One of the most frequently asked questions we get from subscribers and clients alike is “how do I style a nightstand?” or “what do I put on a nightstand?” or even (yikes!) “do guests need nightstands?” (YES, YES, YES THEY DO!”)
First of all, every sleeper needs a nightstand, so if you have a twin bed, you can get away with one, but in every other scenario, you will need two nightstands.
So then the questions to be answered are about essential items every nightstand needs and how to style so you have a wow factor. We know people wish for some sort of algorithm online that would just shoot them out a perfect formula for getting it right so we are attempting it in today’s blog post.
Here’s our tried-and-true nightstand blueprint:
(1) Select a chic, functional, and sturdy nightstand or bedside table with storage capacity
Nightstands should provide enough surface space for a table lamp and at least two other essentials (more on that below). Plus, it’s nice to have a drawer or two so guests have some extra storage. If you don’t have a drawer because you are electing a bedside table, make sure it has a bottom shelf so a basket can be set there.
Last but not least, we prefer a nightstand on both sides of the bed so both sleepers feel taken care of.
(2) Add a table lamp (or sconce if space is an issue)
Lamps add critical reading light as well as ambiance to the bedroom. Make sure lightbulbs are in the warmer tones (2700 color temp is perfect) so guests can relax
(3) Add a trinket dish or tray to corral the small things
We consider a corraling item essential to any nightstand. Jewelry, phones, earbuds, etc all need a place to land. Providing either a tray (if space permits) or a small dish or trinket holder works well.
(4) Add a water carafe and a stylish tissue holder
Most people at least occasionally get thirsty at night so a carafe is an essential nightstand item; likewise, providing tissue to sleepers is key as well. We generally put the water carafe on one nightstand and the tissue holder on the other.
(5) Flowers and candles
Everyone loves flowers and everyone loves candles so go wild here. You can opt for one nightstand to have a small vase of flowers and the other to feature a candle.
Hope this was helpful and that you are about to embark on your most beautifully styled sleep (that’s a thing, right?). If you don’t know where to start or just need some product inspiration, give us a holler and we’ll do our best to answer your burning questions.