Simple Nightstand Decor Ideas to Spruce up Your Space

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I find that a nightstand is easily forgotten in the landscape of bedroom design. For that reason, I’m sharing several tips and ideas on how to style a nightstand, including some of my favorite nightstand decor ideas.

We’ll start with finding the perfect nightstand, and then I’ll walk you through all the pretty objects worth adding to your bedside table.

With a big focus on bedding, color palette, and lighting, it’s no wonder these small but mighty tables get left behind. But like any table surface in your home — whether it’s a coffee table or console table — a nightstand provides just as much decorative potential. 

While it might currently house a cluster of necklaces, a glass of water, and tangled charging cables, you can easily transform it into a spot that contributes to the overall calming feeling and well-designed aesthetic of your bedroom. 

As a unit, a nightstand (or a pair of them) frames your bed and adds structure to the layout of your room. They’re also useful, holding all your nighttime routine must-haves.

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Once you have a nightstand you love, it’s possible to take it beyond its purely functional purpose. Some intentional styling better incorporates it into your space from a design perspective. 

Nightstand Decor Ideas

Swap Bland Nightstands for Modern Styles

Let’s start with the foundation of your nightstand styling: the actual table itself. If it feels outdated or out of place in your bedroom, then no amount of decor is going to fix it.

I fell in love with this simple nightstand because it has two large drawers for storage, plus an open shelf tucked away for easy access of books, glasses, and lotions. It also comes in nine colors and offers traditional detailing without looking dated.

The best way to create a beautiful and cohesive bedside table is to choose a unit that you adore first. From there, you have the perfect base to create a pretty vignette that reflects your interests and style.

Add Lamps or Light Fixtures

Your bedside lighting does a lot of heavy lifting.

It should be soft on the eyes for evening use but bright enough for reading. Additionally, it shouldn’t take up your entire nightstand.

Fortunately, there are plenty of chic options, from ceramic lamps with a smaller footprint to wall-mounted sconces that leave you with much more surface area. Keep an eye out for a base or shade that matches the surrounding color palette.

Opt for a Nightstand with Ample Storage

Clutter can quickly clog up a beautiful bedside table, but I know that most people also want all their essentials on hand for the evening.

The key is choosing a nightstand with storage, as you can keep the tabletop clear by storing your must-haves on shelves or behind drawers and cabinet doors. Here are a few of my favorite styles that elevate your bedroom and give you extra space.

Add a Pretty Alarm Clock

Swap your phone or outdated alarm clock for something that looks beautiful perched on your bedside table.

One unique option is a sunrise alarm clock, which is both beautiful and a much more calming way of rising in the morning. It gently brightens to wake you, like a sunrise would.

There are also vintage-inspired models, Scandi-chic wooden clock faces, and sleek modern options — whatever fits your style!

Add Books and Notepads

Whether it’s a stack of your favorite photo books, a set of novels you’ve been meaning to read, or a dream journal and notepad for late-night thoughts, paper goods and books can serve as gorgeous nightstand decor.

You’ll want to stack them neatly in the center or corner of your table or place them between two bookends so you still have room for other objects — decorative or functional.

Display Flowers or Plants

That’s right — your nightstand is a perfect place for a voluminous flower arrangement or an air-purifying plant.

A vining plant also gives some character and a nice dose of greenery to your bed setup.

If your room doesn’t get ample natural light, or if you don’t have the greenest thumb, there are convincing faux plants out there that perfectly fit the brief.

Incorporate Your Favorite Scents

Diffusers, whether you like a reed diffuser or a misting essential oil diffuser, are a lovely way to unwind in the evening.

Calming scents like lavender and frankincense create a comforting atmosphere.

You can accomplish the same vibe with candles (and candle warmers) and bring in your go-to fragrance while also creating a serene ambience after a long day. They’re ideal decor for your nightstand as they’re small objects with a big impact.

Keep Organized With Trays and Baskets

Another way to style your nightstand and maintain a clean surface is with dishes and trays for your trinkets.

These keep your jewelry safe (forget missing earrings and tangled necklaces) and they look stunning next to your lamps, candles, and other decor. Especially more sculptural catch-alls.

Baskets are another helpful addition for the shelves of your nightstand, as you can store books, electronics, and even extra throw blankets.

STAY CONNECTED

I hope that this post has given you some ideas for styling a nightstand! As you can see, there are plenty of ways you can incorporate decor while also keeping functionality in mind. Thanks so much for stopping by the blog today!

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~Sarah