Nightstands are a bedroom essential – they provide convenient bedside storage for cell phones, books, and other personal items. Not only do nightstands further the aesthetic of your bedroom, they also help to frame your bed within the room, whether that's in the middle with two tables on either side, or up against a wall with a single nightstand. Check out our guide to discover the elements and styles to consider when choosing a nightstand design.

Before You Begin: Choose a Size
Nightstand Designs
Materials
Storage
Key Features
Nightstand Styles

Before You Begin: Choose a Size

The first step to choosing a nightstand design is making sure you know the appropriate size table to sit beside your bed. Make sure the table surface is around the same height as your mattress and a width that can accommodate the items you want to place on top of your table.

Height

Prep for your nightstand purchase by measuring the height of your mattress. The nightstand’s height should match it – if you choose a nightstand that's too short or too tall, it will look uneven next to the bed and make grabbing items off of the table more difficult. Since the average mattress is around 25", a standard nightstand is around 23"–28". If you have a low mattress or bed frame, then a 23" small/low style is best for you. Have a taller bed frame or mattress? Choose a tall nightstand that sits at 30" to match the height of your bed.

Width

The width of your nightstand should be based on the surface space you need and your style preferences. Decorating a smaller or minimalistic bedroom? Save room with a narrow nightstand with width under 21". If you plan on placing personal items or decor on the nightstand, then a standard (21"–29") or a wide width (over 29") is best for your bedside. A narrow table that's sleek and minimal is great for a modern or glam space, while a standard or wider nightstand matches a cozier traditional or rustic aesthetic.

Nightstand Designs

After finding the right size, it's crucial to find a nightstand design that complements your space and suits your storage needs. Consider different features (like felt-lined drawers or built-in outlets) that will elevate your bedside setup.

Materials

Wood

Wood is the most popular nightstand material for a reason. There are so many tones to choose from, and each adds a rich color and texture to your room. Wood also goes with every aesthetic, so you're sure to find a style that fits your space. A mid-toned oak or rich mahogany adds to a traditional bedroom, while a blonde wood or teak fits in a contemporary or farmhouse space. You can also add a vintage-inspired feel with a distressed finish.

Metal

Metal nightstand sets are ideal for an industrial or modern aesthetic. These nightstands tend to be minimalistic, with sharper angles and cooler color options. Mix and match your metal nightstand with a different-colored handle for a glam or eclectic look, or keep it monochromatic for a sleek, modern feel.

Pro Tip:

Bonus: Choose a hybrid of both wood and metal for a transitional look. Think: a nightstand with a wood body with metal legs.

Storage

Discover all of the storage features available for your nightstand tables. These features are designed to give you the storage space and functionality you need for your bedroom. From soft-close drawers to open shelving, these storage features give your nightstand a customized feel.

Drawers

Nightstands with drawers give you plenty of storage for organizing any bedside essentials and keeping the top of the nightstand clutter-free.

Number of Drawers

One of the most important features to consider when choosing a nightstand design is the number of drawers, and what you’re hoping to store in them. Options typically range from one to three. Smaller items like chargers, eyeglasses, and medicines fit perfectly into a shallow top drawer, while larger items like books or pajamas are great for deeper drawers below.

Self/Soft-Close Drawers

The soft-close feature on a nightstand ensures that your drawers or doors won't shut too quickly or firmly with a mechanism that eases the door closed. The self-close mechanism gently pulls the drawer closed using a spring-based system. These features prevent unwanted loud noises and keep your nightstand in great shape.

Felt-Lined Drawers

Felt-lined drawers keep your personal items from collecting dust at the bottom of your drawers. This lining can also prevent metal or sharper items like jewelry or watches from scratching or marking the wood or metal nightstand drawers.

Shelving

Nightstands with open shelving give you extra space to add decor or place your essentials. With one or more shelves, this type of nightstand storage is versatile and easy to style. The open shelves are the perfect spot to show off a stack of books or use a decorative basket to stow any small items.

Key Features

Along with storage customizations, there are a few other key features to consider when choosing a nightstand design. Check out these important options to think about below.

Removable Hardware

Hardware is a great way to customize your nightstand design. Having removable hardware will allow you to personalize your nightstands to best fit your style. A metallic finish is perfect for a sleek glam or modern look, chunky wooden handles give a rustic feel, and intricate black hardware fits a farmhouse or traditional aesthetic.

Assembled

Avoid the extra labor of assembling your nightstand with one that comes fully assembled. Need we say more?

Built-In Outlets

Keep your charging cords tucked away in a nightstand with built-in outlets. These nightstand tables come with outlets placed discreetly in the back of the unit, so you can charge your devices beside your bed without all the unsightly wires.

Nightstand Styles

The style of your nightstand is just as key as the size or storage. Whether you're looking for a perfect match to your room’s style, or to blend a few styles to further your transitional aesthetic, we've got you covered. Keep reading for a few styling tips to get you inspired.

Traditional

A traditional nightstand is an easy way to further your room’s transitional style. Using a mix of contemporary and classic silhouettes, transitional style meets at the intersection of both worlds to create a unique look. We love how the timeless nightstand design above pairs with the more modern headboard and bold patterned bedding. Top the nightstand with a gold table lamp to tie in the brass tones on the drawer pulls and headboard. Finish with a subtle framed print and a few decorative books to give your nightstand a curated touch.

Pro Tip:

Looking for more info on transitional style? Read our guide What is Transitional Style? to master this effortless aesthetic.

Modern

For modern-style bedrooms, pick a nightstand that matches the clean-lines and streamlined silhouettes found throughout the space. The simple shape and minimal hardware gives this nightstand a contemporary feel while the natural wood finish adds an organic element to the bedroom. The drawers provide enough space to store any bedside essentials and keep the top of the nightstand from getting too cluttered. Juxtapose the nightstand with a soft globe-shaped pendant and a vase filled with leafy branches for a chic finish.

Glam

Opt for a glam nightstand to give your neutral bedroom an elevated touch. To achieve the luxe look, choose a nightstand with ornate touches. The herringbone pattern and sleek brass details above make this nightstand design the perfect pairing for the upholstered headboard and plush accent chair. Select a simple table lamp or install a wall sconce to add the right amount of lighting without taking any attention away from the nightstand.

Rustic

A rustic nightstand brings a bit of natural appeal to the bedside. Choose a nightstand style with a distressed wood finish or aged metal hardware to really perfect that rustic aesthetic. The deep wood finish of the nightstand above highlights the natural wood grain and works well with the warm earth tones that tie the space together. Add simple nightstand decor and a tufted area rug to make your bedroom feel as cozy as possible.

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