Nightstand Ideas And Bedroom Styling Tips
The Complete Guide To Choosing Wooden Nightstands For Your Bedroom
Sep
Why Choose Wooden Nightstands?
Wood brings warmth, texture, and timeless appeal to bedrooms. Compared with glass or metal tables, wooden nightstands offer tactile comfort and a broad range of finishes from pale oak to rich walnut to match different headboards and flooring. Wood also ages gracefully; light wear can add character rather than detract from the look.
Get the Size and Height Right
Proper proportions improve comfort and usability. A nightstand that’s too low or too high makes lamps, books, or phones awkward to reach, especially when you’re lying down.
Essential measurements
- Height: Aim for the top of the nightstand to be level with, or 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) above, your mattress surface.
- Width: 18–28 inches (46–71 cm) works for most rooms; choose wider tops if you use larger lamps or keep multiple items bedside.
- Depth: 14–18 inches (36–46 cm) fits typical walkways while providing enough surface area.
- Clearance: Maintain a few inches between the nightstand and bed to prevent scuffs and allow bedding to drape naturally.
Choose the Right Storage Configuration
Think about what you reach for most nights glasses, remotes, skincare, reading material—and select storage that keeps essentials tidy yet accessible.
Drawers
Closed storage hides clutter and protects small items from dust. Look for smooth glides, finished interiors, and divided sections if you
store chargers or medication.
Open shelves
Great for books or baskets. Open storage feels lighter in small rooms and helps you see items at a glance.
Combo designs
A drawer-plus-shelf layout offers the best of both worlds—concealment for small objects and quick access for bedtime reading.
Door cabinets
A hinged door keeps bulkier items like humidifiers or larger journals out of sight while maintaining a clean silhouette.
Style, Finish and Design Language
Your nightstands should complement your bed frame and dresser to form a cohesive set. If your bed features an upholstered headboard,
wooden nightstands add contrast and structure. With solid-wood bed frames, consider either a matching species for a calm, unified look,
or a subtle contrast to create layers.
Popular looks
- Modern minimal: Flush fronts, discrete pulls, and straight legs for a clutter-free feel.
- Mid-century: Warm woods, bevels, and tapered legs to add character without heaviness.
- Transitional: Soft edges, framed drawers, and versatile hardware that bridge classic and modern schemes.
- Rustic contemporary: Visible grain, matte finishes, and squared legs for a grounded, natural vibe.
Material and Construction Quality
Construction details determine durability and everyday feel. Solid wood faces and quality veneers over stable cores reduce warping while
maintaining a refined appearance. Dovetail joints, soft-close slides, and reinforced corners signal higher craftsmanship.
What to check
- Drawer boxes with dovetail or secure joinery.
- Full-extension or soft-close glides for smooth access.
- Level surfaces and stable legs—no wobble on hard floors.
- Consistent finish tone across pairs, especially with natural woods.
Functional Features Worth Considering
Modern bedrooms benefit from subtle conveniences that keep surfaces neat and cords out of sight.
Cable management
Look for cord cutouts or routed channels so lamp and charger cables don’t clutter the top or get pinched against the wall.
Integrated power
Built-in outlets or USB/USB-C ports make it easy to charge devices overnight while keeping chargers hidden in a drawer.
Easy-clean finishes
Low-sheen lacquers and durable oils resist fingerprints and are simple to wipe down during weekly tidying.
Hardware harmony
Coordinate pulls/knobs with nearby pieces, like the handles on your dresser collection, to unify the room.
Pair Nightstands with Core Bedroom Pieces
A cohesive setup starts with bed size and height. Platform beds with lower profiles may require shorter nightstands, while taller,
box-spring beds pair best with slightly higher tops. Explore frames that match your preferred height and style in our
beds collection.
If you’re building a coordinated suite, choose nightstands and storage with shared elements—finish tone, hardware, or leg shape—to connect the pieces visually.
For additional product research, browse different sizes and layouts in the
nightstands collection.
Small Rooms and Studio Layouts
In compact bedrooms, consider narrower profiles, open bases that show more floor, or wall-mounted nightstands to free up space.
A single, wider piece can serve both sides of a smaller bed in ultra-tight layouts. Light-toned woods reflect more light and help the room feel open.
Care and Maintenance
Dust weekly with a soft cloth, wipe spills promptly, and avoid harsh chemicals. Use coasters for drinks and trays for skincare or jewelry to prevent
finish wear. Tighten hardware a couple of times per year to keep drawers aligned and quiet.
Buying Checklist
- Match nightstand height to your mattress surface (±1–2 inches).
- Confirm width/depth fit and maintain clear pathways around the bed.
- Choose storage that fits your routine: drawers, shelves, or a combo.
- Assess build quality—glides, joinery, finish, and stability.
- Plan cable routing or choose integrated power to reduce clutter.
- Coordinate finishes with your bed and dresser for a cohesive scheme.
Conclusion
Wooden nightstands bring warmth, function, and lasting style to your bedroom. By getting the height right, choosing the storage you’ll actually use, and coordinating finishes with your bed and dresser, you’ll create a bedside setup that supports nightly routines and elevates the room’s design. Explore curated options in our nightstands collection and finish your look with a frame from the beds collection.
