How to Pair Your Nightstand & Bed

Your nightstand or nightstand set is such an essential, yet often overlooked piece in your bedroom. But how do you know which nightstand to pair with your bed? Read on for our guide to perfect the art of bed & nightstand pairing.

How to Pair Your Nightstand & Bed

Your bedroom should be your sanctuary, but putting that space together can often become overwhelming. We're here to help! While a nightstand may not be the first thing that comes to mind when designing a space, they are often the unsung heroes of the bedroom, helping to launch you into the day and tuck you in at night.

Design by Pure Salt Interiors | Photography by Vanessa Lentine

Design by Pure Salt Interiors | Photography by Vanessa Lentine

Height Matters

Height is a big factor in the flow of your bedroom. Ideally, the nightstand will hit at relatively the same height as the top of your mattress. Aside from the visual, aesthetic appeal of this, there is practicality in being able to reach everything you need without having to put your feet on the floor. Be it turning off the lamp at the end of a long day, hitting snooze three times, or even reaching for a midnight snack, the accessibility of your nightstand has a big impact on your overall zen.

Design by Light and Dwell | Photography by Anna Blodgett

Design by Light and Dwell | Photography by Anna Blodgett

Design & Styling by Arazi Levine | Photography by Joyelle West

Design & Styling by Arazi Levine | Photography by Joyelle West

Wide or Narrow?

Nightstand widths vary tremendously, determined firstly by the available space you have to work with and secondly by the intended use of the nightstand. Wider nightstands can do double duty as a miniature dresser or bookshelf, whereas a more narrow piece can help to reduce bedside clutter. If you don’t have the need or space for a set of nightstands, opt for a solo statement piece to add a little wow-factor.

Design by Amber Interiors| Photography by Tessa Neustadt

Design by Amber Interiors| Photography by Tessa Neustadt

Design by Nadine Stay

Design by Nadine Stay

Make Time for Style

Nightstands are the perfect way to explore a variety of textures and styles without committing your entire bedroom dΓ©cor to a theme. This allows you to explore more styling options down the road without having to change every aspect of the room. Have fun with your nightstand choice! Allow your inner designer to come out and play with colors, textures, and changing out books or florals. For example, if your headboard is woven rattan, consider trying a metal nightstand for contrast. Or if most of your room is light, try anchoring it with a darker piece for added depth. We love how Turner Pocock brought a little texture in with that sweet blue + woven handle nightstand. The natural tones and textures from Pure Salt Interiors are just dreamy.

Design by Turner Pocock | Photography by Alexander James

Design by Turner Pocock | Photography by Alexander James

Design by Pure Salt Interiors | Photography by Vanessa Lentine

Design by Pure Salt Interiors | Photography by Vanessa Lentine

Let’s Talk Storage!

Most prefer a nightstand with as much storage as possible. This can be achieved via built-in shelves, drawers, or an open nightstand with a basket at the base. When choosing a night, keep in mind your bedside essentials, like a lamp, your latest read, a place to set your phone, glasses, and more. If you tend towards bedside clutter, opting for an open nightstand will help to eliminate the dreaded junk drawer. Your space should be an oasis, not a home for those coupons that expired 2 weeks ago!

Design by Light and Dwell

Design by Light and Dwell

Design by Nadine Stay

Design by Nadine Stay

Our styling trick for extra bedside storage? Opt for a nightstand with a shelf and add a woven basket for stylish storage + a textural touch!

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See? A few quick tips and nightstands have never been easier. What piece should we cover next? Let us know in the comments and our team of designers will be ready to remove the guesswork for you! Don’t forget to shop all your bedroom essentials below!


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