No room for bedside table solution: 90+ best ideas for your space

A bedside table is one of the indispensable elements in the bedroom: no matter how large the space is, we have to look for a place to put the phone at night and put a night lamp. A traditional pedestal – a drawer with curtains open or closed – can hardly diversify the interior. But if it is no room for a bedside table – the solution is easy.

No room for bedside table solution

No room for a bedside table: solution

This collection contains unusual nightstands, or rather, objects that, at times, do not even resemble a prototype, but please from a functional and aesthetic point of view.

Interesting options for ample storage space

Nightstands are the finishing touch in the design, and you don’t have to go to the interior store for them. Firstly, they do not always have to be paired, and secondly, items you already have at home can work effectively instead. For example, a wooden box and an old stool turned out to be quite appropriate in a modern space.

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Bet on geometry. Instead of a headboard and side tables, you can make one giant shelf. It will certainly fit lamps with books, family photos, a collection of rare cars, and even a place for flowers (by the way, there will be a reason to plant greenery in the bedroom).

Pure concrete. What about building blocks? For a small floor space, all means are good: on the one hand, we add blocks, on the other, we hang compact bedside storage.

Vintage ideas for square

Library night. First of all, the analog of a floating nightstand should meet your needs: if you like to read before going to bed, the nightstand alternative can be a bookshelf.

Sewing machine. The nightstand alternative can be a sewing machine. Such storage item is not needed – on the other hand, a chair or pouf will be enough.

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Vintage mix. Do you appreciate vintage accessories? It is not necessary to look for two identical traditional nightstands in markets that fit in size. Replace them with any other cute nightstands that fit perfectly into any small space.

Unusual floor space

High-low. Women always have more things than men. Even if we are talking about items that need to be placed on the floating shelves. The logical nightstand alternative: the console table should be of different heights. Higher for girls, lower for boys.

Mix sizes.

 Sometimes it makes sense to choose a console table of a different size, especially if you don’t mind a light stylistic mix.
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In contrast. In minimalistic Scandinavian bedrooms, unpaired nightstand alternative looks good – for example, a shabby grandmother’s chair in combination with a narrow cylinder cabinet.

What do you do if you don’t have space for a bedside table?

In a pleasant twilight. If you don’t have the habit of reading in bed and don’t need reading lamps, it’s wise to do without them. And like the nightstand alternative, use any decor that is pleasing to the eye – even if only an old window frame. You can even hang something on such original nightstand alternatives – ties, for example. They take up small space, but look original.

Narrow space. Can’t fit two nightstands in a pretty narrow bedroom? We’ll get by with one, and as additional storage, you can mount the top shelf above the headboard in a bed frame.

Roomy headboard. If the layout leaves no choice, discard nightstands and their counterparts in favor of a storage headboard or bed frame. This technique looks especially impressive on an accent wall.

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What else can you use for a bedside table: practical solutions

Constructive question. The supporting pylon can also be disguised as part of the small space storage system if you build it up to a false partition above the headboard.

Chair clothes. A chair like a bedside storage alternative is also convenient because you can leave clothes on it – of course, if you are not a quivering neat man who loves to put everything on the shelves.

Soft chairs. If there is a full-fledged chair next to the bed, you may not need a nightstand. The light can also be mounted on the wall above the bed frame, and for storage, use the chairs standing next to it.

Scandinavian motifs

Lean ladder. In the Scandinavian countries, ladders have long been used not only to climb to the mezzanine. Sometimes they effectively replace nightstands in the interior.

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Scandinavian comfort. With the stairs, a high wicker basket works well. It can be used to store linen if there is no space or small space in the bathroom, and put decorative pillows on the cover at night. These original nightstand alternatives will give your interior a rustic charm.

How do I get more space on my nightstand: cool ideas

Ergonomic podium. And here is the scenario for those who think in advance of storage systems: in a low podium under the bed, you can hide additional drawers. So you save a little floor space in the bedroom.

Suitcase mood. One trip to the market – and the owners got a few bedside suitcases that look much more spectacular than ordinary floating shelves.

