Gorgeous nightstand Ideas for a Stylish Bedroom
Interior Styling Blog for Real Homes: Ideas, Advice & Inspiration
Hi, I’m Sandra, this blog is about interior styling for real homes. If you love interiors and want your home to feel stylish, pulled together, yet still personal, you’ve come to the right place. I’ll be sharing styling advice to help you edit, layer, and finish your home with confidence, alongside articles on what’s happening in the interiors world — from design events and colour stories to features on interior gurus - so you get the full picture.
I also take you on tours of beautifully styled homes from around the world, offering inspiration and styling ideas to steal for your own space. Ultimately, I’ll show you how a little bit of styling can be transformational and take your home to a whole new level.
In today’s post, I’m going to show you a whole variety of nightstands, aka beside tables, in a mix of styles and finishes to help you find your perfect bedside suitor.
Photo credit: Atkin and Thyme
A nightstand brings effortless charm to a bedroom. Somehow, a bedroom never feels quite complete without one. No matter how small, a nightstand - or bedside table as they are also called - can add a stylish finishing touch to your room while complementing your overall interior scheme. And your nightstand doesn’t have to match the bed frame or the headboard either. It can be a pop of colour, a shiny finish or made from natural raw wood to bring a more organic feel to the bedroom.
Nightstands can easily become a focal point in the bedroom and, like the one pictured here, can be a design element in their own right. Characterised by distinctive drawer fronts made from iron with a stunning oxidised patina, this design by Atkin and Thyme is a prime example of how a nightstand can be a standout feature within a bedroom scheme.
There are so many different nightstand designs to choose from, depending on your interior style and the amount of space available beside the bed. A nightstand might take the form of a cabinet with a door, a compact chest with one or two drawers, or simply a small table. And to give you even more choice, they come in a variety of materials including wood, metal, rattan, marble, iron, or upholstered finishes.
For my nightstands I have two different-sized upholstered pouffes either side of my own bed, while a third sits at the foot of it. I like to display a stack of books and magazines, partly because I always have reading material within easy reach, but also because they add that stylish layered look to the room. For a more sensory feel, I keep a scented candle with sleep-inducing oils in the display, which I often light in the evenings. Finally, I have a decorative vessel, often with a flower alongside the books and candle, and all arranged in three white lacquered trays for a calm, clutter-free look. And if you, like I often do, decide to change the interior scheme of your bedroom, depending on the design, many nightstands are versatile enough to be repurposed as side tables or small cabinets in other rooms in the home.
In this article, you’ll find a whole variety of nightstands to become your perfect bedside companion, kicking off with a marvellous matching pair from Andrew Martin, closely followed by three rather unique alternative nightstand ideas from my recent article.
Photo credit: Andrew Martin
How a nightstand can be functional and finish off the look of a bedroom
Aside from being functional, a nightstand is also an attractive piece of furniture that provides the perfect surface for table lamps, decorative objects, small plants, books and magazines. The bedside tables in this stunning interior by Andrew Martin, in soft grey and paired with striking black table lamps, really elevate the scheme and show how a well-chosen nightstand can make an impact. Nightstands with drawers, like the one pictured here, are particularly useful for keeping surfaces clear, allowing space for lamps, vases or other decorative touches. You don’t necessarily have to opt for two identical tables, although a matching pair, as you can see in this interior, work beautifully and bring a pleasing sense of symmetry and balance to a room.
Depending on the design you choose, a nightstand can help keep your bedroom organised both on top and within its drawers or shelves, making it an incredibly practical piece of furniture as well as a stylish one. It’s the perfect place for you to keep all your night-time essentials close at hand, whether it’s a glass of water, reading glasses, a phone, earplugs or medication you might need during the night, helping your bedroom surfaces remain clutter-free.
If your nightstand doesn’t include drawers or a shelf, arranging items in a tray can help create a more organised environment, while adding a decorative element to the room. Trays are ideal for grouping together books, magazines, a scented candle, a small vase or alarm clocks, for example, while keeping the rest of the surface clear.
Alternative items you can use as a nightstand
If you have read my article on alternative bedside tables, you will have discovered that they don’t necessarily need to be actual tables or cabinets in the traditional sense. As you’ll notice from the images, all sorts of unexpected items can be repurposed, from a stack of hat boxes, pictured here, to the trunks of silver birch trees. Here is a list with some of the alternative nightstands I have featured, but you can also check out the full article here to find out more ideas and inspiration.
Small stools - simple and ideal if you are limited for space or want to bring in a rustic touch with vintage-style pieces.
