Nightstands are decorative pieces that complete the look of your bedroom while complementing every other piece of furniture beautifully. They can also serve as functional bedside storage. To choose the right type of nightstand for your space, it is important to first know the different types of nightstands. This article will discuss the types of nightstands and categorize them based on materials, number of drawers, size, style, shape, and structural design.
Types of Nightstands by Material
Nightstands come in several materials like wood, metal, marble, glass, etc. While these materials can be used independently, they often complement each other for a more eye-catching appeal. Types of nightstands by material include:
Wood Nightstands
As the name implies, wood nightstands are primarily made with wood. They are one of the most common types of nightstands and come in several tones and finishes to suit different decorative themes.
The different types of wood nightstands are:
Solid Wood Nightstands: Made from natural hardwood or softwood including cherry, oak, ash, walnut, pine, boxwood, etc. They are durable and showcase a unique wood grain pattern that enhances their aesthetic appeal.
Reclaimed Wood Nightstands: These nightstands are generally made from repurposed wood and often have a unique weathered look that creates a rustic vibe.
Nightstands with Engineered Wood: Made from materials like particle board, plywood, or MDF, and are more affordable. Engineered wood nightstands often utilize other materials such as leather, metal, glass, and even solid wood for an aesthetically superior build and durable furniture.
They are one of the most common types of nightstands and come in several tones and finishes to suit different decorative themes. If you’re looking for a variety of options, check out our wood nightstand collection.
Acrylic Nightstands / Glass Nightstands
Acrylic and Glass Nightstands are popular choices for modern bedroom décor, giving a sleek and refined appearance. Although both present a transparent look:
Acrylic Nightstands are lightweight, durable, and shatter-resistant plastic that adds a sleek, modern touch. They are generally safer and easier to maintain. An acrylic nightstand could be a good choice if you want a minimalist look with very low maintenance.
Glass Nightstands are made from tempered glass and provide an elegant, high-end aesthetic. They add a luxurious and timeless appeal to your interior; however, they are heavier and more fragile. If you want a luxury look and do not mind the maintenance, glass nightstands might be just what you need.
Marble Nightstands / Marble Top Nightstands
Natural marble nightstands bring a touch of luxury and sophistication to any bedroom setting. Whether the nightstand is fully made of marble or features marble on the top or other parts, they are sturdy and offer longevity. Pairing them with modern or classic décor themes will give an ageless aesthetic.
Metal Nightstands
For a sleek industrial vibe, incorporate metal nightstands. They are known for their durability and minimalist appeal and often feature clean lines and a sturdy build, making them ideal for contemporary, lofty, or industrial-themed bedrooms. Metal nightstands come in a variety of finishes and can act as a complement to other nightstand materials for a distinguished aesthetic.
Mirrored Nightstands
Ideal for modern and chic interiors, mirrored nightstands are highly reflective and glamorous. They reflect light and increase the brightness of the bedroom, creating the illusion of more space. They usually feature crystal-like handles, metallic accents, or beveled edges for an even more eye-catching look.
Rattan Nightstands / Bamboo Nightstands
To complement a natural aesthetic, a rattan or bamboo nightstand is the perfect addition. It provides a boho vibe that feels natural and airy for a coastal or tropical-style interior. Rattan and bamboo are eco-friendly materials that are lightweight but durable. They often feature intricate patterns and woven textures that add warmth and character to the bedroom.
Types of Nightstands by Storage
Storage is an essential part of every bedroom and an important factor when choosing a nightstand. Whether you prioritize extra storage or a minimalist look, here are different types of nightstands based on functional storage.
3-Drawer Nightstands
With generous storage, 3-drawer nightstands are perfect for keeping bedside items like small electronics, medication, books, etc. They can be paired with large bed sizes due to their bigger profiles and also used in small bedrooms where extra storage is needed to tuck things away neatly, leaving a clutter-free space while keeping a clean and practical design.
2-Drawer Nightstands
This type of nightstand balances simplicity with storage and is ideal for bedrooms with moderate storage needs. It works well for people who want space for bedside essentials but do not want a bulky piece. Two-drawer nightstands are suitable for guest rooms or secondary bedrooms, where there are moderate storage needs.
