How to Style a Metal Bedside Table for an Industrial Chic Look

Before you get to the fun part of adding decorations, you need the right metal bedside table. Not every metal table will fit the industrial chic look you’re going for. Think about the material it’s made from, how it’s finished, its size, and any extra features it has.

Types of Metal and Their Finishes

The type of metal and its finish can make a huge difference in how your bedside table looks and feels, and how well it fits the industrial style.

• Steel: This is a very common metal used in furniture that looks industrial. It’s known for being strong and lasting a long time. Steel tables come with different finishes:
  • Raw Steel: This finish looks unfinished, and might even have slight marks or a bit of surface rust. It gives the most real, tough industrial feel. Sometimes, it needs a special coating to stop it from actually rusting over time.
  • Powder-Coated Steel: With this finish, colored powder is put onto the steel and then heated. This creates a tough, even surface that’s more durable. Black, gray, and dark colors are popular for an industrial look. This finish holds up better against scratches and rust than raw steel.
  • Brushed Steel: This has a dull, non-shiny look with fine lines you can see. It gives the metal a slightly textured feel. This finish doesn’t show fingerprints as much as shiny metal.
  • Gunmetal: This is a dark gray finish that often has a little bit of a shine. It looks strong and sophisticated, fitting in well with the industrial theme.
• Iron: This metal is usually heavier and feels more solid than steel. Wrought iron can be shaped into designs (though usually simple ones for this style). Cast iron is often used for legs or bases, giving a piece a heavy, grounded feel. Iron can have finishes similar to steel, or it might be left with a natural look, sometimes with intentional rust marks to make it look older.
• Aluminum: This metal is lighter than steel or iron. It’s not as common for furniture that’s trying to look strictly industrial, which often feels heavier and more solid. However, aluminum is used, especially in modern takes on the style. Finishes are usually powder-coated or brushed.
• Other Metals: You might sometimes find pieces with small parts made of brass or copper. These often have an aged or tarnished look. These warmer metals add a touch of richness and character, fitting the “chic” side of the style.

When you’re choosing a table, think about the finish. A finish that looks distressed or aged adds to that real, worn-in feel that’s part of industrial design. This can be done by making the metal look intentionally rusted, chipped, or by giving it a patina, which is a surface discoloration that comes with age. A smooth, matte finish gives a cleaner, more modern industrial look.

Size and Scale Considerations

How big your bedside table is matters for both how it works and how it looks. It should feel right next to your bed and fit the size of your room.

• Height: A good tip is to aim for the top of your bedside table to be about the same height as the top of your mattress. This makes it easy to reach things like your lamp or phone, and it creates a balanced look visually.
• Width and Depth: Think about how much space you have next to your bed and what you plan to keep on or in the table. A larger bedroom can handle a wider table. If your room is small, a narrower table might be better, or maybe a taller, slim one. Make sure the top surface is big enough for a lamp, a few books, and anything else you need regularly, but not so big that it looks empty or so small that it looks crowded.

Avoid picking a tiny table if your bed is large and stands out; the table will look lost. On the other hand, a huge table can make a small bed or room feel overwhelmed. Look for a table that feels solid and well-built, showing that industrial focus on strength and durability.

Functionality and Storage Features

Even though you want your bedside table to look great, it also needs to be useful. Think about what you need to keep handy while you’re in bed.

• Open Shelves: These are good for showing off items and keeping things easy to grab. But they also mean you need to keep things neat and tidy since everything is visible.
• Drawers: Drawers let you hide things away, which is great for reducing visual clutter. This can help balance the sometimes busy look of industrial materials. They’re perfect for storing personal items, books you’re currently reading, or charging cables.
• Combination: Many industrial bedside tables have a mix of open shelves and one or two drawers. This gives you both space to display things and places to stash stuff out of sight.
• Other Features: Some tables might have wheels, giving them a look like old factory carts. Others might have wire mesh panels or cool hardware like metal bin pulls or industrial-style handles. These details can really boost the industrial feel.

Think about your daily habits. If you like to have a lot of things near you at night, a table with more storage options will be better. If you prefer a very clean, minimalist look, a simpler table with just a shelf might be all you need.

The top surface of your metal bedside table is like a blank page waiting for you to add your style. How you handle this surface before you even put anything on it can really set the mood for your styling.

Working with the Metal Surface

The metal itself is a key feature of the industrial look. You can either embrace its natural state or add something on top to soften it or create a contrast.

