24+ Creative Ways to Use a Dresser as a Nightstand

Smart Bedroom Styling with Double-Duty Dressers

Why settle for a tiny nightstand when a dresser can do so much more? Using a dresser as a nightstand gives you extra storage, a sturdy surface, and a bold design statement in one piece. Whether you’re working with a small room, want something more functional, or just love creative decor, these ideas show how to make a dresser work beautifully beside your bed. From sleek modern looks to cozy vintage charm, there’s a dresser-nightstand combo here to inspire your bedroom makeover.

1. Use a Small Three-Drawer Dresser for More Storage

A compact dresser fits neatly next to your bed and offers more storage than a standard nightstand. Use the top drawer for bedside essentials like chargers and glasses, and save the lower drawers for seasonal clothes or journals. This layout is especially helpful in tight bedroom spaces.

2. Style a Vintage Dresser with Modern Decor

Pair an old wooden dresser with clean-lined lamps and minimal accessories. This blend of vintage and modern adds charm without clutter. It’s also a great way to mix heirloom pieces with fresh, trendy decor. Top it with a glass tray or marble slab to add a luxe feel.

3. Add Matching Lamps for a Balanced Look

Flank your bed with two identical dressers and top them with matching lamps. This creates balance and symmetry in the room while doubling your storage space. It’s perfect for couples who need individual bedside storage but want a unified look.

4. Paint It a Bold Color to Make a Statement

Turn your dresser into a focal point with a pop of yellow, navy, or forest green. Bold paint brings life to old furniture and gives the room a fun touch. Consider using high-gloss paint for a modern vibe or chalk paint for a soft, matte finish.

5. Pair with a Tall Headboard for Proportion

A taller dresser looks best beside a high headboard. The scale feels right and adds structure to the bed area. Choose a headboard in a matching wood tone or fabric to tie it all together and make the room feel thoughtfully designed.

6. Use a Wide Dresser for a Platform Bed

If your bed is low to the ground, a wider, shorter dresser feels like a perfect match. It gives you space for a table lamp, a tray, and extra decor while staying low-profile. It also adds horizontal balance to minimalist rooms.

7. Mix Open and Closed Storage

Pick a dresser that has both drawers and open shelves. Keep items you want to hide in the drawers, and display books, baskets, or a small plant on the open shelf below. It keeps things functional and styled at the same time.

8. Add a Mirror to Make It Feel Lighter

Place a mirror behind or above your dresser to reflect light and make the space feel more open. A round or arched mirror adds softness and elegance. Mirrors can also create the illusion of depth in small bedrooms.

9. Use One Long Dresser for a Shared Bedside Table

In a small room or guest space, place one long dresser between two beds. It functions as a shared nightstand and gives each sleeper access to storage. Top it with a pair of lamps or shared decor pieces to connect the design.

10. Try Two-Tone Paint for Extra Style

Painting the frame and drawers in two complementary colors adds personality to your dresser. Try white and wood stain, grey and navy, or blush pink and brass for something chic and unique. This approach gives old furniture a boutique-quality update.

11. Add Tray Organizers on Top

Keep your dresser top tidy with trays for candles, keys, books, or glasses. A decorative tray also adds texture and breaks up the flat surface. Try glass or mirrored trays for a glam look or woven rattan for a boho touch.

12. Keep It Rustic with Natural Wood

If you love farmhouse or rustic style, go with a raw or lightly stained wood dresser. Add vintage pulls and a soft woven rug nearby to complete the cozy vibe. Wooden dressers add warmth and blend well with layered textiles and neutral palettes.

13. Place a Wall Sconce Above It

Free up space on top of your dresser by installing a wall-mounted reading light. This clears clutter and creates a clean, functional area. Wall sconces also allow for better lighting placement and help highlight your dresser’s design.

14. Use It in a Kids’ Room for Toys and Books

A low dresser next to a child’s bed doubles as a place for nightlights, bedtime books, and small toys. Choose a finish that’s easy to clean and avoid sharp corners. Add personalized drawer labels for fun and function.

15. Add Wheels for Flexibility

Put casters on your dresser to make it easy to move for cleaning or rearranging. Locking wheels ensure it stays put when needed. This is especially useful in apartments where furniture often gets shifted.

16. Coordinate It with Your Bedding

Tie your room together by matching the dresser color or finish with elements in your bedding, like trim, patterns, or throw pillows. Even subtle color echoes help create a harmonious, designer feel.

17. Display Art Above for a Finished Look

Hang framed art, a photo, or a fabric wall hanging above the dresser. This vertical design trick adds height and visual interest. Choose art with complementary colors for a cohesive appearance.

18. Store Jewelry or Accessories in Top Drawers

Keep your necklaces, watches, and other small accessories neatly stored in the top drawer. Use dividers or velvet trays for added elegance. It turns your dresser into a mini vanity without taking up more space.

19. Add a Plant for Freshness

Top your dresser with a leafy plant or trailing vine to add life and color. It softens the look and makes your bedroom feel more natural. Choose low-maintenance varieties like pothos or snake plants.

20. Use Drawer Liners for a Clean Finish

Line the drawers with paper or fabric to keep them fresh and add a pop of personality. Choose patterns that complement your room. Scented liners add a nice touch to linens or accessories.

21. Add Lighting Underneath

Stick LED strip lights under the bottom edge of your dresser for a cozy nighttime glow. It’s a subtle touch that makes your space feel more luxurious. Great for adding ambient light in moody bedroom settings.

22. Repurpose a Tall Narrow Dresser in Small Rooms

If space is tight, use a tall and narrow dresser as your nightstand. It saves floor space and still gives you plenty of vertical storage. These pieces are ideal for storing tech cords, sleep masks, and other small items.

23. Place a Bench Beside It

Add a bench or pouf beside your dresser to serve as extra seating or a place to lay out clothes. This creates a thoughtful and complete bedside setup. Use baskets under the bench for bonus storage.

24. Create a Mini Workspace

In a guest room or studio, let your dresser double as a small desk. Add a chair and a lamp, and you’ve got a compact workstation when needed. It’s perfect for writing, journaling, or working from bed on a rainy day.