11 Nightstand Ideas to Upgrade Your Bedroom

For many, the most important room in the home is the bedroom. This space needs to be comfortable and functional. But it also doesn’t hurt to put a little extra care into the details of your bedroom design.

If you’ve never paid much attention to your nightstand, now is the perfect time to start.

Aside from your bed, your nightstand is the last piece of furniture you interact with at night and the first you encounter in the morning. Without this humble piece of furniture, your night-time essentials would have nowhere to call home.

Whether you use a traditional bedside table or a repurposed stool, your nightstand is important. Check out these nightstand ideas for inspiration.

1. Embrace Farmhouse Charm

The farmhouse-style nightstand introduces a cozy, rustic touch to your bedroom. Think of weathered woods, vintage designs, and soft, neutral colors. It’s perfect for adding a homey feel to modern or country-inspired bedrooms, complementing natural materials like wool or linen.

Bedroom corner with a wooden nightstand, wicker lamp, colorful rug, cactus, and abstract wall art against a dark blue wall

Wooden bedside table with a sliding barn door, top decor includes a piggy bank, candle, and framed photos, books and boxes inside — Source: @backyardwooddesign via Instagram

Farmhouse-style nightstand with a wood top, white frame, and X-shaped side panels, featuring two open shelves for storage — Source: @wendy.crafts via Instagram

Cozy farmhouse bedroom with a tufted bed, rustic wooden nightstands, and soft neutral decor, featuring warm wood tones and soft linens — Source: @cammiscountry via Instagram

2. Go with White-Washed Wood

White-washed nightstands offer a light, airy vibe, ideal for creating a serene bedroom. They pair well with beach-themed decor or shabby chic styles. Incorporate soft textiles and gentle lighting to enhance the tranquil ambiance.

Rustic wooden nightstand with a shutter-style door and drawer beside a navy tufted bed, topped with a vase, clock, and decor — Source: @klaudijazubcic via Instagram

Cozy bedroom with a black metal bed frame, white bedding, and two wooden side tables with lamps and flowers — Source: @diyfrenchfarmhouse via Instagram

Wooden bedside table with two white drawers featuring round knobs, located beside a bed with white bedding — Source: @evariwoodworkdesigns via Instagram

3. Simplify with Minimalist Design

Minimalist nightstands are all about clean lines and clutter-free surfaces. They’re perfect for contemporary bedrooms where simplicity and functionality are key. Choose designs with subtle colors and integrate smart storage solutions to maintain a sleek look.

Cozy bedroom with a modern side table, plant, multicolored rug, and a gray bed; a wall with vertical wooden panels adds warmth

A modern, minimalist three-drawer dresser next to a bed with turquoise and white bedding on a wooden floor — Source: @elleandjaydesign via Instagram

4. Organize with Open Shelf Utility

Open shelf nightstands are practical and stylish. They’re great for keeping your bedtime essentials within reach. These fit well in both modern and traditional bedrooms, and you can personalize them with books, plants, or decorative items.

Minimalist bedroom with a tall cream headboard, dark wood nightstands, and gold-accented lamps, featuring a clean, modern look — Source: @hulovesdecor via Instagram

Black metal bed with gray and white bedding, matching black nightstands, and soft lighting, creating a modern and cozy bedroom — Source: @katie_gelsheimer_home via Instagram

White nightstand with a drawer, topped with a salt lamp, plant, candle, coasters, and a notebook with a pen on a brown wooden floor — Source: @zulyinirio via Instagram

5. Elevate with Gold Accents

Nightstands with gold fixtures add a touch of luxury and glamour. They work well in elegant, sophisticated bedroom settings. Pair them with rich colors and plush fabrics for a truly opulent feel.

Elegant bedroom with a cream upholstered bed, patterned curtains, and a white nightstand with gold accents, styled with books and decor — Source: @lalasaks via Instagram

Beige upholstered bed with a wooden nightstand featuring two drawers and an open shelf, styled with a beaded lamp and decor accents — Source: @roomsbyrio via Instagram

6. Go Rustic with Distressed Wood

Distressed wood nightstands bring a rustic, lived-in charm. They’re ideal for creating a cozy, cabin-like atmosphere in your bedroom. Mix them with warm lighting and earthy tones for a welcoming ambiance.

