Figuring out how to protect the nightstand top can make all the difference in how fresh your bedroom looks.
But it’s often easier said than done.
Protecting Nightstand Top
It’s crucial to dust the nightstand regularly and avoid overloading to protect your nightstand top. You can also use coasters, finishing coats, protective felt pads, table runners, and glass tops to keep the dust, stains, and scuffs away.
Before deciding what’s best for you, let’s take a closer look at the available options and how you can make the most out of each one!
8 Ways To Protect Your Nightstand Top
1. Never Skip On Coasters
First things first, make coasters your new best friends.
If you use a coaster for your cold drinks, you’re protecting your nightstand’s top from water rings and stains.
If you use it with a hot drink, you’re keeping the heat damage away.
Some cups can even cause minor scratches on your nightstand if you move them around a lot.
Using a coaster may seem like a small step, but it goes a long way!
2. Avoid Overloading The Nightstand
There are a lot of things that we like to keep next to us when we sleep, like a phone, charger, book, and bedside lamp.
However, you have to make sure you don’t overload your nightstand.
While most options on the market can withstand a lot of weight, you really should be careful with what you put on them.
If you keep things that are too heavy on it, the top could dent or even crack under pressure.
3. Don’t Let The Dust Accumulate
Dust and dirt will make your nightstand look old and faded. Over time, it could leave stains.
That’s why you need to add dusting the bedside to your regular bedroom cleanup routine.
For A Wood Nightstand
Dust your nightstand top with a clean cloth or a vacuum to remove the dust from the top and hard-to-reach places.
If there are any sticky stains, treat those with a bit of water or white vinegar.
Repeat this process with a small amount of water and then dry it.
Then you should use a soft cloth and a wood polish.
Never use a scrub sponge because it would scratch your table, and excessive water would lead to cracking in the wood.
Avoid harsh chemicals, like ammonia, as it could discolor your wood finish.
For A Metal Nightstand
Repeat the same process, but instead of using wood polish, use a soft cloth dipped in some mineral oil and buff it out.
Keep in mind that leaving your metal nightstand top wet for prolonged periods can lead to corrosion.
So, try to wrap up the cleanup process as soon as possible.
4. Make Use Of Felt Or Velour Pads
You can get felt and velour as regular fabric or adhesive pads to stick on your furniture in different shapes and sizes.
Plus, you can always just cut out the exact measurements you need from a larger cloth.
However, sticking them on the nightstand itself might leave a sticky residue.
Instead, it might be better to use them on the bottom of your bedside lamp or decorations.
Not only would it help keep them in place, but it’ll also keep the scratches and scuffs at bay.
5. Use An Elegant Tablecloth Or Runner
Using a tablecloth or a runner would protect your nightstand from scratching, reduce dust accumulation, and decorate it all at once, making it a win-win situation!
It’s also easy to replace when you’re sick of the style and easy to clean as most tablecloths are machine washable.
The only con is that if a liquid spill isn’t immediately dried, it would reach the nightstand and soak all day.
However, there are thicker tablecloths and even some waterproof ones!
6. Cover The Nightstand With A Placemat
Who said placemats are only for the kitchen? They’re an excellent way to protect your nightstand!
They’re heat and water-resistant, so you don’t need to worry about hot plates or ugly water stains.
Even though a placemat would protect your nightstand, it isn’t exactly the most stylish option.
Don’t worry, though. You can place a tablecloth or runner on top of it.
This way, you get the aesthetic advantages of the tablecloth and the protective advantages of the placemat.
For the most part, they’re very budget-friendly too.
This is why we highly recommend it if you don’t want to spend too much and don’t care about the aesthetic aspect—or have figured out a way around it.
Tips For Placemat Materials
Get placemats that complement the style of your nightstand and bedroom color palate.
This shouldn’t be an issue since you can find them in many shapes and materials.
For instance, you’ve got the clear PVC ones for a minimalistic look, but you can also get silicone, cork, and rubber.
However, it’s usually better to go for smooth ones that are easy to clean.
Don’t go for something too textured because the dust and grime might get stuck in the little groves.
7. Consider Coating With A Finishing Material
A sturdy defense line to consider for your nightstand is the coating.
It can protect against minor scratches while adding a refreshing sheen and tone to the countertop.
Usually, you don’t have to worry about this since it’s a part of the furniture manufacturing process.
But if your nightstand is vintage, previously loved, or maybe handmade, then make sure to add a layer of the appropriate finishing material.
For A Wood Nightstand
Start by filling holes or deep scratches with wood putty or wood glue and then sanding the top till it’s even and smooth. Now apply a layer of the polyurethane finish.
This should help prevent abrasion damage and water absorption, but it doesn’t make it completely resistant.
Additionally, this process may cause the wood to turn a bit yellowish.
For A Metal Nightstand
Start by cleaning it using rust remover, detergent, and warm water, making sure you’ve reached all spots.
Then rinse thoroughly, wipe with a rag, and leave it to air dry.
Once it’s all dried out, apply a cold galvanizing compound spray.
While hot galvanizing would provide better results, it’s not as easily doable.
8. Install A Glass Top Cover
Saving the best for the last, installing a glass top is an all-around good idea.
For starters, if you like the design of your nightstand, a clear glass top wouldn’t hide it as a tablecloth would, but you’d still be able to put a runner on top for decoration if you want.
Plus, the glass top will be fully resistant to water so that you can clean it easily.
If it’s the right size, it would also seal off your nightstand from external conditions.
Choosing A Suitable Glass Top Type
You can choose the glass style to complement the look you’re going for.
For instance, you can install a mirror top if you have a bedside lamp on your nightstand. The reflected light would add a pleasant effect.
Other ideas include tinted glass for a color-themed room, crackled glass for a bit of extravagance, and frosted glass for some mystery.
We’d recommend going for tempered or premium glass with a ¼ or ½-inch thickness (thicker glass is more durable but also heavier if you plan to move it).
It would be harder to break and would offer higher resistance to heat.
You can hire someone to do it or look for pre-cut glass surfaces in home improvement and DIY stores.