Your nightstand is more than just a practical piece of bedroom furniture. It can also be an opportunity to express your style and personality. With a bit of creativity, you can transform your humble nightstand into a stylish accent that reflects who you are. Here are 32 creative nightstand ideas to inspire you.
Utilize Your Nightstand’s Surfaces
Your nightstand likely has both horizontal and vertical real estate to work with. Take advantage of every surface to add visual interest.
Style the Top Surface
The top of your nightstand is prime decorating territory. Consider the following creative ideas:
- A tray with a candle, plant, jewelry box, and other accessories creates an attractive vignette. Go for a cohesive theme or color palette.
- Arrange framed photos of loved ones to keep them close. Prop up the frames with small books or trinkets.
- A low bowl filled with colorful balls, sea glass, or other small objects makes for a cheery display.
- Stack your favorite coffee table books or magazines for easy access before bedtime.
- Create a serene scene with a Himalayan salt lamp, dried flowers, and a small Buddha statue or crystal.
Decorate the Drawer Front
Dress up a boring drawer with these fun concepts:
- Stick on patterned contact paper for an instant makeover. Try polka dots, floral prints, or faux wood and marble.
- Attach tiny handles made from ribbon or twine for a cottage-chic look.
- Use decorative Washi tape to create stripes, geometric patterns, or words.
- Glue on shells, buttons, or fabric scraps to make a collage effect.
Style the Sides
The often-forgotten sides of your nightstand present unique decorating opportunities:
- Lean a full-length mirror against one side for checking your outfit in the morning.
- Hang woven baskets for extra storage while adding texture.
- Affix bronze numbers, inspirational quotes, or monograms using adhesive vinyl.
- Attach little ledges to hold watches, sunglasses, or mini succulents in cute pots.
Illuminate with Lighting
The right lighting transforms any nightstand into a radiant focal point.
Install Discreet Drawer Lights
Attach battery-operated LED strip lights inside a drawer to cast a soft glow when opened. It’s perfect for finding items at night.
Up the Ambience with Table Lamps
The design options for table lamps today are endless. Consider vintage-inspired apothecary jars, modern geometric shapes, or curvy ceramic bases in glossy colors.
Get Creative with DIY Lamps
With a little imagination, you can make a one-of-a-kind lamp:
- Insert fairy lights into a glass bottle or wire-mesh orb.
- Affix a lamp kit to an old book. Run the cord down the spine.
- Glue large seashells or pieces of stained glass to a plain lampshade.
- Attach cutesy animal figurines around the base of a standard lamp.
Use Natural Candlelight
Nothing sets a relaxing mood like the warm flicker of a candle. Place taper or pillar candles in attractive holders. Tealights in glass jars or tiny terra cotta pots add whimsical charm.
Store Essentials in Style
Your nightstand drawers and shelves neatly stow away all your bedside necessities. But basic storage can still look chic.
Upgrade with Pretty Containers
Conceal clutter in storage boxes and canisters with gorgeous designs:
- Vintage-style tins with floral motifs or preppy stripes
- Glass jars with gold lids, leather pull-tabs, or chalkboard labels
- Woven baskets in natural, bleached, or vivid hues
- Ceramic pots for a earthy vibe or sleek metal bins for modern cool
Organize Drawers with Practical Accessories
Keep your drawers orderly with these clever products:
- Felt drawer organizers in fun colors to corral items
- Expandable bamboo dividers that conform to contents
- Acrylic vertical rack for magazines and tablets
- Leather valet box to store watch, rings, and pocket contents
Decorate the Wall Above
Take advantage of the vertical space above your nightstand by decorating the wall.
Hang Artwork
This area presents a great opportunity to show off your favorite art:
- Float an oversized canvas, frame, or gallery wall over the nightstand. The artwork will be nicely highlighted.
- Cluster three rustic wood frames in varying sizes above the table. They will feel cohesive but have more impact than one piece.
- Pick a color from your bedroom’s palette and display art in that same hue. It will pull the whole space together.
Add Mirrors or Photo LED Displays
Strategically placed mirrors or digital photo frames expand the visual scope:
- An oval leaned mirror reflects light and makes the room feel larger.
- Small circular mirrors create a cool geometric arrangement.
- Digital LED screens can continuously scroll your favorite pictures and selfies.
Mount Floating Wall Shelves
Defy gravity with these creative shelving ideas:
- Sturdy black floating shelves are perfect for holding books, plants, and knickknacks.
- Add a pop of color with wall-mounted magazine files in bright hues.
- Faux floating shelves made from acrylic rods seem to suspend small items in midair.
Personalize with Meaningful Touches
Your nightstand is ideal for showcasing touches that are unique to you. Have fun with these custom details.
Display Special Mementos
Surround yourself with little treasures that make you smile:
- Show off ticket stubs and backstage passes from favorite concerts.
- Prop up old family photos in vintage frames for a timeless look.
- Place a souvenir snow globe or Eiffel Tower statue from a memorable trip.
