Small details make a big difference, which is why it's important to figure out how to style a small bedroom nightstand. 

Designers offer a few tips and tricks to make your bedside station not only adorable, but functional. (Where else is your nightly skincare supposed to go?) It might seem like an insignificant piece in your room compared to all of the other spots, be we assure you, it's great for storage and for making a decorative statement. 

As you hash out small bedroom ideas and peruse the selection of the best nightstands, make sure to keep these tips in the back of your mind.

How to style a small bedroom nightstand: seven tips

Mirror or no mirror? Storage shelf or storage bin? There's a lot to decide for a small piece of furniture, ironically. Here's where to start the thought process:

1. Consider your needs

When styling a small bedroom, you need to play with proportions and ensure you're using furniture that's not only stylish, but practical. Think about how you want your nightstand to function and what you're planning to put on top of it. Regardless of how you want to tackle the staple, there are a few storage options at your disposal according to interior designer Laura Price, founder of The Home Organisation. 

"If you have a few drawers below, they’re perfect for hiding away small items, just use a few drawer inserts to keep categories separated within them," she says. "If you have open shelves or no shelves at all, invest in beautiful storage that matches the design of your bedroom."

2. Select the essentials — and a lamp

One of the biggest small bedroom design mistakes is overcrowding. To keep the space feeling light and airy, it's essential to only display what you absolutely need —  anything else can find a home elsewhere. 

"Your nightstand needs to have your sleeping essentials close at hand during the night, but also look chic and organized during the day," says interior designer Nicole Cullum, founder of Color Caravan. "An easy trick to achieve both goals is to have a pretty accent lamp either centered or tucked neatly towards the outer back corner."

From there, attempt to style things in threes (or odd numbers), as it "helps create a cohesive look amongst different objects," per Cullum. This can include creams, tissue boxes, books, picture frames — whatever you need by your side.

3. Make a statement on the wall

Speaking of overdoing it, don't feel the pressure to make a decorative statement on the nightstand itself. Utilize the area around it. 

"Consider wall-mounted or pendant lights to save space on the nightstand itself," says interior designer Soledad Alzaga. 

Luckily, if light fixtures aren't a possibility, there's plenty of creative (yet inexpensive) wall art to liven things up.  

4. Show off your interests

Love a good sci-fi read? Catching up with the latest entertainment mags? Doing some old-school gaming? Whatever the case might be, a nightstand is a good place to store and show off whatever sends your heart aflutter. 

"At IKEA, we believe in celebrating life through storage. Giving yourself the opportunity to display what makes you, you, is always a great way to make a space livelier," says Erik Smith, interior design leader at IKEA U.S. 

Smith pleads guilty to using a tablet before bed and finds IKEA's BRIMNES nightstand to be a good storage selection for literary lovers. 

"I’m able to tuck my tablet into the drawer and still get to show off some magazines for pops of color on the shelf above," he adds. 

5. Keep cords out of sight

When decluttering a small bedroom, you might come to realize that your nightstand acts as a charging dock for your tech gadgets, which is totally fine. But if you want to streamline the craziness (and avoid any tangles), consider hiding the cords. 

"If you have a drawer in your nightstand, consider drilling a small hole in the back to run charge cords for your iPad and phone to keep them out of sight," Cullum says.

6. Consider an alternative

When it comes time to pick and choose furniture, you might have to consider nightstand alternatives in order to get the most usage out of your space. But don't sweat it — there are plenty of alternatives you'll love.

"Instead of a smaller nightstand, consider using a wooden desk or oversized chest of drawers for visual impact and adequate storage," says Ursula Carmona, HomeGoods style expert and the host of Table Wars: The Look For Less on HGTV GO.

Even better? Interior designers are spilling on how to fit a desk in a small space, so your bedroom/office hybrid will not only look good but keep things running smoothy. 

7. Add a mirror

A classic way to brighten a small bedroom, especially when natural light is limited, is to add a mirror or two — and a nightstand is a prime location.

"An oversized mirror like this set atop your nightstand is an easy way to add style, reflect a beautiful room back in on itself, and is incredibly handy for getting ready for the day," Carmona says. "Plus, a dry erase marker and sticky notes can turn that mirror into a high-style reminder board."

