Now that your anchor is in place, it’s time to add layers. The best way to create visual interest is by varying the height of your objects. A flat landscape is a boring one. A stack of books is the designer’s secret weapon for achieving this. Choose two or three hardcovers that you love—perhaps a favorite novel, a book of poetry, or a beautiful art monograph. Stacking them provides an instant platform to elevate a smaller object.
Next, introduce something organic. A small plant or a simple bud vase with a fresh flower or two can instantly breathe life into the space. A low-maintenance succulent or a hardy snake plant are excellent choices if you weren’t born with a green thumb. This touch of nature softens the hard edges of furniture and lamps, adding a sense of vitality and calm.
A Pro Tip on Grouping: When arranging smaller items, think in odd numbers. Designers often use the “Rule of Three” because groupings of three (or five, or seven) objects tend to be more visually appealing and dynamic than even-numbered groups. Try arranging a small candle, a decorative object, and your bud vase together to see the principle in action.
Step 3: Get Personal and Practical
This is where your nightstand truly becomes yours. This layer is about adding items that reflect your personality and serve your daily needs. This is the artful part of the process, where function is disguised as beauty.
Curating Your Essentials
- Contain the Clutter: A small, beautiful tray or a decorative dish is your best friend. It’s the perfect spot to corral smaller items that can easily look messy, like earrings you forgot to take off, a tube of lip balm, or a watch. This simple act of containment makes the surface look intentional and organized, rather than cluttered.
- Incorporate Scent: A favorite candle not only looks beautiful but can also be part of a calming bedtime ritual. Choose a scent that promotes relaxation, like lavender or chamomile. A stylish reed diffuser is another excellent option for adding a subtle, continuous fragrance to your space.
- Art and Memories: Don’t forget a personal touch. A small, framed photo of a loved one, a postcard from a memorable trip, or a small piece of art that makes you happy is essential. This is what transforms the space from a generic “styled” surface into a meaningful personal sanctuary.
- Functional Objects: Need a place for a glass of water? Opt for a stylish coaster and a small carafe. Do you journal every night? Find a beautiful notebook and a quality pen that you enjoy using. Integrating these necessary items in an aesthetically pleasing way is the final piece of the puzzle.
The Final Edit: Less is More
Once you have all your elements in place—the lamp, the books, the plant, the tray, the personal items—take a step back. Does it feel balanced? Does it feel crowded? The final, and perhaps most important, step is to edit. It can be tempting to add just one more thing, but often, removing an item is what makes the composition perfect. Ensure there is still some empty space on the surface. This “negative space” is crucial for preventing the arrangement from feeling overwhelming and cluttered. It gives your chosen items room to breathe and be appreciated.
Beware of the Tech Trap. While a phone charger is a modern necessity for most, it doesn’t have to be an eyesore. Invest in a stylish charging dock or use cord organizers to keep wires neat and out of sight. A jumble of cables can undo all your hard styling work in an instant and contributes to a feeling of mental clutter before sleep.
Your nightstand is a small but mighty piece of real estate in your home. By styling it with intention, you create a beautiful, functional space that supports your routines and reflects your personality. It’s a daily reminder that even the smallest corners of our lives deserve to be filled with beauty and purpose.
