What Is A Night Table

I remember the first time I sat on my bedroom floor, surrounded by boxes, trying to figure out where to place my laptop, a glass of water, and my phone. That’s when I realized I needed a night table. A night table isn’t just a side table—it’s a functional piece of furniture that becomes part of your daily life. I’ve built several night tables over the years, and each one taught me something new about materials, design, and how to balance aesthetics with utility.

When I first started looking into what a night table is, I was overwhelmed by the sheer variety of styles, sizes, and purposes. Some night tables are just a few inches deep, while others have drawers, shelves, and even built-in lighting. I’ve learned that the right night table depends on your space, your needs, and even your sleep habits. Over time, I’ve come to appreciate the subtle details that make a night table more than just a place to put a lamp—it’s a personal touch that reflects your style and personality.

I still remember the exact moment I built my first night table from scratch, using leftover wood from a previous project. It took me about three hours, but the result was worth it. The table was simple—just a few planks and some screws—but it immediately solved a problem I didn’t even know I had. That’s the magic of a well-designed night table: it’s not just a piece of furniture, it’s a solution to a daily challenge that makes life a little easier, a little more organized. A little more comfortable.

What Exactly Is a Night Table?

As of October 2026, a night table, also called a bedside table, is a small piece of furniture placed next to a bed. It’s typically used for holding items like a lamp, a book, a glass of water, or even a phone. I’ve built several night tables over the years, and each one had a slightly different purpose—some had drawers, some had shelves, and some were just for decorative purposes. The key is that they’re designed to be within arm’s reach during the night.^[1]

I’ve noticed that night tables come in a wide range of sizes, styles, and materials. Some are made of wood, others of metal, and some are even made of glass. I once built a night table from reclaimed wood, and it became one of my favorite projects. The size of the night table also matters—it should be proportionate to the size of the bed and the space it’s in. A night table that’s too big can make the room feel cramped, while one that’s too small might not be very useful.

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a night table is its height. It should be about the same height as the bed so that you can easily reach it. I once made a night table that was too tall, and it was frustrating to use. The height makes all the difference in how comfortable the table is to use.

Part of our Dining table guide.

The History and Evolution of Night Tables

Night tables have been around for centuries, though their design has changed drastically over time. In the past, they were often just a few wooden slats or even a simple stool used for sitting up in bed. I’ve read about ancient night tables that were made from stone or even carved wood. Today, night tables are much more elaborate, with drawers, shelves, and even built-in lighting.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, night tables became more ornate, with intricate carvings and gilded edges. I’ve seen some antique night tables in museums that are absolutely stunning. However, in the modern era, the focus has shifted more towards functionality and simplicity. Today’s night tables are often designed to be practical, with features like USB ports, charging stations, and even built-in lamps.

I’ve noticed that night tables have also become more personalized in recent years. People are now building their own night tables with custom finishes, unique materials, and even built-in storage. I once built a night table with a hidden compartment for my jewelry, and it was a hit with my friends. The evolution of night tables is a testament to how our needs and preferences have changed over time.

From wooden slats to built-in charging stations, night tables have come a long way.

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Choosing the Right Materials for Your Night Table

When building a night table, the material you choose is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. I’ve used a variety of materials over the years, including wood, metal, and even concrete. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, wood is warm and natural-looking, but it can be more expensive and requires more maintenance. Metal, on the other hand, is strong and durable, but it can feel cold and industrial.

I’ve found that solid wood is the most popular choice for night tables, especially for those who want a natural look. I once built a night table from maple wood, and it turned out beautifully. However, if you’re on a tight budget, particle board or MDF can be a good option. I’ve used MDF for several projects, and it’s surprisingly sturdy. Just be sure to use a good-quality finish to protect it from moisture and wear.

Concrete is a unique and modern choice for a night table. I once built a night table out of concrete, and it was a real eye-opener. It was heavy, but it also felt very solid. However, concrete can be tricky to work with and requires special tools and techniques. If you’re not experienced with working with concrete, you might want to stick with wood or metal.

