Not every bedroom has room for two nightstands. A bed pushed against a wall, a window on one side, or a door that swings too close to the bed often leaves space for only one. A bedroom with one nightstand can look just as finished as a symmetrical setup if you plan it deliberately. This guide covers when one nightstand is the right call, where to place it, how to balance the empty side, and how to mix and match when you do have two.
Is It Okay to Have Only One Nightstand?
Yes. Designers often use a single nightstand in small bedrooms, guest rooms and kids' rooms, and anywhere a bed sits in a corner. One nightstand works well when:
- The bed is against a wall on one side.
- A window, radiator or closet door leaves less than about 20 in on one side.
- Only one person sleeps in the bed.
- You'd rather use the floor space for a chair, a plant or a clear walkway.
For couples, two nightstands are still the most practical setup. If space is tight, one shared nightstand plus a wall shelf on the other side works too.
Where to Put One Nightstand
- On the side nearest an outlet, so the lamp and phone charger plug in without a cord running across the floor.
- On the side you get in and out of bed, usually the side away from the wall.
- About 2–4 in from the mattress and tight to the wall. Leave at least 24 in of walkway beside it.
Feng Shui traditionally favors a matching pair for balance in a shared bedroom. If you only have room for one, use a lamp, art or a plant on the other side so the bed wall still feels balanced.
Balancing the Empty Side
A single nightstand works when the other side doesn't look forgotten. Choose one of these:
- A wall sconce or pendant on the empty side, matching the lamp's height.
- Art hung off-center to shift the visual weight toward the empty side.
- A tall plant or floor lamp that reaches about the same height as the lamp on the nightstand.
- A floating shelf for just a phone and a glass of water.
- Negative space: in a minimal room, leaving the side empty can be the cleanest look.
Choosing the Right Single Nightstand
With only one nightstand, it has to hold everything, so storage matters more. A 3-drawer model holds what two smaller nightstands would. The Elwood Reeded 3-Drawer adds soft-close drawers and a built-in power station (two outlets, USB and Type-C), so one nightstand can charge everyone's devices. Keep the height within about 2 in of your mattress top. Our nightstand height guide explains how to measure.
Can You Use a 3-Drawer Dresser as a Nightstand?
Yes, and it's a good fit for a bedroom with one nightstand. A small dresser gives you a wide surface and a lot of storage. Check two things: the height should be close to the mattress top, usually 26–32 in, and the depth shouldn't block the walkway. The Curva 3-Drawer Nightstand (31.5 in H × 32.8 in W) and the Orbis 3-Drawer Curved Dresser (31.5 in H × 31.5 in W) suit taller beds and larger rooms.
Styling Formulas for One Nightstand
- Group of three: a lamp, a short stack of books and one small object, such as a bud vase, a candle or a clock.
- Group of two: a lamp and a tray that holds a phone, glasses and lip balm.
- No lamp: with a wall sconce overhead, keep the top to a book, a plant and a water glass.
Vary the heights: tall (lamp), medium (books) and low (tray or small dish). Odd numbers usually look more natural than pairs, and leaving about a third of the top clear keeps it practical.
Mismatched Nightstands: Do Nightstands Need to Match?
No. Mismatched nightstands are a long-standing designer favorite. A few rules keep them looking intentional:
- Keep the heights within about 1–2 in of each other and of the mattress.
- Repeat one element: the same color, wood tone, hardware finish or lamp.
- Vary one element on purpose: shape (round vs. square) or legs (on legs vs. solid to the floor).
- Balance the visual weight. If one side is a chunky chest, give the other side a large lamp or art.
For example, pair the White Classic 3-Drawer Nightstand with the White Carved 3-Drawer Nightstand. They are the same size and color with different drawer fronts, so the room feels collected over time rather than bought as a set.
Common Mistakes
- A nightstand that is too small to hold everything on its own.
- Lighting on one side only, which leaves the other side of the bed dark.
- Pushing the bed into the corner and forgetting how you'll make the bed on that side.
- Mismatched heights that make the bed wall look uneven.
One Nightstand FAQ
Is it better to have one nightstand or two?
Two if two people share the bed and there's space. One if the room is small, the bed is against a wall, or only one person sleeps there.
What can I use in place of a nightstand?
A floating shelf, a stool, a small bookcase, a chair, a ledge on the headboard, or a C-shaped table that slides over the mattress edge.
What do you put on top of a nightstand?
A lamp, something to drink from, your phone and one personal item. Everything else goes in a drawer.
Find your one perfect piece in our nightstand collection, or see the nightstand size guide before you measure.