Your nightstand is more than just a plain old, four-legged table.

It’s the first thing that greets you in the morning and the last thing you see before drifting off to sleep.

A well-styled nightstand blends form and function and should create a visually appealing, practical, and personal space—minus the clutter.

But there lies the challenge: how do you capture this form and function, with a dash of your personality and sentiment, without creating a corner of chaos?

Excess clutter can elevate cortisol levels, making it harder to relax—more on that later.

That’s the opposite of what you’d want out of your space.

So, a thoughtfully styled nightstand can enhance your space and promote a sense of calm before bed and when you wake up.

It’s the thing “next-level nightstands” are made of.

So, whether you’d love a modern aesthetic for your nightstand decor or need a few square-footage-friendly nightstand ideas for small spaces, these styling tips can help you curate a bedside setup that’s both smart and functional.

Ready for the best ideas to decorate a nightstand?

Let’s start with the essentials.

RELATED: Upgrade your nightstand with this award-winning candle brand

Nightstand Decor Ideas: 5 Essentials

1. A Coaster

Keep water or tea close at hand without damaging your nightstand’s surface. The coaster can also be a way to add contrasting texture to your bedside—we’ll get more into this design tip shortly.

2. Books or Magazines

A curated book stack adds personality and encourages screen-free wind-down time.

You might even search for “decorative books” that are blank on the inside, but they add style to your nightstand—no one ever has to know there are no words in that style-first bedside “book!”

3. A Scented Candle

Infuse your space with a calming (and motivating!) scented candle to set the mood for restful sleep or an optimistic start to your day.

Wooden wick candles add a luxurious touch, and it’s like having a tiny campfire in your space with its soft, soothing crackle sound.

4. A Lamp

Complement the flicker of a candle flame with a soft, warm light to add to your relaxing ambiance. Choose a modern lamp with a dimmable feature for even greater versatility.

5. A Personal Touch

Whether it’s a framed photo, objet d’art, or a sentimental item, adding a personal touch makes the space feel uniquely yours.

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Benefits of Nightstand Decor and Styling

A well-curated nightstand isn’t just about aesthetics—it can directly impact your well-being.

Research from UCLA found that excess clutter can elevate cortisol levels, increasing stress.

Thoughtfully styling your nightstand with intentional decor and organization creates a calming, visually inviting space that encourages relaxation.

Hello, peaceful home.

Long story short: a clean and beautifully arranged nightstand can:

• promote better sleep,
• reduce bedtime anxiety, and
• enhance your overall mood when you wake up.

Pro Design Tips for a Next-Level Nightstand

To get that beautiful bedside table look you see in fancy home decor magazines, think in layers.

Varying the heights of objects adds visual interest. Here’s some ideas:

• Use a taller lamp as an anchor.
• Stack books or small decorative boxes to elevate smaller pieces, like a candle.
• Have fun and mix surface materials. Think wood, glass, ceramics, and textiles to create depth and contrast on your bedside table.

Make It Yours: Nightstand Styles and Themes

Your nightstand styling should complement the overall design of your bedroom. A few popular approaches that probably match your space:

• Minimalist: Clean lines, neutral tones, and a clutter-free surface with only the essentials.
• Modern: Sleek designs, metallic accents, and sculptural decor pieces.
• Bohemian: Layered textiles, rattan or wood elements, and greenery for a relaxed feel.
• Classic Elegance: A vintage-inspired lamp, hardcover books, and a touch of gold or marble.

How to Best Decorate a Nightstand (Small Space-Friendly)

If you have a small nightstand or even a small side table, don’t overcrowd it. Here are some creative ideas for nightstands that work in compact spaces:

• Use wall-mounted lighting instead of a traditional table lamp to free up surface area.
• Opt for a floating shelf as a nightstand alternative for an airy look.
• Stick to a few select pieces rather than cluttering the space.
• Choose multi-functional décor, like a decorative box that stores small essentials. Remember, form and function!

Nature Meets Nightstand

Bringing in organic touches can make your bedside table decor feel more inviting. Consider:

• A small potted plant for a fresh, lively feel.
• A stone or crystal for grounding energy. This Himalayan salt lamp is on our wishlist.
• A woven, linen, or marble tray to keep small items organized.

Keep It Practical

As much as we love great design, your nightstand should serve your daily needs. So, if you require extra storage, look for nightstands with drawers or open shelving. Use small bowls or trays to keep jewelry, medication, or other essentials within reach but neatly contained.

Bonus tip: How to pick a candle scent for a gift

So a candle gift set meets your needs, but you’re not sure what scents they like 😟 Pro tip: consider an unscented candle or a gift set that offers a variety of scents.

The unique thing about Spoken Flames’ Trio Sets is that each candle gift set has a variety of scents with great range—from woody, citrus and floral in our F, Yes Collection, for example.

Your gift recipient would never get bored, and it increases your chances for satisfaction with a broad range of scents in their hands.

Because Spoken Flames candles are message-driven, our motivating candle statements (even without scent) mean that you’ll still win big with this meaningful gifting choice!