32 Creative Ideas for Your Nightstand

A combination floor lamp with the table incorporated in the design takes the guesswork out of how tall a lamp to buy.

Space savers

Having a little trouble finding anything that fits next to your bed in a smaller room? This narrow metal table takes up very little room, but the open shelves give you a few surfaces to use. Using a slim contemporary lamp gives it all the functionality of its larger traditional counterparts.

If traditional bedside tables are all too large, you might look at pedestals or even plant stands to find a very narrow piece that will work. Using wall sconces keeps the surface free for your bedside essentials. I can definitely fit my favorite sea-salt caramels on this little table. What else do you need?

You don't actually have to use a table, by the way.

Although this bed does have a table beside it, the niche behind the bed offers an additional place to put anything you want. You could forego the table here if you wanted to.

Here a deep cabinet behind the bed serves the function of the bedside table.

Do your tables have to match?

Absolutely not! However, I do recommend that they feel balanced. These tables are completely different, but they are pretty much the same size. I actually really like the two different tables. It gives the room a collected look rather than looking like they got everything at the same store the same day.

Tip: If your tables are of noticeably different heights, avoid using matching lamps which call attention to the different heights and make them feel lopsided. You can use wall sconces mounted at the same height to minimize any off-balance feel. Or use two different lamps: a shorter one for your tall table and a taller one for your shorter table.

This little built-in cubby hardly takes any space at all. I think this is just cute as a bug's ear! I don't know why I love this itty bitty box so much, but I do. Doesn't it just make you want to put tiny little things in it? Love it.

Notice that the light is recessed so the front is flush with the wall. And that's not all ...

Here's the whole bed. There is more storage space in the middle of the headboard. They also made use of the space at the foot of the bed. Instead of a free-standing bench, the bed is actually built with drawers and a cubby at the foot. Great for things you don't have to reach as often as those immediate bedside items.

Looking for something a little different?

This lighted cube makes a unique bedside table.

A chest that opens from the top can be used if you don't need to get into the contents often. In my guest room I use two chests as the side tables. It's where I store extra blankets and pillows.

I really love the look of a simple, bold shape next to the bed.

If you don't want a bedside table, how about a bedside chair?

Why limit yourself to one table when you can have two?

Nesting tables are a fun idea and I love the cute little circular feet on these.

What if you just don't need a table at all?

Wouldn't work for me. I struggle to keep my bedside stuff from taking over the whole bed. But if you don't need a place for books or drinks or pills or what-have-you, then there is no interior design law that says you must have a table. A floor lamp can stand alone.

I'd love to hear about your creative solutions for the bedside table.