• Embracing Raw Metal: If your table has a raw, unfinished, or metal top that looks aged, let it show! The small marks, variations in color, or even a bit of intentional rust are part of what makes it special. Just keep it clean. Try not to cover up too much of the surface.
• Adding a Layer: You might want to add something on top. This could be to protect a finish that could scratch easily, add a different texture, or make the look a little softer.
  • Wood or Concrete Tray: A small tray made from reclaimed wood or concrete is a great idea. It brings in another industrial material and gives you a clear spot to group smaller items.
  • Felt or Leather Mat: A simple mat can protect the metal from scratches. It also adds a nice texture contrast. A felt mat feels softer, while a mat made of aged or distressed leather fits right in with the rugged feel.
  • Glass Top: Some industrial tables already come with a glass top. This is useful because it protects the metal underneath but still lets you see its cool finish.

Think about how the surface will work with the things you plan to put on it. A very smooth metal top might mean things slide around easily. A surface with more texture could help keep items in place.

Styling an industrial chic bedside table is all about adding different things layer by layer. You want to create a collection of items that look interesting together, are useful, and fit the overall style.

The Importance of Lighting

Lighting is a really big deal in industrial design. Your bedside lamp is a key piece that provides light for reading and also helps show off the style.

• Industrial Lamp Styles: When picking a lamp, look for ones that have metal shades (like classic dome or factory styles), bulbs that you can see (especially those vintage-looking Edison bulbs with the curly bits inside), designs that look like cages, or arms that you can move and adjust, like old drafting lamps.
  • Task Lamps: Lamps with arms you can bend and adjust the head are very practical and fit that workshop kind of feeling.
  • Cage Lamps: These lamps show the bulb and often have a metal cage around it, a clear nod to lights used in industrial places.
  • Metal Dome/Factory Lamps: Simple metal shades, usually in black, gray, or aged brass, direct the light downwards and give an authentic industrial look.
• Bulbs: Edison bulbs are almost a must-have for this style. Their warm, yellowish light and visible filaments add a vintage, useful look. You can also use regular LED bulbs, but try to find ones that give off a warm white light (around 2700K). This avoids a light that’s too bright or cold, which wouldn’t fit the cozy-chic vibe.
• Placement: Your lamp should be easy to reach if you like to read in bed. Its size should be right for the table – not so big that it takes over everything, but big enough that it feels solid and part of the industrial style.

Think about using smart light bulbs. You can control them with your phone to change the brightness and color, adding a modern touch to the vintage style.

Adding Greenery: Plants and Industrial Spaces

Plants are a fantastic way to bring life, color, and a touch of softness into an industrial space, which can sometimes feel a bit hard with all the metal and raw materials. They create a nice, natural contrast.

• Choosing the Right Plants: Look for plants that either match the industrial look or are easy to care for and have interesting shapes.
  • Architectural Plants: Plants like snake plants, ZZ plants, or succulents have strong, defined shapes that look great against the straight lines of industrial furniture.
  • Trailing Plants: Plants like Pothos or Philodendrons hang down gently. They can soften the look of the table edges and add a touch of nature that drapes nicely.
  • Cacti: These thorny plants fit the tough, resilient feel of industrial design. They’re also very low-maintenance.
• Planters: The pot you put the plant in is just as important as the plant itself for the overall look.
  • Concrete Planters: These directly use a material common in industrial spaces. They come in various shades of gray.
  • Metal Planters: Look for pots made of galvanized metal (like a metal bucket), distressed metal, or simple black or gray metal. These fit the industrial theme directly.
  • Terracotta Pots: While they are traditional, terracotta pots have a raw, earthy look that can work with industrial decor, especially if they look a bit aged or worn.
  • Simple Ceramic Pots: Choose pots in plain colors like gray, black, or white. You could also use pots in deep, muted colors that go with your industrial color scheme.
• Placement: Even one carefully chosen plant can make a big impact. You can put it on the top surface of the table or on a lower shelf if your table has one. Consider the size of the plant and where it looks best.

Plants are really important because they add a natural, living element. This stops the space from feeling too cold or sterile, which can sometimes happen with a lot of metal.

Curating Books and Reading Material

Books are something you’d naturally find on a bedside table. They can also add to the industrial chic look by bringing in color, texture, and making the space feel more personal and lived-in.