Waiting for a flight. Suitcases stacked on top of each other are also suitable for the role of nightstands. They can also be used as more storage floor space for infrequently used little things.

Miracles of ingenuity. If you do not have an ample room but have a high bed or several mattresses on it, you can use the same suitcases to raise impromptu nightstands. You just need to put them on chairs or stools on the sides of the bed.

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Increase the quantity. Even standard floating shelves look more interesting if there are a lot of them. In addition, their number opens the field for experiments with rearrangement – those that are lighter can be placed at least throughout the space or grouped at the headboard.

On wheels. Another step towards quick rearrangement is nightstand alternatives on wheels. Which, by the way, can be decorated with a bright shade.

TOP 3 creative solutions

Favorite colors. Small bright tables also enliven; to enhance the effect, paired items can be decorated in different ways – with lamps, vases, or framed posters.

Outstanding view. Even a typical model will sparkle in a new way if you pay a little attention to the decor: for example, highlight the panels in a contrasting color.

Unexpected combinations. An eccentric hue suits this carved nightstand: bright green complements the pattern at the head of the bed, while the black background works as a great base for experiments.

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Useful ideas

Mini shelf. If you only need a nightstand to put your phone next to you, and there is absolutely no room in the bedroom, mount a mini floating shelf on the wall with USB ports built, which will reach the phone charger. Floating shelf is not only useful, but also very stylish.

For lovers of literature. Doesn’t your hand rise to throw away old magazines and albums? Turn them into handmade nightstands by stacking them next to your bed. The height and design of the nightstands can be changed from time to time: add new ones or take out old numbers to reread.

Desk. 

A functional idea for those who want to make more storage space: replace one nightstand with a writing or dressing table.
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Ideas for cozy apartments

Perfect combinations. Nothing superfluous: in this project, built-in nightstands continue the design of the bed and headboard, and even the bedside lamps seem to complement the tabletop.

Country chic. Although the shelves on a diagonal leg extend beyond the headboard, the overall design looks very solid and rustic – especially when combined with street lamps.

In the rhythm of the city. The light wood cabinets that emerge from the headboard complement the brickwork effectively, and the color scheme combined with the decorative panel evokes industrial associations.

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Storage niches

Emphasis on composition. The design of the nightstand can become an element of an integrated architectural solution, where the dark volume of the floating nightstand seems to lie under the bed.

Shelves in a niche. The small floor space is a reason to think about high built-in wardrobes and fit the bed into the niche formed by them. The role of nightstands, in this case, will be played by hanging shelves.

Open shelves.

 Some closet shelves located next to the bed can be left open. They can be used to store small items.

Niche in the headboard. If you don’t want to overload the bedroom with cabinets, extra storage floor space can be hidden behind textiles, and a niche for the necessary little things can be taken away from the headboard.

Light overhead. The architectural option is to beat the built-in niches and open shelves with lighting. It can also be made in color, changing the mood at will.

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Fit it all. A headboard with built-in storage systems is a current trend, especially since there is room for decor or lamps on the top of the structure.

Doubly comfortable. In the built-in niches, you can organize two levels of storage by hanging an internal shelf. This option is for the supporters of open storage: all the little things are easily accessible, and you don’t have to waste time looking for the right book or perfume bottle.

Hidden reserves. A headboard with built-in storage systems and a corner wall shelf is a concise and convenient bedroom decor scenario, especially if it has a rectangular shape and you don’t mind the 1-2 ft that the whole structure will take.

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Wide space-saving solution

On the podium. Beds with a podium are one of the trends in the configuration of the bedroom, which, however, is appropriate only in rooms of sufficient area. But the podium allows you to abandon the shelves – a book and an alarm clock will fit next to the pillow.

Wide brim. The wider the podium, the more storage options. But before you use the idea in your bedroom, ask yourself how comfortable it will be for you to sleep (and especially get up in the morning) on ​​a low bed.

Add shelves. Not enough space for little things? Mount a floating shelf behind the headboard.

Design duo. Two architectural techniques in one interior: there is a wide podium and a comfortable niche behind the headboard.

