How to Balance a Bedroom with Only One Nightstand? 20+ Ideas
Home Decor 101
Posted by:
amy-golden
Jan 9, 2025
In Feng Shui, having one nightstand can affect balance and energy flow, leaving many wondering how to balance a bedroom with only one nightstand. The good news is that this problem can be improved through various simple ways. Here are 20+ ideas to help you achieve a balanced and functional bedroom, even with just one nightstand.
A nightstand between two beds is a great option for guest rooms or children's rooms since it creates a shared focal point between two beds. This arrangement gives the room symmetry and utility as well as clearing out clutter.
To improve comfort and accessibility, the room must be sufficiently large, with 12 to 20 inches of space on each side. Furthermore, whereas the central placement enhances visual harmony, the design can be further balanced by including matching décor or lamps.
2. Try a Floating Wall-Mounted Nightstand
A wall-mounted floating nightstand conserves floor space and gives storage space for essentials. It provides a clean, simple look but is totally perfect for minimalist decor or small bedrooms.
One important thing to keep in mind when using these nightstands is that their space must be proportionate to the bed so as to maximize space. For instance, the perfect floating nightstand size for a queen bed is between 12 and 18 inches wide. Also, for a balanced and easily accessible arrangement, keep it no more than 5 inches above or below the top of the mattress.
3. Make Use of a Tall Chair
A tall chair can be a useful alternative to a second nightstand when it is positioned on the side where one is not needed. This method can effectively balance the space's conflicting design and purpose than you can imagine.
For the best convenience and comfort, choose a tall chair that is either the same height as the bed or just a little higher than the bed's surface.
4. Place a Tall Floor Lamp
A tall floor lamp might be placed in the area without a nightstand to add useful lighting and maintain visual balance. The lamp's height not only draws the eye upward but also helps soft and ambient light spread out the room.
To decide on the best tall floor options complementing your nightstand, it is vital to get hold of a lamp sizing guide for elements like height, shade diameter, and base size. Or else, it's a good idea to DIY customize the lampshade so that your floor lamp matches your nightstand.
5. Opt for a Decorative Stool
Have you ever thought of improvising using a beautiful stool as a nightstand? It’s a creative way to balance the space with just one nightstand, while also serving a practical purpose by holding essentials like a lamp or a book.
Using a stool as a nightstand is perfect for settings with limited furniture or smaller bedrooms where portability and modest size are important considerations. Remember to choose the stool with suitable height and stable enough to hold essentials safely.
6. Add a Woven Basket
You may add both extra flair and storage to your bedroom by swapping out your nightstand for a woven basket. This is not only a great way to keep things like books and personal belongings organized without taking up a lot of space but also an alternative nightstand with a visually harmonious feel.
What is more, the idea of using woven baskets to balance a single-nightstand bedroom does fit well with various styles of texture and simplicity such as bohemian or natured-theme.
7. Consider a Potted Tall Plant
Another balancing solution for a one-nightstand bedroom is placing a potted tall plant on the bed side without a nightstand. The presence of plants not only improves the ambiance for the room but also fills in the void and creates an eye-catching substitute to make up for a second nightstand.
Normally, low-maintenance plants like rubber plants, fiddle-leaf figs, or snake plants are recommended due to their ease of care and resilience. However, you can also experiment with other types of plants that suit your room’s lighting and aesthetic.
8. Incorporate a Bookshelf or Bookcase
Of all plentiful advantages to employing a bookshelf or bookcase in place of a nightstand, the two most outstanding are providing lots of storage space and serving as an eye-catching balancing piece of décor.
As these types of furniture can take up more space than other furniture solutions, it is better to apply this method in larger bedrooms with sufficient wall space.
9. Install a Mirror on the Other Side
A mirror placed on the side opposite the nightstand can produce a sense of symmetry and reflects light. In this way, not only does the mirror have a practical function, such as a location to check your look, but it also adds aesthetic value to the space.
Thanks to a wide range of styles and utilities, putting a mirror on the side opposite the nightstand can create a visually balanced environment for numerous settings from tiny to medium-sized bedrooms or modern to minimalist spaces.
10. Place a C-Shaped Side Table
A C-shaped side table is a clever alternative to a traditional nightstand. Its design allows it to slide partially under the bed, making it perfect for smaller bedrooms.
No matter what style your room is, the C-shaped table can blend in perfectly without creating visual clutter. Just keep in mind that the appropriate height of the table should match the only bed and nightstand in the room for the best visually balanced effect.
11. Position the Bed Differently
One easy way to balance a room with just one nightstand is by creating a new focal point, which can help shift attention away from any imbalanced areas. Moving the bed is a great way to refocus the space, especially in rooms with irregular shapes or tricky layouts.
Some simple ideas to rearrange the bed include placing the bed along the longest wall, pulling it away from corners, or centering it on a feature wall to create a more cohesive feel.
12. Use a Dresser or Bedside Table
A dresser or larger bedside table - positioned across from or next to the bed - can provide more space while maintaining the room's equilibrium if a nightstand feels too small or doesn't offer enough storage.
This is by far one of the most practical balancing solutions for a one-nightstand bedroom thanks to its extremely high functionality. Therefore, people often apply this in large, communal, or multipurpose areas where clothing, accessories, or other necessities require both storage and utility.
13. Place a Nightstand at the Foot of the Bed
A nightstand placed at the foot of the bed may seem unconventional compared to the traditional arrangement, but its impact on maintaining the harmony of the room can be surprisingly effective.
This arrangement may be applied to bedrooms that are too tiny or too lengthy to support a side nightstand.
