The key to styling beautiful bedside tables is balancing beauty and function - creating a space that looks effortlessly decorated while keeping all your nighttime essentials within easy reach. Whether you want to make a real feature of your nightstand or you have a simple bedside table, there’s no reason you can’t style it to perfection.

We’re sharing simple styling tips for bedside tables that are equal parts pretty and practical. Learn how to style your bedside table to make it the star of your bedroom or guestroom!

white wavy nightstand styled with a green glass vessel and peach ceramic vase with and orchid in it — 📸 Three Birds House 16

1. START WITH THE BASICS: PICK THE RIGHT BEDSIDE TABLES FOR YOUR SPACE

Bedside tables are more than just a piece of furniture - they're a functional piece that serves as the mini command centre of your bedroom. When choosing your bedside table, you’ll want to think about the overall style of your bedroom and your specific needs.

Do you have enough space for a wider table, or are you working with a smaller, narrow bedside table? Do you need storage space for essentials or just a surface space for a few styling items? For a smaller bedroom or one with limited floor space, a small nightstand or wall-mounted option is ideal.

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2. FIND YOUR STYLE: MATCHING VS. MIXING

Once you have the right bedside table, it’s time to make it match the style of your entire room. Some people prefer matching nightstands on either side of the bed, creating a balanced, symmetrical look. Others love to mix it up - using different tables for a more relaxed, eclectic vibe. Both approaches can look amazing, so go with what suits your vision best!

3. LAYER IN LIGHTING FOR FUNCTION AND MOOD

Lighting is key when it comes to bedside table styling. You want a light source that’s functional enough for reading but also creates a soft, calming glow for relaxation. A bedside lamp is a classic choice, but if you’re working with a small bedroom with a small bedside table with limited surface space, consider a wall sconce or ceiling pendant to save on tabletop space and create an airy look.

4. ADD PRACTICAL STORAGE SOLUTIONS

No one likes cluttered bedside tables, so give everything a place. Use trays or small boxes to keep your essentials like a phone, glasses, or watch organised. A small tray on the tabletop can serve as a “catch-all” for smaller items, keeping your table looking neat and tidy.

If you’re choosing tall bedside tables for your bedroom, consider a style with open shelves or a drawer underneath for added storage. This allows you to keep the top surface clear for decorative items, while the drawers store nighttime must-haves like books or a journal.

5. PLAY WITH HEIGHT AND LAYERS

When it comes to styling, creating different levels with styling items is a surefire way to add interest and balance. Try layering decor with various heights to create a visually pleasing arrangement. Start with your lamp or wall sconce as the tallest piece, then work your way down in height.

STYLING IDEA

Place a small vase with fresh flowers or greenery next to a tall stack of books. This mix of heights will make the setup feel dynamic and intentional, rather than flat. The flowers add a pop of colour and freshness to the space, creating a complete, styled look.

6. INTRODUCE PERSONAL TOUCHES AND PRACTICAL ACCESSORIES

Bedside tables should reflect your personality, so don’t forget those little touches that make it feel like you! Add a few decor items that bring joy, like a framed photo, a favourite book, or a beautiful candle. These pieces add warmth to the room and make your nightstands feel special.

MAKE IT SPECIAL

For a guest bedroom, you might include a small welcome card, a water jug or a lovely scented candle to make guests feel at home. A vase with fresh flowers or a small plant can bring life and freshness to decorate the small space.

7. ADD TEXTURE FOR DEPTH AND INTEREST

One of the keys to styling a table like a pro is incorporating different textures. Mix in elements like a glass lamp base, a ceramic vase, or a woven basket to add depth and make the space feel layered. Texture adds visual interest and keeps the area from feeling too flat or monotonous.

HERE'S AN EXAMPLE:

If your bedroom has a lot of smooth, glossy surfaces, balance it out with a soft linen table runner or a wooden tray on your bedside table. This combination of textures will create a more inviting, complete look.

8. DON’T FORGET FUNCTIONAL PIECES

While decorating is fun, your bedside table also needs to function for your daily routine. Think about what you need at arm’s reach - whether it’s a charging station for your phone, a box of tissues, or a book. Make sure there’s room for these essentials without overcrowding the space.

9. ADD A POP OF GREENERY OR FLOWERS

A vase with fresh flowers or a leafy plant is one of the simplest ways to bring life to bedside tables. Not only do plants add colour to your bedside, but they also create a sense of calm and improve the air quality around your bed. If you don’t have much space, choose a narrow or small vase that won’t take over the entire tabletop.

10. CREATE A COHESIVE LOOK WITH COLOUR AND ACCENTS

To pull the whole look together, use a cohesive colour palette. Stick to tones that match your bedroom’s decor for a harmonious feel, whether that’s neutrals, pastels, or metallics. A few metallic accents on the table, like a brass lamp or a gold picture frame, can add elegance and tie in with other furniture or accessories in the room.

11. KEEP IT MINIMAL

If you’re all about simplicity, there’s no need to overdo it. Choose a few functional, beautiful pieces and let them shine. A lamp, a small box, and a minimal decorative item (like a single flower in a tiny vase) can be all you need for an understated, chic look.

This is especially useful in a small room where too many items can quickly make a space feel cluttered. Remember, less can definitely be more!

12. CONSIDER DOUBLE-DUTY FURNITURE

If you’re short on space, make your bedside tables work double duty. Look for options that combine storage and style, like a bedside table with shelves or a nightstand with drawers. Some bedside tables even come with a built-in USB port or a hidden charging station, which can be incredibly convenient in a small room or guest room.

13. FIND INSPIRATION AND PLAY AROUND

Sometimes the best way to get the look you want is to find inspiration and experiment. Browse Instagram, Pinterest, or the Three Birds Facebook groups (if you’re a Three Birds student) to see how others style their bedside tables.

Try rearranging your decor items until you find a combination that feels right. Styling is meant to be fun, so don’t be afraid to change things up until it feels perfect!

14. ADD SCENTED CANDLES FOR AMBIENCE

A candle on the bedside table isn’t just about looks; it adds a relaxing scent that can help you unwind and sleep at night. Choose a candle that complements the room’s style - a classic white candle for a minimalistic look, or a candle in a decorative jar for a bit of flair.

🌶️ HOT TIP

If you’re not into candles, a reed diffuser or essential oil spray can achieve a similar calming effect without taking up much space.

15. COMPLETE THE LOOK WITH FINAL TOUCHES

Once you’ve arranged your bedside table, take a step back and assess. Is it functional and pretty? Does it feel cluttered or balanced? Tweak until it feels just right! The goal is to create a space that’s beautiful, and practical and makes your room feel complete.

Styling a bedside table doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few thoughtful pieces, a mix of textures, and a touch of personal style, you can create a nightstand setup you love.

Want to take your styling skills to the next level? Join Three Birds Styling School and learn all the secrets to creating beautifully styled spaces with confidence.

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Get your card now and start transforming your bedside tables into something stunning today!