If you’re decorating your room and just bought a new nightstand, there are a few rules to follow.
For example, how far should the nightstand be from your bed and wall?
Nightstand Position From Bed And Wall
A nightstand should be within arm’s reach when you’re lying on the bed. It should be close enough to snooze the alarm or grab a drink of water but not close enough to knock your head into while sleeping. There should also be a three-inch gap between the nightstand and the wall for it to look good.
Let’s look more closely at how far your nightstand should be from the bed and wall, as well as what mistakes you can avoid while decorating your bedroom!
How Far Should The Nightstand Be From The Bed?
A room feels less tight and more open with space between the furniture.
However, if you use your nightstand frequently, it’ll need to be at a short distance from your bed.
In this case, you should aim for just about two to three inches away from your bed.
Keeping just a little space between your nightstand and bed can be beneficial.
However, having it too close can make it difficult to make your bed in the morning.
Alternatively, if you’re not planning on using your nightstand as much or simply want it for decorative purposes, you can space it further away.
How Far Should The Nightstand Be From The Wall?
As most designers advise, if you can space your furniture apart, it’ll look better and be more functional.
Following this rule, leaving a space of at least 2 inches between the wall and the nightstand is ideal.
This space allows any lamp cords to hide behind the nightstand while preventing anything larger from falling behind it.
Nightstand Selection Rules To Follow
When choosing a nightstand, you should take into consideration the following.
1. Height And Space
Design is all about getting the proportions and scales correct.
It’s not just about aesthetics but also practicality.
A nightstand that’s too large will look weird and immediately grab your eye as soon as you enter the room.
You’ll get the same eye-sore sight if your nightstand is too short. So, how do you solve this tough equation?
Height
Whether your bed is a king, queen, low, or high, knowing the proportions of your bed will help you decide what nightstand size is best for you.
Most commercial nightstands are around 24 to 28 inches tall since the average mattress and foundation are about 25 inches high.
Ideally, the best height for your nightstand is the same as the top of your mattress.
Simply think of how you want to reach for things while sleeping.
This will easily give you an estimate of how high the nightstand should be.
Space
Maintaining a distance of two to three inches between your bed and nightstand is optimal.
This won’t create unattractive emptiness between the furniture while giving you enough space to keep it functional for usage.
2. Nightstand Material
While mismatching the materials in your room scheme can result in a nice contrast, it can also offset the entire aesthetic of your room.
You don’t want a thick black or mahogany nightstand with a light scheme that features bright colors like gray and white.
It’s all about achieving the right feel and visual vibes.
Nightstands are produced in various materials to fit your needs. For example…
Metal Nightstands
Choosing a unique metal nightstand is the ideal choice if you’re looking for a modern look.
A metal nightstand is also durable and easy to clean.
Wooden Nightstands
A wooden nightstand, on the other hand, will go with almost any style.
They’re widely popular in bedrooms with a rustic or mid-century style.
Nightstands made of wood are considered classic with their magical carvings.
Wicker Or Rattan Nightstand
Wicker nightstands add a mystical vibe to your room. The Wicker adds a soft and unique look to any space.
Rattan or Wicker nightstands are especially ideal if your room style is eclectic or coastal.
Mismatched wicker nightstands add a touch of oddity that many admire.
3. Practicality Before Style
In addition to being visually appealing, nightstands need to be functional.
If you want to put something on the table, such as a lamp, a book, or a glass of water, there must be enough space to do so.
You may also want to keep medicines and a journal nearby but out of sight.
A drawer will help you separate the clutter.
As a result, your ideal nightstand has to have at least one drawer and a shelf.
What Can You Use Instead Of A Nightstand?
Going outside the box and doing something different can significantly change your room’s ambiance!
Something other than a nightstand can change your room’s mood, and there are many alternatives to choose from!
1. A Floating Shelf
If you have a small bedroom, floating a shelf next to the bed is a clever and cost-effective solution.
With a shelf next to your bed, you can free up floor space while keeping the essentials close at hand.
You can hang it on the wall or buy one specifically designed to hang on the side of your bed.
If one shelf isn’t enough, you can easily stack two.
2. Vintage Trunk
Using an industrial trunk as your nightstand will add a vintage flair to your room and provide great storage.
This classical style is why a trunk is often used as an alternative to a traditional nightstand.
3. Bar Stool Or Chair
Upcycling an old bar stool or chair can be a fun way to repurpose something that you don’t use anymore.
You may want to paint it to match your bedroom, or you can choose to keep its original color.
A lightweight chair or bar stool makes a great nightstand when you just want a place to put your phone and bedtime book.
4. Dresser
Double up your dresser and use it as a nightstand next to your bed. It’ll save you a lot of space!
A dresser’s big size provides plenty of storage inside while doubling as your nightstand.
It will also bring a bold look to your bed.
Don’t Make These Mistakes While Decorating Your Bedroom
You want your bedroom to be relaxing and inviting, not claustrophobic.
As you plan out your space, here are some tips for ensuring that doesn’t happen:
- Don’t put the nightstand too far from the bed. The ideal distance is about 3 inches from the edge of the mattress, making it easy for you to reach in bed without getting up or stretching across the mattress.
- If your nightstand is too close to either side of the bed—say, right under or right above where you sleep—it can feel like it’s taking up most of that side of space. There’s also a risk that you will bump your head against it while sleeping.
- Don’t stick the nightstand too close to the wall. Leaving a space of at least 2 inches will help you hide any exposed wires or electrical cords.
- Don’t place the nightstand too far from other furniture, such as windows or headboards. If they’re too far apart on the opposite sides of your room, it may give the impression that there’s nothing between them but empty air space.