I was thinking this morning about the many bedside table options one has when scouting for a new piece to rest their lamp and alarm clock. I tend to use the more traditional approach when I decorate — typical bedside tables, or nightstands as some refer to them. You know, four legs, a flat smooth surface, usually a little shelf or drawer (or if you’re lucky - both!). But these days anything goes when it comes to design and you certainly don’t have to feel hemmed in on pieces meant to perform a specific function - you can get a little creative. I’ve seen decorator’s use a tin bucket tipped upside down, a chair or stool, an au natural wood stump, writing desk, a stack of books and even a shelf mounted to the wall (great for a minimalist decor or for small rooms) as a bedside table option. Truth is, you don’t have to stick to the norm, you can do whatever you’d like — it’s your home! Here are some bedside table options that I found interesting from Livingetc magazine — perhaps you will as well! Warning: I’m a feeling a bit cheeky today…

A round side table that you’d usually find in a living room works just fine by the bed. By the way, and I know some of you won’t agree, but I really love that doily-esque cocktail coaster rug.

Out of scale tables you may typically find in an entry way work nicely too.

This one is built into the headboard providing a sleek, modern look with ample storage.

Try a writing desk and a chair, hey why not? And make sure you put a drum pendant in the middle of your bed because bedside lamps are so passé.

For nights when the husband is out of town and you’re feeling lonely, drag over the dress form. I mean, you need someone to watch over you and what is more refreshing than waking up in the middle of the night to a large dark silhouette resembling a headless person? And if you want to know where the side table is, it’s over your head! Now when you lay there you can imagine how one stretch or head bump against the wall could result in that entire shelf landing on top of you. Funny part is, I like this space sans dress form.

Why not try a dog? Just kidding. I’m not really sure what’s going on here. There appears to be some strange layout thing happening or maybe this is the foot of the bed? Yeah, that’s it. Sorry.

If the dog won’t oblige, try a faux-dog pouf thingy as a bedside table option. Just add sunglasses for fun.

While you’re at it, who needs a bedside table when you can dump everything onto the floor and go with the just-moved-in-chic look. Seems to be a hip and cool option. Who cares if you fall on your face trying to shut off the alarm. That’s a great way to wake up.

A wood cube works. I love this look to be quite honest. The palette, the patterns, the texture… I’ve seen this room a million times but it’s still calling me.

Opt for a simple round ottoman.

Or try a larger than life ornamented makeup table. If you’re Betsey Johnson or Donatella Versace you may even own it.

Try a wooden bench. That way, you can get in those ballet stretches before bed. And make sure to stack those books with spine unseen so no one is on to your 80s romance novel collection starring the one and only Fabio… Truth is, I poke fun of this but you know, the bench is actually quite nice and I’d try it for the bedside.

Why not use a ladder? We all know how practical that is. Climbing out of bed just got easier. Plus you can tie everything to it including freshly picked lavender and all those beaded things you wear.

Here’s a simple wicker stool doubling as a night table. This works, I like it.

What are you using for a bedside table? Me… two Lowry tables from Room & Board. I know, after this round up of options I seem very boring to you. Don’t worry, I’ll try to think of something creative when I move. :)

(images: livingetc)