• Choosing Books:
  • Vintage or Antique Books: Books that look old with worn covers and aged pages add history and texture. Look for ones with spines that have interesting colors or designs.
  • Books on Industrial Design, Architecture, or Photography: Books about topics related to the style you’re creating can look great displayed.
  • Books with Interesting Covers/Spines: Even newer books can work if their covers or spines fit your color scheme or have a simple, bold design.
• Arrangement:
  • Stacked: Piling up a few books neatly is a classic and easy look. You can put a small decorative object on top of the stack.
  • Leaned: You can lean one or two books against your lamp or another item on the table.
  • On Shelves: If your table has shelves, arrange books standing upright like you would on a bookshelf, or lay some flat in small stacks.
• Adding Accessories: If you have a lot of books, consider using bookends. Bookends made of metal or concrete would fit the style. Even a simple bookmark with a leather or metal detail can add a subtle touch.

Books add a personal touch and help break up the straight, sometimes sharp lines of a metal table.

Decorative Objects and Accessories

This is where you can really show your personality and add the “chic” part to your industrial look. Choose items that fit the industrial theme but don’t make the table look messy or cluttered.

• Materials: Stick to materials that go with the industrial look. This includes metal (like aged brass, copper, iron, or steel), concrete, wood, glass, and ceramic.
• Types of Objects:
  • Vintage or Industrial Salvage Items: Things that look like they came from an old factory or workshop. This could be old gears (cleaned up and placed nicely), small tools, metal numbers or letters, small metal boxes, or even vintage cameras.
  • Candles or Diffusers: Choose candles or diffusers in simple containers made of glass, concrete, or metal. Even the scent you choose can add to the feeling of the space.
  • Small Sculptures or Figurines: Look for pieces made from metal, concrete, or wood. Often, abstract or geometric shapes work well with the industrial style.
  • Trinket Dishes or Boxes: Use these to keep small things like jewelry, coins, or keys tidy. Choose dishes or boxes made from materials like metal, concrete, or wood.
  • A Small Clock: An old-fashioned alarm clock, especially one with a metal case, can look perfect on an industrial bedside table.
  • Framed Photos or Artwork: Choose simple metal frames (black, gray, or metal that looks old) or frames made from distressed wood. Black and white photos, pictures of urban scenes, industrial buildings, or abstract art can fit the look.
• Arrangement: Try grouping objects in odd numbers, like three or five, as this often looks more interesting to the eye. Mix up the heights and textures of the things you display. Make sure to leave some empty space on the tabletop. This helps prevent the table from looking cluttered and lets the objects you’ve chosen stand out.

Every item you place on the table should feel like it has a purpose or adds something special to the look. It should help tell the story of the industrial chic style you’re creating.

Incorporating Texture and Color

While the material of your metal table gives you a base texture, adding other textures and choosing colors carefully is essential. This creates a space that feels rich, interesting, and inviting, not just a collection of hard, cold materials.

Layering Textures

Industrial style relies heavily on putting different textures together. This adds depth and makes the space visually interesting. Your metal table is a hard surface, either smooth or rough. You need to balance this out.

• Soft Textures:
  • Bedding: Choose bed sheets and covers made from materials like linen, cotton, or even drape a chunky knitted throw over the corner of your bed. These materials add softness and make the space feel comfortable.
  • Rugs: A rug placed next to your bed can make the space feel warmer and softer under your feet. Look for rugs made from woven natural materials, a wool rug with a short pile, or even a rug that looks intentionally aged or worn, like concrete or metal.
  • Pillows: Add some decorative pillows in materials like tough canvas, rough burlap, smooth leather, or even a textured velvet. Velvet might seem unexpected, but a dark, muted velvet can add a touch of luxury and softness that contrasts nicely with the hard metal.
• Rough/Natural Textures:
  • Wood: Bring in wood elements through things like picture frames, a wooden tray on the table, or even the legs of your bed or other nearby furniture. Wood that looks reclaimed or distressed works best because it has a story and imperfections.
  • Concrete: Small items made of concrete, like coasters, a planter, or a decorative dish, repeat the industrial material theme in a subtle way.
  • Brick or Stone: If you’re lucky enough to have exposed brick or stone walls in your bedroom, your metal table will naturally look great with them. If you don’t, you could think about using wallpaper that looks like brick on one wall behind your bed to get a similar effect.
• Smooth Textures: Using glass (in a lamp or picture frame) or metal that’s been polished (used sparingly) can add a touch of sleekness. This smooth finish provides a contrast to the rougher materials in the room.

Putting hard and soft, smooth and rough textures together is what makes industrial chic feel alive and interesting. It’s the mix that makes it work.

Choosing an Industrial Chic Color Palette

The basic colors for industrial style are neutral, but you can add colors to make the space feel deeper and show more of your personality.

