If the idea of redesigning your nightstand decor feels like a challenge, this post is for you! Get easy, pretty, minimalistic nightstand decorating ideas that anyone can accomplish – affordably and quickly!
Bedside table decor isn’t complicated! It can be practical, organized, and pretty all at the same time – I promise! Learn how to create a calm, cozy nightstand that helps you relax at the end of the day.
Little projects can make a big impact in your home. Decorating a nightstand is the easiest way to update a bedroom, and adds convenience and comfort, too. I’m sharing what to include, design formulas, tips and my favorite nightstand decor that blend style and function.
What Goes on a Nightstand
Bedside Basics
Use this simple formula and place in a triangle shape to set the mood.
Lighting
Choose a beautiful pair of lamps or sconces on either side of your bed. Sconces frees up space for bedside table decor.
Organic
Add something organic. A small plant or vase filled with flowers. It brings a room to life, however, for practicality, faux flowers give the illusion.
The options are endless! Think about your routine and needs when you retire and wake. I immediately take my watch and rings off, so I like to keep a trinket and watch charger within reach.
Trays
Trays are an opportunity to group items together, making them appear less cluttered, while adding interest, color and texture! It’s all in the details! The magnet tray below can change with your mood by inserting wallpaper, wrapping paper or scrapbook paper in between acrylic, held together by magnets!
Boxes & Baskets
I love using baskets and boxes for contrast, texture and discreet storage. They’re perfect to stash items including remotes and batteries.
Coffee Table Books
A pretty stack of 2-3 books grounded with a decorative dish or box adds color and interest.
Frames
Frame a snapshot, a favorite vacation memory, or even a vintage family photo that brings you joy and personalizes the space. Art hung directly behind the nightstand works as well.
Arranging Nightstand Decorations
Use the Design Triangle
A design triangle, also known as the rule of thirds or rule of three, is a simple technique that can help you display objects in a form that’s pleasing to the eye. Items arranged in odd numbers are often more aesthetically pleasing.
Interior designers use this rule for the overall design of a room, but it also works for styling built in bookshelves, coffee tables and more!
An odd number of items (small, medium and large in scale) tend to look great in a group. This technique works beautifully for nightstand styling because it’s a small tabletop space.
Symmetry
One of the easiest ways to decorate it by using the same pieces on both sides and making it symmetrical, but opposite positioning. For example, put the lamp on the outside of each nightstand, on the right on the right side of the bed (as you are looking at it) and to the left on the left side of the bed. Repeat with your accessories. You can achieve this using like items ie: different set of coffee table books for each side and a different catchall tray, positioned the same.
Hi Julie, are your walls painted pale oak also? If so, what sheens did you use on both the walls and the night stands? Thank you, Sandra
Hi! At the time, they were Benjamin Moore Soft Chamois
Where is the headboard from?
Hi Shannon!
Our headboard is from Restoration Hardware. We bought it several years back, I’m not sure if they still carry it or not.
Hope your new year is off to a great start!
Julie
Hi! I really like the dimensions and width of your night stands but it looks different from the ones you linked. Are yours the same nightstands from the one on the link? Thanks!
Hi Jane!
You’re right, they changed that link/listing! They sell out all the time so they keep changing the links on us.
Here’s the exact one we have: https://rstyle.me/+ftZDWHPmAzG0KRWx2eMKxg
Thanks for letting me know, have a great week!
Julie