Hat boxes - vintage or new, stacked up in twos or threes for a truly individual look.
Tree trunks - make your own DIY table with a simple tree trunk or purchase a purpose-made version.
Small living room side tables - wood, metal and classic or modern, these work well as a nightstand.
Tray tables - lightweight and versatile, these make really interesting nightstands.
Vintage tables - painted or left natural - these add charm and character.
Vintage wine crates and wooden food storage boxes - turned on their side, these can look great even in a modern bedroom.
Wooden ledges - a shelf or ledge is a great option in a bedroom without the floor space for a nightstand.
Built-in bedside tables - whether concrete or wood, these create a minimal look.
A chair - a small chair with a flat seat can double up as a table, especially retro types.
Stacks of books or magazines - a casual or temporary solution to put your drink and lamp on.
Old travel case or trunk - useful for storage as well as displaying a lamp, books and other items.
Styling your bedside table
The size of your nightstand will determine what you can place on top of it, and how styled or minimal you want the overall look to be. If you don’t have wall lights or pendants hanging beside the bed, you will probably want to include a table lamp, like the stylish black and white lamps in the Andrew Martin interior, which are not only practical but add height and visual interest to the room.
The size of the surface will naturally influence what you can place on it and how you style it. Smaller nightstands, or those in more minimalistic bedrooms, are best kept simple with a lamp, while a larger nightstand allows for a small styled vignette. There are a few home decor essentials that work beautifully on most nightstands, including a scented candle, small plant, stacked books, vase or pot. Here is a visual list of home decor styling items, but for a much deeper dive on styling pieces, check out my article Home Decor Essentials to Style Your Home and Make a Room Feel Finished.
A TABLE LAMP
A portable lamp, like this design by Pooky, is especially useful as it avoids the need for any cables, so is ideal if you don’t have an electric socket nearby.
A SMALL POT, VASE OR VESSEL
A small pot, vase or vessel, like the black one here from Dunelm, displayed alone or with flowers, always looks stylish and can be placed on top of books or magazines.
A REAL OR FAUX PLANT
A potted plant like a succulent introduces nature and greenery to the bedroom. If you don’t want to keep watering or bringing in fresh flowers, an artificial plant, like this faux succulent by Floralsilk, is ideal.
A SCENTED CANDLE OR DIFUSSER
A candle looks stylish and, when lit, adds atmosphere. With the right fragrance, it can even be sleep-inducing
. This hand-painted candle by Chase and Wonder has a soft floral fragrance with notes of lavender, lily of the valley, neroli, amber and musk.
A TRINKET TRAY
A stylish trinket tray is ideal for keeping a watch and jewellery all in one place overnight. This white scalloped-edged design is by B&M and is a good choice for a stylish modern tray.
A mango wood nightstand for a rustic feel
For a more organic-style bedroom, a rustic nightstand like this mango wood design from Nkuku is ideal for creating a relaxed, natural look. I particularly like this model because it offers the best of both worlds - space on top for the fluted glass bedside lamp and, within the table itself, a cubby hole for displaying books, while the drawer provides a place to tuck away more practical night-time essentials.
The mango wood is carried through to the bed frame, while the headboard features woven cane detailing, which subtly echoes the natural materials throughout the room.
Photo credit: Nkuku
Luxurious nightstand for a glamorous bedroom
You can instantly bring a sense of refined luxury into a bedroom with a sleek design like the black ‘Spear’ table by Luxxu. I particularly like the brass detailing of the spear-shaped legs and handle, which contrasts beautifully with the darker finish of the table, standing out against the more muted brown tones of the wall and flooring.
This elegant nightstand has just enough surface for the lamp and a small vase holding a single flower, proving that a nightstand can still look stylishly curated without overcrowding it. The lamp introduces soft ambient light to the bedroom, helping create atmosphere, while a single flower is all you need to add that finishing touch.
Photo credit: Luxxu
Warm-toned wood nightstand combined with colourful scheme
This bedroom is a lovely example of how mixing warm shades with natural materials works so well together. When choosing the material or colour of your nightstand, it’s worth taking your wall colour and the overall palette of the room into consideration.
Notice how this warm-toned wooden table stands out beautifully against the earthy-toned red wall behind it. With oversized curved wooden handles that capture the Scandi-inspired look, this nightstand by Swoon has been accessorised with a vase of flowers, small trinket tray and a table lamp featuring a lighter red shade, which sits within the same complementary warm palette while softening the deeper colour of the wall.
