Thin Nightstands With Drawers - Maximizing Small Bedroom Space

Having a small bedroom doesn't mean you have to sacrifice on style or storage. The right thin nightstand with drawers can open up floor space and provide a spot to store essentials with a slim footprint. We'll explore how to choose the perfect nightstand to maximize your compact bedroom.

A nightstand around 20 inches wide or less is considered a "thin" option. This slim size is ideal for squeezing into tight spaces, especially if you have a bed in a corner or along the wall. While width is restricted, look for nightstands that are at least 22 inches tall so they align with standard mattress heights.

Measure Your Exact Bedroom Dimensions

Before shopping for a thin nightstand, take measurements of your bedroom's layout. Note the precise width and depth available on each side of the bed. Account for any existing furniture like a wide bed frame or dresser. Ensure enough space between walls, windows, and furniture to open drawers and walk around easily.

Record the height of your mattress. Standard sizes are around 24-28 inches tall. Have this number handy when browsing nightstands to find options that match up proportionately. A nightstand that hits just below the top of your mattress looks balanced and cohesive.

Tips for Measuring

• Use a tape measure for accuracy versus estimating.
• Measure in multiple spots - dimensions may vary.
• Note angled walls or tight corners.
• Account for baseboards and moldings.

With detailed measurements, you can browse for nightstands guaranteed to fit your floorplan. Add an inch or two of clearance space for ideal proportions.

Determine How Much Drawer Storage You Need

One benefit of choosing a nightstand over simply using a small table or shelf is the addition of drawers. Take stock of items you need stored close by when sleeping or waking up.

Assess how much drawer space your belongings require. Count books, electronic devices, remotes, glasses, medication, and anything else you access from bed. Edit down non-essentials to just necessities to keep the contents organized.

Common Nightstand Drawer Contents

• Books, e-readers, magazines
• Tablet, phone, ereader charging cords
• Flashlight, reading light
• Alarm clock or sleep tracker
• Medications, lip balm, eye mask
• Tissues, lotion

If you already use a nightstand, measure the items to calculate total cubic inches needed. This informs if a single drawer will suffice or if two or more are better.

Select the Right Height for Your Bedroom

Standard nightstand heights range from 24-28 inches tall. Measure the height of your mattress from the floor, then choose a nightstand within a few inches of this number.

Having your nightstand align with the top of the mattress frame looks cohesive. If too short, items on top will sit below your eyeline and light sources won't illuminate properly.

For safety, select a model at least 22 inches high to bring the surface closer to you. Reaching down excessively to access items in the dark can lead to spills or falls.

Height Tips

• Nightstands 21-22" high work for low platform beds.
• Choose 25-28" options for pillowtop or taller mattresses.
• Measure the height of your existing night table to match.

The right height minimizes reaching or straining for items you use regularly. Test options in-store with your mattress measurements handy.

Choose a Style Aligned With Your Decor

Once dimensions are determined, it's time to choose a style. Look at your existing bedroom furniture and decor. A nightstand pairs best when it has a cohesive look.

For traditional bedrooms, select a wooden nightstand with carved details or a distressed painted finish. Metal accents and mid-century inspired tapered legs add modern flair.

Consider a mirrored or Lucite nightstand for glamour. Or try an industrial metal and wood design for lofts. Measure to confirm chosen styles fit before purchasing.

Popular Styles

• Modern: sleek and minimalist
• Rustic: farmhouse charm
• Coastal: breezy with whitewashed wood
• Eclectic: mix of materials and finishes

Let your nightstand reflect your personality while working with the existing space and bed frame.

Shop Smart With Online Research and Sales

Search online first when shopping for a thin nightstand. Browse furniture store websites or aggregators like Wayfair to view selections. Search using filters for narrow width, drawer number, and height.

Compare pricing between brands. Sort low to high to find options under $100, with mid-range choices around $150-$300. Read reviews for feedback on quality and ease of assembly.

Check store apps or websites around holidays for sales. Discount retailers also offer lower prices. Set up price alerts on promising options to grab when the cost drops.

Where To Shop

• Wayfair
• IKEA
• Target
• Amazon
• Walmart
• Overstock

Online research makes it easy to find stylish, properly sized nightstands that fit your budget constraints.

Maximize Drawer Storage With Simple Organizers

Take advantage of every inch of your nightstand's drawer space. Start by removing any unnecessary items and keeping just essentials you access frequently or use at bedtime.

Invest in some basic drawer organizers. Try adjustable dividers, trays, and compartments tailored to your items' sizes and shapes. This keeps everything visible and neatly arranged.

Stack sweaters or t-shirts upright in a divider. Store socks and undergarments in small trays. Use a drawer insert with adjustable compartments for electronics and toiletries.

Drawer Organizing Tips

• Categorize items: books, clothing, self-care, tech.
• Keep small loose items in trays.
• Stand frequently used items upright.
• Only keep essentials inside.

A few inexpensive organizers go a long way towards optimizing a single drawer's storage capacity.

Enhance Functionality for Convenience

Look for nightstands with features that increase functionality beyond just drawer storage. Charging stations allow convenient overnight phone charging without tangled wires.

Some models have pop-up outlets built into the back or side. Position your lamp, clock and other plug-in items nearby to limit reliance on extension cords.

Consider a low-profile mount placed on the wall behind your nightstand. Attach a tablet or small TV to enjoy media in bed. Include LED backlighting for ambiance.

Added Conveniences

• Charging station or USB ports
• Pull-out shelf
• Mounted power strip
• Wall-mounted TV bracket

Look for a design aligned with your needs and lifestyle. Seek time-saving enhancements that simplify bedtime routines.

Incorporate Decor Touches for Visual Interest

A basic nightstand calls for some styling and accessorizing. Swap out knobs or pulls for ones that match your decor scheme. Opt for an eye-catching shape like crystal, marble, or black metal.

Arrange framed family photos on the surface in a staggered formation. Add a decorative tray to corral smaller items. Place a lamp, book, and floral arrangement on top to complete the look.

Try leaning a large piece of wall art behind the nightstand. Or experiment with placing your nightstand in front of a gallery wall for a layered look. There are many simple ways to make this small-scale furnishing stand out.

Styling Suggestions

• Sculptural lamp base
• Framed photos
• Fresh flowers or a plant
• Ceramic or wooden tray
• Bold decorative pillows

A thoughtfully styled nightstand elevates your whole bedroom's aesthetic.

A thin nightstand broadens your furniture arrangement options in a compact bedroom. Place a slim night table perpendicular to the bed to define a cozy reading nook. Or put two nightstands together as a bedside console table.

Float matching nightstands next to the bed but behind the pillows. This clears space for walking around the mattress. For small rooms, tuck one nightstand in a corner by the bed versus two flanking it.