His & Hers: Nightstand Styling, Two Distinct Visions

Nightstand decor featuring a pink lamp, flowers, gold idol, and book
Bedroom interior with dark blue headboard and end table with lamp

My bedroom is truly my sanctuary. Creating a special space was a priority, which led to details like vaulted ceilings, a statement headboard, and a captivating chandelier. While significant investments in these larger elements certainly make an impact, achieving a cohesive and harmonious room requires attention to detail in every aspect, right down to the bedside tables. The bedside area is more important than you might think. It’s a practical and essential furniture piece that can be anything but ordinary. From repurposed vintage chairs to thoughtfully arranged stacks of books, the possibilities for creating a unique and personalized bedside space are endless. The true magic lies in how you style your nightstand.

Today, I’m excited to partner with Sauder to explore the art of styling a bedside table. Whether you’re working with a rustic old stool or a modern tree stump, several key considerations will ensure your nightstand perfectly complements your needs and reflects your personal style.

Glass table nightstand with hand statue, night lamp, and flower pot

I’ve selected two distinct nightstands from Sauder’s collection. I was drawn to these simple pieces for their clean lines and understated elegance. Both exude a classic and unassuming charm that effortlessly complements my room’s aesthetic. Their versatility also provides the freedom to style them in countless ways. While neither is a traditional “nightstand” in the conventional sense, these side tables perfectly fulfill their bedside duties.

Before delving into how I’ve styled these nightstands, let’s discuss the most important factors to consider when choosing the perfect bedside table for your needs:

  1. Height. Achieving the right height is crucial for both functionality and aesthetics. A nightstand that’s either too tall or too short will be impractical and visually awkward. Ideally, the bedside table should be level with or slightly above the height of your mattress.

  2. Size & Function. Consider how much tabletop space you require. Do you need ample room for a lamp, books, your phone, and other essentials? Or are you working with limited space, in which case a smaller-profile stand would be more suitable? Also, remember to factor in the width of your bed. A wide king-sized bed, for example, typically calls for wider, more substantial tables on either side.

  3. Storage. Do you need drawers or shelves to store books, magazines, or other personal items? If you enjoy journaling, you’ll want a dedicated space to keep your notebooks and pens within easy reach.

  4. Profile. The overall size and design of your bedroom will influence the type of nightstand that works best. A spacious bedroom might accommodate a more substantial nightstand, while a smaller room might require a more delicate and streamlined option.

  5. Number and Style. Do you prefer a pair of matching bedside tables flanking your bed, or would a single table suffice? If you opt for a pair, should they be identical or a more dynamic duo? While personal preferences vary, I generally lean towards nightstands that share a common theme or color palette but aren’t perfectly matched. This creates a more visually interesting and less rigid look. However, ultimately, the choice is yours!

Nightstand No. 1

Bedroom decor with white bedding and a blue throw

This particular nightstand (which, as a reminder, is technically a side table) hails from Sauder’s International Lux Collection. Its ash wood finish and matte gold metal accents create a sophisticated and refined aesthetic. It functions perfectly as a nightstand due to its ideal height, practical storage space, stately character (thanks to the gold accents!), and sturdy construction without being overly bulky.

Close-up of a brown drawer with a gold handle

I styled this bedside table with a slightly masculine touch. I included a task-style lamp with an adjustable neck for optimal reading light, a selection of books for bedtime reading, a scented candle for ambiance, and a stylish tumbler for water. I prefer to keep things simple and uncluttered on my bedside table to promote a sense of calm and relaxation in the bedroom.

Eyeglasses resting on an object near a paper and blue pen

Minimalist workspace with art and a small table

Pillows stacked on the floor near a small table

Nightstand No. 2

Glass nightstand with pink lamp, plant, book, and gold hand statue

For the second bedside table, I opted for a design with a more delicate profile. The Round Side Table from Sauder’s International Lux Collection exudes a sense of softness and elegance. Its clean lines and metal frame with a glass top add a touch of glamour to the table, while the wide surface provides ample space for bedside essentials.

Feminine nightstand with a pink lamp and decorative items

I styled this table with a glamorous table lamp, a stack of books, a vase of vibrant tulips, and a vintage brass ring holder, which serves as the perfect place to store jewelry. Again, my focus was on creating a simple and beautiful arrangement. Waking up to a bouquet of fresh flowers and a tidy table is a wonderful way to start the day and nourish the soul.

Pink lamp on a nightstand with books and accessories

Gold hand statue holding bracelets

If you’re looking for a non-traditional bedside table, here are a few more of my favorites from Sauder’s ready-to-assemble furniture line:

  1. The Tray Table: I love the pop of color and sleek lines this table offers.
  2. Soft Modern Collection Side Table: Cool lines and a generous surface area make this a great choice for bedside essentials.
  3. Square 1 Collection Side Table: This table is perfect for those with limited space, offering a small footprint while still getting the job done.
  4. Inspired Accents Collection Side Table: The cube-like frame gives this table a cool modern aesthetic.
  5. Soft Modern Collection Round Side Table: This is the black counterpart to the glam lux version I styled in my bedroom. If gold is not your color, black will be!

This post is sponsored by Sauder, but all opinions are my own.