The top of a nightstand fills up fast: a lamp, a phone, a book, glasses, lip balm, a water glass and a tangle of chargers. A nightstand with drawers keeps the top clear for the few things you actually reach for, and keeps everything else close but hidden and free of dust. This guide covers how many drawers you need, which features are worth paying for, and how solid wood, open shelves and charging stations compare.
Why Choose a Nightstand With Drawers?
- Essentials within easy reach. Medication, a sleep mask, earplugs and a flashlight stay where you can find them in the dark.
- A clear top. When most things are in a drawer, the top holds only the lamp and one or two items, which looks calmer.
- Dust-free storage. Closed drawers protect books, glasses and personal items.
- Privacy. A drawer is a discreet place for personal things that an open shelf can't hide.
Types of Bedside Tables With Drawers
1-drawer nightstands
Compact and usually on legs, so they look light. A good fit for small bedrooms and guest rooms, or for anyone who keeps only a phone and a book at the bedside.
2-drawer nightstands with an open shelf
The most balanced layout: two drawers for small things, plus an open shelf for a basket, a stack of books or a speaker. The Walnut 2-Drawer Nightstand with Open Shelf uses a walnut-toned ash veneer over solid pine and engineered wood. Styling tip for the shelf: one basket, or a short stack of books with one object on top, and nothing more.
3-drawer nightstands
A 3 drawer nightstand is the best choice for storage: the top drawer holds daily items, the middle one books and tech, and the bottom one extra blankets or things you use less often. The White Classic 3-Drawer Nightstand and the White Carved 3-Drawer Nightstand are both 23.6 in wide and rated for 44 lb on top, with French-inspired detailing.
Small chests used as nightstands
In a larger bedroom, a 3-drawer chest gives you a nightstand with almost dresser-sized storage. The Orbis 3-Drawer Curved Dresser (31.5 in W × 19.6 in D) is rated for 88 lb on its top board, enough for a large lamp, books and a tray.
Drawer Features Worth Paying For
- Metal drawer slides. They run more smoothly and last longer than wood-on-wood runners, especially when a drawer is full.
- Soft-close. No slamming at night. The Elwood Reeded 3-Drawer has soft-close drawers.
- Useful interior height. At least 4–5 in so a book stands upright or a charger fits easily.
- Hardware you can find by touch. Knobs and pulls are easier to grab in the dark than push-to-open fronts.
- Top weight rating. Check it if you use a heavy ceramic lamp.
Nightstands With a Charging Station
How do they work?
A nightstand with a charging station has a built-in power strip, usually on the top or back edge, wired to a single cord that plugs into the wall. The Elwood has two AC outlets, one USB port and one Type-C port, so a lamp, a phone and a watch can all plug in at the bedside.
Are they safe?
Built-in charging stations are safe when used like any other power strip. Don't overload them with heaters or other high-wattage appliances. Keep the cord unpinched behind the bed, and don't charge devices under pillows or blankets. If your nightstand doesn't have power, you can add a clip-on power strip or charging tray, or keep a slim charging block in a ventilated drawer with a cord opening. Our bedside charging station guide covers cord management.
Materials: Is Solid Wood Worth It?
Few furniture makers sell 100% solid wood nightstands at mid-range prices any more, and most now combine materials:
- Solid hardwood (oak, walnut, ash): very durable and can be refinished, but heavy and expensive.
- Solid pine or rubberwood frames: lighter and more affordable, and strong where it matters, in legs and frames.
- Engineered wood with veneer or paint: stable, smooth and less likely to warp with humidity changes.
Many good nightstands, including our classic and carved 3-drawer models, use a solid pine frame with engineered wood panels. That keeps the price reasonable and makes the panels resistant to warping. If you want a natural grain, look for real wood veneer over a painted or printed finish.
Sizing and Proportions
A nightstand with drawers should sit within about 2 in of your mattress top and be roughly a quarter to a third of the bed's width. Full numbers are in our nightstand size guide and nightstand height guide.
Comparison: Drawers vs. Open Bedside Tables
| Nightstand with drawers | Open bedside table | |
|---|---|---|
| Hidden storage | Yes | No |
| Dust protection | Yes | No |
| Visual weight | Heavier, more grounded | Light, airy |
| Best for | Main bedrooms, people who keep a lot at the bedside | Small rooms, minimal setups |
Care Tips
Use coasters under water glasses. Dust with a soft, slightly damp cloth and then dry it. Avoid harsh cleaners on painted or veneered surfaces. Keep heavy items in the bottom drawer so the nightstand stays stable.
Nightstand With Drawers FAQ
What is the best nightstand for storage?
A 3-drawer nightstand or a small 3-drawer chest. Both hold far more than a 1-drawer table with an open shelf.
What type of wood is best for a nightstand?
Oak and walnut last the longest. A solid pine frame with engineered wood panels is a good value option, and less likely to warp.
Can I turn my nightstand into a charging station?
Yes. Add a clip-on power strip with USB ports, or a charging tray inside the top drawer with the cord run through a hole at the back.
Shop the full nightstand collection to compare drawer layouts.