Ten years ago, bedside tables were simple, functional pieces of furniture. They held a lamp, a book, or maybe a landline phone. Today, they’ve become something else entirely: charging stations for our digital devices. Smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches have turned our bedside tables into hubs of distraction, often disrupting our sleep and morning routines. But what if we could redesign this small space to encourage healthier habits?
The Problem: Phones at Bedside
For many of us, the day ends with scrolling through our phones in bed. The blue light from screens disrupts melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep. Notifications, messages, and endless content keep our minds buzzing when we should be winding down. And in the morning, the first thing we do is reach for our phones, diving straight into emails, social media, or news updates. This habit sets the tone for a day of digital dependency, leaving little room for mindfulness or calm.
The problem isn’t just the phone itself—it’s the convenience of having it within arm’s reach. When your phone is on your bedside table, it’s all too easy to check it unconsciously, whether it’s late at night or first thing in the morning. This constant connection can lead to stress, poor sleep, and a lack of intentionality in how we start and end our days.
The Solution: Rethink Your Bedside Table
The good news? A simple design change can make a big difference: move your phone charger out of the bedroom. Charge your devices in another room or at a designated spot away from your bed. This small shift creates a physical boundary between you and your phone, helping you break the cycle of nighttime scrolling and morning screen time.
But what should you keep on your bedside table instead? Here are a few ideas to transform it into a space that supports better habits:
Books – Swap your phone for a book. Reading before bed helps you relax, unwind, and escape the glow of screens. Choose something uplifting or calming to set the right tone for sleep.
An Alarm Clock – Many people keep their phones nearby for the alarm function, but this often leads to late-night scrolling. A classic alarm clock eliminates the temptation and helps you wake up without digital distractions.
A Journal – Instead of reaching for your phone, use a journal to jot down reflections, gratitude, or to-do lists for the next day. This practice can help you process your thoughts and set intentions for a more focused morning.
A Warm Lamp – A soft, ambient light creates a calming atmosphere, signaling to your brain that it’s time to wind down. Avoid bright, harsh lights that can interfere with your sleep cycle.
Why It Matters: Design Shapes Behavior
Our physical environment has a profound impact on our habits, often in ways we don’t even realize. As behavioral science research shows, small changes in our surroundings can lead to significant shifts in our behavior. By intentionally designing our spaces, we can create environments that support healthier routines and better well-being.
Removing your phone from your bedside table is a small but powerful step toward reclaiming your sleep and mornings. It’s not just about creating a more functional space—it’s about designing a lifestyle that prioritizes rest, focus, and mindfulness over constant digital engagement.
The Bigger Picture: Designing for Intentional Living
As designers, we have the power to shape not just spaces, but the way people live in them. The bedroom side table is a perfect example of how a small, often overlooked piece of furniture can influence our daily habits. By rethinking its purpose, we can turn it into a tool for healthier, more intentional living.
This approach goes beyond aesthetics or functionality. It’s about asking: How does this space shape the lives of those who use it? When we design with this question in mind, we create environments that don’t just look good—they help people live better.
So, let’s challenge the norm. Let’s rethink the spaces we live in, starting with something as simple as the bedside table. The goal isn’t just to design beautiful bedrooms—it’s to design spaces that support mindful, meaningful living.
This article is part of the Uru Design-Rethinking series, where we explore how intentional design can shape behavior and foster better habits.
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