Are you looking to enhance your relaxation and give yourself a nice little boost at the end of the day? Consider adding one of these non-traditional nightstand alternatives as a quick and creative bedroom improvement. Whether you're a Boho believer or an Art Deco aficionado, nightstands that aren't made from nightstands can be fun, great for odd spaces, and give your bedroom that little extra oomph you'll just love.
Floating Shelving
If space is at a premium at your house, or you just hate cleaning under all the things, consider investing in a floating nightstand shelf. These are easy to DIY, but premium and economical options are available in any style you can think of.
Great for:
- Anyone who loves a quicker job vacuuming or mopping all those pet-hair dust bunnies (like at my house)
- Clutter bugs who need something with drawers to fill your need-to-stash
Options include:
- Bedside attachment options that keep your drywall safe, if you prefer, and even include iPad and laptop storage drawers
- Floating bookshelves that highlight all the book-worminess you could desire
- Floating book/drawer/nightstand combos that hit every need in one
Extra-Large Headboard With Storage
If you've got more room in your room, or are looking for a sleek and stylish design splash, consider a statement-style headboard with storage options in place of nightstands.
Great for:
Anyone looking for a statement piece. A single, extended piece can add drama, simplicity and flair to an otherwise large and bland or cluttered wall. Plus, you'll save on the nightstand purchase itself.
Options include:
- Headboards that have drawers for those who also want easy-to-clean spaces
- Headboards that have built-in lights to replace a bedside lamp
- DIY-er day projects that just take some extra plywood and access to some common tools
Over-Bed Tray Tables
Work-from home folks who prefer a comfier work setting can select an adjustable-height tray table in lieu of an ordinary nightstand.
Great for:
Those of us who like to work from bed, read a great book, or have a spouse predisposed to breakfast in-bed surprises (I wish!).
Options include:
- Funky industrial styles with shelving for extra storage
- Sleek and simple wood and steel styles that can save space
Micro Nightstand
Depending on your needs, a micro nightstand could be an unexpected and interesting piece at the side of your bed.
Great for:
Anyone with minimalist tendencies, or anyone looking to keep themselves confined to clutter-free bedrooms
Options include:
Any tiny and unique table could do here, but options that keep a coffee cup safe from spilling (like the one above), or display a love for reading, can add in some additional personality.
DIY-Upcycling Old Treasures
If you're like me, you have a thing or forty lying around that you just don't know what to do with. Consider repurposing a few to make truly one-of-a-kind nightstands that stand out. The sky's the limit here, so think about what you love and what you have on hand.
Great for:
- Us DIYers who just can't let go of those "someday" projects
- Anyone looking for something that simply won't be found elsewhere
Options include:
- Old suitcases? Stack 'em, or turn them into a sleek Mid-Century Modern table by adding some legs.
- Old books? Turn them into this unforgettable nightstand using the ones you just can't live without.
- Antique ladder? Add some shelving for the perfect rustic bedroom nightstand.
Hobby Spotlights
DIYer or not, a non-traditional nightstand can be a great spot to really show off your hobbies and things you love. Bookworms, music-lovers, animal geeks (like me), and quirky folks looking for a spot of levity can find a wealth of options that infuse their unique personalities with bedside functionality.
Great for:
Anyone looking to show off what deeply matters to them — or even just what helps them smile and relax
Options include:
- Music-lovers can find musical-themed table tops and even some made of iconic materials, like this re-purposed record table and this drum-turned side table.
- Gearheads can find an assortment of car-part tables that would fit the bill.
- Movie-lovers and those who have a soft spot for Hollywood will have a hard time turning down these movie-reel options.
- Travel and culture folks can find an assortment of delicately designed and painted tables, like this elephant design.
Etsy is fantastic for finding nightstands and side tables around almost any niche or theme.
Celebrating the Wonderfully Bizarre
Finally, if the odd, bizarre or even creepy is your jam, a plethora of non-traditional nightstand options may be your perfect accompaniment.
Great for:
Themed bedrooms, stylized hotels, and anyone looking to throw a great haunted hotel party.
Options include:
- A surrealist bird-leg table, like the one currently displayed at the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art.
- This paint-splotch nightstand, which I now can't live without.
Get Everyone's Buy-in Before You Purchase
While non-traditional nightstands can be as fun, funky, and unique as you'd like, I suggest you share your ideas with anyone you're also sharing your bedroom with. I'm not sure what my wife would do if I suddenly redecorated our room with a bird-leg theme. It's definitely something you can take a bit too far — unless that's what you're both into!
