Bedroom Design Ideas: 8 Unique Nightstand Alternatives To Try Now
Your nightstand might be one of the most personal pieces of furniture. Not only do you spend a third of your life sleeping next to it, most of us also use our nightstands as a home for an intimate collection of our most personal objects.
A typical nightstand might display everything from a pile of books you’re reading (or intend to read, or want people to think you’re reading), a collection of half-finished beverages, photos of your travels and loved ones, or simply your nighttime essentials like reading glasses or the retainer you never wear.
But aside from being a highly personal piece of furniture, your nightstand should also be functional. And sometimes, the most functional nightstand is actually no nightstand at all.
This may sound crazy, but this simple swap can instantly pack your space with multi-purpose power. Read on to see some of our favorite nightstand alternatives that add extra function without skimping on style.
8 Nightstand Alternatives for the Multi-Purpose Bedroom
1. Go Vertical With a Bookcase
Why not save space with a bookcase that doubles as your nightstand? Just clear off a shelf that’s easy to reach and stash all your bedside essentials there. You can use the other shelves for extra storage, which is great if you’re tight on space. It’s a win win if you ask us!
2. Pull Up a Chair
If all you need is a place to set down a bedtime book, an alarm clock, or your phone to charge overnight, a lightweight chair is an easy nightstand alternative.
Want to get multipurpose? Try pulling in an extra dining chair. This works well if you don’t use all your dining chairs daily, but like having them on-call for when guests come over.
3. Consider a Console
Is your big, bulky nightstand making your bedroom feel cramped and cluttered? Try a console with an open base instead.
Console tables are designed to be used in (often narrow) entryways, making them one of the best nightstand alternatives for small spaces. Their long and slender shape won’t clutter up floor space, but you still get a decent amount of surface area to prop bedside essentials, art, and decor.
Looking to optimize a small entryway? Here are 5 ideas.
4. Work It With a Desk
Need to fit in a mini office in your bedroom? Skip the nightstand and go for a desk instead. Not only are these stylish nightstand alternatives, a desk also gives you both lots of surface space and storage if you pick one with a drawer.
5. Do Double-Duty With a Dresser
When it comes to making the most of a storage piece, try using a dresser as your nightstand. This 2-for-1 approach helps you save space in the room (let’s face it: dressers are big!) but gives you tons of extra storage. Not to mention, they’re sure to bring bold style to your bedside.
6. Float a Shelf
This is both a clever and cost-effective option for super small spaces. You can count on a floating shelf to hold all your nighttime essentials, all the while saving you lots of floor space.
If one is not enough, we suggest stacking two floating shelves.
7. Move a Stool Over
For another low-cost alternative to a nightstand, try a small stool, bench, or ottoman. This is an easy, portable option that also doubles as a convenient spot to put your shoes on in the morning.
Plus, you can easily pull the stool into your living room when you need an extra seats.
8. Trunk It!
Looking to add a little vintage style or rustic charm to your bedroom? Try an industrial trunk. It provides great storage and it’s got style to boot, making it one of our favorite nightstand alternatives.
If you get a trunk as a hand-me-down piece that you don’t quite know what to do with, swap it in for your nightstand.
Or check out 5 more ideas how to mix vintage pieces in to modern interiors.
Design Your Bedroom from Your Computer
Hi! Where is the bookshelf from in #1? Thank you!
Thanks for asking, Phoebe! That bookcase is the Hitch Bookcase, Walnut Shelf, White legs.
What color paint is on the walls?
Thanks–We love that color too. You can find a similar color for your walls using “Wevet” by Farrow & Ball. Just remember that lighting and decor in your space can alter the way wall color looks, so it’s always smart to start with a sample swatch on your walls to see how you like it.
Hello!
Would you please tell me where I can find that console table? Thank you!
It’s from CB2, it’s really nice!
Hello,
Where is the dark dresser from in #5?
Hello Lindsey,
Thanks for asking. That dresser is the Odetta from Anthropology.
Hi, can you confirm where the navy dresser is from in #5? The Odetta from Anthropologies looks different than what’s pictured: https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/odetta-nightstand?color=041&quantity=1&size=One%20Size&type=STANDARD
Hi Rachel,
It’s the Odetta three drawer dresser and not the nightstand which you linked. https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/odetta-three-drawer-dresser003?category=SEARCHRESULTS&color=041
Hi! Where is the desk in #4 from?
Hi Gaby – thanks for asking! The desk is from West Elm. Happy styling!
Hello! Where is the sconce from in idea #3?
Hi Tracy, thanks for asking! It’s the West Elm + Rejuvenation sconce, and you can check it out here. Happy styling!
Hello
Where is the dark side table dresser from?
Thank you
Hi Dana, thanks for asking! The dresser is from Anthropologie.
Beautiful ideas! Where is the lamp in ideas 4 and 5 from?
Hi Katarina – thanks for asking! The lamp is from West Elm. It looks like they no longer carry it in that color, but here it is in a warm grey. Happy styling!
Hi! Any idea where the stool in #7 comes from? We’re planning on creating a floor bed and I think it would be perfect!
Hi Inna! It’s the Curator Hide Stool from CB2. You can also try it on in your space and shop it with discounts through Modsy. Just sign up for a design package to get started!
In the bedroom layouts, where is that carpet from?
Hi Debbie, it’s the Persian Vintage Raylene rug from nuLoom. You can see it here. Happy styling!