The Unexpected Bedside Tool That Keeps Small Items Organized And Accessible

If curated carefully, bedside tables can become a stunning style moment in your bedroom. By displaying table lamps, picture frames, and other small knick-knacks that match your aesthetic on this surface, you can easily hone in on the specific theme of your space. However, all of that will quickly look cluttered rather than stylish if you have small items littering the table top. After all, that surface in particular is very prone to turning messy. It's where you drop your phone, earpods, earrings, keys, and other essentials after a long day. Luckily, one unexpected item can help you corral these smaller items, making it appear less cluttered: an adhesive ashtray. 

While having an ashtray next to your bed sounds like a design move straight out of the 1950s, this item can actually be used as an impressive catchall. It works like a bowl on your nightstand, capturing things that would look disorganized if strewn across the surface. However, an under table hidden ashtray is even better. You can stick it underneath your nightstand — or if the design doesn't allow for this, underneath your bed frame — and only pull it out to reveal its contents when you need to. This keeps the clutter off any visible surfaces, making the space appear much more pristine. Here is a closer look at this creative bedroom organization hack. 

A hidden ashtray is one that is adhered to the underside of a table, rotating out only when you need it. You stick the top of the cover to the table's underside and rotate the bowl out, revealing its contents. An example of such an ashtray is the WangShuang12 Undertable Rotating Ashtray at Walmart, which retails for less than $7. This makes bedside storage easy and accessible. To use it, simply stick it under your nightstand or bed, and then flip it out when you need to stash something small like a hair tie, earrings, necklaces, a contact case, or medication. The tray is small — a little over an inch deep and 4 inches wide — so you won't be able to store much else there. If you want to keep more items close at hand — something flat like an eye mask or miniature like nose strips — consider adding multiple ashtrays so you don't overcrowd the one. 

However, if you want something a little more substantial, consider upgrading to something like the Mount-It! Under Desk Mounted Drawer on Amazon for $22, which has more compartments and isn't as shallow. This allows you to store bulkier items, such as your glasses, phone, nighttime journal, and pens. It's nearly 14 inches wide and 4 inches deep, allowing you to corral all of your essentials into one spot. Whichever storage solution you choose, you'll be able to declutter your chaotic nightstand in no time.