Sounds like these mirrors are working overtime if you ask us.

FAQs

Looking for more ways to make your sleeping quarters chic and cozy? Experts reveal how to give your bedroom a refresh — for free! If you're really working on a big overhaul, there are quite a few small bedroom trends that designers love right now.

While there's no correlation between small bathroom design mistakes and nightmares, don't be surprised if that over-crowded vanity or excessively dark paint color keeps you up at night. 

Space might be limited, but there's ample opportunity to make stylistic faux pas in an itty, bitty W.C. Fortunately, designers and interior experts are on hand to lead you in the right direction. 

As you work on transforming your abode and brainstorming small bathroom ideas, pay attention to the red flags that are sure to send experts (and dwellers) into a tizzy. After all, you want a good night's sleep, don't you?

8 small bathroom design mistakes, according to the pros

While we encourage you to follow your heart's desire, there are a few problematic situations that could make a small bathroom feel smaller. Here's what the pros insist you shouldn't do.

1. Using the wrong colors or materials

Look, we go gaga for burgundy whenever there's a slight chill in the air, and our wardrobe is essentially a giant charcoal-colored blob of fabric. However, that doesn't mean your bathroom should have floor-to-ceiling deep hues. 

"Opting for darker materials can inject a playful touch into a small bathroom, however, it's imperative to exercise caution," says designer Erica Davis of Eralyn Interiors. "Selecting non-reflective materials may inadvertently create an illusion of reduced space."

If you paint an entire small bathroom a dark color, there is a good chance you'll feel cramped, so introduce those moodier shades minimally but stylishly, like through your small bathroom must-have accessories or with a statement wall. It's all about brightening up that small bathroom, folks!

2. Using an ill-fitting door

Obviously privacy is of the utmost importance in the W.C., so you can't have a door that doesn't stay shut or knocks into the vanity every time you open it. 

"You want to make sure there is room for a door to shut properly for privacy," says designer Chantelle Hartman Malarkey. "If it is such a small space a swing door doesn't work, consider a sliding door like a barn door."

3. Storing goods improperly

There are plenty of ways to declutter a small bathroom, so don't just opt to put everything in one spot. Think of storage opportunities as another way to accentuate the space and keep your goods in check. 

"Expand your storage beyond the vanity by exploring alternative solutions, like incorporating a stylish basket near the shower area," Davis says. 

4. Overdecorating

We love our tchotchkes just as much as the next person, but you'll notice in a small bathroom that "more" doesn't always mean "better." In fact, additional items can cause clutter and lead to confusion, especially when toiletries start piling up and empty shampoo bottles don't end up in the recycling bin.

"Declutter and aim for a minimalist look," recommends designer Artem Kropovinsky. "Keep decorations minimal."

Our social media editor kept the color scheme simple and the lines sleek in her first apartment makeover and this wasn't one of the things she regretted.

5. Overcrowding the floorspace

Sometimes extra add-ons are necessary when you run out of space, but be careful not to make walking a challenge—a non-negotiable rule for a small bathroom. 

"Avoid adding furniture like dry sinks, cabinets, or other storage with a large footprint that will overcrowd the space," says home improvement specialist Joshua Bartlett. 

6. Underutilizing vertical space

Speaking of floorspace, we'd be remiss not to talk about the walls. They're arguably the most overlooked area for storage and design alike in a small bathroom. Opting for a floating cabinet is an opportunity to minimize traction on the floor, provide a place for essentials, and allow you a place to show off your style. (Snake plant, anyone?) 

7. Settling for bad lighting

You can't be expected to style your hair in a dark room, nor can you get ready for work on the daily when lighting is overly harsh. It's important to keep the zen vibes flowing, even if that means bringing in an extra mirror or switching to LED lightbulbs. 

"Lighting also helps the room appear brighter and lighter which in turn makes it feel bigger," Hartman Malarkey notes. "Natural lighting is also great for applying makeup and achieving a natural look."

8. Ignoring it

Perhaps the biggest small bathroom design mistake of them all would be ignoring the room entirely, thinking it doesn't have equal style importance compared to the rest of your abode. We'll be the first to disagree. 

