Bedroom styling with Gathered Cheer: Bedside table essentials
photograph credit: Maxeen Kim Photography
Continuing our blogger styling series, we move around the home to the bedroom and shine the spotlight on the humble bedside table. An unconscious essential, having a spot to perch a glass of water, house a good book, play host to a handy table light - the bedside table is the unsung hero of any well-functioning bedroom.
This month, we challenged leading lifestyle blogger and writer Ruth Garner of Gathered Cheer to transform our unassuming Briggs bar stool and work it in her own bedroom.
Ruth also chose the industrial-influenced Gooseneck desk lamp to accompany her Briggs and add the finishing touches to her ‘beautility’ take on bedside styling.
We chatted to Ruth, delving into the depths of her styling influences, bedroom essentials and what to expect for the year ahead…
Hi Ruth, and firstly a HUGE thank you for taking the time to work your magic to show us how versatile our little Briggs stool can be. You featured the Briggs low stool in white, using it as a bedside table. Talk us through your bedroom style.
Calm and clutter free. I don’t really like clutter anywhere in our home, but especially not in the bedroom - I find it stresses me out! So my bedside table area is pretty minimal and has just the essentials – usually a book I’m reading, my bible, a glass of water, my lamp and digital radio. Sometimes I’ll light a candle too – anything to bring a happy sense of peace and calm.
A bedroom is often a multifunctional room in the home, with sleep sometimes coming last on the agenda. What is the key to creating a bedroom sanctuary?
Staying as tidy as possible! I work from home, and often find myself sitting and working on my bed. But before bed I try to tidy it all away, putting papers, magazines and my laptop in a cupboard – if it’s left out it’s definitely harder to switch off and relax. Enjoying little luxuries is another way to create a sanctuary. Whether it’s by lighting a scented candle, decorating with fresh cut flowers or by leaving a bottle of your favourite hand cream beside the bed, all bring with them an indulgent and happy feeling.
With the seasons now beginning to turn, how do you keep your bedroom style feeling fresh and updated?
While I love blankets (and am constantly adding to my collection!), I find myself storing them away in the spring and summer months, favouring accessories instead made of cooler fabrics, like linen. I also try to bring the outside in, as this is a lovely way to celebrate each new season. Just a few clippings from the garden can make all the difference.
Your home must be a treasure trove of inspiration and design. What is your favourite item?
My favourite item is my trusty grey woollen blanket. It goes wherever I do, around the house! Working from home can get a little chilly, even in spring, so it’s practical but it’s also a beautiful grey colour that seems to go with everything.
With inspiration already on overdrive, Ruth has been kind enough to create a bedroom styling moodboard. Check out the Pinterest link here and get your own creative juices flowing for your own bedroom overhaul. We would love to see how you style your own bedside tables - be sure to share your photos with us!
Shop Ruth’s bedroom look:
