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Small Nightstand Organization

Don’t assume that just because a piece of furniture is small, that it can’t serve you well in terms of storage. Our small nightstand organization is actually helping in the overall goal of an organized Master Bedroom.

Small Nightstand Organization

If you recall, our small-ish Master Bedroom only has one narrow closet. In order to maximize storage, but leave ample floor space, we installed tall wardrobes. This solved a lot of our storage problems; but there were no shallow drawers, or flat surfaces {such as, on top of a dresser} for jewelry storage.

Master Bedroom Makeover // grey rug, navy walls, white curtains, white bedding, upholstered headboard, wood floors, small night stand, gold lamp, bamboo shades // by @CraftivityD

**Amazon Affiliate links are included in this post.

You know, I really love an organizational challenge. It’s fun to come up with creative solutions that work in our space. So, the idea of switching out a larger nightstand for a smaller piece, was right up my problem-solving alley.

Master Bedroom Makeover // grey rug, navy walls, white curtains, white bedding, upholstered headboard, wood floors, small night stand, gold lamp, bamboo shades // by @CraftivityD

Since jewelry storage was a need in our space, I specifically kept that in mind while shopping for a nightstand. This is an important tip — it’s best to know your storage needs before purchasing containers or furniture.

[Tweet “Know your storage needs BEFORE purchasing furniture. #getorganized”]

That is why we use a dresser as a sofa side tablewardrobes instead of dressers or {in our last home} a nightstand as a desk. These solutions made more sense for our habits and storage needs. For example, before we bought our wardrobes, I took a general inventory of our folded clothing, hanging clothing, shoe, scarf and belt storage. From that info, I determined how many PAX drawers and accessories to buy and where to place them within the wardrobe. In other words, there was a clear plan in place, before we ever purchased the furniture.

So, how does this same principle apply with my small nightstand?


NIGHTSTAND ORGANIZATION: THE TOP SURFACE

A lamp and space to place everyday items {like bobby pins, hair ties and my favorite jewelry} had to fit on the top surface of whatever nightstand that I bought. This nightstand, though small, was plenty big for a handful of items. Several dishes help to contain all these tiny items in an organized and eye-pleasing way. The stack of books adds height and color — and might also get me to actually read before bed since they are in plain sight.

Small Nightstand Organization, Jewelry Storage Ideas

Small Nightstand Organization, Jewelry Storage Ideas

A simple ring dish corrals the rings and earrings that I wear most often, and a pretty bowl from Anthropologie holds hair ties.

Small Nightstand Organization, Jewelry Storage Ideas

I found a shallow milk glass dish at a thrift store, and it works perfectly as a catch-all for bobby pins, change and more.

Small Nightstand Organization, Jewelry Storage Ideas

Even my lamp is acting as storage, by holding my dangly earrings. I love little details, and seeing my colorful earrings hanging on this lamp makes me smile. This was completely by chance when I hung a random pair there one day — and the habit stuck!

NIGHTSTAND ORGANIZATION: THE DRAWERS

Hair accessories and less-often worn jewelry were the items I was hoping to store within the drawers of a nightstand. So, when I found this nightstand with shallow drawers, it was the perfect fit. Deep drawers would have amounted to either wasted space or small items stacked atop other small items.

Small Nightstand Organization, Jewelry Storage Ideas

You can purchase similar felt jewelry trays online, but I already owned these. The small slots are perfect for jewelry. However, you could also use an assortment of small dishes and trays…

Small Nightstand Organization, Jewelry Storage Ideas

… or just simple box lids, like in the second drawer. Two boxes {the lids and bases} fit snuggly inside the drawer and hold hair accessories.

NIGHTSTAND ORGANIZATION: THE SHELF

Finally, I wanted a spot to stow away nighttime reading — either my own or the kids. Often times, we’ll read a story to my son in our bedroom before he goes to bed. The shelf on this nightstand made it simple to just toss the books into a basket and get them off the floor.

Master Bedroom Makeover // grey rug, navy walls, white curtains, white bedding, upholstered headboard, wood floors, small night stand, gold lamp, bamboo shades // by @CraftivityD


Are you lacking storage in your bedroom? Evaluate the items that need to be organized. What size are those items? Should they be hung or laid flat? How can you make a smart furniture purchase, and work to solve your storage problems?

Look at these questions as a problem-solving challenge, and don’t be afraid to come up with creative solutions. After all, I’ve got my necklaces hanging on a spoon rack and earrings hanging on a lamp.

Sharing at Remodelaholic.

Melody Rosa

Tuesday 19th of April 2016

This is perfect even for lazy organizers like myself lol http://sheismelrose.net/

craftivitydesigns@gmail.com

Tuesday 19th of April 2016

Yes, so easy and quick :)

TwoPlusCute

Sunday 17th of April 2016

Very creative solutions, nightstands are tricky to style while keeping them truly practical.

I loved the "earrings on a lamp", idea!

Zan

Monday 4th of April 2016

I am in the process of searching for the perfect nightstands and have seen quite a few options. I keep smaller clothing in them so I am keeping this in mind as I look. (I never thought of that). I usually keep jewelry on the bigger dresser to keep away from my little wanderers. Thank you for tips as I am now looking to get nightstands to complete our room makeover. BTW: I love your creative way of hanging earrings on the lamp:)

craftivitydesigns@gmail.com

Thursday 7th of April 2016

I've always stored my jewelry atop dressers in the past, too -- but now that we only have wardrobes, the nightstand became my only dresser-like surface.

Zan

Monday 4th of April 2016

I meant, I never thought of storing all my jewelry permanently on the nightstand:)

Emily

Friday 1st of April 2016

Love all of these ideas Lora!! Who would've thought that a nightstand would make a great place to stash jewelry?!! And that lamp base for earrings: very clever.

craftivitydesigns@gmail.com

Monday 4th of April 2016

Thanks! I thought I'd slimmed down my jewelry quite a bit until I saw your post this week. You've done a GREAT job decluttering! Love how you've simplified to a small jewelry collection.