Photo credit: Swoon
High-sheen softly curved table for contemporary bedrooms
Consider the finish of your nightstand, as this can really make a difference to the overall style of a bedroom. We’ve already seen how beautifully raw mango works in an organic-style space, while the sleek black and brass table felt perfectly suited to a more luxurious bedroom scheme.
The glossy finish of this unusual clay green bedside table by Cult Furniture catches the light beautifully and adds a touch of glamour to the room. Inspired by ‘70s design, this striking piece has plenty of storage space within the two drawers and, with its cylindrical feet, has a stylish retro feel. With soft curved edges, it’s perfectly poised beside the curved upholstered headboard, creating a room that feels visually balanced and contemporary.
The nightstand has been styled with a lamp and a wabi-sabi-style vessel, fashionably placed on top of three books for a more considered look.
Photo credit: Cult Furniture
Scandinavian-inspired simple table perfect for small bedrooms
This Scandinavian-inspired nightstand in light grey oak veneer from Click Style, with its drawer and tapered slim black metal frame, is perfect for smaller bedrooms or for anyone wanting a less bulky nightstand that feels light and airy within the room.
Despite its compact design, there is still enough room for a lamp, while the drawer provides plenty of room for storage. The black woven bedside lamp pairs beautifully with the tone and style of the table, tying in with the black metal frame.
Photo credit: Click Style
Versatile rattan retro table
Natural materials like bamboo and rattan are perfect for coastal-inspired bedrooms and more bohemian-style interiors. I was actually surprised when I came across this nightstand by Oliver Bonas as it has a strong retro design almost identical to one I bought for my bedroom in my twenties.
This handmade bedside table combines natural and painted rattan in a sculptural design and includes a small drawer for storage, making it both stylish and practical. Its lightweight, compact shape means it can double up as a side table for hallways, living areas or even the bathroom, making it a versatile piece.
Photo credit: Oliver Bonas
Matching chevron nightstand
Matching your bedside table to your bed frame and headboard can create a clean, cohesive look within a bedroom. To stop the scheme from feeling too uniform, make sure you bring in different tones and textures into the room with soft furnishings and home decor pieces, like the terracotta table lamp pictured here.
This nightstand is beautifully handcrafted from pale fir with a light limewash finish and is by Cox & Cox, which has subtle chevron-patterned parquet detailing. The understated design and pale wood tones stand out softly against the slightly darker backdrop, while layers of throws, rugs and cushions in warm neutral shades add different textured to the room.
Photo credit: Cox & Cox
Classic-style wooden nightstand
In a quintessential classic French design, this tall, slender and visually lightweight nightstand from French Bedroom brings an elegant and refined feel to the bedroom. Crafted from solid oak, with the natural grain forming part of its beauty, this delicate table features tapered legs and a single slimline drawer.
Against white walls, this nightstand looks timeless, with space either side allowing it room to breathe. This is something worth taking into consideration when choosing your model because, even if it’s a designer piece, if it’s crammed too tightly against the bed it can spoil the whole look of the room.
What also adds to the appeal of this nightstand is the small yet stylish display on top, featuring a stone and linen lamp, a bright white vase, and a stack of books, all of which enhance the look of the table without it feeling overly styled.
Photo credit: French Bedroom
Styling with a black oriental-style nightstand
If you want to bring a more globally inspired style to your bedroom, this oriental-style antique cabinet does exactly that. The black lacquered finish works beautifully paired with metallic elements like the brass base of the striking snake lamp by Porta Romana.
The darker tones of the cabinet ground the space and allow for the rich emerald green throw to really stand out, while the tiger cushion adds to the eclectic, well-travelled feel of the room. Styling has been kept pared-back on the nightstand, with only the lamp, allowing the wallpaper to make an impact too. The overall look is one of global glamour and shows how a distinctive-style nightstand can transform the bedroom.
Photo credit: Sandra van Aalst
LET’S SUM UP
I hope this article has given you plenty of ideas and inspiration for choosing your next bedside table. If you want to be a little more creative with your bedroom setup, you may want to read my article Alternative Bedside Table Ideas for a Stylish Bedroom, which features some very unique nightstands, from repurposed wine crates to small milking stools.
Further reading
If you are planning a complete bedroom makeover, visit my Stylish bedroom ideas - to inspire your bedroom refresh.
And if you want to learn more about styling your home beautifully, with plenty of tips and advice, then do head over to Interior Styling: What is it and How To Create a Beautiful, Cohesive Home.