Add Inspiring Quotes
Let positive messages motivate you:
- Paint or decoupage an inspiring phrase onto your nightstand itself.
- Frame short uplifting quotes and lean them against the wall.
- Apply removable wall quote decals above the nightstand to start each day on a happy note.
Showcase Collections
Turn your prized collections into artsy decor:
- Display colorful enamel pins on a corkboard or pinned to a piece of fabric.
- Fill a shadowbox frame with sentimental little objects, like sea glass, shells, or movie stubs.
- Arrange your Funko Pop figures, miniature cars, or rubber duckies on floating shelves.
Take It Outside the Box
Once you’ve exhausted traditional nightstand decor, it’s time to get more adventurous!
Unleash Your Creativity
Let your inner artist run wild:
- Decorate the nightstand surface with elaborate doodles in chic black and white.
- Cover the drawers in cutouts from magazines, sheet music, or pages from old books.
- Embellish the nightstand with studs, beads, feathers, or other funky materials.
Show Off Your DIY Skills
Roll up your sleeves and make these bold statement pieces:
- Turn an old ladder, crate, or small dresser into a one-of-a-kind nightstand.
- Cut pieces of wood or PVC pipe to create geometric wall shelves.
- Use reclaimed barn wood to make a rustic floating shelf.
Think Outside the Box
Look beyond conventional furniture pieces:
- An antique luggage rack makes an elegant bedside valet.
- A delicate garden trellis leaning on the wall provides pretty display space.
- An old bicycle wheel mounted horizontally becomes artsy wall art.
Choose Colors and Patterns that Pop
Vibrant colors and playful patterns ensure your nightstand commands attention.
Coat with Bright Hues
Paint is an easy DIY route to a radically different look:
- Dare to go for glossy lime green, vivid sky blue, or another daring color.
- Try two-toned drawers in contrasting colors for retro appeal.
- Paint the back wall the same hue for a super-saturated effect.
Pick Expressive Patterns
Lively motifs add energy:
- Give wooden nightstands a makeover with chevron stripes or polka dot wallpaper.
- Choose a table lamp with a bold mosaic, animal print, or graphic floral pattern.
- Stencil Moroccan-inspired designs, geometric shapes, or graffiti artwork.
Add Pizzazz with Accessories
Punch up a subdued space with vivid decorative accents:
- Toss a faux fur throw in a wildly colorful animal print.
- Dress up a plain lampshade with fabric trimmed in a contrasting graphic print.
- Place votive candles in chromatic glass holders for a pop of color.
Carve Out Extra Storage
Maximize every inch to get clever concealed storage that minimizes clutter.
Stash Items in Hidden Compartments
Secret nooks keep essentials handy but out of sight:
- Build a pull-out drawer under the nightstand to gain extra capacity.
- Add a bottom shelf with a lift-top that retracts vertically.
- Install cabinet doors on the stands’ open lower shelf for a hidden cubby.
Use Clever Attachment Solutions
Take advantage of vertical real estate with space-saving add-ons:
- Affix wall-mounted drop-down compartments perfect for stashing electronics and books.
- Screw in a floating wooden magazine rack to organize your reading material.
- Attach a small metal basket to hold your TV remote, headphones, and other gadgets.
Incorporate Unexpected Elements
Truly make your nightstand special with out-of-the-box additions no one would expect.
Display Your Collections
Your unique personal collections deserve the spotlight:
- Show off colorful glass figurines, vintage toys, or your shot glass collection inside a shadowbox.
- Mount shallow brackets to hold your succulent garden or array of mini cacti.
- Place precious snow globes from around the world on floating glass shelves with integrated LED lights.
Add Boho-Chic Charm
Bring in bohemian flair with one-of-a-kind touches:
- Drape beaded curtain tassels along the front of your nightstand drawers.
- Attach an ornate jewelry rack trimmed in coin fringe to show off your best pieces.
- Adorn the tabletop with a crescent moon wall hanging surrounded by miniature fairy lights.
Include Natural Elements
Accent with organic and sustainably-sourced decor:
- Fill apothecary jars with dried flowers, pine cones, or seashells.
- Place a vase with fresh flowers or leafy greens to bring nature indoors.
- Lay down a tree cross-section as a rustic natural tabletop.
Display Your Favorite Drinkware
Your nightstand is the ideal place to flaunt your fabulous glassware, mugs, and barware.
Show Off Your Stemware
Turn your nightstand into an elegant bar cart:
- Hang stemmed wine glasses by their bowls from a mounted rack.
- Display colored glassware in different shapes and sizes.
- Keep champagne flutes chilled in a small ice bucket.
Exhibit Fun Drinkware
Add personality with your extensive mug collection:
- Hook quirky, colorful mugs on floating cup racks.
- Arrange mugs in a geometric pattern on corner shelves.
- Choose mugs featuring your favorite movies, music, and pop culture.
Feature Beautiful Barware
Your nightstand doubles as a chic home mixology station:
- Line up gleaming cocktail shakers, stirrers, and shot glasses.
- Show off unique bottles of bitters and syrups.
