Small Space DIY Idea: Fold-Down Nightstands, Nautical Edition

The other day, after admiring Margot’s feature on the excellent Tuba Club in Marseille (see Tuba Club: Marseille’s On-the-Rocks Hideout), we were looking at some outtake photos together. Of the many guest room details to admire, one jumped out: fold-up, fold-down nightstands that reminded us of a ship’s cabin—perfect for any small room, and not too tricky to replicate at home. (A particular plus: Navigating a narrow space while tucking into bed, “you wouldn’t bang into the nightstand,” said Margot.) Have a look:

Above: A look at the clever nightstand: It’s suspended from thin ropes so that it can hang down–or stow away when not in use, not unlike a tray table on a plane. (Note the wooden latch up top.) Photograph by Edouard Sanville. Above: The nightstands in another guest room. All you need to give it a try: a plank of wood in a finish of your choice (and a small block or bracket underneath to help support it), two lengths of rope. and a wooden latch (often called a “turn button” or “turn button catch”). Photograph by Florian Touzet.

For more simple DIY ideas for the bedroom, might we suggest:

• DIY: A Simple, Fresh Headboard Hack
• DIY Idea: Effortless Window Coverings with Hardware Store Supplies
• 11 No-Buy Room-Changing Ideas