Single-Drawer Nightstands with Open Storage Space
Single-drawer nightstands with open space work well in modern or minimalist spaces where accessibility and openness are prioritized. You can utilize the single drawer for personal items and the open shelf to arrange your books or display decorative pieces. It’s a good choice for people who use gadgets or books and want them within arm’s reach.
Bedside Tables Without Drawers
These are smaller tables placed by the bed and usually have no storage drawers. This type of nightstand puts elegance above utility and frequently comes in exquisite designs that complement the interior décor of the space. Bedside tables are unique nightstands ideal for people who appreciate style and have no storage priorities. You can utilize the surface for essentials like lamps, plants, or alarm clocks.
Types of Nightstands by Size
Nightstands come in various sizes to suit different bed sizes and bedroom layouts. When we talk about nightstand size, think of nightstand height and width. However, what is more important depends on the context. From compact options for small spaces to oversized designs for maximum storage and large bedrooms, here’s a guide to nightstand sizes.
Small Nightstands
They are ideal for compact spaces, small bedrooms, and bedrooms with minimal storage needs. These cute nightstands typically range from a width of 12”–18”, a height of 20”–24”, and a depth of 12”–16”. They have a space-saving profile that often features drawers or shelves.
Narrow Nightstands / Skinny Nightstands / Slim Nightstands
These types of nightstands have a compact width of 12”–18” (sometimes as narrow as 10”), a height of 24”–28” to match a standard bed height, and a depth of 12”–16”. Similar to small nightstands, they are designed for compact spaces. Slim nightstands offer utility without taking up too much floor space—great for shared apartments, small bedrooms, or tight corners. Their slim-fit proportion makes them cute and eye-catching pieces that add style and function to your space.
Large Nightstands / Oversized Nightstands
Large nightstands range from 24”–30” in width, 26”–30” in height, and 16”–20” in depth. They are ideal for large bedrooms that require extra storage. Common features include multiple drawers and roomy tops for lamps and décor. A small nightstand might look “swallowed up” next to a king or queen-sized mattress, so these robust pieces pair beautifully with bigger beds.
Although used interchangeably, oversized nightstands are a little more dramatic than large nightstands. They may be relatively taller and wider with deeper drawers, often ranging from 30”–40”+ width, 28”–32” height, and 18”–24” depth. Oversized nightstands balance out king or California king beds in spacious master bedrooms for a grand appeal, preventing a “shrunken” look where a smaller-sized nightstand is used. These oversized nightstands can also double as small dressers or desks if needed.
Tall Nightstands
Designed for higher bed frames, tall nightstands generally range between 28”–32”+ in height, with a width and depth typically ranging from 18”–30”. They ensure it is easy to reach your valuables by the bedside. Their increased height, along with multiple drawers or shelves, is excellent for saving floor space and optimizing vertical storage while preserving a sleek, contemporary appearance.
Types of Nightstands by Style
A nightstand can set the tone for your bedroom’s aesthetic while expressing your personal taste. Whether modern and chic, farmhouse or boho, there’s a style that allows your space to communicate your essence. Types of nightstand styles include:
Modern/Contemporary Nightstands
They feature smooth surfaces, clean lines, and elegant, minimalistic designs. Contemporary nightstands are perfect for modern environments since they prioritize simplicity and functionality, and are mostly made from metal, glass, or lacquered wood. You can pair them with a sleek modern lamp with clean lines to bring illumination and also serve as a focal point.
For more inspiration, explore our modern nightstand collection.
Mid-Century Nightstands
Known for their simple designs, tapered legs, and natural materials, mid-century nightstands frequently include geometric shapes and contrasting materials to give the bedroom a hint of vintage elegance or retro flair.
Boho Nightstands
Bohemian-style nightstands utilize natural and organic elements for a layered and collected look. Common materials include cane, rattan, and bamboo, often combined with colorful patterns and textiles to create an eclectic and playful aesthetic showcasing intricate designs.
Rustic Nightstands
Rustic nightstands have a homey, worn-in charm and can feature metal accents or rustic hardware. They are made from raw, rugged, and natural-looking wood, often in reclaimed or distressed finishes. Perfect for people who want a warm, cozy, and earthy feel with a strong connection to nature.
