9 Bedside Table Decor Ideas That *Actually* Work

Let’s be honest: Decorating bedroom side tables doesn’t always feel like top priority. But it should be. 

Why? 

Because your bedside table is the first thing you see in the morning and the last thing you look at before drifting off to sleep. It’s a tiny space with big potential — to make winding down just a little bit sweeter.

This is where function meets feeling. And this guide? It’s here to help you figure out exactly how to style a bedside table that serves both. Let’s turn your nightstand into the MVP of your bedroom.

Start with purpose: What matters most to you?

Before diving into bedside table decor ideas, ask yourself one thing: What does your bedtime look like?

Do you unwind with a book or scroll until you doze? Are you reaching for lip balm and essential oils, or trying to wrangle rogue phone chargers and earbuds? The right bedroom side table ideas start with understanding your nightly routine and designing around it.

Think of your nightstand as an extension of you. One that happens to hold a lamp, your current read, or maybe your go-to sleep spray.

Think practical: Styling a nightstand that works for you

Bedside tables often become catch-alls for clutter. But the right setup can eliminate chaos, not contribute to it. Here’s how to decorate a bedside table so it works harder and looks better doing it.

Max out small spaces with nightstands that work harder

Small bedroom? We’ve been there — where every square inch has to earn its keep. That’s where nightstands with built-in storage come in. They're the unsung heroes of bedroom side table ideas that combine smart design with serious practicality.

Think drawers that swallow up bedside clutter like books, cables, and that skincare stash you said you'll use. Or shelves that give your favourite reads a proper home (instead of the floor). 

A nightstand with storage doesn’t just hold a lamp — it holds your life. And when space is tight, that kind of multitasking isn’t just nice. It’s non-negotiable.

Choose matching bedside tables for two

Choosing a nightstand for your bedroom doesn’t have to be hard. If you’re sharing your bed, matching nightstands aren’t just about style — they’re about equality. Equal space, equal storage, equal opportunity for lamp envy. 

Matching tables also anchor your room visually, making everything else feel more intentional. 

Add a built-in charging station

We’ve all been there: Fumbling for a charger that’s somehow slipped behind the table or searching for an available outlet in the dark. 

Here’s where built-in charging stations next to your bed are a modern miracle. 

No cords, no fuss — just plug, place, and power up. And the bonus? A clear, clutter-free surface.

Use tabletop organisers to reduce clutter

Does your bedside table get cluttered with keys, loose change, and other items that seem to find their way into your pocket throughout the day? 

The solution is tabletop organisers to corral chaos and carve out space for essentials without eating up your whole surface. 

Set the mood: Making your space your own

We’ve covered the practical. Now comes the personal. These nightstand decor ideas are all about comfort, character, and turning your bedroom into a retreat you actually want to come home to.

Incorporate mood lighting

Step one in how to style a bedside table: Ditch the harsh overhead light. A dimmable bedside lamp (or even string lights) lets you wind down without shocking your system. Bonus points for smart bulbs with sunset modes.

Match it to your bedroom theme

Your bedroom has a vibe. Whether it’s a sleek minimalist bedroom, farmhouse, or full-blown glam, your nightstand should play along.

If your bedroom is:

• Minimalist: Keep it clean. Add a neutral lamp, a tray for your phone, and one beloved book. Throw in a small plant or two, for that pop of fresh air and colour.
  
  

• Modern farmhouse: Think texture — woven baskets, wooden photo frames, and small, low-maintenance plants.
  
  

• Luxe glam: Bring the bling. Think metallic accents, mirrored finishes, and a glass candle holder or two.

Your nightstand shouldn’t look like it came from a different room. It should belong.

Personalise with photos and mementos

If your nightstand could speak, it should say it’s yours. The easiest way to give it a voice? Add deeply personal touches that bring warmth, meaning, and memory to your bedtime routine.

Framed photos of loved ones (whether that’s family or your pet) ground your space in comfort and connection. 

Don’t just stop at photos. A ceramic dish from a trip abroad, a letter you’ve kept for years — these small, intimate pieces can make even a sleek, minimal setup feel deeply personal.

Add greenery to breathe life into the room

There’s something deeply calming about bringing a bit of the outdoors in. And when it comes to bedside table styling ideas, a small plant is a high-impact, low-effort way to do just that.

A compact potted plant can introduce a layer of softness and vitality that your bedroom may not even know it was missing. 

And no, you don’t need a green thumb. Choose low-maintenance varieties (like snake plants or succulents) that thrive in indoor lighting, water them occasionally, and they’ll reward you by quietly transforming your nightstand into a little oasis of calm. 

Soothe the senses with scent

A softly flickering scented candle adds more than just glow — it wraps your space in aroma. Choose notes like lavender, sandalwood, or chamomile to gently nudge your nervous system into rest mode. 

For something flame-free, essential oil diffusers offer an equally soothing experience.

Styling your bedside table is an art

Decorating bedroom side tables isn’t just about what looks good. It’s about what works for you. Whether you need tech, storage, tranquility — or a bit of everything — the goal is to create a space that supports your life and reflects your style.

So the next time you wonder what to put on a bedside table, remember this: Your bedside table isn’t just furniture. It’s your nighttime toolkit. Your personal ritual station. Your launchpad into rest.

Frequently asked questions about bedside table decor

Is it bad Feng Shui to have one bedside table?

In Feng Shui, balance is everything — and yes, having only one bedside table can throw that off. Traditionally, it’s recommended to have two nightstands, one on either side of the bed, to promote harmony and equality, especially in shared spaces. This setup symbolises a balanced partnership and allows energy (or chi) to flow evenly around the bed, creating a more restful, grounded atmosphere.

But Feng Shui isn’t about rigid rules — it’s about creating a space that feels supportive and intentional. So, whether you have one nightstand or two, what matters most is that your bedroom side table ideas support the life you’re actually living.

Recommended read: 18 Feng Shui Tips For Your Bedroom

How can I make my bedside table look nice?

It all starts with a few intentional pieces. A well-proportioned lamp, a small plant, a candle or scent diffuser, and maybe a tray for your go-tos. That’s the base. Build from there based on your nightly routine.

What are the rules for bedside table design?

While there are no hard rules — but a good rule of thumb? Don’t overcrowd. Aim for a balance of form and function by choosing the right bedside table for your needs. Also, if it’s not useful or meaningful, it doesn’t belong there.