9/10
The Pottery Barn Adjustable C-Nightstand is extremely narrow to fit in tight spaces, like between your bed and the wall. The adjustable C-shaped table measures 28 inches wide, 16 inches deep and up to 33.5 inches tall. It comes with a kiln-dried engineered hardwood base and a solid wood top finished in black or harvest gray.
Because one side opens, you can swing it toward a low bed for use as a small desk, storage shelf or laptop stand.
Pros
- Fully adjustable at the push of a button
- Discreet caster wheels
- Made from steel and solid kiln-dried hardwood
- Cord cut-out located at the bottom
- Contract grade construction
Cons
- Limited color options
10/10
Pedestal nightstands are supported by one central leg, and this one is compact enough to use in small bedrooms. The Decor Therapy Simplify Accent Table is available in 13 colors to match any decor. We love the idea of pairing the turquoise color with modern farmhouse decor. It’s truly petite, measuring 15 inches in diameter and 24 inches tall.
The compact footprint is ideal for tucking on either side of your bed, but keep in mind that it won’t be able to hold many items. Supplement this pick with under-bed storage if you’re looking for more space.
Pros
- 11 different shades
- Easy to assemble
- Attractive vintage farmhouse look
- Small at only 15 inches in diameter
Cons
- No extra storage features
What to Look for When Buying Small Nightstands
Buying a nightstand for small spaces means finding something that not only fits the space but also offers additional functionality. Newhart says that there are lots of different nightstand features that folks can consider.
“Nightstands with charging stations eliminate the overwhelm of multiple cords, allowing you to seamlessly charge all your devices with less clutter,” she says. “My favorites are pieces that offer plugs in the top drawer, so tech devices can tuck away at night to charge.”
When hunting for a nightstand, consider your needs. A floating nightstand may offer additional room underneath for storage, but it typically won’t have a lot of room for knick-knacks. On the other hand, a traditional nightstand with drawers can be used as additional storage for socks and T-shirts, but finding one that’s narrow enough to slide into a small space can be challenging.
Whatever your needs, our picks above offer the functionality, versatility and style necessary for small nightstands.
Why You Should Trust Us
I’m a full-time freelance writer specializing in fashion, beauty, home and general lifestyle content. As an experienced content creator, I’ve contributed to popular sites like Martha Stewart, InStyle, Food52, USA Today, Taste of Home, The Spruce, Reviewed and Elite Daily.
Emily Way is an Associate Shopping Editor for Family Handyman with experience researching products and recommending the best designs to consumers. She researched and updated this piece. Way consulted Cara Newhart, interior designer and DIY influencer at Never Skip Brunch.
Cara Newhart is an interior designer, DIYer, author and the host of the “Make a Space” Podcast. After losing her dad to cancer and without his contractor expertise to guide her in customizing her first home, she decided to dive in without fear and tackle epic DIY projects, while blogging the transformation of her spaces along the way.
How We Found the Best Small Nightstands
Finding the perfect nightstand for small spaces isn’t simply a matter of size. The ideal small nightstand offers extra storage, ties a room together or offers bonus features like extra outlets and USB ports. No two bedrooms are alike, which means we dug deep to discover exactly what goes behind decorating a small space. The standard nightstand size falls anywhere between 18 and 24 inches wide, so we opted for picks no bigger than 19 inches.
After digging through our top 20 picks, we carefully read real reviews, ensuring that the small nightstands that make our list are high quality and hit every budget. The result? We found 10 nightstands that are attractive, functional and fit with almost any decor style.
FAQs
How can I style a small nightstand?
Try to minimize the amount of clutter on small nightstands, opting instead for under-bed storage. Newhart also cautions that excessive decorating may take up too much space. “For small nightstands, opt for one to two pieces of decor, leaving plenty of space for the top to be usable for essentials like a charging phone or glass of water. Use functional elements like lamps, coasters, or trays as decor,” she says.
What is the best size for a nightstand?
“The best size for your nightstand is custom to your space,” says Newhart. She says determining the best size for a nightstand depends on how much room you have between the bed and the wall, and the height of your mattress. Here’s what she recommends:
- Height: Your nightstand should be easy to reach from your bed, within about six inches of the top of your mattress.
- Width: Opt for a nightstand that fully fills the space between your bed and for maximum storage.
