Choosing a nightstand might seem simple, but it’s not. A perfect nightstand should seamlessly blend both style and function. It’s definitely going to be the most used piece of bedroom furniture you will own. So the questions arise: what features to look for in the perfect nightstand?
That’s exactly what this blog post is all about. It’ll guide you towards finding the best nightstand for your room. So, let’s start right away!
1. Ideal Height and Proportion
Firstly, start by measuring for your nightstands’ ideal height. The standard dimensions of your nightstand and bed should always be harmonious. Also, you should be comfortably able to grab anything from your nightstand.
The secret lies in aiming for a nightstand that’s within two inches of your mattress height. Carefully measuring before buying is going to ensure that. Don’t just guess; you will thank yourself later for bringing out a tape measure.
Not only height, but proportion matters just as much. If you have a massive bed, you will need a bigger nightstand for more of a balanced look. Similarly, if you own a slim bed frame, it’s going to pair well with a lighter design.
If you don’t want your room to feel cramped, consider the overall footprint of the room too. Choosing a nightstand that is too wide will surely make your room look a lot smaller. Always choose what serves you and your place equally.
2. Compact storage and Smart Design
Your nightstand should be able to hold all your bedtime essentials. Opt for a functional and smart nightstand design that looks compact but stores anything you will need within arm’s reach.
The hidden compartment designs that some imported furniture suppliers offer are also a very efficient and clutter-free idea. Additionally, these are perfect for stashing valuables like your rings and watches out of plain sight.
Lower shelves are the ultimate nightstand buying move. They are ideal for storing a spare cushion you don’t want during the night or even a second laptop or book.
3. Sturdy Build and Quality Material
Wobbling and throwing things all over the place is the biggest problem you could have in your nightstand. You need a piece that feels solid and secure.
The construction, built and the materials used, in your nightstand are a must-see feature. Remember, joint construction of a furniture piece is the key indicator of quality.
You should aim for drawers with proper joints rather than pieces that are just glued together. The material choice is directly going to impact your nightstand’s longevity.
Solid woods like oak, maple, and walnut are classic, popular furniture woods. They are durable and can be refinished easily if scratched. High-quality engineered wood with a thick veneer might be an excellent option, too.
4. Timeless Design and Aesthetic Appeal
If you don’t have time to follow and change according to trends every so often, then it’s wise to go with timeless designs. You do not want a piece that’s going to feel dated just two years after buying.
Think about the overall vibe of your room. Is it modern farmhouse, mid-century, or minimalist coastal villa? Your nightstand should complement that theme, not just some trend.
An eye for detail, like the leg style, hardware, and colour finish, also matters greatly. A simple change of knobs and handles can refresh the entire look. With these changes, you can easily customise a basic design to make it uniquely yours.
5. Smooth Drawer Mechanism
Never lose sight of the fact that you are going to interact with your nightstand drawer every single day. A sticky, grating and dragging drawer will annoy you on a daily basis. Listen to the sound it makes before buying. A high-quality drawer will pull out with a whisper, not a screech.
If you want your peace and quiet after a full day of work and chaos, always test the glide of the drawer before you commit to it. It should pull out effortlessly with one hand. You should opt for quality runners made of metal. They bear weight better and last longer than the cheap plastic ones.
Soft-close mechanisms are a modern luxury worth having. Even if you accidentally shut the drawer harshly or in the dark, they will prevent slamming.
6. Integrated Charging Ports
We live in a connected world where everyone needs a charging port right by their side. You need power for your phone, tablet, laptop, watches, earphones, and so many other things. But if cables are dangling down your nightstand, it’ll look tacky and messy, and they are a tripping hazard, too.
Well, the good news is that integrated ports solve this modern problem with style. Additionally, you can keep all your devices and cables hidden inside a drawer to keep everything clean and clear.
This really is a game-changer feature in a nightstand. Many modern furniture manufacturers are including this brilliant feature as a built-in. It is a must-have for not only tech-savvy but also any household. You find this amazing feature in both local and high-quality imported furniture.
7. Easy Maintenance
Life will happen, even if you don’t have kids or pets, spills, dust, rings from coffee mugs and water glasses are inevitable. You need a nightstand that has an easy-to-wipe surface to avoid inconvenience from a small accident.
If you want easy clean up, non-porous surfaces like glass, lacquered wood, and laminate are your friends. With a simple damp cloth, you can maintain a spotless look with minimal effort every day.
Buying a raw wood or porous stone nightstand that too without a good sealant, won’t be a good idea. They stain very easily from simple things like water or perfume (imagine what coffee stains would do to your precious wood).
You should be able to enjoy your furniture without having to constantly worry about damaging it. Besides, this is also a matter of your basic hygiene and health. A smooth, cleanable surface won’t allow dust and allergens buildup. You’ll have a bedroom that’s a fresher and healthier place for you.
8. Versatility and Multi-Use Potential
Lastly, look for a nightstand that serves more than one purpose. Think of it as a small, multi-functional command centre for your room. It should be able to serve you in multiple ways.
Ask yourself questions like, Would this nightstand work in another room later? Will it serve if you want it out of your room? For example, a stylish, small and compact table could become a perfect bathroom vanity shelf. It may also work as a hall console or just any table, really.
You will always get more value from a versatile design. Choosing a versatile piece is a smart long-term investment. A multi-use item will always come in handy, even if you move home.
Final Word: What Features to Look for in the Perfect Nightstand?
A well-chosen nightstand adds character to your room. Your nightstand may be a small piece of furniture, but it has a big job, so choose it carefully. By focusing on these essential features shared above, you can find a piece that is beautiful, functional, and built to last.
If piecing together your dream bedroom feels overwhelming, George Group can help.
As your one-stop whole-house customization expert in China, we offer direct-factory pricing, expert design support, and comprehensive logistics. Our experts make it easy to customise and import high-quality furniture for your ideal bedroom.
Visit our expansive 30,000 m² Foshan showroom to explore thousands of styles and materials, or connect with our team for a tailored sourcing solution that fits your needs. You deserve a bedroom that is both stylish and perfectly useful to your nighttime routine.
For more tips and insights on decorating living spaces, check out our blog section.
