Nightstands and Bedside Tables

The best place to put a nightstand is by the side of the bed, so it’s easy to access when lying down. For couples sharing king and queen-size beds, it’s also common to see one nightstand on either side of the bed. This is the ideal place for nightstands because it maximizes their use. 

Nightstand surfaces are perfect for placing items such as lamps, books, eyeglasses, or a glass of water within reach. Most nightstands also have drawers or a larger storage compartment where you can keep other bedtime essentials. Finally, putting nightstands on either side of a bed is aesthetically pleasing because they can frame the bed and create visual harmony. 

There are several factors to consider when picking a nightstand to add to your bedroom furniture:

1. Height: Aim for a height approximately the same as the top of your mattress to make it easy to reach the nightstand.

1. Storage options: Drawers allow you to store away personal items, while open shelves create more of a display aesthetic. Figure out what you like first!

1. Material/style: Choose a material and style that matches the room's other furniture to avoid clashing. 

1. Color: Similar shades lend a sense of calm and harmony, while contrasts will create visual interest.

Although bedrooms are where you’ll find most nightstands, they are versatile and practical furniture that can be useful in different places:

1.  In living rooms, nightstands convert into side tables and a place to put a drink, book, phone, or remote control. 

1. In dining rooms, nightstands can store specialty items or display art, such as a vase or a bust. 

1. In the bathroom, nightstands can again double as side tables for storing magazines on the surface and bathroom essentials in the other storage compartments.