It is a well-known fact that beds are the most important element of any bedroom, and everything else revolves around them. Nightstands can be the second focal point of the bedroom, as they contribute to the beauty of the space. But do you need two nightstands in your bedroom?
According to Feng Shui principles, a bedroom should have two nightstands as it creates balance and symmetry. Additionally, this provides additional storage space and allows each person in a two-person bedroom to have their own nightstand.
Read on to see if your bedroom should have two nightstands. We will also discuss having one nightstand in a bedroom and how you can replace the second nightstand.
Contents
The benefits of two nightstands
There are several reasons why you might want to have two nightstands in your bedroom, and each offers a unique benefit.
Symmetry
Two nightstands on either side of the bed are aesthetically pleasing due to the balance and symmetry they create. Since the bed is the central point of a bedroom, you should position it in a place that anchors your bedroom and shapes the entire space.
By placing two nightstands on the sides of your bed, you bring balance and symmetry to the space and make the view softer to the eye.
Storage
A nightstand is not just a beauty element; it also serves a functional purpose. It is a great place to put things in and take things out. Additionally, it is a great place to turn on a lamp because it is practical if you want to read before going to sleep.
If the nightstand has drawers or has the shape of a cabinet, you can put your books in it or use it to store everything you need before going to bed. So, if you have two nightstands, you have more storage space in your bedroom because there is never too much storage space in a house, and we can always use a few extra hiding places.
With two nightstands, you can organize your bedroom. Instead of putting your things on or in one nightstand, you can divide them between the two.
Access
If you are living with a partner, you both may equally benefit from having a nightstand next to your side. If you like to read before going to sleep, you can have a lamp on each nightstand for your convenience.
Each of you may have different things you use before going to sleep that need to be as close to you as possible. After all, you don’t want to argue about who gets the side of the bed with a nightstand!
Feng Shui
If you are interested in Feng Shui, then you should know that it favors having two nightstands. It’s all about the flow of energy and balance in your bedroom. Having only one nightstand leads to a chi imbalance: the flow of energy and life.
If you have two nightstands, you can also have more storage space to create space in your bedroom. This way, energy can flow more easily through the room.
Another reason for having two nightstands is that according to Feng Shui, you should have pairs of objects in your bedroom to attract love or strengthen your existing relationship. Even if you are single, Feng Shui experts recommend acquiring everything in pairs to attract love.
Reasons for a single nightstand
Although you may want to have two nightstands in your bedroom, there is no rule against having one nightstand. Additionally, it may not always be feasible.
Here are some reasons why you may have to settle for one nightstand:
Not enough space
The main reason is that you don’t have enough space to accommodate two nightstands. After all, who doesn’t want more storage space or symmetrical aesthetics in their bedroom? Unless you intentionally want to add a nightstand to your room to give it a unique flair.
Assuming you have a small room where you are forced to place one side of the bed against the wall, there is no way to set up a pair of nightstands there.
You may also have enough space for two nightstands, but they take up so much space that you think it’s better to forgo one of them to have more room to move around in the space. You don’t want to knock something over or get your toe stuck in the leg of the nightstand when you walk by.
Single bed
It may not make sense to buy two nightstands if you have a single bed, especially for storage and access purposes. If you don’t care about balance and symmetry, you can be perfectly happy with one nightstand.
In fact, a pair of nightstands is only necessary for a queen or king-size bed. You don’t have to worry about having a nightstand for your single bed.
How many nightstands a bedroom should have: The verdict
Despite all the reasons that say two nightstands are better than one, there is no rule that you must strictly follow. It’s entirely up to you to shape the look of your bedroom.
This is especially true if you can’t afford to buy a second nightstand or if your square footage doesn’t allow it. You have the choice between functionality and aesthetics. After all, having enough freedom of movement in the room is more important than symmetry.
Furthermore, you don’t have to worry about Feng Shui principles regarding love and relationships. Having a pair of nightstands on the sides of your bed can promote a conscious process of creating a space for romance, but do you believe that a disrupted relationship can be fixed by adding a nightstand to your surroundings?
It all comes down to your comfort and how you feel about the overall feel of your bedroom when you lay down at night.
Alternatives for a second nightstand
Even if you can’t afford to buy a pair of nightstands, you have many options that can replace the second one. With a little bit of creativity, you can prepare the perfect environment for your bedroom as your nightstands don’t have to match.
Here are some other pieces of furniture that you can use instead of the second nightstand:
Side table: A side table can perfectly replace the second nightstand, especially if it has a similar design and material. Even if it doesn’t, you can create an illusion of balance and symmetry by placing the same lamps on both the nightstand and side table. For example, this Traditional Chair Side End Table from Ashley Laflorn, available on Amazon.com, with its traditional look can contribute to the beauty of your bedroom, especially if your nightstand has a matching color.
Chair: You can always get playful and creative and go for completely mismatched furniture. As long as you can use it to hold your glass of water, a lamp, or your book for a nocturnal reading, why not go for a beautiful chair? Just find a common thread between them, whether it’s the material, color, or even age and style.
Chest: A beautiful antique chest significantly contributes to giving your bedroom a nice look that matches the first nightstand, and also provides ample storage space. Even if your nightstand has a contemporary style, there’s nothing wrong with having an antique piece of furniture.
Bookshelf: If you’re short on real estate and think that a bookshelf is a must, why not kill two birds with one stone? Use the bookshelf instead of the second nightstand and provide plenty of storage space. You could also place a basket on one of the shelves and hide some of the clutter in your bedroom.
Conclusion
If you believe that a bedroom should have two nightstands, there is nothing wrong with that. They create a sense of balance, provide ample storage space, and give you and your partner a place to store your belongings.
However, it’s not a rule that you must strictly follow. If you have limited space, you don’t need two nightstands.