Nightstand Essentials: What to Have and How to Declutter – Amerisleep

Do you ever find yourself reaching for your phone or flashlight in the middle of the night, but bumping into nightstand clutter. Or are you fumbling for your glasses in the morning? If so, it’s time to rethink your nightstand essentials.

Having the right items within reach not only ensures convenience but can also contribute to a restful night’s sleep. But how do you determine what to keep and what to declutter?

Save $450 On Any Mattress

Plus free shipping

Get $450 OFF Mattresses

In this article, we will explore the must-have items for your nightstand and provide tips on decluttering to create a serene space for a restful night’s sleep.

Creating a Functional Nightstand: Must-Have Essentials

When it comes to curating your nightstand essentials, it’s crucial to choose items that not only have a purpose but also enhance your bedtime routine.

By having these must-have essentials within arm’s reach, you can create a functional and convenient nightstand setup.

Lip Balm

Don’t forget to keep a nourishing lip balm on your nightstand for overnight moisturization. The dry air can take a toll on your lips, and applying lip balm before bed ensures you wake up with soft and hydrated lips.

File

A small nail file is another essential item to have nearby. Use it to keep your nails tidy and prevent any snags or breaks while you sleep. With a file readily available, you can easily address any nail imperfections before they become bothersome.

Phone and Glasses

Place your phone and glasses on your nightstand for easy access. This way, you can conveniently check messages or use your phone’s alarm clock function without fumbling in the dark. Just make sure you have the self-restraint to stop using your phone before bed.

Keeping your glasses nearby ensures you can easily put them on when you wake up.

Water Bottle or Glass

Staying hydrated throughout the night is essential for your well-being. Keep a water bottle or glass on your nightstand to encourage hydration while you sleep. Sip on water whenever you wake up or feel thirsty, ensuring you start your day refreshed and replenished and stay hydrated for good sleep.

Just because you don’t drink water before bed so much that you’re running to the bathroom throughout the night!

Coaster

A coaster is another practical and thoughtful addition to your nightstand essentials, especially if you enjoy keeping a drink nearby while you sleep or unwind in bed. It can save a mug of tea for sleep from leaving an unsightly ring on your furniture.

When selecting a coaster for your nightstand, consider the size of your typical drinking glasses or bottles to ensure a proper fit. You may also want to choose a coaster with a non-slip base to keep it securely in place on your nightstand surface.

Good Book

Engaging in some pre-sleep reading can help you unwind and relax. Keep a good book on your nightstand to enjoy a few pages before bedtime. If you have a nightstand with a small shelf, it might even be a good place to keep a few favorites and solve the problem of storing books in the bedroom.

Others may prefer a bookcase bed frame, however. Either way, by immersing yourself in a captivating story, you can prepare your mind for a peaceful transition into slumber.

Journal and Pen

Keeping a journal and pen nearby can be useful for jotting down any thoughts, ideas, or dreams that come to mind before falling asleep or upon waking up. Some may find journaling before bed excises worries that might distract them from sleep.

Earplugs

For those who are light sleepers or live in noisy environments, a pair of earplugs can help block out disruptive sounds and promote a more restful sleep.

Hand Lotion

Keeping a small bottle of hand lotion on your nightstand can be convenient for moisturizing your hands and cuticles as part of a nighttime skin routine, especially if you have dry skin.

Tissue Box

Having tissues readily available can be convenient for anyone who regularly deals with allergies or is recovering from a cold.

Many people also include facial cleansing or moisturizing as part of their bedtime routine. Having tissues nearby can be useful for removing cosmetics to prevent makeup stains on bedding, applying toners or serums, or gently patting your face dry.

Small Dish or Tray

A small dish or tray can serve as a catch-all for loose items like jewelry, hair ties, or pocket change, helping to keep your nightstand surface organized.

Sleep Mask

If you are sensitive to light or prefer complete darkness while sleeping, a sleep mask can be a valuable addition to your nightstand essentials.

Candles

When considering whether to keep candles for sleep on your nightstand, it’s important to prioritize safety. Candles can create a cozy and relaxing ambiance, but they also pose a fire hazard if left unattended or knocked over while you sleep.

If you do choose to incorporate candles and their scents into your nightstand decor, ensure that they are placed in sturdy, non-flammable holders and extinguished before you go to bed.

As an alternative, you might consider using battery-operated or electric candles that provide a similar ambiance without the fire risk. These can be a safer option for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in your bedroom.

Remember, the key is to choose items that contribute to your personal comfort, convenience, and bedtime routine while keeping your nightstand clutter-free and organized.

Decluttering Tips: Clearing the Nightstand Surface

To maintain a calm and organized space, it’s essential to declutter regularly. Removing objects that do not serve a purpose on your nightstand, such as old tissues or unnecessary knick-knacks, is key to clearing the surface.

