A Campaign (Nightstand) Victory

One of the spaces I’ve struggled with in this apartment is the bedroom.  The layout is rather funky and I think I’ve tried at least 8 different nightstand variations since August.  I figured out the nightstand situation on my side of the bed a few weeks ago (the mirrored nightstand I’ve had for 6 years is now in my living room, and my desk serves as my nightstand), but my husband’s side is a different story.  The mirrored nightstand wouldn’t fit because my desk takes up so much wall space, so I’ve been switching out every side table I own to try to figure out what works best.  Then last week, right before my home tour photo shoot, I found a 1960’s campaign nightstand at my local Salvation Army!  I’ve loved campaign style furniture for quite a while now, so I was ecstatic when I stumbled upon this piece!  It’s made by Hendredon, it’s in great condition, and it was only $39!


Isn’t it fabulous?  The finishing is the original tortoise shell pattern, which supposedly is pretty rare and I’ve seen this same piece listed online for a whole lotta money.  Here’s my dilemma though…should I leave it like this?  Or paint it white???

Image via.


I just love the crisp white finish with the brass hardware, and it would look almost exactly like this white campaign nightstand above.  


What do I do???  I’m so torn.  I love anything with a tortoise shell pattern, but I never imagined having a piece of furniture with this pattern.  I kinda love it, but is it outdated?  What would you do?  


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Katie Vail
Katie Vail

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  1. February 12, 2015 / 12:17 am

    I love the tortoiseshell! Works great with your style! Painting it would cheapen it. That's something you do with a piece from IKEA or Target, not Henredon! Congratulations on your find!

  2. Anonymous
    February 12, 2015 / 12:17 am

    I would leave the finish as is. It makes a statement. I'm familiar with Heneredon, as several relatives worked there. The tortoise shell is unique and worth working into the room.

  3. February 12, 2015 / 12:17 am

    I think it's sort of vintage, in the way that things are supposed to be? Like, the "cool" type of vintage. I really like it!

  4. February 12, 2015 / 12:17 am

    I LOVE that nightstand! I wouldn't paint it. It's a beautiful piece and has such a vintage feel.

  5. February 12, 2015 / 12:26 pm

    Either leave it or sell it and buy one in white because it seems like a crime to paint something so unique and gorgeous.

  6. February 12, 2015 / 2:46 pm

    What an amazing find!!!! I'd leave the tortoiseshell—-it's so unique and looks like it works in your space.

  7. Anonymous
    February 12, 2015 / 4:26 pm

    agree 100%

  8. February 13, 2015 / 1:57 am

    Leave it! I love it and have been wanting a tortoiseshell finish coffee table. Great find!

  9. Anonymous
    February 13, 2015 / 10:02 pm

    If you paint it, it becomes like every other campaign chest…leave it tortoise shell, its great for the man's side of the room, just that little bit more masculine.

  10. Anonymous
    February 16, 2015 / 4:05 pm

    Leave the tortoise shell – I LOVE it! Gives your husband's side of the bed a masculine feel.

  11. February 18, 2015 / 3:02 am

    Tortoise shell never goes out of style! Add me to the group that says do not paint it!

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