Colorful Ideas for Updating Basic Nightstands
Are you tired of your boring old nightstand? Or have you found a basic bedside table that could use a little personalization? Lucky for you, we've got some great ideas from paint to distressing to gilding and more!

By:
Keri Sanders
Related To:
Midcentury Masterpiece
Though originally an end table, this midcentury modern beauty just needed a simple coat of paint in a trendy color to add a little ‘50s charm to a modern-day bedroom.
Gilded Beauty
Glass knobs and several sheets of gold leaf were used to create this glamorous bedside table. Learn to make your own gilded nightstand here.
A Pet's Paradise
This adorable design by Brian Patrick Flynn started with an old dresser. He simply cut out the bottom drawers, added beadboard, painted it blue, and added a comfy cushion. Voila!
Designer Inspired
This trendy mint nightstand was inspired by a more expensive version in stores. Meagan from Craft Habit decided to make her own version by painting an old nightstand and attaching Cain webbing in the inset.
Modern Neutrals
A fresh two-toned paint job and some brand-new hardware turned a traditional nightstand with no style into a sophisticated table in subdued hues. See the whole process here.
Milk Paint to the Rescue
If you have a basic nightstand that could use a bit of character, consider adding milk paint and just a few easy details to give it a charming French-antique style. Follow the simple directions for this shabby chic nightstand here.
A Pop of Pink
Three coats of coral paint, a little distressing, and hardware rubbed with oil-rubbed bronze took this traditional wooden nightstand from basic to brilliant. Get the full directions here.
A Sophisticated Take
Appliques were added to this chic nightstand’s drawer fronts, and the entire thing was painted in black lacquer paint. Mother-of-pearl knobs were added as the finishing touch to complete the lavish look.
Distressed in White
A coat of white paint and some basic distressing gave this solid-wood nightstand new life as an adorable cottage-style table. See the step-by-step guide here.
Fabric for the Win
If your nightstand has seen better days, and a simple paint job just won’t do it, consider adding a table skirt in your favorite pattern. Cover it with a piece of glass, and it’s like a brand new table!
Turquoise Takes Over
A turquoise paint job and new acrylic handles transformed a traditional nightstand into a fun furniture piece with a lot of color! See the complete story here.