Boho-inspired bedroom with a beige upholstered bed, a wooden mid-century nightstand, and a geometric lamp, creating a cozy vibe — Source: @oldcityfarmhouse via Instagram

Rustic bedroom with a wooden headboard, vintage nightstand, lamp, pink flowers, and an oval portrait on the wall — Source: @lydias_antiques_ via Instagram

Wooden nightstand with two drawers, a silver lamp on top, and a bed with blue patterned sheets in the background — Source: @Ideas via Instagram

7. Soften with Pastel Hues

Pastel nightstands lend a gentle, calming effect. They’re great for softening the overall look of your bedroom and work well with light, airy fabrics and delicate decor elements.

Cozy bedroom with a vintage metal bed frame, green nightstand with storage, and brass lamp, styled with warm-toned pillows and decor — Source: @havan.home_ via Instagram

Elegant bedroom with a cream upholstered bed, dark vintage nightstand with gold handles and two drawers, and soft lighting, creating a cozy ambiance — Source: @herrhome via Instagram

Cozy attic bedroom with a tufted bed, mirrored nightstands, and warm lighting, featuring elegant silver lamps and textured bedding — Source: @_housetohomewithkb via Instagram

8. Expand Space with Glass Elegance

Glass nightstands give an illusion of more space and offer a sleek, modern touch. They’re perfect for smaller bedrooms or those with a minimalist aesthetic. Pair with metallic accents and geometric patterns for a chic look.

Clear acrylic bedside table with books and a brown wallet by a bed with yellow pillows, in natural sunlight — Source: @gingerjarfurniture via Instagram

9. Dare with Snakeskin Patterns

Snakeskin-patterned nightstands make a bold statement. Ideal for those who love to experiment with textures and patterns. Complement them with solid colors and simple decor to let the nightstand be the focal point.

Luxurious bedroom with a black tufted headboard, mirrored nightstand with gold accents, and elegant decor for a modern glam look — Source: @myfurnituremecca via Instagram

10. Maximize with Wall-Mounted Solutions

Wall-mounted nightstands are space-savers and add a contemporary edge. They work well in small bedrooms or for those preferring a minimalist look. Use them to keep the floor clear and the room feeling open.

Floating wooden nightstand with a table lamp, patterned cup, and closed book — Source: @715woodworks via Instagram

A white wall shelf above a bed holds a lamp, books, a framed photo, and a red figurine — Source: @homedecorraleigh via Instagram

Boho bedroom with floating wooden nightstands, neutral bedding, and abstract wall art, creating a warm and modern aesthetic — Source: @jadeandthesaw via Instagram

Bedroom corner with a wooden floating nightstand, wall-mounted lamp, blue curtain, and part of a bed with a white pillow and bedsheet — Source: @jericho_home via Instagram

11. Versatile Styling with White Nightstands

White nightstands are incredibly versatile and can fit into any bedroom style. They help brighten the space and can be paired with bold colors for contrast or softer tones for a harmonious look.

Bedside table with plant, wooden block, and wall-mounted lamp next to a bed with a white pillow and comforter against blue paneling — Source: @ivyrowdesign via Instagram

Two white vintage-style bedside tables with plants, a book, and decorative items on top, each featuring three drawers with ornate handles — Source: @jzaluski_ via Instagram

A white metal bed with floral sheets, a bedside table with flowers in a vase, two rolled towels, a hairbrush, and a perfume bottle — Source: @my_perfect_places_ via Instagram

Modern farmhouse bedroom with a white vintage nightstand, dark accent wall, and cozy layered bedding, styled with plants and decor — Source: @sara.chen_.design via Instagram

Soft neutral bedroom with a white and wood nightstand, woven lamp, and textured decor, creating a cozy and airy boho aesthetic — Source: @sculptureyourhome via Instagram

Modern bedroom with a white tufted headboard, geometric nightstand with wood accents, and stylish decor for a chic and cozy feel — Source: @woventable via Instagram

White bedside table with a flower vase and a blue candle on top, set against a light wall and wooden floor — Source: @Ideas via Instagram

What should you keep on a nightstand?

Your nightstand is a great place to set up a simple table lamp — this is a must if you enjoy reading before bed. Use a jewelry tray to store your daily accessories. Many people also choose to keep their everyday medications and vitamins within easy reach on their bedside table.

How do you organize charging cables?

Your bedside table is the perfect spot to keep your phone and other electronics at night. It’s also where most people charge their gadgets in preparation for the next day. This can quickly lead to a bundle of tangled cords.

Invest in a dedicated charging station for your most-used electronics. You can attach cable clips to the back of your bedside table to hold cords in place when not in use (no more digging around for the right charger in the dark!)

What is the ideal size for a bedside table?

As a general rule of thumb, your nightstand should be the same height as your bed. Most bedside tables are between 24 and 28 inches tall. Leave a gap of about 3 inches between your nightstand and the edge of your bed frame.