Bedside Tables + Nightstands

Modern nightstands are the heroes of the bedroom. They’re a catchall for tablets, hand lotion, tissues, and more — and they bear their inevitable fate with style and panache. No set of modern bedroom furniture is complete without a modern bedside table.

Nightstands vary in style, shape, and size for a plethora of options that will not only get you through the night but will also add a necessary finishing touch to your room. From mid-century modern bedside tables equipped with drawers to a streamlined bedside nightstand with shelves, there’s a well-designed piece to round out your room — and, hopefully, inspire sweet dreams.

Types of Nightstands

When choosing a nightstand, the first decision to make is this: Do you need a bedside table with storage? Asses what you usually keep next to your bed. Do you want to conceal small items in drawers or cubbies? Or keep them within easy reach on the table’s surface?

A nightstand with storage (such as shelves or cubbies) or a bedside table with drawer capacity is an optimal choice for keeping small items tucked away. This type also helps minimize the appearance of clutter while keeping necessities easily accessible. It’s possible to find a small nightstand with storage capacity, too. Some styles incorporate a drawer or cubby into a streamlined design with a petite footprint.

Consider a pedestal bedside table for a space-savvy option. Often designed in powder-coated steel with a glass top, this type occupies little floor space and fits nicely next to a bed. Lastly, a wood nightstand is durable, versatile, and available in a variety of finishes and styles. Choose a C-shaped piece to add a sculptural element to your room while also saving space. Or opt for matching designer nightstands rendered in walnut with steel legs for a mid-century modern aesthetic.

How to Pick Nightstands

As you browse pieces, think about shapes and materials. If you’re looking for a small bedside table, opt for a circular piece. This shape is space efficient and offers a pleasant contrast to the naturally linear design of a bed and bed frame. A bedside stool, for example, delivers visual contrast in a space-savvy form.

However, a round nightstand table doesn’t offer quite as much surface area as a square nightstand. If you like to keep a handful of things next to your bed, choose a square or rectangular piece. These shapes usually offer more storage features, too.

Bring natural materials into your room with a light wood nightstand or dark wood nightstand. Or choose a cork stool for a unique and tactile element. Alternatively, to incorporate more modern finishes, opt for lacquered wood or a bedside table with a powder-coated steel base and frosted glass top. These pieces artfully juxtapose warm woods and upholstered bed frames.

No matter your choice (square or round, wood or steel), at the end of the day you can rest easy knowing that your nightstand — and good design — is within arm’s reach.