IKEA Bedside Table Vs Nightstand: How To Choose The Best Option For Your Bedroom

You might not have known that there was even a difference between a bedside table and a nightstand, as the terms are often used interchangeably. But there is a distinction, and it is pretty straightforward to understand. Furniture manufacturers tend to agree that a bedside table either has one or more open surfaces (as you might expect a dining table or coffee table to have). Meanwhile, a nightstand is defined by having some kind of closed storage — at least one drawer or cabinet — to stow away bedtime essentials.

So how do you know whether a bedside table or a nightstand is better for you? You'll want to consider a few things including your storage needs, the size of your bedroom — or at least the space next to your bed — and your design taste. And whether you choose a nightstand or a bedside table for your space, you will want to think about the pricing and material quality regardless.

With so many bedside tables and nightstands available on the market, you may feel overwhelmed for choice. If you need somewhere to start, IKEA is always a reliable source. The Swedish furniture giant has a multitude of options in different styles and price points, which makes it a great place to begin your search and find inspiration — even if you find your perfect bedside furniture elsewhere. Keep reading to see the bedside tables and nightstands that IKEA customers swear by and learn which option makes most sense for your bedroom.

A bedside table may be right for you if you don't need to keep too many things right near your bed. The top surface is perfect for the essentials — glasses, water, a book — and also keeps things visually light and minimal. A table might feel lacking if you're in a small space and looking to optimize all possible storage options. But the right bedside table can work perfectly well in a small space that doesn't have room for a more robust piece of furniture with closed storage.

If you want a bit more than just one surface but don't want to commit to bulkier closed storage, you might like a bedside table that has additional shelving. The KNARREVIK costs an unbeatable $10 and is incredibly well-rated by customers, with a 4.4-star average rating from over 500 reviews. The simple design is versatile, so it will likely mesh with your existing interiors.

For something even more compact, check out a table like the BURVIK. It costs a bit more at $50, but it has an excellent 4.7-star average rating across over 260 customer reviews. The modern silhouette comes in three different colors, and the handle makes it easy to move if you need it to be a bedside table one day but a sofa end table the next. Or pare things down even further by mounting a bedside floating shelf like the LACK, which also costs just $10.

You might opt for a nightstand instead of a bedside table in a space that could use more storage, whether the room is big or small. If you find your current bedside situation to be a cluttered mess, a nightstand with a drawer (or two, or three!) could be just the thing to get it into shape. You can even use it to store overflow bedroom fare like cosmetics, electronics, or small clothing items like socks and underwear. A nightstand is definitely the choice for those who can never get enough space to tuck things out of sight.

The MALM two-drawer chest is IKEA's best-selling nightstand hero, with over 3,300 customer reviews and an average rating of 4.6. Customers love the two spacious drawers and the timeless style of the MALM's silhouette, which will work in plenty of bedrooms, no matter the style. It comes in white, black, gray, and a white-stained oak veneer, and for just $60, it touts excellent value.

If you like a more traditional look, consider the SONGESAND, which has a roomy cabinet as well as an open shelf. It has a 4.7-star rating from nearly 300 reviews, impressing buyers with its sturdiness and reasonable $70 price point. For a nightstand that doesn't take up floor space, consider a wall-mounted drawer. The EKET wall cabinet offers two space-efficient drawers that open up the space below, giving your bedroom a more breezy feel and allowing for easy cleaning underneath.