"Do not treat the bathroom as if it were not a room in the house by excluding it from the design just because it is small," says Marzia Dainelli, CEO and interior designer at Dainelli Studio. "Propose and study solutions that make it as livable and part of the design as the other rooms."

FAQs

So you've nailed the designing part. Now what? Follow expert-backed small bathroom feng shui tips (and steer clear of small bathroom feng shui mistakes) to keep the chi flowing smoothly.

You don't need to pull a magic trick; there are plenty of tips for making more space in a small bathroom, according to designers. Feel free to put the wand down now. 

While navigating tight quarters — and a wet, damp one at that — seems unfathomable, the pros have worked hocus pocus of their own with storage hacks and design solutions to create a more breathable W.C. If anything is worthy of an "abracadabra," these words of wisdom are it. 

While figuring out how to put all those small bathroom ideas into motion, ensure you're following designers' rules to make things feel a li'l larger.

8 tips for making more space in a small bathroom

1. Utilize vertical space

Don't let wall space go underutilized — it's a great locale to create a certain aesthetic and give your necessities a much-needed home. Your hair clips and lip balms need to live somewhere. 

"Floating shelves on the walls that are sturdy and substantial are a great hack," says designer Chantelle Hartman Malarkey. "They can be functional, as you can actually store bathroom items here, but they are also decorative because they all texture and are a focal point on the walls."

Should you have a lot of moisturizers and hair treatments (guilty), perhaps you can take the small bathroom storage up a notch with a floating cabinet instead of just a shelf.

2. Don't overdo the storage

You might have to show your toiletries a little tough love, and that's totally OK — we give you permission. You don't want an already small bathroom to feel even smaller with an excess of items. 

"Remove anything that is not a necessity," Hartman Malarkey adds. "If you don't use it every day (or weekly) while getting ready, chances are that item can live in another room and make more room in the bathroom."

Overdoing it takes the gold medal for small bathroom storage mistakes, without a doubt. It's definitely time to curate, friends. 

3. Use hooks

Sometimes, the simplest methods are the most efficient, like utilizing hooks when you want to make room. And it just so happens that there are plenty of eye-catching selections that work double duty as storage and style accessories. 

"Explore the practicality of using hooks in place of a towel bar, as this often allows for more towels to be accommodated," says designer Erica Davis, co-founder of Eralyn Interiors.

4. Keep vanity storage neat

Chances are you're going to have quite a few toiletries to keep track of. Just because they're tucked away under the vanity, out of sight, doesn't mean that they should be disheveled.   

"Incorporate tiered storage solutions or a lazy Susan under sinks to accommodate taller items," Davis suggests.

After all, thoughtful storage is one of the important aspects of small bathroom feng shui, and you want that energy to flow well, don't you? 

5. Be thoughtful about the layout

Small bathroom mirror ideas not only add a cute aesthetic to the space, but they can trick you into believing that your room is larger than it actually is. (Remember when we were talking about magic?) So strategic placing is crucial here. 

"Consider placing the vanity under the window and hanging or floating a mirror to allow natural light to still flood into the space," Davis notes. "This is a great solution when wall space in limited."

6. Don't overdecorate

Though our inclination is to always add cute trinkets to our space, the bathroom is one place in your abode where less is more. You can't be knocking over decor items while plugging in hair dryers and straighteners in the morning. 

"Keep it clean," says interior expert Artem Kropovinsky. "Declutter and aim for a minimalist look. Keep decorations minimal."

7. Invest in dual-purpose pieces

When floor space leaves a lot to be desired, quite literally, you have to carefully select what you bring into the space. 

"Pick dual-purpose items," Kropovinsky suggests. "Think of a mirror that's also a cabinet."

Likewise, home improvement specialist Joshua Bartlett is all about thinking outside the box. 

"Choose wall-mounted fixtures like toilets or farmhouse-style sinks to minimize the footprint," he says. "A corner sink is a good option if you don't like wall-mounted options."

8. Accessorize accordingly

There's a reason why certain shades have been crowned the worst colors for a small bathroom and why certain items are a no-go. 

"For accessories, consider a large mirror, light wall paint colors, and bright, natural lighting to make the space feel bigger and brighter," Bartlett adds. 