- Keep cocktail recipe cards in a stylish box.
Incorporate Cool Technology
Your modern nightstand can charge devices, play music, tell time, and more with integrated technology.
Add Charging Capabilities
Never run out of power again with these ideas:
- Opt for a cabinet with built-in USB ports to charge phones and tablets.
- Install a wireless charging pad or Qi-enabled surface.
- Include a mounted docking station for Apple devices.
Integrate Audio
Enjoy your favorite playlists from bed with a smart nightstand:
- Choose a model with Bluetooth connectivity and stereo speakers.
- Connect portable speakers that sync with Wi-Fi-enabled lighting.
- Hide a wireless subwoofer inside the cabinet for full surround sound.
Display the Time Digitally
Ditch your alarm clock for these more modern options:
- Get an LED digital clock with large bright numbers and auto-dimming.
- Select a smart clock powered by voice assistants like Alexa.
- Install color-changing LED strips that display the time.
Maximize Small Spaces Creatively
Just because your nightstand is petite doesn’t mean it can’t make a statement. Scale down the design to fit.
Work with Narrow Profiles
Tabletop space may be limited, but you can still decorate:
- Opt for narrow table lamps that take up less surface area.
- Display small or mini versions of accessories like vases and jewelry boxes.
- Place decorative plates, artwork, or wall shelves on the wall above rather than the tabletop.
Take Advantage of Height
When you lack a table’s width and depth, optimize its height:
- Use tall accent lamps, candles, or plants to draw the eye upward.
- Affix slender wall shelves or ledges vertically to hold knickknacks.
- Lean an oversized piece of wall art above the nightstand.
Get Creative with Storage
In a pinch for space? Improvise with these storage solutions:
- Stick a tension rod inside the stand to hang pouches.
- Screw S-hooks along the inner sides of open shelves.
- Use removable adhesive hooks inside drawers for hanging jewelry and cords.
Curate Your Ideal Bedtime Routine
Your nightstand can provide everything you need for a relaxing pre-sleep routine. Here’s how to design it for optimal comfort and convenience.
Gather Soothing Accessories
Set the mood for rest with calming items within arm’s reach:
- A Himalayan salt lamp or essential oil diffuser promote relaxation.
- Have a weighed blanket for reducing anxiety and read spiritual texts or devotionals.
- Sip chamomile tea and take magnesium or melatonin supplements.
Prep Your Sleep Environment
Control your sleep space for comfort:
- Install smart lightbulbs to dim gradually, signaling bedtime.
- Keep an extra pillow and blanket in your nightstand in case you get chilly.
- Use a white noise machine or meditation app to block disruptive sounds.
Organize Nighttime Essentials
Get a good night’s rest by having must-haves on hand:
- Stock your drawer with sleep masks, earplugs, lip balm, tissues, and medications.
- Keep water on your nightstand to stay hydrated if you wake up thirsty.
- Have your phone charger, reading glasses, and e-reader within easy reach.
- Place an alarm clock or your phone where you can quickly hit snooze in the morning.
Embrace Your Quirky Style
Your DIY nightstand is the perfect canvas to showcase your fun, fabulous tastes. Go bold with these irreverent ideas!
Make a Splash with Color
Survey the spectrum and choose colors that spark joy:
- Coat your nightstand in glossy sherbet orange or bright persimmon red.
- Accent with accessories in clashing neon and pastel hues. This color combo is trending.
- Paint the drawers different colors like pink, purple and green for a playful mismatched look.
Add Witty Text Elements
Display cheeky words and phrases:
- Stencil “Go to Sleep” or “Do Not Disturb” on the drawers.
- Decorate the surface with alphabet refrigerator magnets.
- Apply vinyl wall decals with funny quotes, song lyrics or your zodiac sign.
Show Off Your Kitschy Treasures
Your nightstand is the perfect platform for your quirky collections:
- Display glass unicorn figurines, mermaid tails, or alien memorabilia inside lighted curio shelves.
- Arrange vintage tin robots, action figures, and other toys.
- Create a candy-colored vignette of your favorite cutesy Japanese kawaii characters.
Design for Planning and Productivity
Make your nightstand a command center for staying organized and accomplishing daily goals.
Create a Command Center
Keep tomorrow’s to-do list visible:
- Mount a large erasable whiteboard to jot down tasks, events, and notes.
- Use a personalized dry erase calendar to track deadlines.
- Display sticky notes, washi tape, and pens in a decorative holder.
Add Organizational Tools
Reduce morning chaos by prepping the night before:
- Place documents to review or sign in a designated spot.
- Have a valet to hold your wallet, glasses, watch, and other daily accessories.
- Use trays and drawer organizers to sort items.
Install Tech for Working from Bed
With the addition of a few gadgets, you can turn your nightstand into a mini workstation:
- Attach a swing arm wall mount for your tablet or phone to watch videos hands-free.
- Add a portable laptop stand and wireless keyboard.
- Mount a TV bracket arm so you can tilt the screen for optimal viewing
