A nightstand can be as aesthetic as it is functional. While they’re there to keep things nearby, that doesn’t mean it has to be filled with only the essentials. Are you looking for ways to improve your nightstand décor? Then you’ve come to the right place!
24 Nightstand Decor Ideas
Today, we’re going to take a look at 24 nightstand décor ideas. These images should inspire you to give your nightstand the love it deserves. Combine any of the elements you find in these items to come up with a personalized blend!
Add a Statement Lamp
Credit to eklegoshop
A statement anything is a decorative item that’s designed to become the focal point in any room. On nightstands, that can include mirrors, plants, or light sources. This homeowner plopped a statement lamp on their nightstand that’s larger than life. However, size isn’t all that matters—the hue of the lamp blends beautifully into the upholstered backdrop and neutral earthy vibes of the room.
Stack a Few Favorite Books
Credit to bookpairings
The bed is the ideal place to open a book and get to reading. Sure, you could install an entire library behind your bed as a substitute for a headrest. But if you only have a few bedtime books to read, just stack them on your nightstand. They’ll always be within arm’s reach, so you’ll always have something to read right before the sandman visits.
Use a Small Plant
Credit to livelyroot
One of the simplest tricks to make a room feel a bit livelier is to place a potted plant somewhere. The green leaves of an indoor plant can help break the monotony of muted tones in a room. For nightstands, go with something small, such as succulents. But you’re more than welcome to go as big as you want, just for added lushness in the bedroom!
Incorporate a Ceramic Vase
Credit to faithfulroots
Ceramic vases are the perfect decorative item for any space. In a pinch, they can serve as a place to store items you want hidden from plain view. They don’t even need anything in their cavity to become a wonder for the eyes. Put a ceramic vase on your nightstand and use it as needed. They are also a great replacement for shallow bowls for potpourri.
Showcase a Mini Art Print
Credit to urbanroad_au
Do you have a specific piece of printed art you want to show off? The bedroom is a worthy spot to put it, but if it’s on the smaller side, your nightstand is the prime location. You can even create a mini gallery of art prints if your nightstand’s top can support it. Try adding a few candles or small lights to help highlight your favorite art pieces.
Place a Crystal Cluster
Credit to pleazantlypeachy
Whether you’re a big believer in the powers of crystals or not, there’s no denying they’re a pretty sight. A crystal cluster can add a ton of vibrant colors to your nightstand. Take the time to layer your crystals from smallest in the front to largest in the back. Alternatively, try placing the crystals in a shallow bowl. This is a way to invite others to inspect your crystals more closely.
Display a Travel Souvenir
Credit to itosovic.design
For the travelers out there, now is your time to shine! Perhaps you’ve found a special souvenir that’s close to your heart. If that’s the case, then why not display it on a nightstand? In the guest bedroom, it’s a way to convey your love for travel to others. Just make sure the souvenir is something you don’t mind people touching. Otherwise, it might be safer in a glass display case.
Use a Lace Doily
Credit to designbyoccasion
The surfaces of most nightstands don’t have much to look at. They’re flat, usually made of wood, and have nothing else going on for it. Mask the plainness of your nightstand in a decorative lace doily. Apart from adding another layer of visual interest to the nightstand, it protects the surface from dust and debris. Make sure to wash the doily every once in a while!
Place a Dried Flower Bundle
Credit to longtime_blooms
In the world of home decoration, there’s always time and space for flowers! And the flowers don’t even have to be in their prime to become a focal point! Try placing a bundle of dried flowers in a vase or lie them flat on your nightstand.
Add a Small Candle Holder
Credit to sammsaraindia
Candle holders can be just as pretty as the candles they hold. The ideal candle holder is one that melds into the backdrop or one that stands out slightly as an accent piece. Placing a few candles in the holders can be a nice touch, but it’s certainly not a must. However, if you do decide to do this, make sure to choose scented candles for their subtle aroma.
Display a Clock
Credit to getopenspaces
It really goes without saying that a clock is a must-have in the bedroom. You can mount it on the wall, but that seems more appropriate for large living spaces. Instead, get a travel clock that sits quietly on your nightstand. Well, it will remain silent until the alarm goes off and wakes the entire neighborhood. This is also a nice-to-have for your guest bedroom.
Add a Decorative Hourglass
Credit to lovelyvintage4u
While we’re talking about random knick-knacks you can place on a nightstand, try going with a decorative hourglass. These things are fun to look at and even more fun to play with. They’re either a conversation starter or something to gaze at while slowly drifting to sleep.
Add Abstract Paint
Credit to jennyhiser
This idea has more to do with the decoration of the nightstand than what’s on it. If you have a bit of creativity in you, give your nightstand a splash or two of paint. The abstract design as a result can be a neat way to introduce a bit of fun into your bedroom. For those handy with a paintbrush, you might even want to consider adding an intentionally designed painting on the nightstand’s top.
