Alternative Nightstand Ideas

Shelves

• Shelving near the bed provides you with a flat surface to hold your items. The various options in shelving allow you to find a size and style that fit the available space in your bedroom. To keep the floor space open, attach a small shelf directly to the wall. For more storage space, place a small bookshelf next to your bed. Use the shelf space for your book collection or stack other items on the shelves. If you want to hide some of the nightstand items, choose a short, wooden filing cabinet.

Chair

• An antique chair is an artistic alternative as your nightstand. Search antique stores or garage sales for simple wooden chairs. Look for a chair with distinct features, like crackling paint or a cutout on the back. Another option is to use a crackle paint kit to make a newer chair look like an antique. The kits make the paint finish crackle to give the impression of aged, crackling paint.

Barrel

• For a rustic look, place a barrel near your bedside to hold your alarm clock and other essentials. Look for a barrel with a small circumference so it doesn't take up too much space next to your bed. For extra storage, cut an opening on one side of the barrel and add a shelf inside.

Ladder

• An old ladder is another statement piece that makes a creative nightstand option. Look for a wooden ladder with wide, flat rungs so you have room to place your alarm clock and other items. Lean the ladder against the wall near your bed. For stability, attach the ladder to the wall using brackets.

Suitcases

• A stack of suitcases with flat sides gives you a surface suitable as a nightstand. Stack enough suitcases to reach a comfortable height for reaching the items. Varying the size, style and color of suitcases makes the nightstand more interesting.