8 Ideas For Styling an Extremely Pretty Nightstand

Clutter can mess up even the best styling plans, but a nightstand with drawers makes it easy to create a clean and streamlined look. This Senniberg Nightstand ($170) has a contemporary vibe, thanks to its oaky finish and replicated Calacatta marble top. Prefer a nightstand with an open shelf? The Oliah Nightstand ($170, originally $190), with similarly clean lines, is a solid choice.

Styling a nightstand isn't just about what's sitting on top of it. Consider the wall space behind it, too. A framed print or wall hanging could be just the thing to fill empty space and make your sleeping area feel "finished." This Providence Art Giclee Tulip Wall Art ($175) is graceful in composition and lighting, making it an utterly sophisticated addition to the bedroom.

It's always nice to wake up to pictures of the people (or pets!) you love most. A traditional picture frame is a fine choice, but if you like variety, go with the Aura Gravel Frame ($179). This digital frame cycles through the pictures of your choice, and it's smart enough to know when the lights are on and off, so the screen won't keep you awake when it's time for shut-eye.

Obviously, most nightstands need a lamp, so make yours one you love to look at. This Noguchi Akari Light Sculpture ($200) is an investment piece (and literal piece of art) that gives off a beautiful glow. It's not too tall, either, which makes it a nice choice for rooms with low-lying platform beds.

Of course, you can always save space by opting for a floor lamp. Look for one with a curved arc, which will allow you to shine light over the bed for reading. This well-priced Marinel Floor Lamp ($90) is compact enough to squeeze in right next to the bed and nightstand.

A dish or leather tray like this Ryo Kashiwazaki Tray ($85) is beautiful and functional. Not only does it add a pretty accent to the nightstand, but it also holds little items (think earrings and hair ties) that you need to remove before bed. Place it on top of a few large books, stacked horizontally in a pyramid shape, for an Instagram-worthy vignette.

You might love a scented candle, but — surprise! — a nightstand isn't the best place to burn one, since you might fall asleep next to an open flame. (Hi, fire hazard.) You can still benefit from the look of candles, though. Choose a set of statement candle holders such as these metallic Mercana Gold Metal Table Candle Holders ($90), then place an unlit candle or a pillar candle with a battery-powered LED "flame" on it. You'll still get the charm of wax, minus the risk.

Luxury hotels often provide a carafe of water in their rooms; why not give your bedroom the same five-star treatment? This Cultiverre Recycled Carafe and Cup ($28) is slim, so it won't eat up much space on your nightstand. (The set doubles as vases, too, and fresh flowers always perk up a space.) It's the sort of small addition that feels elevated and thoughtful — and isn't that the way we all want our rooms to feel?