Styling a Nightstand: Easy Decorating Tips and Ideas
Styling a nightstand is one of the easiest (and most fun!) ways to add personality, charm, and function to your bedroom. With just a few clever touches, this small space can make a big statement—and become your favorite corner of the room!
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Let’s talk about the nightstand!
It might be a small piece of furniture, but it does a big job. It holds your alarm clock, your glass of water, your hand cream, and all those little items you like to keep close.
Where would I be if I didn’t have my nightstand to corral my various pairs of reading glasses!
It’s also a great spot to add a little style and personality to your bedroom.
A nicely styled nightstand can help your small room feel pulled together, calm, and cozy.
You don’t need a lot of space or fancy decor. With just a few easy ideas, you can turn your bedroom nightstand into something both beautiful and useful.
Let’s walk through simple steps to create a perfectly styled nightstand you’ll enjoy every single day!
Start with a Clean Slate
If you are like me, a nightstand (like my desk) can become the “Great Accumulator!”
Wow, stuff just seems to grow on top of it…books, lip balm, tv remote, charging cords. The list goes on and on!
So, before you start decorating, take everything off the top of your nightstand.
Give it a quick dusting or wipe-down. This is a good time to look at your color scheme and notice how much space you have to work with.
A small nightstand may only hold a few things. A larger nightstand might have room for a few extras. Knowing your space is the first step in getting a look that feels just right.
Pick a Focal Point
Every styled nightstand needs a focal point. This helps anchor the whole look.
A bedside lamp or tall lamp is the most common starting point.
A reading lamp that gives off the right amount of light makes a big difference. If there isn’t room for a lamp, try a wall sconce above or beside the table.
A piece of art, a wall hanging, or even a mirror behind the nightstand can work well, too. The goal is to draw the eye and create visual interest.
Add Functional Pieces
Once your focal point is in place, bring in the things you use every day.
Think about what makes your nightstand helpful. Some great functional accessories include:
- A small alarm clock
- Your eyeglasses
- A little dish or small bowl for rings or earbuds
- A tube of hand cream or lip balm
- A stack of books or coffee table books
- Your cell phone
- Alexa!
Obviously, a drawer in your nightstand can be a big help in corraling these items.
But not all nightstands have drawers!
If you have a small bedside table, use a small tray to hold a few items together. Grouping things makes everything feel tidy without taking up too much space.
Layer in Decorative Objects
Now it’s time to have some fun!
A few decorative elements can add warmth and style without feeling cluttered.
Try adding:
- A scented candle (Be sure to blow out the flame before you get sleepy. Safety first!
- A framed photo
- A small plant
- A bud vase with fresh flowers
- A couple of pretty decor items in your favorite colors
- A textured bowl, wood bead strand, or ceramic piece for a textural element
Keep things simple. Three to five decorative items are usually enough. Grouping items in odd numbers and using different heights helps create a balanced look.
Add Something Natural
Bringing in something natural helps the space feel fresh and soft. A small vase of flowers, a leafy small plant, or even a few stems of eucalyptus can add color and movement to your nightstand.
Incorporating natural elements also brings in texture, which looks especially nice next to glass, ceramic, or metal.
Show a Bit of Personality
Your nightstand isn’t just about function and style—it’s also about personal preference. Add one or two items that feel like “you.”
This could be:
- A framed photo of someone you love
- A souvenir from a favorite trip
- A small bowl passed down from a family member
- A mini sculpture, keepsake, or item that makes you smile
- A vase with flowers from someone special
These touches give your nightstand character and help the whole space feel more welcoming.
Keep It Balanced
Look at your nightstand from a step back…
Is the tallest piece off to one side? Is there a good mix of textures? Do the items feel connected by a color palette?
You don’t have to match everything, but your nightstand should feel calm and put together. If you have one on each side of the bed, try to keep the same general color scheme or light source type, even if the decor items are different.
If you use a narrow bedside table, keep things simple and choose smaller-scale pieces.
Style Ideas for Different Looks
Here are some quick ideas based on different personal styles:
- Classic and Traditional: A table lamp, framed photo, scented candle, and hardcover book
- Boho and Relaxed: Rattan tray, mini plant, wood beads, ceramic bud vase
- Modern and Minimal: Sleek alarm clock, small dish, single candle, piece of art above
- Colorful and Eclectic: Bright stack of books, bold decorative object, quirky lamp base
A Small Space with Big Impact
Styling a nightstand is a great way to add personality, warmth, and usefulness to your bedroom. You don’t need much space, just a few thoughtful choices and a little creativity!
A well organized nightstand should be a daily happy place for you. One that gives you all you need for a good sleep by night…and a lovely styled space by day.
The best way to create a look you love is to make sure it works for you…your needs, your habits, and your taste.
And remember, it’s easy to change it up as the seasons or your mood shift!
Cheers!
A Little About Me
Hi! I’m missy. So happy to meet you!
“Decorate with Joy! Live with Happiness”
I truly believe that your home should be a reflection of your personality, a space where you feel free to express yourself and create a sanctuary that feels uniquely yours.
I love creating mood boards, hunting down unique home décor treasures, tackling easy DIY projects, and gathering with family and friends. Homes are meant to be enjoyed, filled with laughter, and shared with the people you love!
– cheers –
Don’t Forget to Pin It!
Pin the image below to your boards on Pinterest (just click the Pin button in the top left corner). You can also follow along with me on Pinterest!
More Bedroom Decorating Ideas
If these nightstand decor ideas have you excited to refresh your space, I’ve got even more inspiration for you!
Come take a peek at how I pulled together a cozy and colorful guest bedroom, created a book nook that’s perfect for winding down with a good read, and styled a desk right in the bedroom for both work and play. So many fun little ideas to make your room feel extra inviting!
Decorating a cozy and colorful guest bedroom
How to decorate a bedroom desk for style and function
Let’s Go Shopping
Ready to find the right bedside table for your space?
I’ve gathered some of my favorite nightstands that combine style and function—perfect for adding charm to the side of the bed while giving you enough space for all the essentials.
Take a look below and shop the pieces that can help you create your own perfectly styled nightstand.