Put Oversized Objects in a Vase
Credit to moderosaofficial
A vase is the perfect housing for any object you have on hand. But why stop at small objects? With a large enough vase (and a sturdy enough nightstand), you can take the opportunity to show off beauty of any massive object that fits. Classic décor options include dried leaves, but don’t limit yourself! If it fits, then it sits (in a vase on the nightstand, that is).
Get a Bedside Organizer
Credit to smartstopselfstorage
For those of us who have no idea how to organize a nightstand, this one’s for you. A nightstand organizer is a simple tray with multiple compartments for storing a wide variety of items. Some models have built-in charging stations, but most of them are used for storing jewelry and maybe a glass of water.
Use a Magazine as a Coaster
Credit to __lu_ci_e__
Do you remember the last time you read a magazine? Yeah, Pepperidge Farm probably doesn’t either. But if you have a few magazines lying around, put them to use by turning them into coasters for your nightstand. They’re not as absorbent as traditional coasters, but they have tiny print and images that’ll give you something to read while pouring a glass of water.
Go Unique with the Nightstand
Credit to design_depot_furniture
Not all nightstands are made equal, but most of them are blocky with a few drawers. If you can live without the drawers, then consider picking up a piece like this. This nightstand is made completely out of glass. It’s a chic piece that would fit well into modern or minimalist settings. Perhaps keep it out of your kid’s bedroom, for obvious reasons.
Keep Candles and Flowers Nearby
Credit to chicmommycorner
As a place for sleep and other activities, bedrooms aren’t always the most hygienic or best-smelling places. As such, it would help to have a few sources of fragrances on hand. Candles are a great way to mask the odor (just be careful with open flames), but a few flowers here and there can make a smell and visual difference.
Match Your Nightstand with the Bedframe
Credit to casagear_usa
Most people pick up any random nightstand they find. While functionality is important, the appearance of the piece can make all the difference. Here, we see a nightstand painted in all black, which matches the hue of the bed frame. This color scheme works in a minimalist setting with a limited palette, so go with a color that fits the overall vibe of your bedroom.
Hang Aromatics Around the Nightstand
Credit to awildflowerspirit
We can’t get enough of introducing a bit of fragrance into the bedroom! You can store all sorts of nice-smelling objects on the nightstand, or you can do what this homeowner did and hang a bunch of aromatics. They’re up and out of the way, freeing the nightstand’s surface for other doodads.
Put a Jewelry Box There
Credit to cocostradingpost
A jewelry box is a thoughtful piece to have on a nightstand, especially in a guest bedroom. It provides a safe place for your guests to keep their valuables while sawing logs. Go as simple or as luxurious as you want with the jewelry box. You can even go with a miniature bust statue as a necklace holder!
Reflect Lights with Mirrors
Credit to highfashoinhome
Mirrors are great for more than just showing your reflection. Their reflective surfaces allow light to bounce around the room, creating an illusion of vastness in confined spaces. Mount a mirror on the wall behind your nightstand and turn on the lights. Tabletop lamps or sconces placed nearby the mirror will improve the illusion further.
Keep a Pitcher of Water on the Nightstand
Credit to lukamarbledesigns
Last but certainly not least, you should find a way to keep a pitcher of water on your nightstand. Look for a pitcher or jug that matches the overall décor of your bedroom. A tray would help keep the container and any glasses safe and semi-out of the way. This is a thoughtful piece of décor and function to add to your guest room.
Wooden Nightstand with Wholesome Details
Small decorative choices can change the way a bedside area feels. On this pine nightstand, a rectangular tray centers the composition with a clear glass of tea, a red apple, and a fresh sprig of green hydrangea. Two white ceramic houses add charm and height, balanced by a classic lamp in soft cream and gold tones. The striped pillow and warm-toned blanket behind the table give the scene a relaxed, lived-in atmosphere.
Bold Bedside with Sculptural Accents
A nontraditional table shape can bring personality to a minimal space. The cylindrical nightstand in this room features bold, sculpted ridges in burnt orange, creating a strong contrast against the pale wall and soft bedding. A stack of curved ceramic plates introduces texture, while a tall bare branch in a black vessel gives vertical balance. Everything rests under a matte black sconce that keeps the lighting simple and direct.
Suitcase Stack with Vintage Charm
Old travel pieces can become functional elements when arranged with care. Two deep brown suitcases with worn edges serve as a nightstand, topped with a brass lantern and a compact metal vase filled with dried flowers. The carved wood headboard behind the bed adds rich pattern, while linen bedding in neutral tones complements the vintage setting. Each item looks placed with intent but never overly styled.
Geometric Drawer with Earthy Decor
Natural wood textures create warmth, especially when paired with handcrafted details. This nightstand features a drawer front arranged in a geometric inlay pattern using varied wood tones. On the surface, a wicker table lamp offers soft lighting beside a leafy potted plant and a dark sculptural object. The backdrop includes sheer curtains and a neutral sofa, reinforcing the gentle palette of the room.
