Should a Bedroom Have Two Nightstands?

Summary: While no strict rules exist, a bedroom should ideally have two nightstands as this creates balance and symmetry. Plus, this adds storage space and allows each person in a two-person bedroom to have his or her own bedside table.

It’s a known fact that beds are the most crucial element of any bedroom, making all other things revolve around them. Nightstands may be the second focal point of the bedroom as they add to the room’s beauty.

In this article, I’ll discuss whether your bedroom should have two nightstands. I’ll also talk about having one nightstand in a bedroom and how to make up for the second nightstand.

The Benefits of Having Two Nightstands

You might put two nightstands in your bedroom for quite a few reasons, and each offers a unique benefit.

Symmetry

Two nightstands on either side of the bed are more aesthetically pleasing because of the balance and symmetry they create. Since the bed is the central point of a bedroom, you should put it in a place that anchors your bedroom and shapes the entire space.

Placing two nightstands on the sides of your bed brings equilibrium and symmetry to the space and makes the view smoother for the eye.

Storage

A bedside table isn’t just an element of beauty; it also serves a functional purpose. It’s a great storage place to put stuff in and on. Plus, it’s a great space to put a lamp on because it is handy when you want to read before sleep.

If the nightstand has drawers or is in the shape of a cabinet, you can put your books in it or store anything you need access to before going to sleep. So, if you have two nightstands, you’ll have more storage areas in your bedroom because there’s never too much storage area in a house, and we can always use extra hiding spots.

Having two nightstands helps you declutter your bedroom. So, instead of putting your stuff in or on one nightstand, you can share them between the two.

Access

If you live with a partner, you could both use the nightstand next to your side. If you read before bed, you can put a lamp on each nightstand for comfort.

Each of you may have different stuff you use before bed, which has to be as close to you as possible. After all, you don’t want to fight over who gets the side of the bed with one nightstand!

Feng Shui

If you subscribe to feng shui principles, you should know it favors two nightstands. It’s all about the flow of energy and balance in your bedroom. Having one nightstand will lead to a chi imbalance: the flow of energy and life.

Having two nightstands also means you can have more storage areas to free up your bedroom space. This way, energy can flow more easily around the room.

Another reason for having two nightstands is that, according to feng shui, you should have pairs of objects in your bedroom to attract love or reinforce your existing relationship. Even if you’re single, feng shui experts recommend getting pairs of everything to attract love.

Reasons for Having a Single Nightstand

Although you might like two nightstands in your bedroom, there’s no rule against having one nightstand. Besides, it may not be feasible all the time.

Here are some reasons you may have to settle for one nightstand:

Not Enough Space

The main reason is that you don’t have enough space to accommodate two nightstands. After all, who wouldn’t want more storage or symmetrical aesthetics in their bedroom? Unless you want to deliberately place one bedside table in your room to add some unique flair to it.

Suppose you have a small room that forces you to put one side of the bed next to the wall. There’s no way to put a pair of nightstands there.

You may also have enough space for two nightstands, but they take up so much space that you feel it’s better to sacrifice one of them to get more space to roam about in the room. You don’t want to knock over something or have your toe stuck in the leg of the nightstand whenever you walk past it.

Single Bed

There may be no point in getting two nightstands if you have a single bed, especially for storage and access. You may feel quite satisfied with one nightstand if you don’t care about balance and symmetry.

Since a pair of night tables is only necessary for a queen or king-sized bed, you don’t need to worry about one nightstand for your single bed.

How Many Nightstands a Bedroom Should Have: The Verdict

Despite all the reasons that say two nightstands are better than one, there’s no rule that you have to follow strictly. It’s all up to you to design your bedroom’s look.

That’s particularly the case if you can’t afford a second nightstand or your square footage doesn’t allow it. It’s your call to choose between functionality and aesthetics. After all, having enough space to move around the room is more important than symmetry.

It all comes down to your comfort and how you feel about the overall feeling of your bedroom when you lay your head down at night.

Alternatives for a Second Nightstand

Even if you can’t afford a pair of nightstands, you have plenty of options to replace the second one. With a little creativity, you can prepare the perfect setting for your bedroom, as your nightstands don’t need to match.

Here are some other pieces of furniture you can use instead of the second nightstand:

End table: An end table can perfectly replace the second nightstand, especially if it’s a similar design and material. Even if it’s not, you can create an illusion of balance and symmetry by putting the same lamps on the nightstand and the end table.

A chair: You can always get playful and creative and choose mismatched furniture. If you can use it to hold your glass of water, a lamp, or a book for a late-night read, why not go with a beautiful chair? Find a common thread between them, be it the material, the color, or age and style.

A chest: A gorgeous antique chest gives your bedroom a nice look that matches the first nightstand and provides lots of storage space, too. Even if your nightstand has a contemporary style, there’s nothing wrong with having a piece of antique furniture.

A bookcase: When short of real estate and thinking a bookcase is a must, why not kill two birds with one stone? Use the bookcase instead of the second bedside table, providing lots of storage space. You could also put a basket on one of the shelves and hide some of your bedroom’s clutter.

In Conclusion

You’re not wrong if you think a bedroom should have two nightstands. They create a sense of balance, provide lots of storage room, and give you and your partner a place to put your things.

However, it’s not a rule that you need to follow strictly. If you’re short of space, you don’t need two nightstands.

Sources

• Google Books: The Little Book of Feng Shui
• Modsy: 7 Designer Tips on How to Style Mismatched Nightstands the Right Way
• Rooms Solutions: How Many Nightstands Are Enough For Scrabble?
• Asking a lot: Should you have two nightstands?
• Furnishing Tips: Do You Really Need Two Bedside Tables
• Architectural Digest: 7 Simple Ways to Use Feng Shui in Your Home