A bedside table might be small, but with the right decor, it can definitely make a statement. It holds all your bedroom essentials — your current read, a glass of water, and a favorite scented candle — and gives you a small corner to show off a bit of style. Whether redecorating or making your current design look a bit more put-together, nightstand styling is a quick way to make a room feel complete. 

This guide rounds up nightstand decor ideas for every kind of vibe, from clean and minimal to carefully chaotic. We’ll share tips, styling tricks, and simple upgrades that help your bedside setup feel more welcoming.

5 bedside table decor ideas for your bedroom

Your bedside table has two jobs: Keep essentials within reach and do it with style. Here are five bedside table ideas to strike the perfect balance between useful and beautiful. 

1. House a stack of books

   

A nightstand is a great place to keep a stack of books — dog-eared pages, coffee stains, and all. A small stack adds character and encourages you to wind down without reaching for your phone. Layer them horizontally to create a base for other items like glasses, a candle, or a small catch-all dish for rings or earbuds, but skip anything heavy or fragile.

2. Choose a lamp with personality

A table lamp should complement your room’s overall vibe: A sleek metal lamp suits modern spaces, while warm wood or ceramic bases add coziness to traditional or boho rooms. A fabric or linen shade softens the light (ideal for bedtime readers), whereas a patterned or colored shade doubles as a dramatic statement piece. Try tying it in with a rug, throw pillow, or piece of art for an extra layer of personality. 

Find the perfect bedside table lamp on Onton

3. Relax with your favorite scented candle 

A candle adds an inviting warmth that’s perfect for de-stressing after a long day. Go for a candle that suits a nighttime wind-down mood — relaxing lavender, sandalwood, or jasmine — and keep it in a sturdy jar or vessel that matches the rest of the decor. If you light a candle regularly, keep a lighter or matches in a small box in your drawer. 

4. Avoid cluttered surfaces with a trinket dish

A little dish or decorative tray is great for nightstand organization, especially if you’re short on space. Use it to corral loose change, rings, watches, or earbuds, keeping your surface uncluttered. Choose one with a bit of personality — a pop of color, metallic finish, or textured ceramic — that complements the decor with a subtle focal point. For instance, you might accent your coastal bedroom with a shell-shaped trinket dish.

5. Bring the outside in with a small plant

   

A touch of greenery is the perfect nightstand accessory — it brings life and a natural element to your nightstand. Choose a low-maintenance option like succulents or ferns that thrive in low light. For something more rustic, try dried stems or branches in a beautiful vase to add texture without petals and leaves to clean up. Pick a vase that suits the room’s overall vibe, like a stone vase in a minimalist bedroom or an ornate vase that demands attention in a maximalist interior. 

Shop for unique vases on Onton

Nightstand decor styles you should try

Even a small bedside table speaks volumes about your room’s interior design. Here’s how to mix and match decor to capture the perfect bedroom vibe. 

Boho night table with rattan textures and plants

Bohemian bedrooms embrace eclectic maximalism. Layer your bedside table with patterns, materials, and personal objects to fill the space. Think dried pampas grass spilling from a vintage vase, a woven rattan basket, a raffia table lamp, and a colorful ceramic candle holder that adds an unexpected pop. 

Modern bedside table with sculptural elements

Eye-catching shapes and classic materials that command attention without adding chaos. Start with an architectural lamp, like a colorful mushroom lamp, paired with a fun sculpture. Stack a couple of art or design books and add one unexpected accent, like a mirrored trinket dish, terrazzo coaster, or ceramic vase, to complete the look. 

Minimalist nightstand with clean lines

Minimalism keeps things simple and sleek. Think smooth surfaces, neutral colors, and a few well-chosen items that embrace good feng shui energy. A slim lamp with a neutral-toned shade, a single succulent in a white ceramic pot, or a mid-century modern alarm clock keep the look calm. Prioritize plenty of breathing room — nothing should feel cluttered or crowded. 

Timeless luxe bedroom nightstand with marble and glass

Luxurious textures like a marble coaster or a sleek stone tray set a sophisticated foundation. Add a framed picture or sculpture to bring personality without clutter, or show off a delicate glass vase of flowers to soften the overall look. 

How to decorate a nightstand: 4 tips

Nightstands are a spot for personality but also where you need to charge your phone or stash your reading glasses. Strike the right balance with these four tips. 

1. Leave room for improv

Design your bedside table with a little flexibility. A small dish or glass vase can hold daily essentials and fresh flowers — and you could switch things out seasonally. Think mini ornaments in winter, eucalyptus sprigs in the fall, or colorful shells in the summer. 

2. Hide the cords

Visible cords shouldn’t take the spotlight, especially if you're working with a small nightstand. Use cord holders and adhesive cable clips, then run them behind the furniture to keep your setup neat and distraction-free. 

3. Avoid cluttered drawers

Bedside table drawers can quickly become catch-alls for cords, batteries, and mystery items you forgot you owned. Add dividers or small boxes to keep things organized — one for tech items, one for self-care, one for random trinkets. That way, everything has a place. 

4. Keep it proportional

The table lamp is usually the largest item on your nightstand. Aim for a lamp that’s about one-third the width of your bedside table and roughly two inches taller than its height. This keeps the setup balanced — neither too top-heavy or wide at the base — and leaves plenty of room for nightstand essentials like a glass of water or a remote control. 

Discover nightstand decor ideas with Onton

Looking for the perfect nightstand balance of stylish and uncluttered? Let Onton’s AI-powered search engine help you locate your favorite decor. Try a prompt like “trinket tray” or “modern table lamp” to find objects that create a relaxing atmosphere while keeping you organized. 

You can also use Onton’s Imagine tool to decide where to place your nightstand and which style to go for. Upload a picture of your bedroom and play around with nightstand style and placement. 

Dream up your ideal nightstand decor with Onton.