Take a few moments to evaluate the objects on your nightstand and determine which ones truly belong. Consider tidying up any loose items by finding designated spaces for them elsewhere in your room, or perhaps removing them altogether.

Remember, the nightstand should be reserved for items that are essential to your bedtime routine. This might include a lamp, a small dish for jewelry, a clock, or a favorite book. Keeping the surface clear allows these necessary items to shine and reduces visual distractions that can disrupt your relaxation and sleep.

Regularly decluttering your nightstand will not only create a more organized space but also provide a sense of clarity and serenity as you prepare for sleep. Embrace the opportunity to create a clutter-free sanctuary, and enjoy the peace and calm that comes with a clear nightstand surface.

FAQs

How do you make a nightstand look nice?

To make a nightstand look nice, start by choosing a visually appealing piece that complements your bedroom’s style and color scheme. Keep the surface clutter-free by selecting a few key decorative items, such as a small lamp, a framed photo, or a vase with fresh flowers.

Organize the items on your nightstand in a balanced and symmetrical arrangement, ensuring that the heights of the objects vary to create visual interest.

What are you supposed to keep in a nightstand?

A nightstand is meant to hold essential items that you may need before going to bed or upon waking up. Some common items to keep in your nightstand include a book or e-reader for bedtime reading, a journal and pen for jotting down thoughts or dreams, a small bottle of water, and a phone charger.

You may also want to store personal care items like hand lotion, lip balm, or a sleep mask in your nightstand drawer for easy access.

How do you declutter a nightstand?

To declutter a nightstand, begin by removing all items from the surface and drawers. Sort through each item, keeping only the essentials that you use regularly and that contribute to a peaceful bedtime routine.

Donate, recycle, or dispose of any unnecessary items, such as old magazines, broken electronics, or expired products. Use drawer organizers or small boxes to keep the remaining items neatly arranged and easily accessible.

What is the difference between a bedside table and nightstand?

A bedside table and a nightstand are often used interchangeably to describe a small table placed next to a bed. However, some people distinguish between the two based on their design and functionality. A nightstand typically has one or two drawers for storage and may be taller than a bedside table.

On the other hand, a bedside table may have an open shelf instead of drawers and can be smaller in size. Ultimately, both serve the same purpose of providing a convenient surface near the bed.

Should your nightstand touch your bed?

It is not necessary for your nightstand to touch your bed, but it should be close enough to reach easily while lying down. A general rule of thumb is to leave about 2-3 inches of space between the bed and the nightstand.

This allows for some clearance when making the bed or moving around the room, while still keeping your essentials within arm’s reach.

Is it OK to have one nightstand?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to have just one nightstand in your bedroom. In fact, having a single nightstand can be a great solution for smaller bedrooms or for those who prefer a minimalist aesthetic.

If you have a partner, you can choose a larger nightstand that accommodates both people’s needs, or opt for a small table or shelf on the other side of the bed for balance.

How do I organize my bedroom with too much stuff?

To organize a bedroom with too much stuff, start by decluttering ruthlessly. Go through your belongings and separate them into categories: keep, donate, sell, or discard. Be honest with yourself about what you truly need and use regularly.

Once you have pared down your possessions, invest in smart storage solutions like under-bed containers, closet organizers, and multi-functional furniture pieces. Use vertical space by installing shelves or hanging organizers to keep items off the floor.

Finally, make a habit of putting things back in their designated places after use to maintain a tidy and organized bedroom.

What should you have in a nightstand for guests?

When preparing a nightstand for guests, it’s important to consider their comfort and potential needs during their stay. Essential items to include in a guest nightstand are a small table lamp or reading light, allowing your guests to read or relax before bedtime, and an alarm clock.

You may want to provide a small notepad and pen for jotting down any thoughts or reminders, as well as a bottle of water and a glass for convenient hydration throughout the night.

Other thoughtful additions could include a spare phone charger, a few magazines or a book for light reading, and perhaps a small snack like individually wrapped mints or chocolates to make your guests feel extra welcome and cared for during their visit.

Conclusion

Curating your nightstand essentials and decluttering are vital steps towards creating a serene and restful sleep environment. By having the right items within reach and keeping your nightstand surface clear, you can enhance your bedtime routine and improve the quality of your sleep.

A clutter-free nightstand promotes a sense of calm and relaxation, allowing you to unwind and prepare for a restful night’s sleep. So, declutter your nightstand, choose your must-have essentials, and create a tranquil haven for a rejuvenating sleep experience.

Embrace the power of a well-curated nightstand and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to conquer the day ahead. Sweet dreams!