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Most of us don’t give much thought to our nightstands until we tuck in for the night and realize how convenient it is to have an array of just-in-case items within arm’s reach. Having a lamp on a small table by the bed means you don’t have to get out of bed and cross the room when you’re done reading for the night; you can just set the book on the nightstand, switch off the lamp, and snuggle under the covers. Nightstands are also useful for holding many items, including alarm clocks, eyeglasses, docking stations for cellphones, and even a glass of water to sip at night.
Though their styles and designs vary widely, the best nightstands are well made, easy to clean, and offer ample storage for a user’s needs. Some nightstands are just tabletops with legs, while others feature drawers or shelves and serve as catchalls for toys, pajamas, and other articles. Ahead, learn what to look for when shopping for the best nightstands, and see the top picks for several categories, including kids’ rooms, storage capacity, and a variety of others.
- BEST MODERN: AllModern Williams 26″ Tall 2—Drawer Nightstand
- BEST RUSTIC: Minchinhampton 24.41″ Tall 1—Drawer Nightstand
- BEST FLOATING: South Shore Furniture Sazena Floating Nightstand
- BEST GLASS: FENGHUA S-Shaped Glass Bedside Nightstand Table
- BEST FOR KIDS’ ROOMS: Sorbus Nightstand with 2 Drawers
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Nightstand
Most nightstands are relatively small and squat by design: You should be able to get in and out of bed without bumping into them, and they should be just tall enough so you can reach the items on its surface while lying in bed. Nightstands are typically between 24 and 28 inches tall and range from 12 to 22 inches deep (front to back). Their width varies more, from as narrow as 15 inches to 30 inches wide or more. The best nightstand width for you usually depends on how much available space you have around the bed and the style of your bedroom furniture.
Storage
While some nightstands offer only a table surface, others come with one or more drawers or shelves for storing books and other items. If you are looking for extra storage, consider a chest-type nightstand, which can have three or more drawers, or a combination-type with both drawers and a storage cabinet.
Style
When it comes to nightstands, there’s no one style that will suit all tastes. Furniture manufacturers often sell bedroom furniture in sets that include a bed, one nightstand, and one or more dressers. You can usually buy an additional matching nightstand if you want one on each side of the bed. If you’re purchasing bedroom furniture one piece at a time, don’t worry so much about matching the nightstand to the bed. Instead, choose a nightstand with a style that will complement the other furniture in the room. For example, a chrome nightstand with a glass top won’t look nearly as attractive next to a rough-hewn four-poster bed as a rustic nightstand made from reclaimed wood.
Material
The most common materials for making nightstands are solid wood and engineered wood, including composite wood products that are made by binding wood fibers using adhesives and high pressure. Solid wood furniture is more expensive, and nightstands constructed of solid wood are often considered high-end pieces. Nightstands made from engineered wood are popular because they are less expensive. And, with advances in today’s engineered wood products, they are just as attractive and nearly as durable. Less common are nightstands made from metal—usually aluminum, chrome, or wrought iron—paired with wood or glass tops.
Our Top Picks
To qualify as a top pick, a nightstand must be durable, attractive, and spacious enough to accommodate at least a lamp, bedside clock, and phone. Most buyers also seek nightstands that will complement their bedroom decor and fit well in the room without crowding it. The following best nightstands vary in style, storage capacity, and design, but each would be an asset in any bedroom.
Best Modern
AllModern Williams 26u0022 Tall 2—Drawer Nightstand
Authentic midcentury modern furniture is enjoying a comeback, and this Williams 2-drawer nightstand is a delightful specimen. Four tapered wood legs support its geometric square silhouette, and it boasts two flat-front drawers, each with a small black knob. The nightstand comes in soft gray that will complement any room style, and it may be available in other colors.
The Williams nightstand is relatively petite in size, just 26 inches high, 18 inches wide, and 15 inches deep, making it well suited to small bedrooms where floor space is at a premium. The nightstand comes fully assembled, so users can simply unbox and enjoy.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 26 by 18 by 15 inches
- Drawers/Shelves: 2
- Material: Manufactured wood
Pros
- Comes fully assembled
- Trendy mid-century modern style
- Washable finish
Cons
- Relatively shallow drawers (4.4 inches high)
Get the Williams 2-Drawer Nightstand at Wayfair.
Best Rustic
Minchinhampton 24.41u0022 Tall 1—Drawer Nightstand
The simple lines and rural appeal of the Minichinhampton Nightstand will complement bedrooms with rustic and country-style decor. Though it’s made from laminated particleboard, its finish closely resembles reclaimed barn wood. A rustic black-iron pull adorns its single drawer, and below the door is an open cabinet for stowing books, pillows, or a woven basket or plant. If you’re going for the farmhouse look, the Minichinhampton nightstand will fit right in.
