You can transform basic or dated bedside tables into custom-looking furniture with paint, new hardware, added details, or creative finishes. The ones that look expensive use quality materials and proper technique – no streaky paint or obviously cheap hardware – so the finished piece reads as intentional rather than a budget craft project.
1. Crate Bedside Table
A charming and inexpensive nightstand design – like one made from crates – is a great way to add personal flair and ingenuity to your space. This style, with two stacked crates, is easy to pull off as a DIY project.
Just find two wooden crates the right size, apply a stain, secure them together, and cap the top with a simple wooden slab. Or use a single crate and repaint it to match your room.
2. Mid Century Modern Bedside Table
Timeless styles never go out of fashion – they always improve your decor, no matter the design. A well-executed mid century modern bedside table could be just the striking piece your bedroom needs.
These designs are loved for how adaptable they are. They work with lots of different design schemes and pair easily with countless color palettes.
3. Floating Bedside Table
If you want a minimalist and chic inexpensive nightstand, wall-mounted tables are a smart choice. They make cleaning underneath a breeze and add a cool, contemporary look.
Like the crate nightstand, you can build a floating bedside table yourself. This simple design only needs wood, nails, or adhesive.
4. Modern Bedside Table
Contemporary styles have taken over the design world lately, and for good reason. So why not try a modern nightstand design?
With clean lines and smart functionality, this budget-friendly bedside table improves the room’s look while keeping your stuff easy to reach. Look for designs with drawers to get the most out of them.
5. Farmhouse Bedside
More and more interior design fans are realizing that classic pieces are worth hanging onto. You might be surprised what you find at local estate sales, flea markets, or secondhand furniture shops.
This farmhouse-inspired cheap nightstand adds something unique to your bedroom. You might need to do a little restoration work on your scored furniture.
But if you’re adventurous, you can leave the original look as-is for a sense of history.
6. Simple Bedside Table
Choosing uncomplicated and affordable nightstands is a great way to create a minimalistic vibe. These designs might look straightforward, but they can make a strong statement.
Try matching the bedside table’s color to your bedroom walls for an even cleaner look. You can pick from finishes like faux marble, metal, or wood.
7. Slim Bedside Table
Metal finishes bring a sense of sophistication and elegance to a room. Compared to other materials, metal is very durable.
Metallic nightstands often last for a very long time.
Beyond their industrial look, metal tables take up very little space – perfect for smaller homes where room is tight. Add flowers or potted plants to boost the visual appeal.
8. Add a Colorful Cover
Draping your bedside table with fabric is a simple but thoughtful way to change it up. Well-coordinated, vibrant fabrics are a favorite for this kind of project.
This approach works well in traditional settings, but it can also complement modern and contemporary rooms. The big advantage of covers is their flexibility – you can swap them out to match your bedding’s color or style.
9. Go For a Sleek Design
A sleek look doesn’t have to mean industrial materials – even natural things like timber can make an elegant and affordable nightstand.
All you need is a polished sheen on all your surfaces, which is easy to get with varnish or epoxy. Get creative with the design – a two-tone finish adds appealing versatility.
10. Stool bedside table
You don’t always need to buy new furniture when updating your room. Sometimes you just need to repurpose something you already have that’s unused or underused.
For example, you can turn stools or chairs into chic nightstands.
Again, think about your bedroom’s overall theme before deciding how to use the repurposed piece. The last thing you want is furniture that feels out of place.
11. Open Shelf Bedside Table
In small spaces, every extra inch counts. An open shelf nightstand lets you store everything from your phone to your alarm clock neatly.
If you like reading at night, this design works perfectly as a book shelf. Current reads go on top, and the lower compartment holds other essentials.
12. Cane Webbing bedside table
Few things are as nice as a uniquely crafted piece of furniture. It always starts conversations – people notice the details or the quality of the work.
A cane webbing nightstand delivers exactly that appeal.
It might not be the main talking point in a bedroom, but it definitely adds stylish atmosphere. Pair it with organic elements like a wooden bed or a natural fiber rug for a harmonious look.
13. Weathered Bedside Table
Furniture with a worn look gives any space character and warmth. These pieces can be hard to find, but you can transform a regular wooden nightstand with light sanding and some artistic chipping.
Consider swapping the hardware or adding fancy new accents to bring your distressed, budget-friendly nightstand to life. Metallic elements always fit with these styles.
14. Tray Bedside Table
A tray isn’t just for the kitchen – with a little imagination, it can become the newest addition to your bedroom. Its shape makes it perfect for holding a decorative vase or your morning coffee cup.
To turn your old tray into a nightstand, repaint it and attach it to a small wooden table. Light, neutral shades are often recommended when combining metal and wood – they help the furniture feel calm.
15. Tiered Bench Bedside Table
There’s no wrong design when it comes to decorating your bedside table. Even unconventional items – like this multi-level wooden step ladder nightstand – can be a great addition.
Its simplicity makes it a dream for DIY fans. And the best part? It takes very little time.
You can make one in under two hours, including the painting!
16. Glass Top Bedside Table
Glass-topped furniture is easy to clean. Some people worry about durability, but this nightstand style can last as long as any other when built with the right materials.
Always use tempered glass when making glass furniture – it lasts longer.
17. Desk Bedside Table
If you value a practical nightstand, this idea is brilliant. Instead of a conventional bedside table, why not try a desk nightstand?
This versatile piece can work as a study nook or a makeup area.
With the right storage, the bedside table zone becomes a compact library – just tidy away your books after use to keep things organized.
18. A Pouf Bedside table
Poufs are usually for living rooms, but they work as nightstands too. This type is often recommended for open, spacious bedrooms because it adds a bohemian touch.
It also works well with coastal-inspired decor. To get the most impact, place it in areas with lots of natural materials.
19. Armoire Bedside Table
A nightstand doesn’t have to look traditional. Many designers put function ahead of convention.
So don’t limit yourself.
Armoires make excellent nightstands, especially in small spaces. Their unique shape creates the illusion of taking up less room, making your bedroom feel bigger.
20. Wire Laundry Basket Bedside Table
We’ve covered several repurposing ideas that need minor changes, but sometimes you can reuse an item without any modifications at all.
If you have something that fits the right size for a bedside table, no changes needed – just move it into place, and you’ve got a nightstand, like this wire laundry basket design. If it looks a bit rustic, freshen it up with paint.
