How to Restyle the Foot of Your Bed

I was having a conversation recently with a client about beds. She stated she felt a bed looks naked if it doesn't have anything at the foot end to anchor it. I wondered if other people thought that too. I love furniture. Any opportunity I see in a room to place something pretty, I'm game. However, the magical furniture pieces are those that are both pretty and functional.

The foot of the bed can be a high-traffic area. Sometimes there are space constraints, and other times the foot of the bed is like a lane to destinations beyond the bedroom, like the bathroom. Consider your own room, then check out these furnishings for fresh foot-of-the-bed style.

Trunk. Whether you have junk in your trunk or just are nostalgic about old-school storage styles, a trunk might be for you. Dual-functioning trunks are great for extra blankets or as makeshift tables.


Tea table. The petite table looks perfectly placed in front of this beautiful bed. A small table provides surface area for accessories, picture frames or fresh flowers. I think a table this size works best with a footboard.


Low bench. A low bench is one of the more common furniture pieces used at the foot of a bed. A typical seat height for a low sitting bench is 17 to 19 inches. A narrow depth of about 16 to 20 inches is best. An upholstered or wooden bench is the perfect place to tie shoelaces or throw a blanket on.


Desk or vanity. If you are space constrained and really could use a desk, consider the foot of the bed. There are pieces that function as a desk and a vanity in one. Try to find a piece with an open space underneath so a stool can be neatly tucked under.


Two-chair sitting area. Two chairs not only look great, but of course provide a cozy area for kicking your feet up or reading a book. OK, full disclosure: I have been known to throw clothes on a chair as a temporary hamper.


Love seat. Much like the two-chair sitting area, a love seat creates a cozy environment for sitting, reading and, best of all, napping. Visually, a love seat can read like a footboard and can be coordinated with bedding.


Stools. Two stools at the foot of a smaller bed feel fresh and fun. A stool can be picked up more easily than a bench or love seat, so this is a good option if you need extra seats in your bedroom.


TV cabinet. Some people love to watch TV in bed; others have a strict no-TV rule in the bedroom. TV cabinets at the foot of a bed can be configured with lift mechanisms so the TV is lifted up by remote — a great space-saving option, but it can be pricey.


Room divider. If you have a loft or studio apartment, here is a great-looking idea to create distinct spaces using the foot of a bed as a dividing point. Add a sleek console with lighting and place a seating area on the other side.


Oversize footboard. Consider a nice big footboard. Footboards can feel traditional and a bit formal. They work best if you have room to spare, because they do take up more space.


Luggage caddy. If you have a guest room, it's really nice to have a folding luggage caddy for guests at the foot of the bed. When your guests are gone, you can fold it and tuck it away under the bed or in the closet.


Dog bed. I love my dog, but I am not a dog-on-the-bed person. My faithful chocolate Lab sleeps at the foot of the bed every night, where he can keep me in sight. In the morning I tuck his bed under my bed. He's happy; I'm happy.

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