The nightstand is made from manufactured wood and features a laminated top that wipes clean. It measures 24.41 inches high, 17.8 inches wide, and 17 inches deep. Some assembly is required, and complete instructions (and fasteners) are included.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 24.41 by 17.8 by 17 inches
- Drawers/Shelves: 2
- Material: Manufactured wood, laminated particleboard
Pros
- Suitable for rustic and country-style décor
- Large, open-cabinet storage
- Wipes clean
Cons
- Assembly required
Get the Minchinhampton Nightstand at Wayfair.
Best Floating
South Shore Furniture Sazena Floating Nightstand
If you want to keep an alarm clock or small lamp by the bed but don’t want a traditional nightstand, check out Sazena Floating Nightstand from South Shore. This compact cubby plus shelf attaches to the wall and measures just 13.25 inches high, 22.25 inches wide, and 11.75 inches deep. It’s not going to hold a large lamp, but a smaller one should fit just fine.
This wall-hung nightstand features two storage spaces, an open cubby at the top and an open shelf below where users can stow small items like eyeglasses, phones, or watches. The nightstand features a wood-look surface in soft gray oak, and other colors may be available. It requires assembly—fasteners are included—and it must be installed on the wall. Complete instructions are included.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 13.25 by 22.25 by 11.75 inches
- Drawers/Shelves: 2
- Material: not listed
Pros
- Doesn’t take up floor space
- Compact for small rooms
- Wood-look finish
Cons
- Assembly and wall installation required
Get the Sazena Floating Nightstand at Amazon, Target, or Walmart.
Best Glass
FENGHUA GLASS HOME Glass Nightstand
Add crystal-clear flair to any bedroom with FENGHUA’s solid glass nightstand. Its eye-catching S-shape gives you three horizontal surfaces on which to store a lamp, books, and other items. Other glass configurations may also be available.
This nightstand is the ultimate in easy-clean furniture—just wipe away spills or crumbs, and then spritz on window cleaner to wipe away fingerprints. As convenient as it is to clean, a glass nightstand may not be the best choice for those with young children due to the risk of breaking on impact.
The stand measures 24 inches high, 16.5 inches wide, 14.5 inches deep, and requires no assembly. In addition to a nightstand, this crystal-clear piece of furniture would be equally at home beside a sofa as an end table.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 24 by 16.5 by 14.5 inches
- Drawers/Shelves: 2
- Material: Solid glass
Pros
- Contemporary appeal
- Washable
- No assembly required
Cons
- See-through glass won’t hide contents
- Glass may break on hard impact
Get the FENGHUA Glass Nightstand from Amazon.
Best for Kids' Rooms
Sorbus Nightstand with 2 Drawers
The Sorbus bedside nightstand is just the ticket for nurseries and kids’ rooms—or even college dorm rooms. It features two soft, fabric-covered drawers that can be removed entirely from the stand for easy access to the items stored within. The drawers fold flat for storage, and buyers can choose from different color solid color drawers or printed fronts that are suitable for mixing and matching if more than one nightstand is purchased.
The stand’s frame is made from coated steel, and its medium-density fiberboard top provides a sturdy surface for books and a lamp. It’s 20 inches high, just the right height for use beside a low-profile child’s bed. It’s 17.75 inches wide and 11.87 inches deep. This nightstand requires minimal assembly—and all fasteners (and complete instructions) are included.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 20 by 17.75 by 11.87 inches
- Drawers/Shelves: 2
- Material: Steel frame, fabric drawers
Pros
- Both frame and drawers wipe clean
- Drawers fold for easy storage
- Well-suited for kids’ rooms
Cons
- Fabric may stain if not wiped clean promptly
- Some assembly is required
Get the Sorbus Nightstand on Amazonand at Walmart.
Our Verdict
For a stylish and modern look to the bedroom, consider the AllModern Williams nightstand. To save some space in the bedroom, we recommend the floating South Shore Furniture nightstand.
How We Chose the Best Nightstands
In selecting the best nightstands for this lineup, we looked at dozens of nightstands and compared size, amenities, materials, and versatility. We considered the brand and featured highly respected furniture manufacturers. Still, we didn’t automatically eliminate other nightstands if they offered a quality product at a reasonable price.
Selecting the right nightstand is ultimately a personal choice and should be based on budget, existing room décor, and intended use. However, we waded through many options and eventually narrowed our selections down to the items found in this lineup. We’re confident these are among the best nightstands on the market today for the price.
FAQs
Nightstands are all about convenience, but they also play a role in the bedroom’s style and design. If this is the first time you’ve shopped for a nightstand, you likely have some questions.
Q: Should nightstands match?
Nightstands don’t have to match. Matching nightstands give a bedroom a symmetrical look, but mismatched nightstands in the same style, such as country or contemporary, can add interest to a room.
Q: How close should nightstands be to the bed?
A nightstand should be close enough to the bed that you can easily reach it while lying down, but not so close that you can’t change bedsheets. A distance of about 3 to 5 inches between the bed and the nightstand is a good compromise.
Q: How can I balance a bedroom with only one nightstand?
Small bedrooms and single-sleeper beds often need just one nightstand. Add a decorative item on the other side of the bed to visually balance the look—perhaps a potted plant, a painting on the wall, or an accent chair.