How to Accessorize a Nightstand

When you think of nightstand accessories, it's easy to get stuck on the alarm clock, lamp, remote control, and your reading glasses. However, if you reconsider your nightstand as a work of art, you might also rethink how to accessorize it. Once you decide on an overall composition, you can then choose the lamp and accessories that will decorate the surface of your nightstand, as well as the wall space behind it.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Designing the Composition

Strike a balance between geometric and organic shapes. If you plan on stacking a few rectangular books on a square nightstand, try offsetting them with a circular alarm clock and curvy lamp base. You could place the books at either end of the surface and put the lamp and clock in the center as the focal points.^{[1]XResearch source}
2
Coordinate the colors. Keep most of the colors on your nightstand within the same family as the bedding. Vary the color tones to keep the arrangement interesting. For example, if the dominant color in your quilt is red, you could choose a maroon lamp or bouquet of pink roses for your nightstand accessories.
- Color coordination includes contrasting hues, too! If you have a variety of reds on your bed and nightstand, try adding a green alarm clock or picture frame.^{[2]XResearch source}
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3
Get creative with space. Think of space as a complementary element to the objects on your nightstand. This will allow you to keep the number of objects to a minimum. Place two or three objects in the center, leaving the surrounding space open. Alternatively, you could put some space in between the objects.
- Don't limit your notion of space to horizontally. If you don't have much space by your bedside, try going vertical by using a bookshelf as a nightstand. You could place your alarm clock and reading material on the shelf closest to the bed. Just make sure it's not taller than your headboard or things could look unbalanced.^{[3]XResearch source}
4
Decorate the surrounding wall space. Include the wall space above your nightstand in your accessorizing. Hang a painting or print at a point that's neither too high nor too low. If you have a small bedroom, install a mirror to create the illusion of added space. If you use your phone as an alarm clock, hang an analogue or digital wall clock in this space.
- Hanging 2 matching mirrors — 1 on each side of your bed — can brighten the space and make it look more sophisticated.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Picking a Lamp

A small lamp will leave room for a few accessories on a small nightstand. It will also create a sense of balance with the nightstand's overall surface area. Lamps that are too wide or tall could end up dwarfing a small space and leave little to no room for accessories.
2
Install a wall sconce for extra space on the nightstand. This is especially helpful if you have limited space and lots of necessities that you must have on the nightstand. A wall sconce will free up space for your alarm clock, reading glasses, book, watch, and other objects. It will also allow you to add some decorative accessories around the things you need within reach when you wake up or turn in for the night.
- If you're not up for hardwiring a wall sconce, look for one that just attaches to the wall and plugs in. They're usually cheaper, and you'll be able to easily switch it out when you redecorate.^{[4]XResearch source}
This is a good idea if you're a minimalist but don't want your nightstand to look too Spartan. This will allow you to add a small number of accessories without cluttering the surface. It will also nicely complement a wide or large nightstand.
If you already have a unique artwork on the wall above the nightstand, you don't want to obscure it with a tall lamp. Aim for a shorter lamp whose light hits the bottom two-thirds of the painting. On the other hand, if you have a tall sculpture or flower vase that you'd rather not move, you should opt for a tall lamp for a balanced sense of height.^{[5]XResearch source}
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Adding Accessories to Your Nightstand

Put a framed photograph in your line of sight. Choose whatever subject makes you happy. This could be anything from a family photo to an abstract print with a pleasing color scheme.^{[6]XResearch source}
2
Add a candle to the mix. Candles can provide less intense light if you want to relax or have a romantic evening. Scented candles can add a pleasant aroma to the area around the nightstand and bed. On the other hand, you can also use candles simply for their color, line, and shape to complement the overall composition of the nightstand.
- If you're worried about candles being a fire hazard, you can use fake, flameless candles instead.
3
Use hardcover books as decorative elements. These could be books that you're currently reading. However, you could also use old exhibition catalogues or coffee table books. Stack two or three with the largest book at the bottom and the smallest one on top. Use them as bases for lamps and other accessories, as focal points, or as balancing elements.
- You could get really creative and use books as the base of the nightstand. Secure the stack and place a sheet of glass or wooden board on top as the table surface.^{[7]XResearch source}
- For a minimalist look, turn the books so the spines are facing in toward the wall and the pages are facing out.
Choose a small- to medium-sized sculpture to avoid taking up too much space. Keep its style in line with or complementary to the rest of the décor in the room. For example, if your bedroom is dominated by antiques and subdued colors, a bright or abstract sculpture might clash. On the other hand, an organic-shaped sculpture might provide a nice contrast to a rectangular nightstand or alarm clock.^{[8]XResearch source}
A tray adds an artistic accent and prevents clutter caused by your watch and other accessories you need to wear during your waking hours. Choose a round or oval tray to compliment the straight geometric lines of nearby books. Opt for something more rectangular to balance an organic-shaped lamp base or oval mirror.^{[9]XResearch source}
6
Add a bouquet of flowers or basket of shells. These organic objects will help to offset the geometric shapes and straight lines of books and rectangular picture frames. They will also bring the outdoors into the home, adding a natural accent to the décor. Choose colors that will either complement or fall in line with the bedding and other nightstand accessories.
- Keep the flowers or shells in a beautiful vase or bowl. Then, you can replace the flowers or shells, and keep the container, whenever you want to switch things up.
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I am going to have a new bedroom. On one side of the bed, there will be two dressers. On the other side, there will be a nightstand. Should I include a nightstand on the side where the dressers are?
Community Answer
You don't want to overcrowd the room. Without knowing the layout, one nightstand should be fine.
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