How to Organize a Nightstand
How to Organize a Nightstand so you can get a better night’s sleep without being surrounded by clutter and mess. Get a step-by-step approach to setting up one of the most important pieces of furniture in your home.
Learn how to organize this small space so it becomes a key tool in helping you fall asleep faster and rest more soundly.
It’s funny—well, maybe not so much now that I really think about it—but the older I get, the harder it is to get a good night’s sleep. Sometimes I struggle to fall asleep, and other times, just as annoyingly, I can’t seem to stay asleep.
Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks to help with this, and they all boil down to one key thing.
If you’re looking to fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly, you need a well-organized bedroom. And most importantly, you need a well-organized nightstand.
Not what you were expecting? Okay, maybe you saw that coming since “nightstand” is right in the title, but hear me out. That little spot next to your bed often does much more than just support a lamp or collect random clutter.
Your nightstand is where you keep everything you need to wind down at night, fall asleep peacefully, and even start your day off right.
Think about it. There’s nothing worse than groping around for a sip of water in the middle of the night only to send a pile of books crashing to the floor. Or reaching for a tissue only to find an empty box staring back at you.
Since quality rest is a top priority for many women, it’s important to know how to set up a nightstand that truly supports that goal.
Finding the Best Nightstand for Your Style and Organization
A nightstand, also known as a bedside table, can take many forms. It might be a simple table, a cabinet, or even a small chest of drawers. The right choice really depends on what you’re looking for.
Having drawers in a nightstand is something I’m a big fan of. They’re loved for keeping everything you need nearby but tucked away where it’s out of sight. It makes keeping the top clean so much easier since there’s always a place for all those little random things.
It’s an unspoken truth that a less cluttered bedroom creates a more relaxing space, making it easier to unwind , relax, and fall asleep. And yes, this includes having a neat nightstand because sometimes that can make all the difference.
What’s funny, though, is just how different nightstands are, even though they are in the same room. If you take a peek into our bedroom, you’ll see that my side has things that are completely different from the stuff my husband keeps near him. It’s such a good reminder that a nightstand should really suit your own needs to feel both functional and calming.
MaxSmeo Nightstand, Mid Century Modern Side Table Bedroom with Storage, Small End Bedside Table with Solid Wood Legs for Living Room, Office Small Spaces (Rustic Brown)
Nathan James Mina Rattan Wood End Side Accent Table Nightstand with Storage for Living Room or Bedroom, 1, Oak/BlackWLIVE Black Nightstand with Charging Station and LED Lights, Bedside Table with 2 Wooden Drawers and Sliding Top, Modern End Table Side Table for Bedroom, Living Room, Office
What Belongs on a Nightstand?
No two nightstands are exactly alike, and that means what you need on yours might be totally different from what I need on mine. That’s why it really helps to do a little prep before you start shopping. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by taking a look at what’s already living on your nightstand.
- Then think about anything new you’d like to add to your bedtime routine or keep close by.
- Make a list of what to include and what you can probably live without.
This list is basically a snapshot of your routine. It’ll help you figure out what you really need to create a setup that feels just right for you. And once you have that sorted, getting your nightstand organized will be much easier.
How to Organize a Nightstand
When you’re setting up a space like your nightstand, it helps to think in levels. The area closest to your eye level (or easiest to reach) is your “prime real estate” because it’s the most convenient spot to access.
#1. Assess Your Space and Routine
Start by taking a good look at your nightstand and thinking about how you use it. What do you normally do before falling asleep? Pick your top 3 bedtime tasks or habits. For example, do you do lip care, jot down thoughts in a journal, or make sure your phone is fully charged? Once you know your main tasks, you’re ready to move forward.
#2. Identify Your Prime Real Estate
Next, focus on the easiest-to-reach area, typically the top of your nightstand. This is where you’ll want to place items connected to those top 3 tasks you identified. Since this spot is the most convenient, it’s all about keeping your essentials easily accessible.
#3. Set Up Storage for Your Top Tasks
Now it’s time to organize! Use small organizers like bins, baskets, or even box lids to keep items grouped together. Here’s how you can plan it out:
- If lip care is on your list, grab a small basket for things like lip balm, cold sore ointment, or wrinkle cream.
- Journaling? Keep a notepad and pen neatly stored in a separate container.
- Love reading before bed? Stack one or two books or use a flat tray to hold them.
Keep it simple. The idea is to keep items organized without making the containers feel overcrowded.
#4. Keep Less-Used Items in Lower Spaces
Move on to the lower shelf or drawer of your nightstand. This area is perfect for things you use less often, like books you’re saving for later, foot care products, or an extra notebook. These items don’t need to clutter the top of your nightstand, but should still be easy to grab when you need them.
#5. Reevaluate and Adjust
Take a moment to review your setup. If it feels too cramped or cluttered, try these tips:
- Combine similar items, like storing lip care products and medications in the same basket.
- Pare down duplicates. If you have three hand lotions, pick just one to keep here.
Finding the right balance between functional and neat will make a big difference.
#6. Personalize Your Space
Make this space work for your specific habits and style. If you love a decorative touch, go for stylish baskets or containers with lids that match your decor. If you prefer a practical approach, simple trays or bins will do the job. The key is setting up a system that feels natural for you.
#7. Test Your Setup
Finally, live with your newly organized nightstand for a few days to see how it feels. Do you find yourself reaching for certain items more often? If so, put those in a more prominent spot. Need to swap containers? Go for it! Adjust your setup until it feels just right.
By following these steps, you’ll have a nightstand that’s neat, practical, and perfectly suited to your bedtime routine. No more hunting for misplaced items or dealing with clutter when you’re ready to wind down.
Nightstand Setup for Women
It seems like women often have more items in their nightstands than men do. We just have a longer list of things to check off before falling asleep.