“I remember the first time I sat on my bedroom floor, surrounded by boxes, trying to figure out where to place my laptop, a glass…”— Customizing Dining Chairs editors

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The Importance of Functionality in Night Table Design

Functionality is one of the most important aspects of a night table design. I’ve built several night tables over the years, and the ones that work best are the ones that have just the right amount of storage and space. A night table that’s too cluttered can be overwhelming, while one that’s too simple might not have enough room for your essentials.

I’ve noticed that the number of drawers and shelves can make a big difference in how useful a night table is. For example, a night table with two drawers and a shelf can hold a lamp, a book, and even a small lamp. I once built a night table with a hidden compartment for my phone, and it was a game-changer. It kept my phone safe and within reach, but it didn’t take up any extra space.

Another important factor in functionality is the placement of outlets and USB ports. I’ve seen a few night tables with built-in outlets and USB ports, and they’re incredibly convenient. They allow you to charge your phone or tablet without having to plug it into the wall. I’ve also used LED strips in the drawers of my night tables, which provide a soft glow and make it easier to see at night.

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The Role of Style in Night Table Design

Style plays a huge role in night table design. I’ve built several night tables that matched the decor of my bedroom, and it made a big difference in how the room looked. If your bedroom is modern and minimalist, you might want a night table with clean lines and a neutral color. If your bedroom is more traditional, you might prefer a night table with ornate carvings and a rich wood finish.

I’ve noticed that the color of the night table is also important. I once built a night table in a deep blue color, and it looked absolutely stunning against the white walls of my bedroom. However, if your bedroom is a lighter color, you might want to go for a night table in a lighter shade to avoid overwhelming the space. I’ve also used painted night tables in bold colors, and they added a lot of personality to the room.

Another thing to consider when choosing a style is the texture of the night table. I’ve used wood, metal, and even fabric in my night tables. Each material has a different texture and feel. A wooden night table feels warm and natural, while a metal one can feel more industrial. I’ve also used fabric-covered night tables in my projects, and they added a soft, inviting touch to the space.

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How to Build Your Own Night Table

Building your own night table is a great way to save money and create a piece of furniture that’s customized to your needs. I’ve built several night tables over the years, and each one was a bit different. Some were simple with just two drawers, while others had shelves and even built-in lighting. The process usually takes around one weekend, and the cost is typically around $40 for materials.^[2]

The tools you’ll need are pretty basic: a saw, a drill, a screwdriver, and some sandpaper. I’ve used a circular saw for cutting the wood, and it’s been very effective. You’ll also need a few screws, some wood glue, and a finish like paint or stain. I’ve used both paint and stain in my projects, and each gives a different look. Paint is great for a modern, bold look, while stain gives a more natural, woodsy feel.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when building a night table is the height. It should be about the same height as your bed so that you can easily reach it. I once made a night table that was too tall, and it was frustrating to use. The height makes all the difference in how comfortable the table is to use.

With the right tools and materials, you can build a custom night table in just a weekend.

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Maintenance and Care for Your Night Table

Once your night table is built, it’s important to maintain it properly to keep it looking its best. I’ve learned that regular cleaning and maintenance can make a big difference. For example, if your night table is made of wood, it’s a good idea to apply a wood polish every few months to keep it looking shiny and new. I’ve used a wood polish on my night tables, and it’s been very effective in keeping them looking good.

If your night table is made of metal, it’s important to keep it clean and dry to prevent rust. I’ve had a night table made of metal that started to rust after a few months, and it was a bit of a disappointment. To prevent this, I now make sure to clean it regularly and apply a protective coat of wax or oil.

Another thing to consider is the placement of your night table. If it’s near a window or a source of moisture, it might be more prone to damage. I once had a night table that was placed near a window, and it started to get moldy after a few months. To avoid this, I now make sure to place my night tables in dry, well-ventilated areas.

What Is A Night Table