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It's not always easy furnishing a new space. If you're downsizing on space, not all of your furniture may fit, and if you've moved across the country, chances are some of the furniture didn't come along for the ride. But don't be so quick to hit the nearest Ikea.
If a change of location has left you short a bedside table (or two), there are plenty of items you probably already own that can be upcycled into a bedside table alternative.
1. A wood chair is a perfect bedside table. Can't see it? Think back to Sex and the City: Carrie had a black-painted wooden chair as a perch for her phone and books. If you want to paint the chair, just be sure to use a low- or no-VOC paint, and ask friends if they have any leftover paints they want to get off their hands before you rush out to the paint store.
2. Are you a magazine junkie? Grab a bunch of back issues and two men's belts. Lay the belts on the ground about six inches apart with the backsides of the belts facing up. Stack the magazines on the belts (neatly!) and then loop then secure the belts to keep everything in place.
3. Vintage suitcases make an excellent table anywhere in the home, but they can really add some period charm to a bedroom. Be sure to stack the suitcases neatly so it looks effortlessly intentional.
4. If you have a couple of milk crates and some extra fabric floating around, you have a bedside table. Simply stack the crates and drape the fabric over top, tucking the excess fabric underneath the crates.
5. If you're looking for a floating unit to maximize floor space in a small room, consider using an old wooden drawer or a vintage wooden crate. Both can be easily affixed to the wall with a couple of L-brackets, and they won't take up much space.
6. If you have a very narrow space to work with, consider a large straw tote and a wall-mounted lamp. You can neatly store books and other small items in the tote and lighting will still be accessible.
7. An artfully stacked collection of decorative boxes can serve a dual purpose as a bedside table and a display for your collection. Be judicious about choosing the right colors for the space and keeping things simple.
8. If you have a contemporary or rustic space, consider a single cut of a tree trunk as a simple bedside table. If you're using wood from a tree that was recently cut down, be sure to let it dry indoors for several months before use, and look into natural treatment options. To preserve the wood, apply linseed oil or consider whitewashing it using a half acrylic paint, half water solution. 9. If you're suffering from book overload, don't be so give books away. Make two or three stacks of books beside your bed, making sure the books in each stack are roughly the same size. For a deliberate look, pile each stack to a different height, placing your lamp on one stack, alarm cock on another and a candlestick or other decorative item on the third. 10. A small stool is a great option for a bedside table, particularly if your bed is lower to the ground. While I was at school, my bedside table was a tripod stool with a tooled leather seat I picked up at a garage sale for $2, and it was great?just the right size to hold my alarm clock and a few small items. Cara Smusiak writes on behalf of Naturally Savvy.com about how to live a more natural, organic and green lifestyle.
