The Art of the Bedside: How to Choose the Perfect Nightstand For Your Bedroom

When it comes to designing a beautiful and functional bedroom, the bedside table often plays a quiet but vital role. It’s the last thing you see before turning off the lights and the first surface you reach for in the morning. Beyond holding your lamp, books, or glass of water, the right nightstand brings balance, personality, and harmony to your space. Yet, many homeowners overlook how much thought should go into choosing this essential piece.

At Sakala Atelier, we believe every element of your home — even the smallest — should combine function and beauty. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose the perfect nightstand that complements your bed, matches your style, and fits your lifestyle needs.

1. Start with the Right Size and Proportion

Size is the first — and perhaps most important — consideration when selecting your bedside table. A good rule of thumb is to choose a nightstand that aligns roughly with the top of your mattress, give or take a few centimeters. This ensures visual harmony and practicality, allowing you to reach for items comfortably without stretching or bending too much.

If you have a large bed, such as a king or queen size, consider wider nightstands to balance the visual weight. For smaller spaces or lower beds, opt for more compact designs that won’t overpower the room. The key is proportion — a nightstand that’s too tall or too small can disrupt the overall flow and make your room feel awkwardly arranged.

2. Match It with Your Bed Frame and Interior Style

Your bedside table doesn’t need to perfectly match your bed frame, but it should complement it. Think of the relationship between them like a dialogue — they should speak to each other without competing.

If your bed has a minimalist or upholstered headboard, a sleek, modern nightstand with clean lines or metal accents can enhance that contemporary look. For wooden or rustic-style bed frames, natural wood finishes or handcrafted pieces create a cohesive, organic aesthetic.

For interior styles such as Scandinavian or Japandi, choose light woods and simple forms that embrace warmth and simplicity. In contrast, modern industrial spaces benefit from darker tones, metal legs, or reclaimed wood. And if you’re drawn to classic or mid-century design, look for curved silhouettes or tapered legs that bring subtle sophistication.

3. Consider Storage and Functionality

While aesthetics matter, your bedside table must serve your lifestyle. Ask yourself what you typically keep beside your bed — books, glasses, a lamp, your phone, skincare essentials? This will help you decide whether you need drawers, shelves, or simply a minimalist tabletop.

For those who value organization, a nightstand with drawers keeps clutter out of sight and surfaces tidy. Open shelving works well for displaying decorative pieces or keeping reading material within reach. If you live in a compact apartment or studio, look for dual-purpose designs, like bedside tables that include charging ports, hidden compartments, or even extendable surfaces for extra convenience.

At Sakala Atelier, we often encourage our clients to see storage as an extension of design. The right bedside table balances beauty and practicality, seamlessly fitting into your nightly routine while enhancing your room’s visual story.

4. Choose the Right Material and Finish

The material of your nightstand sets the tone for your bedroom’s atmosphere. Solid wood remains the most timeless and durable option — it brings warmth, texture, and character to your space. Oak, teak, and walnut are popular for their strength and natural grain patterns that age beautifully over time.

If you prefer a modern or luxurious touch, consider incorporating materials like metal, glass, or marble. These can add a layer of sophistication and contrast beautifully with soft bedding and fabrics. A wood-and-metal combination works wonderfully for those who love the industrial aesthetic, while painted finishes or lacquered surfaces create a clean, contemporary look for minimalist interiors.

The secret lies in balance — combining textures that reflect your taste while maintaining a cohesive feel across the room.

5. Don’t Forget Lighting and Accessories

A nightstand isn’t complete without the right lighting. Table lamps remain a classic choice, providing both functionality and ambiance. If space is limited, wall-mounted sconces or pendant lights can free up valuable surface area while creating a stylish focal point.

When it comes to styling, less is often more. A few well-chosen accessories — a small vase of flowers, a framed photo, or a decorative tray — can instantly elevate the look. Just remember to leave enough room for essentials; a cluttered nightstand defeats the purpose of calm, restful design.

Choosing the perfect bedside table is more than just picking a piece of furniture — it’s about creating harmony between design, comfort, and function. Whether you love minimalist Scandinavian pieces, timeless wooden craftsmanship, or bold modern forms, your nightstand should reflect who you are and how you live.

At Sakala Atelier, we understand that true design lies in the details. Our handcrafted furniture pieces are designed to complement a variety of interior styles, helping you build a bedroom that’s both beautiful and deeply personal.

Which type of bedside table fits your bedroom style best — classic wood, modern metal, or minimalist Japandi? Share your thoughts in the comments below — we’d love to hear your take on bedside design!