Ask Joshua: Do I Need a Nightstand?

Hi Joshua,

I recently moved into my first apartment and am starting to furnish my bedroom. One piece of furniture I'm struggling with is the nightstand.

I've looked at dozens of bedrooms online, and it seems like every bed is paired with one or two traditional nightstands. The problem is that I've never really liked the look of them. They feel too bulky for my style, and I'd rather keep my bedroom feeling more open and minimal.

Do I need a nightstand, or are there other bedside furniture options that can provide the same function without looking so traditional?

Thanks,

Jonathan – Oakland, California

Desert rustic style primary bedroom designed by virtual interior designer Joshua Jones of JJones Design Co. featuring a minimalist bedside table as an alternative to a traditional nightstand.

Hi Jonathan,

The short answer is no—you don't need a traditional nightstand.

While nightstands are one of the most common pieces of bedroom furniture, they're certainly not a requirement. The most important thing is having a convenient place to set everyday essentials like a lamp, your phone, a book, or a glass of water before going to bed.

If a traditional nightstand feels too bulky for your style, there are plenty of alternatives that can achieve the same purpose while creating a lighter, more open look.

One of my favorite options is a small accent table or side table. They usually have a slimmer profile than a traditional nightstand while still providing enough surface space for your bedside essentials. If you prefer a clean, minimal look, this is often the direction I recommend.

Another great option is a floating shelf or wall-mounted nightstand. Because it doesn't sit on the floor, it helps the room feel more open and can make a smaller bedroom appear larger. It's also much easier to clean underneath.

You could also consider a decorative stool, a small pedestal table, or even a C-table that slides partially under the bed. These pieces can add personality to the room while serving the same function as a traditional nightstand.

The key is making sure whatever you choose is proportional to your bed and comfortable to reach from your mattress. A bedside table that's too low or too high won't be as functional, even if it looks great.

Your bedroom should reflect your personal style rather than following traditional furniture rules. If a standard nightstand doesn't fit your vision, don't feel like you have to buy one simply because everyone else does. There are plenty of stylish alternatives that can give your bedroom a more open, custom look while still providing the function you need.

If you'd like help selecting bedside furniture that fits your style and your space, I'd love to help through my virtual interior design services.

Warmly,

Joshua Jones

Have interior design related questions? You can ask Joshua here.