Farmhouse Nightstands
They add a touch of rural warmth and charm to the bedroom and complement modern farmhouse or rustic interior design themes. This type of nightstand incorporates rustic charm with a cleaner, polished appearance for a light, charming, and slightly modern look.
French Country Nightstands
French country nightstands are stylish and charming. They have a rustic vibe and often feature elegant details. These nightstands add timeless elegance to the bedroom, blending rustic appeal with sophisticated design elements. They are functional pieces ideal for rustic-themed or traditional bedrooms.
Cute Nightstands
Made to spruce up your space with a whimsical appeal, cute nightstands often feature vibrant colors, charming motifs, unique shapes, or fun designs. While suitable for children’s rooms, they can also be used in adult spaces to bring a sense of playfulness and personality.
Unique Nightstands
As the name implies, unique nightstands serve as statement pieces, showcasing rare designs, materials, or shapes. They often boast artistic elements or innovative features, making them the center of attraction in the bedroom and reflecting the owner’s persona or style.
Types of Nightstands by Shape
Nightstands come in various shapes, each bringing its own look and functional adaptation. From classic rectangular designs to modern squares, choosing the right shape can enhance the style and practicality of your bedroom. Below are the different types of nightstands by shape.
Oval/Round Nightstands
To soften up your space and break the edgy, boxy look, round nightstands are perfect. These nightstands have a delicate and elegant appearance, making them a standout choice for establishing a modern yet cozy atmosphere. They also complement curved furniture designs, look beautiful in smaller areas, and frequently sit on tripod legs or pedestal bases.
Rectangle Nightstands
They offer plenty of surface area and storage and are useful in both traditional and contemporary spaces. Rectangular nightstands lean nicely against walls or bedsides and are the most common shape, fitting into various décor styles seamlessly.
Square Nightstands
Many minimalist nightstands come in a square shape due to their simplicity and uniformity. They have well-balanced dimensions and frequently have open shelves or drawers for storage, making them ideal for tiny bedrooms.
Corner/Triangle Nightstands
Triangle nightstands are space-saving and designed to fit into bedroom corners. They are ideal for small rooms or unique bedroom layouts and often feature attractive geometric aesthetics.
Types of Nightstands: By Designs
Different nightstand designs are suited and work best for specific bedroom layouts and interior designs. You might have your size and style sorted, however, electing a matching or complementary design could be all you need to enhance your space and take it from ordinary to exceptional. Here are different types of nightstands by designs.
Floating Nightstand
Also known as wall-mounted nightstands or floating bedside storage, these types of nightstands are attached to the wall giving it a sleek and modern look. They have no legs or base but are anchored to the wall by an invisible mounting system. Their floating design saves floor space and gives a chic vibe making them a perfect option for minimalist décor or small bedrooms.
Fluted Nightstand
They have a textured feel with vertical grooves carved into the surface. Fluted nightstand designs add class and refinement, complementing classic and modern bedroom interiors giving a subtle sense of luxury without doing too much.
Arched Nightstand
An arched nightstand features a distinctive architectural element that makes it more visually appealing. These nightstand designs are distinguished by a curved overall nightstand shape, giving the bedroom a gentle touch. They are good for breaking off the solid feel of edgy and boxy furniture in a bedroom.
Pedestal Nightstand
For a sleek and modern look, pedestal nightstand designs feature a single, central base that provides support as opposed to conventional legs or a base. They are space-saving and make a space look airier and more spacious. Due to their simple no-fuss design, pedestal nightstands are ideal for homes with a minimalist aesthetic. They are perfect for pairing with modern or mid-century modern interiors.
Conclusion
Decorating your bedroom can be exciting, especially now you are familiar with the different types of nightstands and their unique features. Choosing the best nightstand designs will depend on your priorities such as storage needs, bedroom size, and personal style. Understanding these variables allows you to make an informed choice that enhances the practicality and beauty of your space. This article breaks down the different types of nightstands and categorizes them based on materials, storage, size, style, shape, and design, helping you to narrow your options and select the best nightstand for your bedroom. For more details on nightstand size, explore our article on how to choose the right nightstand height for your space.