by Susan Lower

Created on: March 22, 2008

What does your bedroom look like? Does it have a dresser? A desk? I imagine somewhere within the room you have a bed. What you probably didn't think about, and most of us don't, is how to utilize the space at the foot of your bed.

The end of your bed doesn't have to be a place to kick off your shoes at night anymore. Here are ten ideas to fill the void at the end of your bed:

HOPE CHEST. The most common item placed at the foot of a bed is a hope chest. A great place for storing old memories or things you want to create new ones. Best placed in little girl's rooms or singles, but definitely fit for any bed.

A DRESSER. A wide six drawer dresser at the end of your bed provides storage for you clothes and depending on the dresser's height can make an attractive footboard. Just make sure you have enough space to open the drawers.

TV STAND. Television stands are low, wide, and come in a variety of styles. They can be used to lay blankets on, set up candles, or for hosting your television. Selecting one with doors or drawers beneath add optional storage for bedding, books, or clothes where you wouldn't have had before. Throw a few large wide pillows on top and create a seating area.

BENCH SEAT. Add a little class to your room with any type bench that suits your style. Wood, metal, or wicker it will catch kicked off quilts and help you tie your shoes in the morning without falling back into bed again

STORAGE OTTOMANS. Soft cushioned ottomans provide seating and storage at the end of a bed. They can be soft and plush or sleek and firm. They provide a great way of keeping linens at hand or seasonal clothes out of sight.

POTTED PLANTS. Your bedroom is a sanctuary for sleep. You'll breath easier at night with luscious potted plants at your feet. They clean the air and rejuvenate your space. Just ask Feng Shui.

SILK SCREEN. Place a silk screen, or modern version of a screen at the foot of your bed. It will create a boundary of privacy between you and unexpected guest during the night. Call it a romance shield for those of us with young children. It can also provide an alternative affordable illusion of a canopy bed.

BOOKCASE. If you're an avid reader before bed, move the library closer to where you relax the most. You don't even have to stock every shelf with books or magazines. Place knickknacks, candles, pictures of loved ones, or dcor items to set the tone of your room. A low wide bookcase with three to six shelves is recommended to fit the width or your bed.

A THROW RUG. Toss down a colorful throw rug at the end of your bed. This area of your room may be recipient of all your traffic inside the room. Add a dash of color without splashing up the bedding dcor. Consider it a "Welcome Home" mat at the end of a long hard day at work. It simply says, "Relax".

NOTHING. That's right, nothing. Don't feel pressured if you don't have anything at the end of your bed, except maybe for the dangling of your feet at night. If you absolutely need something pile your dirty laundry until wash day.

When taking any of these ideas into consideration, remember to keep in mind the height and depth of your choice. Too large of an item will crowd your room and hide your bed. A smaller piece choice may allow your bed to dominate the room. The right choice piece needs to complement your bed and provide the best function for your life style.

Now you just need to find a new place to kick off you shoes.

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