If you think about how much time you spend in bed and how much you can really do from your bedroom, it makes sense to take great care when designing your bedside table. From reading and working on your computer to lazy Sunday mornings with the paper and coffee, your nightstand needs to be great. I’m sure some people think all that’s required boils down to a tabletop for a lamp and alarm clock. I weep for you if this is the case. Of course I could live in my bed and thus require a giant nightstand with surface space for books, laptops, magazines, pictures, watches and a candle. Oh, I’m not finished... I also have a drawer for glasses, crossword puzzle books, and who knows what else. The bottom line? I essentially have a u-haul next to my bed. Enough about me. Feast your eyes on nine great nightstands.

The crisp and uncluttered nightstand remains mostly white except for the graphic ceramic table lamp. It’s very important to have proper lighting by your bed for reading and tasks. Even if you prefer a clean modern bedroom, don’t forget little luxuries like flowers and a wee tray to contain smaller objects.

The exotic bedside allows your imagination to run wild. Make sure everything tells a story and is fascinating on its own. This night stand was formally an Oriental box on a stand, but is the perfect surface for the over-the-top pineapple lamp. 

The Hollywood Hipster nightstand has real energy. I love the infusion of mid-century elements. The nightstand has enough surface space and much interior storage, which is so important in bedrooms. Playful patterns compliment the pure geometry of the nightstand, glass globe lamp, chair and giant ruler.

I love this glass globe table lamp. Try to infuse your own version of Hollywood Hipster into your own bedroom.  

The glamour bedside table oozes with Jean Harlow and Joan Crawford style. The antiqued mirrored night stand reflects the warm glow of the true boudoir. Again, great surface space and interior storage. The clear lamp has a feminine shape that offsets the lines of the table but works beautifully with the curves found in the tufted chair. 

The small space needs to think vertically. This tight bedside maximizes surface space by using a tiered table to ensure enough storage. Wisely, they installed swing-arm lamps to free-up space and create interest. Remember, lighting may be a basic need for a nightstand but it can also be used to create a design focal point. 

The romantic nightstand is super feminine. The mirrored nightstand is hand painted in a delicate Chinoiserie pattern. The elegant design is reinforced with the romantic roses in a silver vase and curved lines of the ceramic table lamp and ever-so-delicate concave shade.

This masculine nightstand has a rough hewn sensibility. A subtle mix of texture and shape with an almost Neo Hemingway attention to travel and adventure. The table sports a textured finish and very contemporary chrome table top tilt light. The sleek finish of the light is a great contrast to the warm woods of the headboard. 

Have a favorite macho man at home? This chrome finished pharmacy light is perfect for the ultimate man’s man. It would also look great on an office or even a dorm room. 

The breezy island look of this nightstand comes from the draped fabric that adorns the bedside table. This look can be achieved simply and for little money. You could essentially use any table and simply drape it to match your decor. They have used a tray to create a stable surface for their table lamp, candle, Kleenex and flowers. A simple and stylish solution.   

Short on money? The flea market style bedside table can be as cute and funky as you wish. The retro nightstand is quirky and seems to be all that the homeowner needs. Due to the small scale of the table the accessories have been pared-down to fit. A smaller lamp with replacement shade, a small clock and small books round out the vignette. 

Photos courtesy of Rue, Chinoiserie Chic, Zhush, Katiedid