Make your bedroom a calm retreat! With a few easy nightstand styling tips, you can turn a cluttered bedside table (and the whole bedroom) into a break from the everyday world.
Lots of people use the table beside their bed as a landing spot for a mug of tea, a novel, or reading glasses. All too often, bedroom nightstands end up looking cluttered and more useful than attractive.
Nightstands have a lot in common with end tables.
Some bedrooms don't have nightstands at all. Those rooms are missing a key piece of furniture that could add style and practicality.
Most people think of decorating their home simply as beautifying it. But what if I told you that nightstand decor could be beautiful and functional?
Good home decor creates an inviting space that looks great and works better. That matters even more in the bedroom!
If you worry that styling your nightstand will take forever, you can relax. It doesn't take much effort at all. With these tips and tricks, you'll learn how to create bedside decor that you enjoy looking at and using.
Lovely Nightstand Decor Elements
Anyone can put photos and books on a nightstand. But it’s just cluttered if your nightstand is covered in items you don’t use or care about (even if they’re beautiful). And clutter creates stress and anxiety, which is the last thing you want to experience in your bedroom!
On the flip side, an almost empty nightstand can feel cold and sterile, like a hotel room.
The secret to great nightstand decor is keeping only what you need through the night, plus one or two items for beauty.
If you're wondering what to take off and what to keep, I have some suggestions. In our home I keep no more than five things on each nightstand, and every item falls into one of these groups:
- Light
- Natural Element
- Storage
- Health
- Comfort and Joy
I call it the "rule of 5" to keep things simple! Anything else can live elsewhere in the bedroom or bathroom (or in storage under the nightstand).
Now let's put these groups to work with some nightstand decorating tips.
Must-Have Items for the Bedside
The most useful way to plan a stylish nightstand is to think about your morning and evening routines. What do you reach for when you wake up? What do you want close at hand when you go to bed? Do you wake during the night or struggle to fall asleep?
Those answers might point to things like:
- glasses
- medicine
- watch or jewelry
- Ear plugs
- tissues
- clock
- remote controls
- favorite books
- iPad or e-reader
So how do we keep those essentials from turning into a jumble beside the bed? Let's look at how to build a beautiful bedroom atmosphere without giving up function or storage.
7 Must-Have Nightstand Ideas
The key to a good nightstand is bringing in the essentials without piling on extra accessories. Here are the must-haves to plan around!
1. The Right Table
Whatever your taste or home style, there is a nightstand that will suit you!
Scale matters most when choosing a nightstand, so it fits your bed and the rest of the room. Most nightstands are 24-28 inches tall, which makes reaching items from the bed easy.
Once you find a table at the right height, make sure it has enough room to hold and store what you need within arm's reach. I like at least one drawer, and shelves are a nice bonus!
Spindle Night Stand with Pull out Tray | Gray Two Drawer Night Stand with Shelf | Two-Drawer Nightstand | White Two-Drawer Nightstand with Shelf | Navy Nightstand | Small Nightstand with Brass Ring Handles
2. A Lamp
Anyone who likes to read before lights out (that's me!) knows a lamp is a must. Even if you're not off on a "trip" through a book, a lamp with the right light bulb sets the mood and helps your mind wind down for sleep.
Pick a lamp that adds height to your tabletop without crowding out the other pieces you want to display.
3. Books on the Bedside Table
Do you read before bed? Keep a book on the table where you can grab it easily once you're settled in. A couple of extra books also make a nice focal point, since a stack looks more interesting than a single book.
I think of books as part of the comfort and joy group for nightstand decor!
4. Tray, Basket or Bowl
This piece adds storage. If your nightstand has drawers or cabinet-style doors, you may not need a tray or basket to keep things like glasses, hand lotion, and medication contained and out of sight.
They do come in handy if you have a minimalist table with no built-in storage. A styled nightstand looks cluttered if too much is left out in plain view!
NOTE: For the top of the nightstand, I'd suggest something low-profile (like a tray) so it looks neat and you won't knock it off. A large basket or bowl works better for storage underneath the table, especially for things like magazines that are hard to keep tidy.
If you keep small things on your nightstand (spare change, chapstick, and so on), a small dish works better than a bigger piece like a tray.
5. A Plant, Faux Flowers or Fresh Flowers
Plants (or a vase of flowers) bring in nature and visual interest. They also do triple duty: they're calming and help freshen the air. Natural nightstand accents paired with a soothing bedroom paint color create a peaceful, restful space.
I prefer plants that need little care and light, such as orchids, African violets, or a ZZ plant.
Don't have a green thumb? If keeping plants alive isn't your strong suit (or isn't something you want to take on), a fake plant gives you the same leafy look.
You don't have to use plants at all! A polished agate, a conch shell, a piece of driftwood, or a terrarium can all bring in natural texture if you'd rather skip the greenery.
6. Art or Mirror
A piece of art lets you add your personality to the space, whether it sits on the table (like a framed photo) or hangs on the wall just above the nightstand. Nightstand decor doesn't have to sit directly on the table.
I like to display photos of my kids and family as my art. A hanging watercolor or abstract painting would also look great. There are no rules!
A mirror can have the same effect as art. It bounces light around a small, dark room.
7. Candle on the Side Table
I love the scent and glow of a lit candle. Few other things create such a calm, grounding atmosphere. I like to light one while I take an evening bath or get ready for bed, then blow it out before I get under the covers.
NOTE: If you love the mood a candle creates but worry about fire safety, try LED candles. They don't give off the same fragrance, but many have timers, which helps if you tend to fall asleep before turning them off.
Nightstand Decor Final Thoughts
With a little time and thought, you can build a beautiful, well-working nightstand that turns your bedroom from a mere place to sleep into a restful retreat.
Some people like to keep extras such as an alarm clock, tissues, a glass of water, or a notepad and pen (for getting to-do lists out of your head). All of these can be part of your nightstand decor! Just keep the "rule of 5" in mind so a small space doesn't get crowded.
Favorite Nightstand Accessories for Your Home
These are some of my favorite pieces to rotate through my home, on nightstands, end tables, or bookshelves!
Urn Table Lamp
Gourd and urn table lamps look so lovely in a bedroom. Go with a simple white lamp for a classic look that will stay in style for years!
Pocket Watch Clock
Give your nightstand style and function with these pocket watch clocks! They come in two sizes and three colors.
Agate Stone Catchall
This attractive catchall has a gently curved surface that holds glasses, jewelry, and more. Its rich, glowing finish means it doubles as decor when it's not in use. For a lower-cost option, look for a vanity tray.
Coffee Table Books
Coffee table books look good anywhere, including beside a bed or on any table. Stack them to lift other items, or stand them upright on a lower shelf for a polished look!
Driftwood & Chamomile Candle
This stylish candle adds texture to your home, and its calming blend of chamomile, driftwood, sandalwood, and vanilla bean helps you unwind and switch off for better sleep.
Faux Houseplant
Add life, color, and texture to your bedside table with the Faux Wandering Variegated Tradescantia Houseplant.
Rattan Storage Boxes
Made from woven rattan with a glass lid, this display box is just the right size for everyday essentials.
Vases
These durable white porcelain vases with fluted details bring plenty of style with very little effort.
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