White Crate Table with Casual Decor
Reclaimed materials often lend a relaxed look to a bedroom corner. A white wooden crate on small casters doubles as a nightstand, showing off a distressed finish and slatted design. On top, a plate with pears rests beside a clear glass jar holding a single magenta daisy. A small blue notebook lies open nearby, adding a spontaneous detail beside a bed layered in gray and striped textiles.
Bohemian Mix with Light and Books
A mix of woven texture and sculptural form can create a balanced surface. This black-framed table holds a rattan top where a curvy white vase stands filled with dried stems. A stack of pale books adds height, while a large ceramic vessel on the floor supports extra grasses and a single bloom. The nearby shelves and warm-toned bedding bring the corner together without overwhelming the table’s contents.
Compact Table in a Light-Filled Nook
Even a tight space beside the bed can hold a sculptural table with character. This carved wood pedestal fits just under the window ledge, showing off a unique natural grain and a slight crack down the side. An open book lies flat on top, while potted green plants on the windowsill brighten the scene. Slippers near the floor and soft beige bedding complete the compact layout.
Fresh Greens with Tactile Contrast
Adding plants to a white nightstand introduces contrast and movement. A textured gray pot holds a sprawling fern that reaches out above the surface. Next to it, a red diffuser with gold sticks breaks the symmetry while matching the nearby pillow’s color. Soft lilac and green pillows rest against the headboard, continuing the tactile and tonal contrast across the space.
Curved Wood and Floral Arrangement
Rounded furniture can soften the structure of a modern bedroom. This nightstand features a glass top and a base of curved wood slats, creating visual rhythm against the clean lines of the bed. A white mug, a notebook with a pen, and a small arrangement of yellow and white flowers sit on top. Together, they form a compact but fresh and intentional setting.
White Terrazzo Table with Sculptural Decor
Pale tones and simple forms often leave room for statement pieces. A round terrazzo-style table supports a sculpted white vase with split openings, each holding a single dried stem. A tall fluted lamp anchors the arrangement, adding both height and texture. The soft rug beneath and gentle natural light give the space a clean and restful look.
Vintage Clock or Antique Piece
Antique objects can give a bedroom a sense of quiet dignity. Not everything on a nightstand needs to serve a modern function—sometimes it’s enough that it brings a sense of presence. A bold, square-shaped mantel clock with Roman numerals rests near a vintage camera on this soft-blue table. The nearby ceramic lamp casts a warm circle of light, making the entire setup feel rooted and intentional.
Travel Keepsakes or Souvenirs
Travel-themed decor feels more meaningful when it reflects real experiences. Books on distant places can recall memories and spark curiosity. A small carved elephant sits on top of a travel stack. A brass compass lies beside it. The light from the gold-toned lamp reflects across the tabletop and creates a soft glow.
Stacked Decorative Boxes
Practical storage doesn’t have to look plain. Layering smaller boxes in varied colors and textures can add both pattern and charm to a nightstand. On this soft-gray surface, three vintage-style boxes are stacked by size, each edged with brass and wrapped in delicate printed fabric. The top box, labeled “Treasures,” features a whimsical key, turning the whole stack into something more personal.
Seasonal or Holiday Decor Accents
Some nightstands change with the seasons, swapping minimalism for character in small doses. Without overwhelming the surface, this tabletop offers just enough reference to autumn or winter. A wooden tray holds a soft pink ceramic pumpkin, a single pinecone, and a green vase filled with artificial pine sprigs. Together, they create a playful mix of texture and seasonal charm.
Nightstand Bookshelf Insert
Designing with open shelving offers a different way to balance form and function. Instead of drawers, this curved-edge nightstand features a large shelf that feels both airy and grounded. A potted succulent and a neat stack of hardcovers sit in the lower section, while the top holds a matte concrete lamp with a round base. The arrangement feels deliberate without losing its simplicity.
Mini Art Easel With Tiny Canvas
Personal objects can offer quiet comfort, even without serving a clear purpose. A single word or small image often brings more warmth than something decorative alone. A tiny wooden easel stands on this nightstand. A dried lavender stem rests across the base. A brass lamp beside the easel casts a warm, steady light across the surface.
Matching Set of Decor Items
Working with pieces that share material or color can create calm in a space without making it dull. Uniformity works best when there’s contrast in shape or height. On this mid-tone wooden nightstand, three blush-toned ceramic vases sit together, each shaped differently. A small plant in a white planter balances the set, and a soft pink lamp completes the look with height and glow.
Lidded Box for Nighttime Essentials
Keeping bedside items tucked away can help reduce clutter and visual noise. That doesn’t mean everything must be hidden—it just needs to feel composed. This nightstand holds a wooden storage box with an open lid, revealing a clean selection of skincare products. A white ceramic lamp and a modern succulent planter round out the setting with a calm, spa-like tone.
Ceramic or Woven Catch-All Bowl
Some pieces feel tactile even from a distance. Texture adds a different layer of interest, especially when the palette stays soft and quiet. A low, round ceramic bowl with woven detailing sits near the front of this oak nightstand. Beside it, a ribbed planter holds a sharp-leaved plant, while two slim tech items rest nearby without pulling focus.
