What to Use Instead of a Nightstand
Discover 12 creative, practical, and stylish alternatives to a traditional nightstand that fit any budget, space, or design style.
Explore AlternativesWhy consider an alternative? Maybe your bedroom is too small for a traditional nightstand. Perhaps you're renting and can't drill into walls. Or you simply want a more creative, personalized bedside setup. Whatever your reason, there are dozens of functional and beautiful options that can hold your lamp, book, phone, and glass of water — without the bulk of a standard nightstand.
Why You Might Need a Nightstand Alternative
Traditional nightstands are great, but they're not the only solution. In fact, many modern bedrooms — especially small apartments, guest rooms, and minimalist spaces — benefit from a more flexible approach to bedside storage. Before you spend money on a piece of furniture that might not fit, consider whether an alternative could serve you better.
Common reasons people look for alternatives include limited floor space, a desire for a cleaner aesthetic, budget constraints, or the need for a multi-functional piece. Some alternatives are also easier to install and move, making them perfect for renters. And if you're still deciding on the right height for your setup, our guide on what is the height of a nightstand can help you establish a baseline before choosing a replacement.
12 Creative Alternatives to a Nightstand
Below are twelve practical alternatives, each with its own strengths and trade-offs. We've organized them from simplest to most substantial, so you can find the right fit for your space and needs.
1 Floating Shelves
A wall-mounted floating shelf is one of the most popular nightstand alternatives. It takes up zero floor space and creates a clean, modern look. You can install a single wide shelf or stack two narrow ones for layered storage.
Best for: Small bedrooms, minimalist setups, and anyone who wants a clutter-free floor. Pair it with a wall-mounted bedside reading light to free up even more surface area.
2 Repurposed Side Tables
An end table or side table from your living room can work perfectly as a bedside table. Many people overlook this simple swap. A small table with storage underneath gives you both surface area and hidden organization.
Best for: Anyone who already owns a side table and wants to test a new layout before buying a dedicated nightstand.
3 Ottomans & Storage Benches
An upholstered ottoman or a small storage bench can serve as both a nightstand and a seating option. Many ottomans have hidden storage inside, perfect for extra blankets or pillows. A long ottoman for the end of the bed can also double as a bedside surface if placed correctly.
Best for: Bedrooms that need extra seating, guest rooms, and anyone who wants soft, upholstered texture at the bedside.
4 Wall-Mounted Fold-Down Tables
These space-saving tables attach to the wall and fold down when needed. They're perfect for tiny bedrooms or guest rooms where you only need a bedside surface occasionally. When folded up, they're completely out of the way.
Best for: Micro-apartments, guest rooms, and rooms with very limited floor space.
5 Stacked Books or Wooden Crates
A stack of large hardcover books or a couple of wooden crates can become a charming, rustic bedside table. This is a zero-cost solution if you already have the materials. For a more polished look, a mid-century two-tier side table offers similar vertical storage with more stability.
Best for: DIY enthusiasts, rustic or bohemian bedrooms, and temporary setups.
6 Small Dressers or Chests
If you need more storage than a typical nightstand offers, a small dresser or chest can be an excellent alternative. A chest of drawers and nightstand set gives you a cohesive look with plenty of storage. Even a small dresser and nightstand set can work if you have the floor space.
Best for: People who need extra clothing storage, larger bedrooms, and anyone who wants a substantial piece.
7 Floating Nightstands
Technically a type of nightstand, but worth mentioning because they solve the same problem as alternatives: saving floor space. A floating side table for bedroom attaches directly to the wall and often includes a drawer. A bed frame with floating nightstands is an integrated solution that looks seamless.
Best for: Modern bedrooms, small spaces, and anyone who wants a built-in look.
8 Over-Bed Tables
An over-bed table — often used in hospitals — is a practical alternative for people who need a surface that can swing over the bed. An over-bed table with swivel top or a hospital over-bed table on wheels can be positioned exactly where you need it.
Best for: People with mobility issues, those who work from bed, and anyone who needs a versatile surface.
9 Adjustable Side Tables
An adjustable side table for laptop is designed to move up and down, making it perfect for both bedside use and working from bed. These tables often have wheels and can be tucked away when not in use.
Best for: Remote workers, students, and anyone who uses their bed as a multi-purpose space.
10 Corner Shelves
If your bed is in a corner, a corner shelf can be an excellent nightstand alternative. It fits into the angle of the room and provides a dedicated surface without taking up wall space on either side. A small table for living room corner can also work in a bedroom corner.
Best for: Corner beds, small rooms, and anyone who wants to maximize every inch.
11 Dog Crate Nightstands
Yes, this is a real thing! A dog crate nightstand with drawer combines a pet bed with a bedside table. It's perfect for pet owners who want their dog close at night without sacrificing furniture space.
Best for: Pet owners, small bedrooms, and anyone who wants a multi-functional piece.
12 Makeup Vanities
A black makeup vanity with storage can serve as a nightstand if you don't have space for both. It provides a surface, drawers, and often a mirror — all in one piece.
Best for: Anyone who needs a vanity and a nightstand but only has room for one.
Quick Comparison: Which Alternative Is Right for You?
Use this table to compare the alternatives at a glance. Consider your space, budget, and storage needs before deciding.
| Alternative | Space Needed | Storage | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Floating Shelves | None (wall) | Minimal | $20–$80 | Small rooms |
| Side Tables | Small | Some | $50–$200 | Renters, quick fixes |
| Ottomans | Medium | Hidden | $80–$300 | Guest rooms, seating |
| Fold-Down Tables | None (wall) | None | $40–$150 | Micro-apartments |
| Stacked Books/Crates | Small | Minimal | $0–$40 | DIY, temporary |
| Small Dressers | Large | Extensive | $150–$600 | Extra storage |
| Floating Nightstands | None (wall) | Some | $80–$300 | Modern, sleek |
| Over-Bed Tables | Medium | None | $100–$400 | Mobility, versatility |
| Adjustable Tables | Medium | None | $60–$250 | Work from bed |
| Corner Shelves | None (corner) | Minimal | $30–$100 | Corner beds |
| Dog Crate Nightstands | Medium | Some | $100–$350 | Pet owners |
| Makeup Vanities | Large | Extensive | $150–$500 | Dual-purpose |
Don't Forget Height: Matching Your Bed
No matter which alternative you choose, height matters. A bedside surface that's too low or too high can be uncomfortable and even unsafe. As a general rule, the top of your nightstand (or alternative) should be roughly level with your mattress top. For a detailed breakdown, see our guide on what height should a nightstand be.
If your bed is very low, you might need a short nightstand for bed on floor. If your bed is tall, you may need a 28-inch tall nightstand set of 2 or similar. And if you're unsure whether your nightstand should be taller than your bed, our article on should nightstand be taller than bed clarifies the common misconceptions.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Bedside Solution?
Browse our curated selection of nightstands and bedside tables that fit every space and style.
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There's no rule that says you must have a traditional nightstand. Whether you choose floating shelves, a repurposed side table, or a multi-functional ottoman, the best bedside solution is the one that fits your space, your budget, and your lifestyle. Use this guide as a starting point, and don't be afraid to experiment with different setups until you find what works for you.
And if you're still on the fence, remember that many of these alternatives can be combined. For example, a floating shelf paired with a touch bedside lamp with USB port creates a modern, functional bedside station without any floor footprint. The possibilities are endless.