• Base Colors:
  • Grays: Gray is a must-have, from light shades to dark charcoal. It looks fantastic with metal.
  • Black: Used for furniture frames, light fixtures, or small items, black adds definition and makes shapes stand out.
  • Whites and Off-Whites: These colors add brightness and create a contrast, stopping the room from feeling too dark or heavy.
  • Browns: You’ll see browns in the color of wood (from light to dark) and in materials like leather.
• Metallic Tones: The metal of your table gives you metallic colors. You can add more through your accessories:
  • Steel/Iron: These are your main metal colors.
  • Aged Brass or Copper: These metals have warmer tones. They can add a feeling of richness and look slightly vintage. Use them in lamps, small decorative items, or picture frames.
• Accent Colors: Use these colors carefully to add visual interest without making the space too busy.
  • Deep Blues (Navy, Teal): These colors go well with the neutral grays and blacks.
  • Greens (Forest Green, Olive): These connect to the use of plants and add an earthy, natural feel.
  • Burnt Orange or Rust: These are warm, earthy colors that can match any rust details on distressed metal.
  • Mustard Yellow: This is a bolder color choice, but a small amount can add a cheerful, vibrant pop against the more muted background colors.

When you’re styling your bedside table, make sure the colors of your accessories fit within this main color palette. If you use accent colors, check that they look good with the overall color scheme of your bedroom. The bedside area should feel like a small, carefully put-together part of your larger industrial chic room.

After you have the main pieces in place – like the lamp, a plant, and some books – it’s time to add the smaller details. These are the things that really complete the look and make your bedside table feel special.

Wall Art and Decor Around the Table

The wall space next to or above your bedside table is another chance to enhance the industrial chic style. Don’t leave it bare!

• Types of Wall Art:
  • Metal Signs or Plaques: Signs that look old or are reproductions of vintage ones (like old factory signs or advertisements) fit the theme perfectly.
  • Abstract or Geometric Metal Wall Sculptures: These can add interesting shapes and texture to the wall.
  • Framed Blueprint-Style Art: Drawings that look like architectural blueprints or old industrial patents can be framed and hung.
  • Black and White Photography: Photos of city scenes, industrial buildings, or people can look great. Put them in simple metal frames (black, gray, or metal that looks old).
  • Mirrors: A mirror with a metal frame or one made of distressed wood can help make the space feel bigger and brighter.
• Placement: A single piece of art that stands out above the table, or a few smaller items grouped together (a gallery wall), can help define the area. Make sure the size of the art and where you hang it looks good with the size of your table and the wall space available.

Think about the height of your wall art compared to your lamp and the headboard of your bed. You want everything to look balanced together.

Personal Touches and Curated Items

Industrial chic doesn’t mean the space has to feel cold or impersonal. Add items that show who you are and make the space feel comfortable and lived-in.

• Travel Souvenirs: Small items you collected on trips can add character, especially if they have a vintage or slightly rugged look.
• Collected Items: You could display a small collection of interesting things that fit the style and mean something to you. This could be cool rocks, old keys, or small metal objects.
• Handmade Items: A ceramic piece (in a color and texture that fits), a small wooden item you made or bought from a craft fair, or a handmade textile item can add warmth and make the space unique.

The important thing is to choose these items carefully. Don’t just put things there to fill space. Every piece should feel like it belongs there, whether it’s because you love how it looks or because it has a special memory attached to it. Avoid clutter – a few meaningful items are better than many random ones.

Practical Items with Style

Even the everyday things you keep on your bedside table can help reinforce the industrial chic look if you choose them carefully.

• Coasters: Use coasters made from materials like concrete, wood, metal, or stone. These materials fit the style perfectly and protect your table.
• Water Carafe and Glass: If you keep water by your bed, choose a simple glass carafe or one with a metal lid. Pair it with a sturdy glass that feels substantial.
• Tissue Box Cover: Instead of a plain cardboard box, get a cover made of wood, metal, or a textured fabric that matches your decor.
• Charging Station: If you charge your phone or other devices nearby, look for a charging station that has a simple, clean design. One in black or metal will blend in better with the industrial look.

By paying attention to the style of even these small, practical items, you help keep the whole bedside area looking cohesive and well-designed.

One tricky part of decorating in the industrial chic style is making sure it doesn’t end up looking messy or like you just threw a bunch of random industrial-looking things together. The style is about showing off raw elements, but it should still feel planned and put-together, not chaotic.

The Principle of “Less is More”

Even though you’re adding layers of different items, it’s important not to cram too much onto your bedside table. Each item should have some space around it so you can really see and appreciate it.

