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.

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.

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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.

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.

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That is why we use a dresser as a sofa side table, wardrobes 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.

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

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.

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.

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…

… 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.

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.