No Room for a Nightstand? (20 Nightstand Alternatives for Small Spaces)

Incorporating a nightstand in small spaces is a tricky thing.

I mean sure, you could just abandon them altogether, but then you wouldn’t have a place to put your morning cup of coffee, books, and phone on those days when you need an alarm to wake up.

Including a nightstand in a small room IS possible. You just need to figure out alternatives that enhance—rather than cramp—your space. Here are several ideas to get you started.

The Hanging Nightstand

A hanging nightstand will save you floor space and give your bedroom a more airy, spacious feel.  

You can easily create a DIY option with a slim-cut piece of log, a sturdy rope, and a couple of hooks. Find several DIY project ideas at Ideas2live4.

If that sounds too much like hard work, you can always go with these boho-styled BAMFOX Hanging Wall Shelves from Amazon. The shelves offer loads of space for your bedroom items and décor. 

Add floating storage

Floating storage works brilliantly in a small room. It frees up floor space and looks modern and chic. 

Floating shelves

I adore this slim line-designed Floating Shelf with Drawer from Amazon. It comes in a grey and white wood option, and the drawer offers additional space for those bedroom necessities. 

Wall-mounted cube storage

Cube storage is relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Pop up as many as you want, and look for designs that complement your bedroom aesthetics. 

This Adowes Floating Nightstand 2 Pack Geometric Wood Bedside Shelf from Amazon is a modern take on the standard cube floating shelf option. 

Rolling carts

As the name suggests, a mobile rolling cart offers way more storage than a typical nightstand. 

Better still, you can roll it into your different apartment spaces. 

Rolling bar cart

Several rolling bar carts look elegant enough to be placed at your bedside. Gold or mirrored bar carts look particularly chic. 

This gorgeous designed Round Gold Rolling Bar Cart with 2 Mirror Shelves from Amazon quickly assembles and takes up minimal space. 

Slim storage cart

Look for narrow space-saving rolling carts. A two or three-tier cart usually works best next to a bed. Try choosing a cart just an inch or two higher than your mattress. 

The utility cart from Amazon is a great way to organize your bedroom gadgets. 

Add a set of antique suitcases

For the vintage mod bedroom look, you should stack a couple of suitcase boxes and use them as a nightstand replacement. 

Try looking for harder-cased trunk sets. If this is not possible, add a book on the top to provide a more stable surface for your night lamp and bedside belongings. 

Get creative and look for suitcases that will jazz up your room. These SLPR Cardboard Suitcase Boxes with Handle from Amazon come in three color variations and will positively add a charming touch to your space. 

Barstool 

A bar stool will take up minimal floor space if you need more bedroom space or if you just find that nightstands are way too expensive.

There are countless varieties of stools available, so opt for the one that appeals to you the most! 

If you can find a stool with a lower shelf, this will come in handy for storing your extra bedroom particulars. 

This GREENSTELL End Table with Charging Station from Amazon is a supped-up version of a barstool. It offers a built-in charging station for your kindle, phone, or iPad and is lightweight and drop-proof. Moreover, the top tray helps keep your bedroom necessities from falling.  

Beside shelf 

Bedside shelves are typically designed with loft and bunk beds in mind. Why not save space and mount it on your standard bed frame?

The BedShelfie Wood from Amazon has several available styles. Easy to install and perfect for those nighttime essentials. 

Rolling desk

This is not a standard nightstand option, but it works brilliantly if you work from home or need additional storage space. 

What’s great is that you can wheel it to other areas of your apartment if you need additional workspaces. The SogesPower 23.6 inches Mobile Laptop Desk from Amazon is compact yet durable and great for a creative work area or nightstand. 

Bookshelf as a nightstand

A small bookshelf works well as a nightstand alternative. It is usually easier on the pocket as well. 

If you are a notorious bookworm, you will also appreciate having your books at arm’s reach. 

The small-scale bookshelf 

The Rerii Small Bookshelf from Amazon is a good option for organizing your nightstand belongings. It offers a fair amount of space for your gadgets, books, and accessories. 

The funky bookshelf 

If you are looking for something a little more artsy or creative, look at this Rolanstar Tree Bookshelf with Drawer from Amazon. 

It will not only look fantastic alongside your bed, but it has both drawer space and shelving available.  

Bookcase headboard

Whether you already own or have chosen to purchase a bookcase, bookcases can work exceptionally well as nightstands. 