• Empty Space: Make sure to leave some empty space on the top surface of your table. This gives your eyes a place to rest and helps the items you chose stand out.
• Function First: Don’t feel like you have to fill every single spot. If you only need a lamp, a book, and a place for your phone, that’s perfectly fine. The table itself, with the way it’s made and its finish, is a big part of the decoration already.

If you put too much stuff on an industrial table, it can lose its clean, cool edge and just look untidy. The beauty of industrial chic is often in its simplicity and focus on materials.

Mixing and Matching Materials and Textures Thoughtfully

Mixing different materials is key to the industrial style, but if you just put things together without thinking, it can look messy and not coordinated.

• Dominant Materials: Let metal and wood be the main materials you use. Then, add smaller amounts of other materials like concrete, glass, and different textiles.
• Texture Contrast: Make sure you have a good mix of textures – some things that are smooth, some that are rough, some that are hard, and some that are soft. If everything is hard and made of metal, the space will feel cold. If you add too many soft, cozy things without balancing them with harder elements, it might not look like industrial style anymore.
• Color Harmony: Even when you use accent colors, make sure they look good together and with the main neutral colors of the industrial palette.

Think about it like putting together an outfit. You use different fabrics and layers, but they all need to work together and look good, not clash.

Ensuring Cohesion with the Rest of the Room

Your bedside table and the area around it shouldn’t feel separate from the rest of your bedroom. It should look and feel like a natural part of the industrial chic style you’re creating in the whole room.

• Repeat Materials and Colors: Use the same types of materials and colors that are on your bedside table in other parts of the room. If your table is made of black metal and wood that looks like it’s been used before, have other furniture or decorations in the room that also use black metal or reclaimed-looking wood. This could be your bed frame, a dresser, or shelves on the wall.
• Lighting Style: The style of the lamp on your bedside table should go along with the style of other lights in your bedroom. They don’t have to be exactly the same, but they should look like they belong together.
• Overall Vibe: Does the area around your bed feel consistent with the overall industrial chic look you’re trying to achieve in your bedroom? Everything should feel like it’s part of the same design plan.

Being consistent with your choices helps create a room that feels balanced, harmonious, and well-designed.

Once you’ve got your metal bedside table styled exactly how you want it, you’ll want to keep it looking great. This means cleaning it regularly and making small adjustments from time to time.

Cleaning Metal Furniture

Metal furniture is usually quite strong and lasts a long time. However, different finishes need different cleaning methods.

• Raw or Distressed Metal: Don’t use strong chemicals or cleaners that could scratch the surface. A soft cloth with some mild soap and water is usually enough. Make sure to dry the metal completely afterwards to help stop rust from forming. If the finish is supposed to look rusted and has a protective coating, follow the instructions that came with the table for how to clean it.
• Powder-Coated or Painted Metal: These finishes are tougher. You can use a damp cloth and a mild cleaning solution. Be careful not to scratch the painted surface.
• Brushed or Polished Metal: These finishes can show fingerprints and water marks more easily. Use a cleaner that’s made for the type of metal it is (like a stainless steel cleaner). If the metal is brushed, wipe along the direction of the brush lines to avoid streaks.

It’s always a good idea to test any cleaning product on a small area of the table that you can’t easily see first. This way, you can be sure it won’t damage the finish.

Dusting and Arranging Accessories

Keeping dust off your bedside table is important to make sure your styled area looks fresh and clean.

• Dusting: Use a soft cloth, like one made of microfiber, to gently dust the top surface of the table and all the items you have on it. For items with a lot of texture or small details, a soft brush might work better to get the dust off.
• Arranging: Every now and then, take a step back and look at how you’ve arranged everything. Does it still look balanced and pleasing to your eye? Don’t be afraid to move things around a little or swap out some items depending on the season or how you’re feeling. This keeps the look from getting boring and makes sure it still feels right to you.

Taking a little time for regular cleaning and straightening up really helps keep the curated look you’ve created looking its best.

Styling a metal bedside table for an industrial chic look is much more than just putting things on a surface. It’s about understanding the main ideas behind the style – celebrating raw materials, focusing on usefulness, and mixing tough elements with softer, more refined touches. By choosing the right table, carefully adding layers with lighting, plants, books, and decorative items, and paying close attention to how textures, colors, and balance work together, you can turn your bedside area into a stylish and practical spot. It will perfectly capture the industrial chic feeling you want. Embrace the unique character of the metal, add your layers with care, and create a space that feels both cool and comfortable – your own industrial chic bedside sanctuary.