Nightstands are the hidden workhorses of the bedroom. Both fashionable and functional, they add visual “oomph” to your bedroom and hold your bedside necessities. Do you like to read before bed? Go for a traditional nightstand with a larger surface area to hold a stack of books and a good-sized table lamp. Like to have technology nearby when the night unfolds? Choose an interesting nightstand that has space for all those charging cords and gadgets.
If you want to show off your personality and take the road less traveled, try one of these other nightstand choices. From a chest of drawers to a stack of books, choosing uncommon alternatives for your nightstands will make those early-morning wake up calls just a bit more pleasant.
1. Vintage Suitcases
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Vintage suitcases and trunks look amazing stacked next to a bed, and provide hidden storage for bedding, books and more. Stack them on their side in tight spaces, or tower a few of varying sizes for an instant nightstand. For those that need a larger-than-normal nightstand with sufficient surface area, suitcases offer substantial surface space to hold a table lamp, decorations, clocks and all your bedside needs.
2. Chairs
Who would have thought that a stylish chair could turn into a one-of-a-kind nightstand? Chairs provide an “instant surface” and they’re available in every style, shape and color imaginable. Whether it’s a thrift store find or a sleek minimalist chair, the possibilities are endless. It’s also a great way to take advantage of extra chairs, especially those that take up space and don’t have a home—like extra dining room chairs that are used solely for the holidays.
3. Unique Antiques
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Special antiques like retro paint can displays, shelving units, desks and ladders can add a massive amount of visual interest to a bedroom on their own. Antiques are fabulous additions to spaces that feature fun, retro colors and the natural patina of old wood. Shelving units from the past were once purely for function. Now, utilize them next to a bed for a retro spin and the added bonus of multiple shelving heights. You’re sure to have a nightstand not seen anywhere else!
4. Stools
Stools are fantastic go-tos for tiny bedroom corners that never seem to fit an ordinary nightstand. From full bar stools to low milking stools, there’s plenty of choices to fit most bed heights. Play around with woven stools for interesting texture, or stick to classic with a simple wood stool. Consider pairing stools with wall-mounted light fixtures to keep the small stool top open for use and function.
5. Stack of Books
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Whether it’s next to a low modern platform bed or a cozy nook, we love the look of stacked books as nightstands. Play around with varying sizes and titles for a fun effect. Try large vintage encyclopedias or collections for a vintage-inspired look, or go with a rainbow of spines for a vibrant pop of color in a guest room or kid’s room.
6. Secretary Desks
We love secretary desks for numerous reasons. Not only do they provide a unique nightstand option, but they also offer varying heights and a ton of versatile storage. Many beds align perfectly with a pulled-down leaf of a secretary desk, so we love this option for easy access to phones and glasses in the middle of the night. Top shelves of secretary desks are ideal for a table lamp, and desk cubbies and drawers are perfect for tucking away books, mail, photos, etc.
7. Wall-Mounted Shelves
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Decorative, wall-mounted shelves are wonderful options for those that like to keep things simple and out of the way. Shelves allow for the surface to be mounted to the specific height of your bed. This is also a great choice for tiny nooks and small spaces that don’t have room for a traditional nightstand.
What nightstand option have you used in your bedroom?
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