Take care in measuring the width of your bed – ideally, you want your bookcase to be a touch wider than your bed. 

There are numerous bookcases to choose from – industrial-styled, vintage to mod. If sizing is an issue, you can mount more than one bookcase, similar to the BATHWA Bookshelf from Amazon, together against the wall. 

Pegboard headboard 

Not the conventional option and not everyone’s cup of tea, but it can and does work brilliantly. 

Install wall-mounted pegboards to the back of your bed and hang shelves, baskets, or hooks to store your glasses, books, and other accessories. 

It may be wise to get a professional to install the pegboards for you, but if you are good with your hands, DIY options are available. 

What’s great is that pegboards take up little room space and allow you to maximize your minimal bedroom space. 

Add an accent chair

Add a funky, attention-grabbing chair to your bedroom. Use the chair to store a few bedroom items and allow it to add a touch of interest to your room. 

Remember to measure the chair’s height and ensure you can access your nighttime essentials from bed. 

This metallic grey Hillsdale O’Malley Vanity Stool from Amazon will do the trick.

Or, if you prefer a softer look, this OSP Home Furnishings Julia Accent Chair from Amazon has dazzling metal legs that are sure to catch your eye. 

Vanity or desk

If your bedroom is tiny, having a nightstand and vanity doesn’t make sense. Why not place the vanity nearby your bed and use it as a nightstand? 

Similarly, you can use your desk as a nightstand if you work from home. If a lampshade takes up too much counter space, install wall-mounted lights instead. 

A vanity or desk offers more storage than a traditional nightstand and will take up less of your bedroom space. 

Ottoman

Ottomans look chic alongside a bed and come in several colors and textures. Pop a book on top of your ottoman to rest your evening items, or use it for extra seating. 

This ingenious Ornavo Home Modern Round Velvet Storage Ottoman from Amazon has a crafty lid that can be flipped and used as a tray or nightstand surface. Perfect for storing glasses, books, or a water glass. 

Floor lamp with storage

Why not have a bedside light that also provides storage? 

This Simple Designs LF1014-WHT Etagere Organizer Storage Shelf Linen Shade Floor Lamp from Amazon is narrowly shaped, which means less minimal floor space and offers loads of storage. 

Plant stands with storage

Mixing greenery with practicality can work wonders for the aesthetics of a room. Look for small plant stands that can hold your nighttime accessories and a couple of attractive plants. 

I love this foldable, easy-to-assemble Plant Stand Gold from Amazon. The tray’s raised sides guarantee that your possessions won’t topple down, and its protective footpads protect your bedroom floor from scratches. 

Ladder storage shelf

A wall-mounted ladder-leaning shelf can do the trick if you want to save floor space and need more storage capacity. 

There are loads of ladder options; many come with drawers and shelving. Look for a ladder that is both narrow and eye-catching. 

This Tangkula Bamboo 5-Tier Ladder Shelf Bookshelf from Amazon would make a charming alternative to a bedroom nightstand.  

Basket

A basket similar to the Lavish Home End Storage nesting wire basket from Amazon works brilliantly as a nightstand. The hard top is perfect for resting bedside items, and the removable lid offers ample storage space for bigger things.  

You can also use traditional basket, but choose one with a lid if you want to minimize clutter. 

 A tree stump 

If you are a DIY whiz and have access to a tree stump, why not sand, varnish, and transform it into a nightstand? 

If that sounds too much like hard work, beautiful tree stump stools or small table stumps can work. This Ball & Cast Concrete Stool End Table from Amazon will give your bedroom a rustic yet naturally beautiful feel. 

Tree stump ottoman alternatives can also work if you need extra storage.

Wall grid panel

When you think of a wall grid panel, you think of office or kitchen memo boards. Fortunately, there are wall grid panels that are attractive. If you add a couple of beautiful baskets and hooks, it may even look striking!

Gold wall grid panels look particularly attractive in bedrooms. Take a look at this minimalist-designed BULYZER Grid Wire Board from Amazon. Say goodbye to bedroom clutter by stacking your supplies on this space-saving solution. 

Dog bed nightstand

Some fantastic, unique options are available if you are a pet lover but don’thave bedroom space for a nightstand and pet bed. 

How appealing is the THE REFINED CANINE Igloo Indoor Dog Bed from Amazon? Not only can you store your night-time essentials, but your furry friend can continue to sleep close by. 

Speaking of which, make sure to check out our ideas for storing a litter box in a small apartment.