There was a time when we didn’t even have a nightstand. We were young and in love, and a nightstand seemed far from necessary. (Really, we were stretching our dollars and making do with a little bedside stool, but wow, was it an upgrade when we finally scored two nightstands for the price of $25!) Over the years, we’ve upgraded to the nightstands we have today, and they are working overtime in our bedroom.
Of course, it’s incredibly handy to have some easy-access bedside storage, but from a design perspective, nightstands can bring some balance and height into the bedroom. Speaking of height, I prefer the height of my nightstand to be either mattress level or higher. We’ve had lower nightstands, and while it works, for me, it’s not ideal ergonomically–much more natural for me to reach slightly up to grab my nighttime drink of water than reach down.
Now let’s talk about the fun stuff!–Styling your nightstand. I like the surface of my nightstand to look tidy but also used and somehow effortless. It’s a fine balance, and over the years, I’ve tweaked and adjusted my nightstand surface so much that I feel like I’ve got it down to a science. Here are 3 ways you can style your nightstand surface from a design perspective.
3 ways to style your nightstand
A.
One way to do it is to make the lamp the focal point! I like having a large lamp for the ultimate ambiance mood lighting, balanced with some greenery in a vase and a little sculptural catchall. If I were to tweak one thing about this styling, it would be to either remove the candle or group the candle with the jewelry box and corral them together in a try. When in doubt, stick to having 3 things (or groups of things), and vary them in height, size, material, and/or color.
Modern Cottage Bedroom Sources
Here’s the same nightstand in our last house, and I stuck to a similar rule of three!
B.
Lowe’s Bedroom Project Sources
Another option is to have the lighting source mounted on the wall or hung from the ceiling like this pendant. Not only does this free up some precious surface area, but it allows for the perfect opportunity to display some art or a sentimental photo. Still sticking with my rule of three, I placed a cute little vase with some botanicals, a nice stack of vintage books with a catchall box on top, and a beautiful abstract sketch.
C.
The third option (and something I wish I had a better example of) is to swap out the nightstand altogether and use a taller dresser instead. I embraced this a bit in Greta’s room, and while it’s still technically a nightstand, I love that it lends itself as a dresser. In this case, I kept the surface simple and went with an oversized lamp. Alternatively, you could pair a smaller lamp with a vase of flowers, and a nice framed photo.
While hunting for nightstands to share, I was reminded of a fourth option that is specific to a specific (but common) nightstand shape. It’s the same kind that we have in the guest house, and I think it’s a great example of how to style your nightstand.
If you have this open shelf nightstand, keep the surface simple, and make a vertical stack within the shelf. It really grounds nightstand and elongates the visual interest.
Regardless of how you style your nightstand, my biggest tip for keeping your surface tidy and fresh is to keep a little catchall or decorative box atop to store all those little things. I’m all about combining function and beauty. Here are some pretty ones I wouln’t mind keeping out on display at all times.
Shop Decorative Boxes
And here are some beautiful nightstand options at every price point and in every size, shape, color, and style!
1. Dawson Trail $115
2. Wrentham Beadboard $160
3. Eden Gray $147
4. Elmira $200
5. Wellington $239
6. Jodie $244
7. Scalloped $349
8. Washed Wood $498
9. Cameo Curved $499
10. Arbor $559
11. Farmhouse 2-Drawer $599
12. Crillo Modern $999
13. Oxford 2-Drawer $1025
14. Wilkins Laurel $1250
Shop Nightstands
I lucked into a huge stone top nightstand with 2 deep drawers and a smaller electronics drawer that houses an outlet for charging cords. I love it so much but I have never found a mate for the other side of the bed (the downfall of resale). I am terrible about cluttering the top. These visuals are so helpful with ways to arrange everything when I dust the corgi glitter off the top! :)
I have this one with the extra charging station and LOVE IT!! Two regular outlets and two USB outlets mean my kindle and phone cords are hidden until I need them. Only weird thing is you can’t pull the drawers out all the way. https://www.westelm.com/products/mid-century-nightstand-acorn-g968/?pkey=cnightstands
I love #2
We got #8 – not well made at all!
Great post as usual. Thank you for the design inspiration. I’m seriously considering going from our table lamps to wall lamps as you suggested as a way to free up nightstand real estate. Thanks again.