You can get more information to solve your problem — no room for bedside table solution.

Back to classic

Serving in the bedroom. Round tables are traditionally considered a feminine element in a bedroom set: this technique can be enhanced by covering them with a snow-white tablecloth.

Exquisite couple. The round table trick works well when paired with a standard chest of drawers. So you can divide the bedroom interior into male and female halves.

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How to apply the chest?

Treasure chest. Chests as an alternative to coffee tables and shelves are popular with designers around the world. Including because they broadcast the motive of moderate consumption and the use of old things in a new role.

With a new face. Even a battered item can be restored and decorated to your liking, and the lid of the chest will become a convenient tabletop.

White magic.

Vintage accessories are especially good in minimalist interiors and unusually fresh colors – for example, even a large travel chest looks more elegant in a white version.

Smile before bed. Excessive severity of travel chests can be broken with bright or ironic accessories and prints, as the authors of this bedroom did.

For a masculine interior. A chest instead of a nightstand is a technique that works great in the interiors of a men’s space.

Retro ideas

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  • There will be music. If an old receiver miraculously survived in your house, this is an occasion to find a worthy place for it – for example, turn it into a nightstand.
  • Shade on the drum. To the question of the new life of old things: you can extend the age not only of suitcases but also of more personal accessories. For example, a drum kit. In return, get the original nightstands.

Minimalism

Like in a bar. Chairs and stools are other worthy nightstand alternatives, especially if you managed to find non-standard retro models.

Nothing more. Open floating shelves instead of standard nightstands, matched in color to the wooden headboard, create an up-to-date eco-style in the interior of a city apartment.

New constructor. Open wooden drawers can be used to decorate an entire space.

Geometry and tricks. The geometric corner wall shelf for storage effectively complements the bed, which seems to be hovering above the floor.

You may also be interested: How to organize a small house with no storage: 20 best ideas

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Combinations

Complex combinations. A simple but effective decorating technique is to match the color of the nightstands and decor elements, especially if they have a complex shade.

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Two in one. Nightstands in the interior successfully replace high tables. Under them, you can hide additional necessary items. For example, put a stool to the left of the bed – and the table can be used as a dressing table. And the place under the right one is used for storing pillows and extra blankets.

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Weightless furniture and minimal space

Lighter than easy. If you do not want to overload too much space, choose light, open models, like these semicircular nightstands on an openwork frame.

Classics of the genre. The tulip table is a cult figure not only in the dining but also in the bedroom. Mini-modifications of a recognizable floating bedside table can be supplemented with large lamps for a change.

Unexpected accents. Play on the effect of surprise, and combine home decor from different eras or with different textures. A mix of wooden tables and a worn banquette enlivens a modern area.

Forged elements. The laconic interior, at times, comes to life thanks to one spectacular detail – for example, fancy wrought-iron tables.

Beware of personal items. The metal retro nightstand resembles a safe: in such a cabinet your personal belongings will always be safe. The severity of the lines and the cold shade make the seemingly lyrical interior more solid at first glance, and the texture of the nightstand rhymes with the finish of the bed.

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From glass

To the light. The geometric glass model brings a sense of lightness without cluttering the space. True, you need to keep order with such a cabinet even more strictly than usual.

Tempered glass. Glass is a demanding material that will need to be washed frequently to remove fingerprints. But how effectively such shelves for store items rhyme with the mirror behind the headboard!

Light from the ceiling. The carved bed is the central and self-sufficient element, so it was complemented with laconic transparent shelves, and additional lighting was mounted on the ceiling.

You may also be interested: Small room accent wall: best effective ideas

The difference in contrast

Connective tissue. In a bright interior, it is important to highlight the main color accents: here, contrasting nightstands take on this task.

Circle and square. Round countertops smooth out the severity of straight lines, and square ones streamline the interior. But the owners may decide not to argue about the best shape, but to get both.

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Is it OK to have only one bedside table?

Not everyone will decide to arrange the bed diagonally, but even the lack of space is not a reason to abandon bedside tables: hanging shelf next to your bed is suitable for such situations.

