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If you would like to make your bedroom look amazing, but don’t have that much space, using these small bedside table ideas will inspire you to create the dreamy space you deserve.
If you’re anything like me, you too have lived in tiny spaces your whole life. From bunk beds, to narrow bedrooms that didn’t leave much space for furniture, I tried it all.
That is why I know how frustrating it can be to want an amazing bedroom but not have enough space to even store your most important items. And to top it all, you also have to stick to an extremely low budget.
Luckily, there are so many creative alternatives to the traditional bedside table, most of which are very affordable. After learning all about the best, most creative small bedside table ideas, you will be super inspired to create a bedroom that is not only aesthetic, but also functional.
This post is all about the best small bedside table ideas.
Best small bedside table ideas
Use a floating shelf
A simple floating shelf is perfect if you don’t have that much space for a traditional nightstand. Not to mention, it is probably one of the most affordable items on this list… I mean, one shelf from IKEA is under 10$!!! Anyone can afford that. And, even though it is affordable, it is also big enough for you to place your phone and a small lamp.
Use a traditional bedside cabinet
If you do, however, have a little bit more space, using a traditional nightstand will allow you to store so much more stuff inside, reducing the need for extra furniture in the room. But if your bedroom is not wide enough for a traditional nightstand, don’t worry, there are many more small space solutions below!
Try using a bar cart
Bar carts have such an elegant design and if you plan on moving to a bigger space in a few years, you can repurpose it and use it for its original purpose! They’re also on wheels, making them easy to move to other parts of the room. This is perfect if you need a little bit of extra space to workout.
Use a stack of books instead
If you love reading as much as I do, you’ll probably love this idea! Use your books as a small bedside table! You’ll still have enough room on top for a bedside lamp and an alarm clock. This way, your books will be organized, close to you, and this whole idea is FREE!
Make the best of a window sill
I love beds that are right by the window, but what I love the most about them is that you can use a window sill as a shelf to display plants, lamps, books, picture frames, small mirrors and other decorative items! This definitely looks more dreamy than traditional bedside tables!
Take advantage of a built in niche
If your bed is inside of a built in niche ( like in the picture above ) or has a niche above it, use the niche to store decorative items like picture frames. I would stay away from mirrors though, to prevent the mirror from accidentally falling over someone. Safety comes first!
Use a console table
Does your bedroom have a weird shape? You might be unable to fit a nightstand but still have some space left for a narrow piece of furniture. If that’s the case, you can use a console table to display decor items. Add some woven baskets underneath to store pillows and blankets.
Store everything you need in a small dresser
If your bedroom is more wide than long and you don’t have enough space for a normal sized dresser, use a small dresser as a nightstand! Shop around and try to see if you can find other pieces of furniture that look like a nightstand in other departments too! I have even seen baby changing tables used as nightstands. Any creative idea that is both functional and cute is welcome!
Try skinny drawers
This cute skinny nightstand is the perfect pop of color for this room! Just because a nightstand is small, that doesn’t mean it can’t make an impact and become the focal point of the room!
Add a corner shelf
One of the simplest and smallest bedside table possible is just adding a small corner shelf. This one is for bedrooms that are so narrow, you really can’t fit any other pieces of furniture inside. You know what I mean, the ones where the wall is within arm’s reach! If your space is so limited, you might want to choose a nightstand that is the color of the wall. This way, you will not feel too crowded in a super tiny room.
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Use a drink table
These cute small tables might be meant for the living room, but they would also fit perfectly in a super tiny bedroom as small bedside table alternatives. I love how this one has two flat surfaces at different heights. This would allow you to place more things on it like mobile phones or your favorite book, making the best out of your small space.
Place your essentials on a bar stool
Whether you re using a bar stool, a garden stool or a regular chair, this is another FREE idea that doesn’t take much floor space! I’m sure you have an extra chair lying around the house and even if you don’t, the most basic, simplest chair at IKEA is under 15$.
Use a traditional nightstand
If you do have a bit of extra room, use a traditional nightstand that has spacious drawers. You will not only have plenty of space for a glass of water, a book and a lamp, but inside you can also store a lot of things, like books, journals, pillowcases, skincare and whatever other personal items you might need.
Place everything you need in a bedside caddy
When sleeping in a bunk bed, unusual bedside table ideas are welcome! Using a bedside caddy to store your most important small items is another great option that will help you keep your necessary items within reach, without you having to climb down and grab them.
Use a magazine rack
Shop around and try to find pieces of furniture that are meant for other rooms. Using a magazine rack is a great way to have a simple bedside table. Since many of them are so pretty, this can also work as an accent table. And if you love reading before going to bed, a magazine rack is perfectly equipped to store all of your favorite books.
Use a storage headboard
This Ikea headboard is so affordable and it is another great option to create a little extra storage space. This would work particularly well in rooms that are too narrow for fitting a side table, but are long enough to fit a a wider headboard.
Make a pretty wall grid out of a ladder
If you love DIY projects, this one is a simple way to create more storage space near your bed. All you have to do is hang the ladder on the wall and then create decorations or add hanging baskets.
Add a bedside shelf
If you would like a bedside table idea that is very minimalistic, eco friendly and with a hassle free installation, this bedside shelfie might be the perfect solution for you. This works great for bunk beds and student dorms!
Add a narrow piece of furniture on the side of the bed
When it comes to small storage solutions, Ikea has some of the best and most affordable items. This simple shelf is super easy to put together and can fit even the most narrow of bedrooms.
Hang a DIY table
Another simple and easy to do DIY project is making a hanging table. All you need is a wood panel and some rope. This works great if you would like a rustic touch to your bedroom.
{RELATED POST: 23 Life Changing Small Bedroom Decorating Ideas On A Budget}
Use crates for storage
For less than 20$, this is a super simple, no assembly needed way to store your most used items right next to your bed. This crate can also easily be painted to match your decor or to add a pop of color to your bedroom.
Use a tiny floating nightstand
Using a simple, sleek shelf to store your essentials is another great way to optimize space and storage in a small bedroom. The hidden drawer is perfect for keeping small items out of sight.
Store things on a ladder
If you move around a lot, using multifunctional furniture for different things might just make your life easier. You can use this step stool as a bedside table, plant stand, shoe rack, sofa table and more!
Hang a basket
Hanging a basket is a super simple way to add more storage space around your bed without having to buy any actual furniture. You probably already have around your house everything you needs to do this, including the basket.
Use a painted branch
If you love to decorate your home with natural elements you can use a painted branch to hang a few extra things near your bed. Plants are a great idea, as they are so easy to hang.
Hang a cube shelf
Using cube shelves allows you have extra storage space that can easily be adapted to your needs. You can group as many cube shelves together as you want and use them to display your favorite decor or to store anything you need.
Stack vintage luggage
These lovely vintage cases are amazing if you want to add a unique touch to your bedroom and also store all of your most valuable items right next to your bed.
