Bedside Companion

At bedtime, you like having room to spread out, and the things on your cramped nightstand would, too. Ditch it for a bench spacious enough to look uncluttered while holding your reading lamp, alarm clock, and whatever else you want handy at night. Select one that’s the right height for your bed, advises New York City designer Darren Henault: “You don’t want the bench to be more than six inches below the top of the mattress or you’ll be leaning down to reach it.” Use a pretty box as a drawer, and stack magazines neatly underneath (so Brad Pitt can be the last thing you see before you dream).
To Buy: Boothbay bench by Maine Cottage (40 by 15 by 19 inches), in 40 colors, $490, www.mainecottage.com.