The 20 Best Nightstands of 2024
While the bed might be the centerpiece of the bedroom, a nightstand is no mere sidekick. It can be tricky to imagine a streamlined nighttime routine without one — after all, it’s likely where you have your reading light, phone, and water carafe overnight. Along with giving you easy access to your bedtime essentials, a nightstand can expand your bedroom storage with shelves and drawers.
“Shopping for nightstands is a personal decision, so it’s important to consider functional needs as well as aesthetic needs,” says Melanie Millner, an interior designer and the founding principal of The Design Atelier. “Think about things like charging devices, books, lamps, caches to hold jewelry, [and other items] that you would typically have on a bedside table. That will help narrow things down so you can make a decision with confidence.”
Along with researching dozens of nightstand options on the market, we consulted Millner for expert insight on how to shop for this particular piece of bedroom furniture. If you’ve been searching far and wide for the nightstand of your dreams, we’re here to help you out with some recommendations. Whether you’re looking for a classic wood nightstand, or an elevated metal one with multiple compartments, we compiled a shortlist of our favorite nightstands across different styles and prices.
Best Wood Nightstands
“Wood is the preferred option for nightstands, whether it is painted or stained,” Millner explains. She adds that people may choose it over metal because “it has a softer and warmer feel.” This warm vibe and its easy-to-match natural texture make wood a versatile nightstand material for many styles, including minimal, modern, rustic, and traditional bedroom designs. Solid wood is best for durability and longevity, but you may also consider engineered wood if you’re on a budget. Many mid-range options are built using a combination of both.
Made from solid and veneered wood, this handsome nightstand from Article touts a minimalist design with an open shelf and two soft-close drawers. Not only is it sturdy, but it also offers ample room for storing pajamas, body care, and other nighttime essentials.
Crafted with solid Meranti wood, Meranti and white oak veneers, and MDF, this vintage-inspired nightstand features two side-by-side drawers and a spacious open shelf at the bottom for holding and displaying items.
This affordable solid pine nightstand has a clean and versatile design, making it ideal for a timeless decor style. When it comes to functionality, its two smooth-running drawers can each hold 10 T-shirts or five pairs of pants.
Perfect for anyone who loves an ornate style, this elegant nightstand flaunts a rich dark wood, detailed metal hardware, and intricately carved bracket feet. For your storage needs, it has three roomy drawers.
Crafted from solid eucalyptus and engineered wood, this mid-century West Elm nightstand is built with two roomy drawers and one open shelf. In addition to its elevated silhouette, there’s also a version of this nightstand that features outlets and USB ports for charging your devices.
This acacia wood nightstand is a retro-inspired statement piece that stands out with its sculpted drawers and tapered legs. We also appreciate how its clear lacquered finish reveals its beautiful wood grain while protecting it against damage from moisture.
Best Metal Nightstands
Metal nightstands work well with modern and industrial-style furnishings. Along with being sleek and minimal, metal also tends to be sturdy. If you plan on leaving any flower vases or glasses of water on your nightstand, make sure that it’s made from a rust-resistant material or has a powder coating. If metal leans too cool for your taste, Millner suggests nightstands that mix metal with other materials like wood.
Boasting a 200-pound weight capacity, this rustic nightstand combines a sturdy metal frame with a reclaimed wood top. To give you ample storage space, it has a wide single drawer with an open bottom shelf underneath it.
Channel an industrial vibe with this sturdy metal nightstand, which is available in both neutral and vibrant colors. Along with a trendy perforated cabinet and open cubby for your bedside organization needs, it’s also designed with a handy USB port for charging your devices.
Lend your space a touch of glam chic with this gold-painted steel nightstand, which flaunts a Nordic style with its polished edges and corners. While the piece runs small, it does offer two open shelves for displaying your favorite decor pieces.