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Photography by BETHANY NAUERT

Add Color

Pick a bold color, like the bright orange interior designer Merisa Libbey opted for here, and keep everything else simple. 

 
Photography by @MARIANNA_HEWIT

Go Round

Rectangular and square shapes tend to take up more space, so opt for a small, round table like this wooden one. Top it off with some beautiful blooms like Marianna Hewitt.

Photography by @BOHOBEACHBUNGALOW

Try Sconces

Table lamps are great, but take up precious footage on your nightstand. Wall lighting is the perfect small space answer, a la Boho Beach Bungalow. Look at all the room there is for trinkets now!

Photography by BRITTANY AMBRIDGE

Find Drawers

Let’s face it, tiny bedrooms usually don’t come equipped with ample space for storage—it can be especially frustrating if you’re partnered up. Maximize your space by choosing a nightstand with drawers, if it’s large enough, it can even double as your dresser. In their Shelter Island home, John andChristine Gachot added Eames wire table bases to a vintage pair of Danish modern nightstands.

 
Photography by @KATE.LAVIE

Stack Books

An easy way to create more space? Stacking upwards. You’ll fit more stuff, and if you get tired of a certain read, you won’t even have to get up to swap it. Kate Lavie styles this trick perfectly.

Photography by @ELPETERSONDESIGN

Get Mirrored

Mirrors can make a small space feel larger, so reflective side tables are an excellent way to create the illusion of more room. Top it off with an actual mirror, like El Peterson Design, for bonus points.

Photography by @ALYSSAROSENHECK DESIGN: @ELSIELARSON @ABEAUTIFULMESS

Think Pink

This pastel pink end table is the sweetest accent to any room, and it’s small enough to fit anywhere. Add a coordinating rug underneath like Elsie Larson for an extra cozy vibe.

Photography by SEAN LITCHFIELD FOR HOMEPOLISH

Create a Peaceful Atmosphere

Add greenery for a relaxing feel, and decorate the wall above your nightstand and bed with art that creates a zen vibe. In this Brooklyn home, Homepolish designer Megan Hopp opted for an abstract wallpaper that looks like a giant watercolor painting.

Photography by NICK GLIMENAKIS FOR HOMEPOLISH

When in Doubt, Keep it Simple

A no-frills nightstand pairs well with most decor. After all, room for a lamp and an alarm clock is all you really need. Here, Homepolish designer Megan Hopp chose a slim white table that doesn’t distract from the gorgeous

Calico wallpaper

.

Photography by @IKEAUSA

Hang It

If you’re super low on floor space, hang a cube shelf, and use all that extra room underneath to store your shoes, books, beauty products—anything. Naturally, this option is IKEA.

Photography by HELYNN OSPINA FOR HOMEPOLISH

Go Glam

Add some personality and pizazz to a small space with a metallic table and funky geometric shapes. Homepolish designer Alex Waidley paired the Roar + Rabbit Jeweled Nightstand from West Elm with a glass and brass orb table lamp in this bedroom.

Photography by @DECORHAPPY

Make it Multi-Purpose

Part nightstand, part work desk—Decor Happy gets it right. Add a chair and knock out two birds with one stone.

Photography by @TARGETSTYLE

Use a Chair

Here’s an idea from Target: If you’ve got zero space and zero budget, use what you already have. A chair or stool makes for a smart workaround.

Photography by YESI FORTUNA

Look for Shelving

Similar to finding a nightstand with drawers, storage shelving is equally useful. Dallas Wardrobe knows that decorative baskets keep things looking tidy.

Photography by David Tsay for Domino

Get Creative

If you have an old suitcase or chest lying around, try using it as a nightstand and see what happens! Jessica Alba uses this trick in her daughter’s room to make a one-of-a-kind statement.

Second image via @marianna_hewitt, third image via @bohobeachbungalow; fifth image via @kate.lavie; sixth image via @elpetersondesign, seventh image via @alyssarosenheck and designed by @ElsieLarson and @AbeautifulMess; tenth image via @decorhappy; twelfth image via @ikeausa, thirteenth image via @targetstyle.

Related reading:

Ikea Hack: How to DIY the Nightstand of Your Dreams 15 Products for a Prettier Nightstand 10 Nightstands That Are Not Nightstands