The Art of Styling Your Nightstand: Because It Deserves More Than Just a Glass of Water
It's the first thing you lay eyes on in the morning and the last thing you see before drifting off—so let’s make it count.
Styling your nightstand is something that often gets overlooked. While coffee tables get all the attention (and I have a lot of thoughts on that—stay tuned), nightstands tend to be neglected. Maybe it’s the out of sight, out of mind effect, or maybe we just assume they should be purely functional.
But think about it—your nightstand is the first thing you see in the morning and the last thing before bed. A little effort here can truly elevate your space and, dare I say, your mood (great design is all about invoking a certain mood or feeling, right?!).
So, let’s get started…
1. Cover the Tissue Box—It’s Naked, and We Are Not Into It.
One of my biggest pet peeves is utilitarian things that aren’t made pretty. You have to store extra toilet paper in the bathroom? Get a chic tole container instead of stacking it behind the toilet. The same logic applies to tissues.
Yes, Kleenex has tried to make their boxes less hideous, but trust me—your nightstand looks infinitely more polished with a tissue box cover.
Favorites:
Marye-Kelley (classic, with a ton of prints- amazing decoupage & available on Amazon!)
Amazon (great faux-leather and basket-weave options for under $20)
It’s a small touch that makes a huge difference.
2. A Gorgeous Notebook & A Weighty, Regal Pen
They say your best ideas (or the things you forgot!) come to you at night, so keep a beautiful pad and pen nearby.
Go-to brands:
Smythson (timeless and luxurious)
Mrs. John L. Strong (those ‘tablets’ are stunning)
For pens, I love Montblanc however that is truly an investment and a total splurge! I also love stealing (ahem, borrowing) pens from my favorite hotels and restaurants—same with matchbooks. It adds a little character to my nightstand and reminds me of places I love.
3. Coffee Table Books—Yes, They Belong Here Too
Of course, you want your actual books bedside (Wives Like Us by Plum Sykes is my current obsession, and I highly recommend the Gloria Vanderbilt biography). But adding a couple of well-chosen coffee table books is a great way to make your nightstand feel more designed.
Great places to find them:
Assouline (glamorous and colorful)
Rizzoli (chic interiors and fashion books)
Phaidon (a mix of modern and classic titles)
Stacking a few books not only adds visual interest, but it also creates height if you need to prop up a lamp or decorative object.
4. A Ring Dish or Decorative Box
If you take off your jewelry before bed, having a designated spot for it is key. A little dish or trinket box keeps everything corralled and adds another layer of personality.
Favorites:
Limoges (always classic)
eBay & Chairish (for vintage finds)
5. A Lamp with a Fabulous Lampshade
This should be obvious, but you need a lamp on your nightstand. Nothing is worse than being cozied up in bed and realizing you have to get up to turn off the overhead light.
Where to shop:
Splurge: Rosanna Lonsdale, Vaughan, Fermoie
Also—get a smart bulb that dims or connects to Alexa. You’ll never go back.
6. Decorative Objet—Because Why Not?
I love adding something that serves no real function but just
looks good. Think:
A chunky rose/clear quartz heart or (obsessed- for a splurge, Herend)
A crystal Baccarat butterfly (love and mine broke!)
An antique magnifying glass (bonus if it has a mother-of-pearl handle)
A small sculpture or sentimental object
Does it need to be there? No. But does it make your nightstand feel styled and intentional? Absolutely.
7. Fresh (or Faux!) Flowers
This is probably my favorite nightstand addition. Flowers make everything feel fresher and more pulled together.
Where to get them:
Fresh: Trader Joe’s, your local florist, or a classic NYC bodega
Faux: Afloral, Diane James, or even HomeGoods (do NOT sleep on HomeGoods)
White roses are always a safe bet, but if you want a pop of color, go bold (like the hot pink ones I used in Paige DeSorbo’s apartment).
8. Linen or Room Spray—A Tiny Luxury That Makes a Big Difference
Not technically styling, but I promise this will change your life. There’s nothing better than slipping into crisp, fresh-smelling sheets at the end of the day.
Favorites:
Aesop Cythera Aromatique Mist (earthy and luxe)
Jo Malone Lavender & Moonflower Spray (warm and clean)
Amazon’s many options (if you want something budget-friendly)
Also—I fully admit I have a thing about fresh sheets and sometimes change them daily (it’s a problem). But on the nights I don’t? A good sheet spray makes everything feel new.
9. Essential Oil Diffuser or A Bougie Candle
I love a candle. Like, love a candle.
Top picks:
Diptyque, Byredo, Le Labo Santal (the holy trinity)
Votivo in the tortoise vessel (chic and timeless)
That said, if I’m really trying to wind down, I swear by my Vitruvi diffuser with lavender essential oil. It comes in great colors (I have green in Florida, pink upstate, and white in NYC), and it actually looks good sitting out—so it counts as decor.
Final Thoughts
Your nightstand deserves at least as much love as your coffee table. A few thoughtful touches take it from an afterthought to an intentional, beautiful, and functional part of your space.
And trust me—waking up to a perfectly styled nightstand (instead of a sad pile of half-empty water bottles and rogue hair ties) does make a difference.
So tell me—what’s on your nightstand?
With Gratitude,
xx,
I like the layered lighting, the wall sconces and lamp on the nightstand, do you do that often?
Where is the nightstand from? ❤️