Types of nightstands: from functional to aesthetical

Designing your bedroom décor can be a thrilling experience; however, there is more to it than meets the eye. It is not just about finding the right bed, ceiling light, and linen but also choosing the perfect nightstand.

Why do bedside tables - also known as nightstands - steal the spotlight nowadays? Well, apart from being functional by keeping all the essentials you need during the night, that remarkable piece of furniture also brings harmony, style, and unity to your sleeping area.

But how do you decide what type of nightstand is the ideal one for you? Are you lost in the maze of shape, size, and function? In this article, we will highlight a few of the main types of nightstands to help you choose the right one.

Built-in bedside table

One of the most convenient option is the built-in bedside table: in this case, the bedside shelf or bedside drawer is integrated with the bed – forming one piece of bedroom furniture. Here you don't have much choice as the style is determined by the design of the bed though being stylish and focusing on simplicity is a significant essence to this type of nightstand. Some come with drawers, and some have only a shelf or two, but they are never spacious in terms of the overall size. So if you have many items to be stored during the night, this might not be the right choice for you.

In other cases, the nightstands are part of built-in furniture in the bedroom, giving you great space for storage, but a fixed interior that you cannot easily change.

built-in bedside table built-in wooden headboard

Bedside chest

The bedside chest type of nightstands are basically your chest of drawers minimized and brought to a level with the bed's mattress – or even higher. The flat surface on the top can store a lamp, smaller family photos, maybe a box of tissues, while the drawers – typically two or three – can keep things hidden, providing a neat look.

bedside chest drawers bedside chest

Bedside cabinet

Bedside cabinets are very similar in shape and size; however, this type is unique with a door where larger and higher items can be fitted - inspired by the very original bedside cabinet design that goes way back to the1800s (!).

bedside cabinet bedside cabinet door

Floating nightstands and floating bedside shelves

Floating nightstands are the wall-mounted versions of bedside tables and chests – and they feature a hidden mounting system that gives them the floating look. When seeing a floating nightstand, what comes to mind is chic, space-friendly, and contemporary. If you are unsure of what floating furniture is, we recommend reading our article about this topic explaining What is floating furniture?. As these nightstands do not have a base or legs, just a hidden wall-mount, you can save plenty of space underneath for a basket or anything you like.

floating nightstand in London UK floating nightstand in Santa Clara USA

They are also great for storage space as they can have a range of configurations with drawers, and shelves. Another vote for floating nightstands as they are not just delightful for the eye but easy on the wallet too. Due to being smaller in size, it’s easier to ship therefore it may cost less than regular nightstands of the same quality.

Discover the floating nightstands designed by mybettershelf.

Bedside tables

Bedside tables are as their name suggests. These are small sized tables by the bed with no or minimal area for storage. By being more ornate and representing style rather than functionality, bedside tables are the choice for those who prefer fashion and admiration.

bedside table oak bedside table white

Nightstand alternatives

Besides classic pieces of furniture, many other things can serve as nightstands. It can be a chair, a large suitcase, even a pile of books – it’s all up to your creativity!

slim chair for a nightstand suitcase nightstand

Nightstands are not only an aesthetic element of a bedroom furniture set but also an utilitarian one adding symmetry and a smart look to your décor. Choosing the right one is essential both for the eye and for the soul. We’ll help you with various interior design tips – subscribe to our newsletter to get these delivered straight to your inbox.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common types of nightstands?

The most common types of nightstands and bedside tables are: built-in bedside tables (integrated with the bed frame), bedside chests (with two or three drawers), bedside cabinets (with a door), floating nightstands (wall-mounted, legless), and simple bedside tables (minimal storage, decorative focus). Each type suits a different bedroom style and storage need.

What is the difference between a nightstand and a bedside table?

Nightstand and bedside table refer to the same piece of furniture — a small storage unit placed beside the bed. "Nightstand" is the American English term, while "bedside table" is the British English equivalent. Both terms cover all types, from simple open tables to drawered chests and wall-mounted floating versions.

What is a floating nightstand?

A floating nightstand (also called a wall-mounted bedside table, or in British English: floating bedside table) is a nightstand that mounts directly to the wall instead of standing on the floor. It has no legs — the mounting hardware is hidden inside, creating a clean, minimal look as if the nightstand is "floating" on the wall. It can be matched precisely to any bed height — making it one of the most versatile and space-efficient nightstand types available.

What is the biggest advantage of a floating nightstand?

The biggest advantage of a floating nightstand is that it mounts directly to the wall, freeing up floor space and making the room easier to clean — there are no legs and no hard-to-reach areas underneath.

Are floating nightstands sturdy?

Yes — when properly installed into a solid wall or with appropriate wall anchors for drywall, a floating nightstand is very sturdy. At mybettershelf, our floating nightstands are handcrafted from solid wood and use a concealed french cleat mounting system, which can hold several dozen kilograms when correctly installed. The key factor is always the wall type and the quality of the wall plugs used.

What type of nightstand is best for a small bedroom?

Floating nightstands are particularly well suited to small bedrooms — they free up floor space, visually open up the room, and can be mounted at any height to match the bed. Because they have no legs, there are no awkward gaps to clean around, and the room feels larger and more organized as a result.

What type of nightstand has the most storage?

Bedside chests offer the most storage, with two or three full drawers. Built-in bedroom furniture can also provide generous storage, but it is fixed and hard to change. Floating nightstands, while more compact, can also include drawers and open shelves — making them a practical option even when storage is a priority.

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