Night Stand Alternatives

Packing Items

• Infrequently used items often create storage problems. Rather than looking for a place to store them, consider using them as nightstands. For example, hard-sided luggage, a trunk or hope chest can keep your out-of-season clothing packed away while serving double duty stacked beside the bed. Alternatively, drape a piece of fabric over a large, sturdy appliance or computer box and place it beside your bed. When it's time to move, you'll have the original box available for packing fragile items.

Business Furniture

• You have somehow managed to fit a home office in your small space, but you barely have room to turn around. Skip the nightstands and place your office furniture beside your bed instead. A small desk typically provides a large enough surface to hold a lamp and books, while a filing cabinet painted in colors to match your bedroom décor will give you a solid surface for whatever you need at night.

Seating

• Place a spare chair with a level, solid sitting surface beside your bed. Use it in place of a nightstand until you entertain and need extra seating. As a bonus, you won't have to find a place to store your extra chair. Drape your robe over the back of the chair for easy access on cold mornings. Another option is to place a wooden stool beside your bed. If the seat isn't large enough to hold books and a lamp, fasten a tray to the top using C-clamps. If you have room, a small bench will house nighttime items as well as provide a place to sit while putting on your shoes.

Random Pieces

• Look around your living space or in your parents' attic for random furniture pieces that aren't being used. You may find TV trays, gardening carts with shelves or end tables that can be used as nightstands. Other places to look are in hobby or work areas. A step stool offers a variety of levels to place nighttime necessities. A ladder can also be propped against the wall for clamp-on lamps and space to hang small items. If the steps are wide enough, you can even fashion a bookshelf on one or two rungs. Alternatively, turn some wooden crates upside down and paint them to match your bedroom. If you need a solid surface, place a serving tray on the crate.