Everybody is likely to agree that there should be a space at the same level beside your bed. While settling for the night, you require a place to keep your books, pens, notebooks, reading glasses, and other itsy-bitsy items. Most people place a nightstand or table on either side of their bed, but one side space is enough if you are single. Many bedside tables and nightstands are interchangeable terms, but the two have specific differences.
A bedside table is often used as a place where you can put your reading or other items. It is also used as a nightstand for storing small things. You can even use it as a coffee table to display your favorite books or magazines.
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As you decide between a nightstand, bedside table, and an end table, you need to consider your specific needs and what you would use the table for while lying in bed. For this, you need to know their specific feature, functions, and usability.
Difference Between Nightstands and Bedside Tables
Some believe that the two chiefly differ regarding the presence of drawers- they expect that nightstands must have a minimum of one drawer, whereas bedside tables can be devoid of any drawer.
Here are the main differences between the nightstand and bedside table.
1. The Difference as per Their Definition
The typical definition of a nightstand is a small and low bedside table usually having drawers.
A bedside table refers to a small table next to a bed.
2. Available Area and Overall Dimensions
Regarding the actual space on the top, bedside tables would be more useful if extra drawer storage is not essential for you. Usually, there is no less than one added shelf with a bedside table. Nightstands can also offer additional shelves sometimes.
Generally, bedside tables are of much smaller size than nightstands. A nightstand with drawers would be more or less of the same height as the mattress, whereas a bedside table could be of shorter measurement.
3. Durability
Regarding bedside table vs. nightstand in case of durability, nightstands containing drawers are excellent inbuilt. It is easy to repair or reinforce cheaply made drawers; thus, a nightstand, irrespective of its quality, can withstand decades of use.
Bedside tables are very lightweight, smaller, and slimmer. You can easily move them around, but they are not very durable. They cannot stand up well against abuse and, as such, are not recommendable for your kids’ room.
5. Features and Functionality
Coming to nightstands and bedside tables, you have plenty of options, the most common of which are:
- Nightstands with single drawers and shelf
- Two-drawer nightstands
- Nightstands with a drawer and a cabinet along with one-two shelves
- Corner bedside tables occupy lesser space in small bedrooms
- Bedside tables containing one or two shelves additionally, for more space
You might also consider several other features that you want in your nightstand. A nightstand of two-three drawers is highly beneficial if you primarily hang your clothes and require drawer space for your night clothing and intimates. If you have the typical habit of charging your mobile at the bedside while sleeping, you may consider nightstands incorporating tech features. These could include built-in charging compartments or cord management tools.
Nightstands attain some goals like- suiting the purpose of convenient space for reaching your necessary things quickly when you are in bed, providing storage, and balancing the style and look of your bedroom.
Bedside tables may not offer much storage like nightstands, and some would not offer any. Bedside tables are of practical usage holding items that you would most probably reach out for when in bed.
How are you planning to utilize the space of your bedside? Most people put a small lamp on each side of the bed, leaving ample space for a cup full of water, a writing pad, a diary, or other things they use before going to sleep at night. Both the nightstand and bedside table serves this purpose.
The storage drawers and nightstands help keep such items as medications and reading materials neatly stored, making their retrieval simple.
5. Affordability
The option of a bedside table would not be expensive, whatever variety of it you choose. Still, remember a few things when looking for an affordable bedside table. As bedside tables are small and need few materials, they are usually cheaper than nightstands. Nightstands with one drawer or fewer features are relatively inexpensive too.
Advantages of Nightstand Over the Bedside Table
Nightstands have added storage. Having some built-in storage is typical with nightstands, and the best part is it is a mix of open and closed storage space varieties in the form of shelves, drawers, boxes, etc. So, you can hide a mess.
Moreover, with numerous high-tech nightstands on the market, finding one with a built-in charger is easy. This means you can add more to your space and more functionality minus inflicting its footprint.
Nightstands give your room a clutter-free and airy feel.
The nightstand hack is not just for sofa setups. Stick a nightstand between an armchair set, and you will get a cute and functional centerpiece that could be the focal point of your small sitting area.
Nightstands are much more prominent in size and spacious.
Nightstands being constructed sturdily have much stronger durability and can survive years of utility.
What is an End Table?
An end table is an accent table placed beside other furniture. From round to square, white to black, the end table gives your home that excellent finish. You can use an end table to store daily stuff or display beautiful figurines in your living area so your guests would keel over your collectibles. But apart from your living room, you can keep an end table anywhere else to stylize your home décor and functionality. A bedside lamp on an end table can make your reading experience joyous and peaceful before retiring for the night. But do consider the space you have before buying an end table for your living space or bedroom.
Too much furniture in a small room can make it look congested. But an end table helps in better organizing your things. The end table is excellent for enhancing your home exteriors also. You can get one end table for the patio to enjoy your evening tea in the cool breeze. But before investing in an end table to be placed outdoors, consider its built-up material. This is because some materials are tough to clean when dirty, and moisture damages some. Therefore, make sure that the table remains well protected from such factors.
Usually manufactured with marble, stainless steel, or wood, end tables are made available in several shapes, sizes, and colors.
End Table Shapes
Round end tables have been around for years. They are without sharp edges, so your children or pets won’t get hurt. This shape is perfect if you have a sofa with soft curves. With these tables, you will still have movement space plenty around and room for lamps and styling accessories of other kinds.
A rectangle end table well suits a room having space crunch. They can be slim in design, fitting into narrow nooks.
Designs of square end tables range from rustic, classic, mid-century, and modern to industrial and chic. They easily fit between furniture items and sit flush adjacent to a chair or couch’s arm.
Triangle end tables are a way out for those who find it difficult to manage space. This unique table goes well with living rooms with a couch and a two-seater in the ‘L’ shape.
Half-moon end tables comprise a half-circle-shaped tabletop, resting on 3 or 4 legs. Their modern design variations might also feature the support of a metal frame mirroring the half-moon shape of the tabletop. These tables are helpful as you can place them along your sofa’s straight edge or flush against a wall.
Feature Types
Most end tables would have 1 or 2 open shelves below to be used for storage or ornamental purposes allowing it to be a decorative item.
A vintage-designed end table includes compact drawers always. It organizes your living room additionally and keeps it perfectly clutter-free.
Transitional or nesting end table saving on space ideally fits small living spaces. They are generally made of 2 or more tables fitting together but can also be spread out for holding food, drinks, and other items.
Drop leaf end tables are the most innovatively designed, providing additional table space if you wish to up the room ante. They have dropdown sides to be pulled up and then locked in place.
How to Place an End Table?
Placing an end table in your room elevates your home décor as it looks gorgeous. You may choose to cover it with attractive designer cloth. A decorative trend now is mix-n-match. The classic end table approach is to buy a pair that preferably matches an identical coffee table. This simple design choice creates a feeling of harmony, symmetry, and peace.
Conclusion
Bedside tables and nightstands are essential in accentuating your bedroom’s ambiance. They might vary in shape, size, and price, but both products’ primary purpose is to provide extra storage and convenience. Both have so many eye-pleasing features. If you think of remodeling your bedroom, spending on a bedside table or nightstand, depending on your particular needs, is a fabulous idea.