8 Tips for Styling a Perfect Nightstand

10-minute read
8 Tips for Styling a Perfect Nightstand

A nightstand might be small, but it plays a big role in how your bedroom feels and functions. More than just a landing spot for your phone or a glass of water, it’s a space that can balance practicality with style, setting the tone for restful nights and refreshed mornings. With the right styling, your nightstand can become a thoughtful extension of your bedroom décor—neat, personal, and inviting. To help you get started, we’ve rounded up simple tips for creating a nightstand that looks as good as it works, featuring inspiration from Soka Home’s curated designs.

Tip 1: Think Proportion and Scale

When it comes to styling the perfect nightstand, proportion and scale should always come first. A nightstand that’s too tall or too short next to your bed can feel awkward and disrupt the flow of the room. Instead, aim for a piece that aligns naturally with your mattress height, creating both comfort and visual balance.

Tip 2: Choose Materials that Elevate Your Space

The materials you choose say as much about your bedroom's vibe as any larger piece of furniture. Wood brings natural warmth, leather introduces refined polish, and bouclé gives cozy, tactile comfort. Soka Home’s Cedar Root Nightstandis a solid pick — warm wood grain paired with soft leather accents. It brings a grounded, natural vibe and a touch of refined texture without taking over the room.

Tip 3: Storage That Works for You

The best nightstands don’t just sit pretty—they make your evenings and mornings easier. Think about what you actually reach for: a favorite book, your reading glasses, or maybe just a spot to tuck away your phone. Drawers keep clutter hidden, open shelves display your favorites, and a mix of both gives you flexibility. Soka Home’s Cushy Bouclé Fabric Nightstand nails the balance with two roomy drawers wrapped in plush bouclé. It brings tactile softness, everyday utility, and a polished charm that quietly elevates your bedside setup.

Tip 4: Style with Height in Mind

A well-styled nightstand isn’t just about what you place on it, but how you layer it. Creating a mix of tall, medium, and small objects keeps the eye moving and the look intentional. Think of a lamp or vase to anchor the height, books or candles to fill the middle, and a tray or trinket box to tie in the smallest details. Timber Trio Wood Nightstand has a spacious surface and clean design, giving your room to layer without clutter, while its natural finishes ground the entire arrangement.

Tip 5: Light It Up

Lighting sets the mood and makes your nightstand more than just a storage spot. A table lamp brings timeless charm, but if you’re working with limited space, wall sconces or hanging pendants free up valuable surface area while still creating that cozy glow. 

Tip 6: Add a Touch of Nature

A little greenery goes a long way in softening the look of your nightstand and bringing life to your bedroom. Fresh flowers add color and fragrance, while a simple succulent or leafy plant introduces texture and calm. Pair with Willow Wood Nightstand With Drawers, where the natural wood finish complements your greenery, creating a balanced look that feels both grounded and refreshing.

Tip 7: Play with Texture

Mixing textures is one of the easiest ways to make your nightstand setup feel layered and intentional. Pair a boucle-covered nightstand with a sleek ceramic lamp, or balance the warmth of wood grain with the cool shine of glass or metal accents. Soka Home’s Terra Wood Nightstand is a natural fit here—its rich wood finish adds depth and grounding warmth, making it the perfect backdrop for experimenting with textiles, ceramics, or metallic touches.

Tip 8: Less is More

A well-styled nightstand doesn’t need to be covered in things—it needs just the right ones. Keep only a few thoughtful essentials, like a lamp, a favorite book, or a small decorative piece, and resist the urge to let clutter pile up. By keeping it minimal, you not only highlight your chosen accents but also allow the beauty of the nightstand itself to take center stage.

 

Soka Home Team