14. Hang a Wall Art for Symmetry
One more simple solution to balance a bedroom with one nightstand is hanging wall art as a statement to shift focus from the missing second nightstand. Wall art can be hung in almost all sizes of bedroom, from medium to large one, as long as there is available wall space near the bed.
It is best to select artwork with symmetrical or matching frames to make the balance of the space further strengthened.
15. Add a Rug
When there is only one nightstand in a bedroom, rugs are the most flexible method to soften the design and provide a focal point to balance the room.
For sizing, the advice is to choose a rug that extends 18 - 24 inches beyond a single, double, or queen bed, or 24 - 36 inches for a king bed. The rug’s color and pattern should match with the nightstand and room theme to achieve the best aesthetic.
16. Balance with Textiles
Another great way to balance a bedroom with just one nightstand is making the best use of textiles in the room. Any type of textiles, like curtains, bed linens, throws, and cushions can bring layers of texture and visual interest to create symmetry for your space.
Thanks to its simplicity, textiles works beautifully in both small and large spaces, adding warmth and comfort to the room while enhancing its overall design - all without taking up any extra floor space.
17. Install Sconces or Pendant Lights
With just one nightstand, it's easy to balance the visual weight of the room by placing lights on either side of the bed. The best advantage of this method is you can use it for bedrooms of all sizes, including a cozy small to medium one.
To create a welcoming and comfortable space, the advice is to use dimmable or soft, warm LED lighting and place pendants 24–30 inches above the headboard or sconces 12–16 inches above with 3–4 feet apart.
18. Apply Color Psychology and Design Principles
Colors have an impact on how space is perceived, and therefore, a balanced use of color can actually equalize visual impact, or rather, lessen the sensation of asymmetry brought on by the lack of a second nightstand.
To find complementary colors - those opposite your base color - refer to the color wheel (e.g., blue pairs with orange). After that, you can start incorporating these tones subtly through accents like throw blankets or artwork to add visual interest and highlight the nightstand. Don't forget to test your choices with fabric swatches or a small wall area, observing them in different lighting to ensure they create the desired effect.
19. Position a Nightstand by the Entryway Wall
Though often disregarded, the wall in the foyer can be a surprising yet very useful place for your nightstand, improving the room's balance and order.
This arrangement is ideal for small bedrooms or studio apartments where the bedroom and foyer are a part of an open layout or where space is limited and multipurpose furniture is essential. The most suitable option in these circumstances is a nightstand with shelves or drawers for extra storage and display space.
20. Highlight the Nightstand as a Focal Point
In a bedroom with just one nightstand, making it a focal point can add both function and style to the space. The best way to highlight the only nightstand as a focal point of the room is to pick a distinctive product, whether it be in terms of style, material, or color.
Or else, accessorizing the nightstand with chic décor pieces like a statement piece of plants, or simply, a decorative lamp will further improve its aesthetic appeal. Remember that the right size lamp for nightstand not only prevent overcrowding but also provide functional lighting that complements the room’s overall style.
Consider adding an LED table lamp that changes color to match your mood or features your favorite character or flowers. It’s a simple way to enhance your nightstand and make it a true focal point in your bedroom!
21. Add Windows Decorations
Window decorations are an effective way to balance a single nightstand bedroom with only one nightstand, as they draw the eye upward and add a layer of depth to the room.
The closer the curtains are placed to the bed, the more they complete the space and the better flow they create to type the room together beautifully.
Tips to Balance a Bedroom with Only One Nightstand
Match nightstand height and width: Choose a nightstand 2 - 4 inches taller than the mattress. For king beds, go up to 29 inches wide; for queen/full, 21 - 28 inches; for twins, use narrow or shared options.
Complement the style and shape: Make sure the nightstand matches the shape and style of the bed. If your bed is plain, think about getting more eye-catching nightstands; if it's bold, go for more subdued styles.
Secure the nightstand: For extra protection, secure the nightstand to the floor or wall studs to keep it from toppling over. Pay attention to the nightstand's weight restriction.
Balanced weight distribution: Place heavier items at the bottom and lighter ones on top for balance. Avoid bulky items that protrude from the nightstand's edges.
Take advantage of the light: Make the most of any available natural light by placing your nightstand in front of the window and follow the guide on choosing the best table lamp size for any room.
Experiment with other light solutions: Besides using traditional floor or table lamps, incorporating alternative lighting options like a torchiere lamp or accent lamp to enhance your nightstand’s aesthetic.
Maintain cohesive accents: Use accents like a floor lamp and table lamp for symmetry, but limit items to avoid clutter by ensuring all pieces complement each other.
Stay organized: Stay organized with storage options like dressers or benches near the nightstand. Keep the nightstand clutter-free for a balanced, orderly space.
Follow Feng Shui principles: Incorporate Feng Shui principles in the bedroom such as avoiding placing mirrors directly opposite the bed, positioning the bed in a commanding position, or adding plants mindfully.
Conclusion
How to balance a bedroom with only one nightstand focuses on symmetry by incorporating complementary elements, such as matching accent colors, plants, or decorative pieces on the opposite side. Besides, using furniture and design features such as curtains, artwork, or a secondary functional piece to enhance harmony would ensure the room feels cohesive and balanced despite having just one nightstand.
FAQ
Do I Always Need Two Nightstands In My Bedroom?
No, you don't always need two nightstands. While Feng Shui recommends two for balance, one nightstand can still create harmony with thoughtful placement and design.
Should Nightstands Be Higher, the Same Height, or Lower Than a Bed?
Nightstands should be the same height or slightly lower than the bed for easy access. If higher, they can disrupt the visual flow and feel unbalanced.
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I work as a freelance blogger in Seattle, Washington. I've been freelancing full-time for 5 years. I'm interested in anime, resin art, and mechanical keyboards.
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