How To Style A Nightstand
Image sourced from Pinterest
At the end of the day, my nightstand tells the story of my life in that season.
Most nights, I toss my phone down with a sigh, set my glasses on top of whatever book I’ve been slowly working through (usually two at a time because I can’t decide between fiction and something soul-nourishing), and drop a hair tie into the little bowl I keep close by. Some nights there’s a mug from tea I didn’t finish. Other nights it’s a pile of scribbled notes from a podcast idea or a prayer I didn’t want to forget.
Sound familiar?
Our nightstands may not be the biggest pieces of furniture in the house, but they carry so much of our daily rhythm. They’re where we place the things that hold us together morning and night — the practical and the personal. And if styled with a little care, they can also become some of the most beautiful, personality-filled corners in your bedroom.
The challenge, of course, is balance. A nightstand has to function — it has to hold your lamp, your books, your glass of water — but it can also create visual interest, give space for something soulful like a framed photo, and bring a little order with small bowls for all the tiny things.
So today, I want to share with you my guide on how to style a nightstand — not just to make it pretty, but to make it you.
How To Style A Nightstand
Before we jump into styling, let’s ground ourselves in what a nightstand is really for.
A nightstand is like a faithful little helper. It’s the piece of furniture that quietly supports your daily rhythms — those sleepy-eyed evenings when you collapse into bed and those tender mornings when you’re still half-dreaming. When you understand its purpose, it becomes easier to style it with intention.
In this post, I’ll walk you through what a nightstand is used for, how to decorate depending on its type, and creative ways to let your nightstand feel both beautiful and functional.
Image sourced from Pinterest
What Is A Nightstand & What Is A Nightstand Used For
A bedside table isn’t just an accessory in your bedroom — it’s an anchor. Here are some of the most common uses:
Holding a table lamp for cozy, ambient light
Keeping books, journals, or a Bible close for morning and night reading
Showcasing a framed photo of someone you love
Catching little items in small bowls — jewelry, hair ties, lip balm
Offering storage through drawers or open shelving
Bringing balance to your bedroom by grounding the bed visually
Once you recognize all the ways you use it, you can style it to reflect both its function and your personality.
How To Decorate A Nightstand
Every nightstand is different, and the way you decorate it should work for your life. Here are a few categories and ideas to guide you:
How To Style A Nightstand Without A Lamp
If your bedroom already has sconces or overhead lighting, you don’t need a table lamp. That opens up space for other things — a small stack of books, a framed photo, or a dish to hold rings or earbuds. Without a lamp, your nightstand becomes a little gallery of your personality.
Image sourced from Pinterest
How To Style A Small Nightstand
If you only have a small nightstand, it’s all about restraint. I’d suggest no more than three pieces: a candle, a catch-all bowl, and something personal (like flowers or a picture). Keeping it simple means it won’t feel cluttered or overwhelming.
Image sourced from Pinterest
How To Style An Open Nightstand
An open-shelf nightstand gives you more to play with — but it can get messy. Use baskets to corral items, or create neat stacks of books. Leave space for a vase, a small sculpture, or even another bowl to create variety and visual interest.
Image sourced from Pinterest
How To Style With Symmetry
If you and your partner each have a nightstand, they don’t have to be identical twins. In fact, I love when they’re siblings — related but not the same. Use matching table lamps for unity, but let each surface hold what you actually need. Sam’s usually has tech gear and books stacked high, while mine has tea mugs and a little vase. Together, they balance the room without being matchy-matchy.
Image sourced from Pinterest
How To Add Personal Touches
This is the heart of it. Add what feels like you. For me, it’s often a framed photo of my family, a favorite book I read morning and night, or a candle that makes the whole room smell calm. These small things remind me that my room is more than a place to sleep — it’s a sanctuary.
Image sourced from Pinterest
How To Play With Height and Layers
A styled nightstand is less about stuff and more about balance. Vary the height of your objects — pair a tall lamp with stacked books, or place a low bowl beside a taller vase. Mix textures, too — wood trays, ceramic bowls, glass candles. This creates a layered look that feels effortless but intentional.
Image sourced from Pinterest
Final Thought
Friend, your nightstand doesn’t have to look like a magazine photo — it just has to feel like home.
Whether you’re working with a small nightstand, an open shelf, or a bigger bedside table, remember: it’s a reflection of your life in this moment. Let it hold what’s meaningful. Let it serve you in the quiet hours. Let it be beautiful in a way that’s personal to you.
And if you’d like more inspiration on creating spaces that balance beauty and function, you might love my thoughts on modern Spanish style interior design.
At the end of the day, a nightstand is more than just furniture. It’s the little companion to your daily rhythms, a reminder that even the smallest corners of our homes can carry beauty, love, and joy.
Live on Purpose, Live on Frequency,
Jaclyn Steele Thurmond