We believe home design should be stylish and distinctive. Whether updating your bedroom suite, furnishing a guest room, or looking for an impactful addition to an existing edit, nightstands are an essential part of curating an elegant bedroom. At Lulu and Georgia, our thoughtfully curated collection has everything from modern nightstands to timeless bedside tables for your sleep sanctuary.
Not sure what style or design best fits your space as you shop nightstands? Don't worry; we have got you covered. Check out the tips below for ideas and inspiration as you choose the best pieces to buy for your space.
Starting With the Basics: Nightstand or Bedside Table?
Very few of us have a dream nightstand. We’ve almost all coveted the perfect bed or fallen in love with a vintage dresser in an old photograph, but nightstands are sometimes treated as more of an afterthought. But they are an essential element that can make or break your bedroom edit. Whether a simply styled bedside table or a statement nightstand, a well-chosen piece can offer surface space and storage while punctuating your bedroom set with a signature touch.
A bedside table may be the perfect fit for a minimalist design or in a guest room, where a clean, pared-back approach invites elegance. A side table like our Gem Side Table can make the perfect bedside table, but you want to mind your height (more on sizing later). But If you find your bedside cluttered or want to introduce a little more texture and depth bedside, consider a nightstand with drawers or open shelving. Some styles, like our Hendrick Nightstand, straddle the line, providing an airy silhouette with a touch of storage in the form of a small drawer.
Choosing The Perfect Nightstand or Bedside Table For Your Space
There are small nightstands and statement nightstands, narrow nightstands, and wide storage nightstands. There are nightstands with one, two, or three drawers and bedside tables with none. So, how do you go about choosing one that is perfect for your space? Let’s walk through a few considerations to keep in mind as you shop. As we go, think about your bedroom and what different options may bring to your space.
Nightstand Size and Scale
Size is important. The general rule is that your nightstand should be on the same scale as your bed. The bigger your bed, the bigger the nightstand should be so that the result feels visually balanced and proportionate. Most standard nightstands are between 22” and 28” in width—which will pair perfectly with a full or queen bed. If you are shopping for a twin bed, you will want a more narrow nightstand, whereas a king bed accomadates silhouettes wider than 28”.
This idea of scale also applies to the height of the bed (as measured from the ground to the top of your mattress.) If you have a low-slung bedframe, you will want a low nightstand so that your glass of water or book is in easy reach, and lighting elements such as a bedside lamp sit at a good height to provide light without shining in your eyes. Some designs, like our Ryland Nightstand, come as tall or low nightstands, letting you tailor the look to your bedframe.
Nightstand Surface and Storage
The two fundamental functions of a nightstand are to provide surface space and storage. These can vary significantly from design to design from a narrow table to a storage nightstand stocked with every sleeptime amenity. Mind the details here—features like soft close drawers or an open shelf versus a drawer can make all the difference in elevate your bedside.
One tip is to look at your current curation (or in some cases clutter). This can be a great way to refresh bedtime rituals. Our keyword to keep in mind when deciding how much and what time of storage you need is seamlessness. You want a place for everything and everything in its place, especially in a space designed to promote calm and renewal.
Nightstand Style and Shape
Style and shape are where your designer’s eye starts to take hold. There are some practical benefits to different shapes—a square or rectangular top can provide more surface space, while a round nightstand takes up less footprint and fits better into a small-space design. But style and shape are more about tailoring the look to your taste. Bedrooms are personal spaces; go for a signature touch.
If you want to add character to your room, don’t sleep on nightstands. Flanking your bed with statement nightstands can help set if off as the room's focal point. We love a distinctive silhouette, as in our designer exclusive Ripple Nightstand by Sarah Sherman Samuel—a scalloped top brings a chic shape to this round nightstand.
You can match your nightstands for tailored symmetry, but we’re huge fans of the tasteful mismatch—just make sure the scale makes sense and some element ties them together—whether material, finish, or design style.
How to Style a Modern Nightstand: Tips for Elevating Your Bedside Edit
Now it’s time to add more dimension to the style and shape—to make use of the surface and storage space your nightstand provides. With a small nightstand or bedside table, surface space is spare but as with any other surface, you want to make sure you’re creating visual interest while keeping the tabletop clear of clutter. Consider a few well-chosen elements—we love plants or flowers for a small touch of life and fresh texture or a lightly scented candle.
Even if you have a large nightstand or open shelving, you want to keep your curation edited. Keep touches meaningful or functional—like a folded duvet on a lower shelf or a few inspiring art books for when you need a break from screentime.
One of the key elements at your bedside is lighting. If it’s used as a reading or task light, a bedside lamp should sit with the bottom of the shade just below your eyes to provide illumination without a glare. If you’re limited on surface space, consider an adjustable sconce at your bedside. Our portable sconces are designed to plug in rather than be hardwired, saving you the trouble of a costly installation. You can shop all our bedroom lighting to create a layered design with plenty of ambient, task, and accent light.
Lulu and Georgia Nightstands + Bedside Tables
However you style it, a nightstand allows you the flexibility to showcase the nuances of your design aesthetic. Having storage and surface space at your bedside is essential to any well-appointed bedroom edit. By styling a bedroom you love, you can bookend your day with good design—and that is a feeling we never get tired of.
When you shop for nightstands and bedside tables at Lulu and Georgia, you'll find pieces that complement your bedroom while making it feel more elevated. You can choose from our wide selection to find the perfect purchase, no matter what you're looking for. Check our bedroom inspiration page for more ideas on curating a tranquil escape.
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