Metal can look delicate

Metal in the interior does not always look brutal and massive: a white wrought-iron nightstand fits perfectly.

Long shelves

Banquettes rarely appear in small bedrooms, but in vain – if placed along the wall, as in this example, they will replace the nightstand.

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Eco shelves

Birch trunk. The pronounced texture of the wood is an unconditional interior trend. If you like eco-style, pay attention to the tables with birch trunk legs.

Primitive Art. Eco-stool instead of a nightstand looks simple and slightly naive but fits perfectly into a minimalist.

Eco style. A textured stump is another worthy alternative to a nightstand. It is not necessary to go to the store for it: after the arrangement of courtyards and summer cottages, uprooted stumps often remain.

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Harsh wood. A shelf with a rough texture is suitable for eco-style interiors and fans of honest natural materials.

Holiday associations. Despite the calm shade of eco-bedside tables made of wood, it brings a light touch of celebration to the interior: it has a visual resemblance to a champagne cork.

Light floating shelves

Hanging shelves as an analog of a nightstand is a convenient tool for arranging a wall space that you don’t want to visually weigh down. If there is a bright accent in the interior (a wall, a headboard, or both), hanging shelves will not distract attention from it.

You may also be interested: Apartment balcony privacy screen: the best ideas for your design

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Refined design

Elegance in miniature. A shelf on a small console will bring a light classic accent to the interior. And at the same time, it will make the space feel lighter and airier.

Compact version for bedside storage

For romantic breakfasts. High nightstands have an undeniable advantage: it is convenient to serve breakfast in bed on them and not be afraid that a hot cup of coffee and jam will fly off the tray right onto your knees.

Picked up and carried away. The folding option will appeal to owners of compact apartments. If desired, the nightstand can be folded, moved, and used in another part of the house.

In all splendor. Nightstand as an art object? Why not? Especially if all that is required of her is to hold the lamp and stand out brightly against the background of dark textiles.

Ideas of the present

Course east. The Chinese style of chinoiserie is gaining popularity again; the trend will also successfully take root, for example, in the form of black and white bedside tables with characteristic paintings or inlays.

Originally from the Middle Ages. Ordinary nightstand alternatives have acquired a romantic touch thanks to the “turrets” at the bottom of the tabletops.

For special occasions. Transforming furniture is salvation for small spaces. In this bright modern space, the nightstands slide right out of the closet.

Low start. Low wide bedside “trays” fit into the concept of “nothing more”, and accents help to place a cheerful orange color in the decor.

We hope that you have found interesting ideas for yourself that will help optimize the space and make it more comfortable. Experiment and share your successes in design in the comments. If you are interested in decorating your room then you can read about small room accent wall.

FAQ

What to do if there is no space for bedside table?

If you don’t have space for a traditional bedside table, there are a few options you can consider: wall-mounted shelves, bedside caddy, over-the-bed table, narrow console table, repurpose furniture, floor lamp with a built-in tray.

Overall, there are many creative solutions you can use to create a bedside table even when you don’t have a lot of space to work with.

What can I replace a bedside table with?

If you don’t have or don’t want to use a traditional bedside table, there are several alternatives you can consider:
1. Wall-mounted shelves
2. Bedside caddy
3. Stools or ottomans
4. Floor lamp with a built-in tray
5. Floating nightstand
6. Bedside tray
7. Desk or dresser

These are just a few examples of the many creative solutions you can use to replace a traditional bedside table. Ultimately, the best option for you will depend on your personal preferences and the amount of space you have available.

What can I put on my bedside table instead of a lamp?

If you don’t want to put a lamp on your bedside table, there are several other items you can consider adding: books, plants, picture frames, decorative objects, clock, jewelry box, electronics.

Remember that your bedside table is a personal space, so feel free to add items that are meaningful to you and make you feel comfortable and relaxed in your bedroom.

Jessica Kane

I’m interested in interior design, and especially solutions for small spaces. My motto is “small is beautiful”. I studied urban design at University and now work in urban planning.

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