nightstand

A nightstand, also called a bedside table, is a small table or cabinet placed beside a bed and intended to hold items needed during the night or upon waking. It is commonly used to support a lamp, an alarm clock, books, eyeglasses, medications, and a glass of water, and to provide storage for personal items within easy reach of the bed.

Most nightstands have a flat top surface and one or more drawers, shelves, or cabinet doors. Materials range from solid wood and wood composites to metal, glass, or laminates, with finishes that can be natural, stained, painted, or lacquered. Some models include built-in lighting, USB ports, or electrical outlets. Variants include floating nightstands mounted to a wall, and integrated units that form part of a bed frame or headboard.

Placement and dimensions are chosen to align the top surface closely with the mattress height for accessibility. Typical heights are around the same as the mattress top, and widths vary from roughly 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm) with depths around 14 to 18 inches (35 to 45 cm). Designing considerations include ensuring sufficient storage, easy access to controls, and compatibility with the room’s scale and other furniture.

In use, nightstands contribute to organization and convenience in a bedroom, serving a practical role without requiring large space. They come in a wide range of styles to fit traditional, contemporary, and minimalist aesthetics.