Even if you end up with mismatched nightstands, you can rock them regardless. Whether you're seeking to refresh your space, add a unique twist, or are at the point of picking nightstands and stuck with the question, ‘do nightstands have to match?’ the answer is NO, and this is your cue to go ahead and pick those non matching nightstands that has you hooked. Check out our nightstand collection to find unique nightstands for a stunning bedroom decor.
We have provided an in-depth guide on different types of nightstands and discussed how to decorate a nightstand. Now we are excited to explore inspiring and practical ways to style non-matching nightstands successfully. Truly, it takes a bit of skill to style these uneven pairs in a way that does not look chaotic, so walk with us as we show you how to mix and match nightstands to bring character, personality, and creativity to your bedroom.
Embrace Different Nightstand Heights for a Personalized Space
Let’s be honest, uniformity can be a little boring sometimes. However, varying the height of your mismatched nightstands can further add visual interest and depth. For instance, pairing a taller table with a shorter one, and balancing the look with complementary lamps or decor items to maintain harmony. Different nightstand heights can accommodate different needs on each side of the bed to make a room feel curated and more tailored to your needs.
Use Complementary Colors to Tie the Look Together
Maintaining a similar or same nightstand tone is one way to ensure they look good together, even when they are not twinning. In styling mismatched bedside tables, a nice hack is to combine similar hues or complementary colors to create cohesion that helps to tie the pieces together.
Choose Matching Nightstand Materials for Unity
When non matching nightstands are made from the same or similar materials, like wood, glass, or metal accents, they feel more connected, even if their shapes, sizes, or styles differ. This shared material creates a visual thread that ties the mismatching nightstands together, making it appear intentional rather than random. For example, a square glass and metal nightstand on one side and a round glass and metal nightstand on the other can still look cohesive due to their shared material. It's a simple trick that helps blend contrasting styles while maintaining a balanced, harmonious, and thoughtful look.
Use Different Textures to Add Visual Interest
Introducing varying textures is a powerful way to elevate the look of mismatched side tables and add depth to your bedroom design. When you combine different textures, like the smooth surface of metal, the reflective surface of a mirror, and the organic feel of wood, you create a contrast that draws the eye and adds layers of visual interest. This contrast adds depth, helping each piece stand out while contributing to a cohesive overall style.
Aim For Symmetry with Matching Decorative Accessories for a Harmonious Look
Even with mismatched bedside tables, using similar or identical decorative accessories and arranging them in a symmetrical manner can create a sense of unity that pulls the look together. Items like matching lamps, coordinated picture frames, or similar-sized plants can serve as visual anchors, especially when arranged in symmetry, making the space feel balanced despite the differences in the furniture. To achieve a cohesive look that enhances the visual harmony in your space, use matching or similar decorative accessories on your mismatched bedside tables in a symmetrical arrangement.
Explore Different Nightstand Shapes for Creativity
You can also explore mixing shapes, as different shapes can make mismatched nightstands intriguing. Using different nightstand shapes can be a creative way to add visual interest when styling your bedroom. Try to pair round and square tables, or mix other geometric nightstand designs to bring a dynamic aesthetic into your bedroom.
Pick Non-Matching Nightstands with Shared Design Features
Go for different nightstands with similar features. Pairing mismatched nightstands with common design elements like hardware style or table legs helps to create an interesting visual connection between them. This subtle similarity can help your bedside tables feel intentionally paired, even with their mismatch.
Try Out Vintage Statement Pieces for a Luxury Look
You can never go wrong with using antique or vintage decor in your space as it exudes a quiet, luxurious charm. Pairing antique or vintage pieces as mismatched bedside tables can add character and history to your bedroom decor. Their unique styles and stories provide a personal touch and visual interest.
Focus on Scale and Choose Nightstands of Similar Size
Matching scale is important for visual balance. Ensure your mismatched nightstands share a similar scale to prevent them from looking awkward or out of place. When your nightstands' overall size and visual weight align, they complement each other beautifully. However, tables that are drastically different in size might look disproportionate.
Bring in Coordinated Storage Solutions for Bedroom Organization
Even if you have mismatched nightstands, they can still work well together when they serve a similar purpose. Choosing tables with drawers, shelves, or similar storage features helps to match their function rather than appearance. When non matching nightstands serve a similar purpose, like storage in this case, it helps to tie the look together and keep things practical.
Experiment with Different Nightstand Styles
Have you ever been in a situation where you love two pieces of nightstands, and are not sure which to pick? Who says you have to pick one? If you love different styles, don't shy away from mixing them. Modern tables paired with rustic, traditional nightstands can create a striking and eclectic look. It’s a great way to showcase your personality and make the space more personal and curated.
Add Area Rugs to Bedroom Decor for a Layered Look
A strategically placed area rug under your bed and nightstands can visually unify mismatching nightstands, grounding the space and tying elements together through a common pattern or color. The area rug creates a uniform backdrop that connects both non matching nightstands. This area rug adds warmth, texture, and a cozy layer to the bedroom, setting a foundation for the overall bedroom aesthetic.
Hang Matching Artwork over Nightstands to Bridge the Aesthetic Gap
Hanging matching artwork above or around your mismatched nightstands can act as a powerful visual tool to bring harmony to the space. They serve as a visual anchor, unifying non matching furniture pieces through shared color schemes or themes. By choosing artwork that shares a common color palette, style, or theme, you subtly bridge the aesthetic gap between them.
Stick to a Minimalist Decor Approach
If you are trying mismatched nightstands for the first time and are concerned about their visual impact on your space, avoid over accessorizing and keep your decor simple. Minimalist, clean-lined decor pieces and limited accessories will help mismatched side tables blend effortlessly into your bedroom decor. By minimizing the variety of colors, textures, and shapes in the surrounding decor, your nightstands won’t compete for attention. Instead, they’ll appear as subtle variations within a clean space.
In Conclusion, Trust Your Personal Style
What are the odds that you’ll end up with a mismatched nightstand? Not entirely sure, but the chances are high if you want something different, unique, and outstanding. Fortunately, there are no rules stating that nightstands have to match. Trust your instincts and select mismatched nightstands that resonate with your personal style to create a bedroom that feels genuinely yours.
Using these mix and match nightstands strategies detailed in this blog post, you can confidently and stylishly embrace the beauty and individuality of mismatched furniture in your bedroom decor. If you're working with a small space or looking for the perfect fit, don’t miss our tips on small nightstand ideas to maximize function and style in any room.