Bedside Tables + Nightstands
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Modern Nightstands & Bedside Tables
Modern nightstands are the heroes of the bedroom. Also called bedside tables, these little bedroom tables are designed for placement beside a bed, with convenient storage features that make settling in for the night a breeze. All nightstands have smooth, flat surfaces ideal for table lamps and other bedside essentials that should remain within arm’s reach, like drinking glasses, books, eyeglasses, handheld devices, and more. Most traditional and modern bedside tables also feature additional storage components, like cabinets, drawers, and shelves, that enhance their convenience and discretion. A nightstand is an invaluable companion to any bed frame, and thus no set of modern bedroom furniture is complete without a modern bedside table.
Types of Nightstands & Bedside Tables
Nightstands with Storage
Though they are small and relatively simple pieces of bedroom furniture, there are plenty of options to choose from when browsing nightstands. The first and most functional type of bedside table is a bedside table with storage components to complement its tabletop capacity. Nightstands with storage components typically have drawers stacked from base to top, though some nightstands may have cabinets or shelves occupying that space instead. Modern nightstands with drawers are a popular option because drawers allow for a level of bedside organization that other storage nightstands might not allow.
Nightstands without Storage
Nightstands without storage are typically smaller and lighter than nightstands with storage, with stripped-back, exposed legs. They’re often made of powder-coated metal and may be available in a wide range of bright colors. Some small nightstands forego legs in place of a single pedestal base. Because they resemble pedestals, these low-profile bedside tables are called pedestal nightstands. Even simpler still, some bedside tables have monolithic, drum-like silhouettes, and could be used as tables or bedside stools.
Mid-Century Modern Nightstands
Mid-century modern nightstands, like those available at Design Within Reach, may take many forms; however, they typically share some defining features. They’re well-crafted, often from solid wood (maple, oak, ash) or easy-to-manufacture metals, like aluminum or steel. Wood nightstands and bedside tables are perpetual favorites for their warmth and versatility – they can work in truly any space. Metal bedside tables are often powder-coated for increased durability, and can come in some playful colors. Some modern nightstands combine multiple materials, like wood and marble or steel and glass, for a unique finish that can work in a variety of different design schemes.
How to Choose a Modern Nightstand or Bedside Table
When choosing a nightstand, first consider whether you need a bedside table with storage. Assess what you usually keep next to your bed. Would a small bedside table’s surface be big enough for all your bedtime go-tos? Or would you prefer a higher capacity nightstand with drawers? If you’re an avid reader – especially one with a rotating arsenal of active reads – you might want to choose a bedside table with an open shelf perfect for a row of books. Nightstands with storage components tend to be a bit larger than nightstands without, but it is still possible to find small nightstands with storage features – or even simply spacious tabletops large enough for the utmost essentials. Don’t forget to consider shape! Round bedside tabletops are slightly smaller than square bedside tabletops of the same size.
For a space-savvy option, consider a pedestal bedside table. With a low-profile pedestal base supporting a larger (often round) tabletop, pedestal nightstands make the most of their minimal footprint.
You should also consider the visual impact your bedside table may have on your space. Oak and maple wood nightstands breathe natural warmth into a space, while white, gray, and black nightstands complement stark, minimalist arrangements. Colorful bedside tables are ideal for eclectic or Postmodern spaces where playfulness is paramount.
If you’d like your bedroom to have a cohesive look, it’s a good idea to choose a nightstand in a similar color or wood finish to your existing furniture. Many of the modern nightstands available at Design Within Reach are part of larger collections of matching bedroom furniture, so if you’re starting from scratch, consider exploring some of DWR’s bedroom furniture collections first.
No matter your choice (square or round, wood or steel), at the end of the day you can rest easy knowing that your nightstand — and good design — is within arm’s reach.