How to Choose this Bedroom Essential Like an Expert

A good nightstand comes down to four things: height level with the top of your mattress, 24 inches of clearance beside the bed, storage that matches what you actually keep there, and a surface you're willing to maintain. Style follows from those. Here's how to work through each one.

Finding a nightstand that works for your needs

Start with how you use your bedroom and what your daily routine asks for. That's what decides the storage and the material.

Lifestyle Considerations

Who shares the room and what you do in it narrows the field fast.

• Have Kids? If you've got little ones running around, go for nightstands with rounded corners and soft edges to avoid bumps and bruises. Materials that can take a few knocks and are easy to clean, like metal or sealed wood, are your best bet.
• Eat or Drink in Bed? Look for a durable, easy-to-clean surface. Wood needs a protective coating to guard against water rings and heat damage. Glass and metal wipe down easily and don't stain.
• Got Pets? Pick something stable that won't tip, especially with larger dogs. You'll also want a surface that doesn't trap hair and cleans quickly, like smooth wood, metal, or glass.

Assess Your Storage Needs

Think about what you keep within reach of the bed, then pick a nightstand that holds exactly that.

• Need to Store Medications or Glasses? If you reach for medicines or glasses during the night, choose a nightstand with easy-to-access drawers or open shelves. With kids in the house, a lockable drawer is worth looking for.
• Love to Read? If you're always mid-book, you'll want somewhere to put the stack. Built-in bookshelves or a generous surface both work.
• Lots of Electronics? Built-in charging ports save you a tangle of cables. Some models include cord management, which is worth having if the clutter bothers you.
• Just the Basics? If it's only a phone and a lamp, a minimal pedestal or a floating shelf does the job and keeps the room feeling open.

Consider Your Space and Layout

Now measure the space around the bed.

• Measure Your Bed and Space: Your nightstand should be about the same height as the top of your mattress so reaching for things is easy and the whole arrangement looks balanced. Most nightstands are between 24 and 28 inches tall, which works with most beds.
• Check Out Your Room: Aim for at least 24 inches of walking room beside each side of the bed, past the nightstand, so you can move around easily. In a smaller bedroom, one nightstand or a slim model may be the better call. Note: The 24 inches includes the width of the nightstand plus the open space beside it. An 18 inch nightstand wants another 6 inches of clear floor next to it.

Finding one that also works with your style and existing furniture

Your bedroom's style decides the nightstand's shape and finish. Style is personal, so the images below are there to help you find the one that feels like yours.

Different Styles and Corresponding Nightstand Types

Here's what each style tends to call for, plus a picture of it. Find the one that speaks to you and shop toward it.

• Farmhouse Style: For a rustic, cozy room, look for natural wood with a distressed finish, usually with drawers and shelves for storage. Oak or pine in lighter finishes brings out the warmth this style depends on.

• Contemporary Style: Clean lines and smooth surfaces, usually in polished metal, lacquered wood, or glass. This is the style to pick if you want the room to stay minimal and uncluttered.

• Coastal Style: Whites, creams and light blues in rattan, wicker or light-toned wood. Glass knobs or handles finish the look. Keep everything light and airy.

• Industrial Style: Metal and reclaimed wood, for a raw, urban look. Look for a metal frame with a wooden drawer or shelf. Dark metals like iron and steel pair well with rough wood.

• Mid-Century Modern Style: Tapered legs, clean lines, and a mix of wood and metal, with the wood finished in a warm stain that shows the grain. Balanced and functional is the whole idea here.

• Scandinavian Style: Light woods like birch or maple, very little hardware, clean lines. Simple and practical, and it keeps a small bedroom feeling serene.

Matching and Contrasting Nightstands with the Bed

Match the nightstand's style to the bed's. A coastal nightstand next to an industrial bed looks out of place. Color and material are where you get to play.

• Matching Style and Materials: For a unified look, pick a nightstand in the same style and material as your bed. A dark wood bed with traditional lines wants a nightstand in the same wood and finish.

• Contrasting with Different Materials and Colors: Feeling adventurous? Contrast adds depth. An upholstered bed pairs well with a solid wood or metal nightstand, and a lighter nightstand beside a dark bed keeps the room from feeling heavy.

Match or contrast, either works. Pick the piece that suits the room you already have.

Lastly finding one that you can maintain

The worst outcome is spending on a nightstand and then avoiding it because keeping it clean is a chore. Check the upkeep before you buy. Here's what each material asks of you:

Wood Nightstands: Dust with a soft, dry cloth. Use a slightly damp cloth for sticky spots, with mild dish soap if necessary. Clean with wood cleaner every few months. Use coasters and mats to prevent damage. Polish or condition twice a year.

Metal Nightstands: Wipe with a soft, dry cloth. For more thorough cleaning, use a damp cloth with mild soap. Check joins and embellishments. Treat rust spots and use metal polish for shine.

Upholstered Nightstands: Vacuum regularly with the upholstery attachment to remove dust and prevent dirt buildup. Spot clean spills immediately. Consider professional cleaning annually.

Glass and Mirrored Nightstands: Wipe down with a microfiber cloth and glass cleaner to keep the surface free from fingerprints and smudges. Use vinegar and water for deep cleaning. Use felt pads to prevent scratches. Handle gently to avoid cracks.

Get the height, the clearance, the storage and the upkeep right, and the nightstand will pull the room together.

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