Hand cream, face cream, foot cream, hair ties, rings, journals, books, magazines, tissues…the list goes on. Because of that, nightstands for women need to have enough space to hold everything without feeling chaotic or messy.
D/M PRO TIP: Your nightstand doesn’t have to match your spouse’s. The key is choosing one that works best for you. This way, you can get exactly what you need, while also letting your partner do the same.
Great Nightstand Organizers:
- A small ceramic dish for rings and jewelry
- A cute bag for books or magazines
- A tray for lotions or creams
- A basket for nail care items
- A journal and a lovely pen
- A tray or bag for essential oils
- A stand or charging port for your phone, watch, and earbuds
- A tray for lip balm
- A little basket for nighttime medications or vitamins
Remember, containers are your secret weapon for keeping random items neat and organized. Even a basic tray can totally transform how everything looks.
Nightstand Setup for Men
Let’s be honest, guys tend to have a “dump and go” habit. Whatever’s in their pockets usually lands on the nearest flat surface, and it just stays there. Sometimes for a while… Okay, if we’re being real, maybe forever.
I’ve learned that setting up ways to manage my husband’s pocket clutter makes life easier for both of us. He can find his stuff when he needs it, and I don’t have to stare at the chaos in the meantime.
It doesn’t take much to make a difference. Some simple fixes are things like:
- An extra basket to hold misc items.
- A shallow lid from a sturdy box to hold a phone, wallet, and tissues.
- A felt-lined organizer that matches the room giving you space for a number of items.
When organizing for men, think about what’s essential to them. What do they need to keep on top of the nightstand, and what can go inside?
Here’s a quick list of items you might want to manage:
- Tissues
- Phone charger and stand
- A good, adjustable lamp
- Glasses
- Lip balm
- Pen and notepad
- A couple of books
- Headphones
For my husband, it’s all about simplicity. He doesn’t need as much as I do, and he prefers things to be easy to grab and even easier to put back. Just one or two organizers will do the job, while I like having more to keep my stuff sorted by task.
No matter whose nightstand you’re setting up, the goal is to pick organizers that make tidying up a breeze and surfaces clutter-free. If you like straightforward solutions, a simple basket is great. If you’re into decorative touches, go for a basket with a lid.
It all comes down to your organizing personality. When you work with your natural habits instead of fighting them, it’s so much easier to keep things neat—even in a space as small as a nightstand.
Nightstand Ideas for Your Bedroom
Don’t have a nightstand or are not thrilled with the one you’ve got? No worries! Here are a few ideas to consider.
An Open Table Setup
This is a great option for minimalists who don’t need much and like to keep things simple. With everything out in the open, it’s easy to grab what you need. A clean, streamlined table might be all you need to keep your bedroom looking uncluttered.
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A Chest of Drawers
This one’s my personal favorite. Drawers give you so much flexibility for storage. You can tuck away everything from books to chargers, keeping the top surface neat and tidy. A chest with a small shelf and a couple of drawers offers plenty of space to hide the mess while keeping essentials within reach.
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A Combo Table with Shelves and Drawers
Why choose between shelves and drawers? A combo nightstand is perfect if you want a mix of both. It’s a great option for book lovers who like to keep a stack of magazines or novels within arm’s reach while still hiding smaller items in the drawers below.
Nathan James Mina Rattan Wood End Side Accent Table Nightstand with Storage for Living Room or Bedroom, 1, Oak/BlackSICOTAS Nightstand Set of 2 – Rattan Decor Drawer with Brass Knobs Night Stand Bedside Table Boho End Tables Side Tables with Storage Shelf for Bedroom, Small SpaceMasupu Rattan Nightstand,Modern Boho Farmhouse Wood Bedside Table with Storage Drawer and Open Shelf,Small Gold Frame Side End Table for Bedroom,Living Room,Office(White)
With these options, you’re sure to find a nightstand style that fits your needs and keeps your bedside space neat and inviting.
FAQ: Organizing Your Nightstand
What should you put on top of your nightstand?
Keep it simple. During the day, keep your nightstand as clear as possible to reduce visual clutter and help create a calm space for better sleep. At night, pull out essentials like tissues, a water bottle, lip balm, a phone charger, and glasses if you need them.
How can I keep my nightstand organized long-term?
The secret is to give everything a home and put things all the way away each morning. Use small bins or drawer organizers to keep items grouped together. That way, it’s easy to reset this space and maintain a neat and organized surface.
What’s the best nightstand for small spaces?
Look for a compact nightstand with shelves or drawers to maximize storage without taking up too much room. Wall-mounted options can also work well in tight spaces.
Seeing your nightstand as a tool to help you fall asleep and stay asleep will make it easier for you to declutter and organize it. When you see your things as tools it is easier to know just what you need and what is excess or things you do not need.
Remember, as you find items you no longer need with each of these organizing projects, toss them in your donation basket, and keep working. The less you focus on what you are keeping rather than what you are removing, the more easily this will be for you to do.
Now that you know how to organize a nightstand, I hope you, too, can get a better night’s sleep.
More Bedroom Organizing Resources:
Keep the momentum going by tackling other areas in your bedroom, because you deserve to have a space to retreat to that is cozy and inviting!
I went upstairs straight and tidied my bedside table!!! It looks great now that it is all empty of clutter (which has been put in a little basket underneath). Thank you.
Thank you for this excellent blog. I am less bothered by clutter, but when the piles on the nightstand get too high disasters can occur. You have some very good ideas, and I have a great chest nightstand. I need to use the drawers more appropriately. Again, thank you for the inspiration. Oh, my husband loves the collapsible trays that I made for travel. That which goes into our trays does not end up on the floor during the night and does not get left in the hotel when we leave.