.2013

Thanks for sharing a cheaper source, Liz!

12.July.2013

HH’s nightstand? I found the wire basket in my attic {one of the benefits of cleaning out your attic…you find stuff you can use!} but I think it was originally from Kroger.

12.July.2013
13.July.2013

I agree. When I first read the disclaimer, I thought it was mocking LGBTs, and wondered why. Did anyone else get this impression? At least all of the discussion has helped clarify the intention.

I must admit that I can’t see much difference at all in the styling of the two nightstands. I know I prefer more space on mine to hold items overnight — like a watch, a water glass, and (since I’m older) prescription meds. I remember the guys at work complaining that, as soon as a flat surface was exposed in their homes, their wives would fill it up with tschotkes.

13.July.2013

I found this one at World Market (the large one): http://www.worldmarket.com/product/charlotte-lined-wire-baskets.do?&from=Search ,

but the sides are not quite as vertical as the one under HH’s nightstand. You can remove the linen liner and do something similar!

13.July.2013

Karen, I thought this was a great response. I love the example about the gay man’s blog and his nightstand and how we doesn’t write a disclaimer for all straight people reading.

I feel like as a society we are so focused on being politically correct and tolerant that we are constantly issuing apologies for who we are. If people are offended about HT blog (and I can’t ever see that happening, love it to death), then they simply move to a different one. I am a heterosexual female that reads gay and lesbian style blogs, and I am never offended if they don’t apologize for their style because it might not apply to me as a non-lesbian female.

If I am reading something it is because I like their style and what they are doing. I don’t give a rats behind about their sexual orientation (even if I don’t agree with it) and views. That’s not what I am there for.

Anyway, all that to say I love it when people are who they are and don’t care what others think. No apologies needed.

14.July.2013

I love the nightstands,an for that matter i love your whole bedroom. i feel the same way about not having the pics in the bedroom. I also wanna say i am a lesbian, wow ive never felt i had to say that on a comment before, an i love both sides of the nightstands!!! Dana you rock, jus keep on posting an disclaiming whatever you want to!! I hope all these negative comments have not bothered you too much, bc girl you are kickass!!

14.July.2013

unfortunately this is not your blog, and it’s not about your life.

14.July.2013

:) exactly what i was thinking…

15.July.2013

Your comment made my day. Thank you.

15.July.2013

Dana – I’m a long time reader. Love the blog. Love the post. Dr. Seuss had the right of it: “Those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” Please keep up the good work – and by that I mean being you!

15.July.2013

I love this look. What color paint?

15.July.2013

Benjamin Moore half moon crest. It’s a chameleon-like color that changes from gray-blue to warm-gray in different lighting. I love it!

15.July.2013

love the nightstands and will be implementing these ideas because mine have been bare for far too long…

I usually don’t comment on blogs, just lurk and “pin” but since this was such a “controversial” post I had to…

I can’t believe you had the nerve to go and be INCLUSIVE! what a crazy idea??? and to give a sexual reference, which wasn’t gross or distasteful in any way, in a post about the very room where adults go to do you- know-what, well, that’s just down right irresponsible!

seriously though, if people think this post is controversial they need to get out more! I love your blog and your sense of humor!

15.July.2013

Such a great quote! Thanks for sharing :)

15.July.2013

Love the lamps, love the art, love the gold spray paint (if it’s wrong I don’t wanna be right), love the styling, love the LOVE, girl! Keep on being you! xo

17.July.2013

I read design and DIY blogs daily (including HT, of course!) and almost never post, but I wanted to chime in and say that I really appreciated your disclaimer. I think we should all be more thoughtful about inclusivity (for all!) in general, and it’s incredibly sad to me that someone would view that effort as “political.”

IMO design blogs (especially the “big” ones) can tend to be a bit too impersonal, in an effort to keep out anything that might offend someone — and you lose the sense of who the blogger is as a person.

I hope you’re not dissuaded from continuing to be yourself and to be inclusive. :)

21.July.2013

Isn’t that the truth: you can’t please everyone, so just aim at pleasing yourself! I wanted to thank you for the disclaimer at the end of the post. It made me happy, it made me smile, and I shared it with my partner because I enjoyed it so much!!!

21.July.2013

Annie- I think you meant to say “FORTUNATELY this is not your blog.”

25.July.2013

Hi, I just bought one of these nightstands from overstock, and we love it! But the knob on ours is black (or very very dark wood?). Did you paint your knobs or use ones that didn’t come with the piece?

Thanks so much!

25.July.2013

Yes! I spray painted the knobs.

02.October.2013

i love this post! i came across it on pinterest yesterday and am now hooked on your blog! i just ordered the alarm clock and will soon order the lamp. where did you get the jute rug? i love it and am trying to find a more reasonable priced one than west elm’s. thanks!

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10.March.2014

Where did you get the fabulous bedding? I am in LOVE with it!!!!

11.March.2014

The striped duvet is DwellStudio’s draper stripe in ash. Mine came from Wayfair but you can google around for it.

05.July.2014

I need this bedding in my life! Where is it from? Xx

06.July.2014

It’s DwellStudio.

23.July.2014

I adore your headboard, where is it from? thanks!

24.July.2014

West Elm!

30.July.2014

[…] *https://www.housetweaking.com/2013/07/11/his-hers-nightstands/ […]

[…] Top Left: Home Trends Decor , Top Right: Houzz, Bottom Left: The Lakeside Collection, Bottom Right: House*Tweaking […]

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12.December.2014

Hi! is it this one in linen weave?

http://www.westelm.com/products/nailhead-upholstered-headboard-f821/?pkey=cbeds-headboards%7C4294963735&group=1&sku=665125&cm_src=beds-headboards||FN-Color-_-FN-Gray-_–_-

thanks! finding a good one is so hard online!

12.December.2014

Yep! In the brushed heather cotton, gray haze.

08.February.2015

I love those night stands. I have a similar headboard and have a white dresser and armor. Would the night stands still go with that furniture since their al white. I can’t decide if it will look to mismatched.

08.February.2015

Go for it! Mix-n-match is a good thing.

[…] Images via: At Home in Love, The Shabby Creek Cottage, House Tweaking […]

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22.June.2016

I know it’s a long shot to even get a response, since this post is so old…but that bedspread is EXACTLY what I’m looking for! Any chance you remember where it is from!?

23.June.2016

It’s the Draper Stripe duvet from Dwell Studio. And…if you pay for shipping, it’s yours. Seriously. There are a few teeny bleach stains (from adult acne medication, ugh) on the back of one of the pillow cases (I always slept on the reverse side since I knew my overnight face cream might stain it) but other than that it’s in good shape. If you’re interested, email me directly. housetweaking@gmail.com