Whenever you opt for a moody hue or a small mirror, you run the risk of feeling more confined than you originally had before. 

FAQs

Looking to go glam? Designers know exactly how to make a small bathroom look luxe, even when you're not working with much. 

If you’re a sea lover like me, coastal Christmas decor may be the way to go this year. You might not think that sandy vibes and snow vibes go together — but trust me, they’re as great a pairing as.

I’m spending my Christmas this year by the coast, which I’m super excited about. That mixture of brisk sea air, matched with cozy fireplaces and hot cocoa, is going to be so gorgeous. Do you know what’ll make it even more fabulous? Pretty decorations. As the interiors writer of the family, I know I’m the one who’s going to be responsible for decking the halls.

If you want to mix up your Christmas decorations this year and think coastal decor could be the way to go — I’m here for you. I’ve spoken to design experts to find out how to decorate with it, plus rounded up some pretty buys I’m adding to my cart. Think seashells, draped netting, starfish, and glam clams. Whether you've got the coast on your doorstep or want to soften your city abode — the interior world is your oyster!

How to decorate with coastal Christmas decor

If you like neutral Christmas decor and coastal decor, you're going to love coastal Christmas decor. Here's how to bring it into your home.

1. Put up a flocked Christmas tree

Opting for a flocked Christmas tree, rather than one with a fully green base, will allow you to incorporate beachy colors into your festive decor. “This is a great way to introduce a subtle blue-green color, which gives it more of a neutral foundation compared to other regular green trees,” says Vivianne Chow, interior designer and owner at Viv and Tim Home.  If you have a Christmas tree that you want to flock yourself, you can use a DIY snow spray.

2. Incorporate Christmas elements with beachy twists

This decor style is all about marrying beachy shapes and colors with classic Christmas finishing touches. For example, you could do this with driftwood, seashells, and starfish within your decorations. “A driftwood garland or a Christmas wreath adorned with seashells can make for a charming entrance,” says Artem Kropovinsky, interior designer and founder of Arsight. “Also, consider rope-wrapped candleholders or a nautical star atop your Christmas tree.” 

Got candleholders that you want to DIY decorate yourself? This Hdviai macrame cord on Amazon is so pretty and nautical.

3. Get creative with classic coastal pieces

You can also get creative with materials that are used around the coast. “Tangling a heavy tow rope with your banister garland will instantly make you feel like you’re at the beach,” says Emily Piepenbrink, Christmas designer and owner of Made Merry. “You can also drape netting in small swags around your Christmas tree.” This will add a marine theme to your holidays instantly. 

The netting pictured above can be bought on Amazon, and would look especially festive when layered with fairy lights.

4. Go for minimalistic decor

Yes, I know — it can be easy to throw everything glittery and sparkly into your home for the holidays. But, in order to achieve a coastal look, you need to go for minimalistic Christmas decor.“ Avoid overcrowding your space — instead, opt for key decorative pieces that evoke the seaside charm, ensuring the decor feels light and airy,” explains Kropovinsky. 

5. Be thoughtful with your color palette

Blues and greens are popular colors for coastal Christmas decorating, are but far from being the only ones. “If you love a neutral Christmas palette, a seaside look is perfect,” says Piepenbrink. She suggests adding pale sand dollars and starfish to your tree of whites, creams, and metallics. “A bowl of mercury glass ornaments and oysters looks seasonal and whimsical,” she adds. This set of Wondershop Christmas ornaments on Target would pair well with any beachy elements.

Adding white coral and silver ornaments to a tray of white candles also makes for a seaside-inspired centerpiece.

More coastal Christmas buys

Most of us will be entertaining inside this Christmas, so bring the beachy vibes inside with a multi-sensory vibe. Salty room fragrances will instantly transport you to the sea and don't forget to pair that olive-brined Martini with a coastal-inspired coaster for that social-worthy aesthetic. I've trawled the net for some shoppable items, but you could use a metallic pen (like this trio of Sharpie permanent markers on Amazon) to decorate cleaned oyster shells to use in place of placards.

FAQs

Now you know how to decorate your home for the holidays with nautical Christmas decor, you might be wondering what other coastal styles you can incorporate into your home. Coastal grandmother is a stylish trend that matches timeless touches with beachy elements.