Your nightstand might be the most personal piece of furniture in your bedroom. It’s where you put the things that are most important to you as you drift off to sleep or wake up in the morning.
But according to home experts, there are some things that just don’t belong there.
Whether it’s for safety, cleanliness, or simply better sleep, here’s a list of 25 items you should reconsider keeping by your bedside. Get ready to transform your nightstand into a sanctuary of peace and functionality!
1. Old Magazines
Old magazines may seem harmless, but they can collect more than dust. Their constant presence can clutter your mind and space, making relaxation difficult. Instead of keeping them on your nightstand, consider placing them in a basket or recycling them regularly.
This not only keeps your sleep area tidy, but it also ensures that you’re not hoarding unnecessary materials. Decluttering can be therapeutic, and your nightstand should reflect a peaceful environment, free from the stress of accumulated unread pages.
2. Food and Snacks
A nightstand is no place for food and snacks. Having them nearby invites pests like ants or cockroaches, which are the last thing you want in your bedroom. Also, eating in bed can lead to crumbs and stains, disrupting the tranquility of your sleep environment.
Instead, try to keep your bedroom a food-free zone. This not only maintains cleanliness but also helps signal to your body that the space is meant for rest, not for meals. Keep your bedroom serene and pest-free.
3. Excessive Electronics
In today’s digital age, it’s tempting to keep gadgets within arm’s reach. However, nightstands cluttered with electronics can disrupt sleep quality. Blue light emitted by screens hampers melatonin production, hindering restful sleep. Instead, designate a separate charging station away from the bed.
This encourages better sleep hygiene and reduces nighttime distractions. By keeping electronics off your nightstand, you create a calming pre-sleep environment. Prioritize rest and recharge your devices elsewhere to foster a more serene sleeping space.
4. Unused Cosmetics
Unused cosmetics might seem harmless, but they add unnecessary clutter to your nightstand. Expired or seldom-used beauty products gather dust and take up valuable space. Consider organizing them in a dedicated makeup area or drawer.
Regularly sorting and disposing of expired items keeps your nightstand clean and functional. By minimizing clutter, you ensure that only essentials, like a soothing night cream or lip balm, remain. This not only makes bedtime routines more efficient but also enhances the overall serenity of your space.
5. Personal Documents
Nightstands are not ideal for storing personal documents. Important papers can easily get misplaced or damaged, leading to unnecessary stress. Consider organizing documents in a secure, dedicated space like a filing cabinet or desk drawer.
Keeping your nightstand free of paperwork minimizes clutter and allows for a more restful environment. Remember, bedrooms should be sanctuaries for relaxation, not reminders of administrative tasks. By relocating personal documents, you make room for comforting items like a good book or soft lighting.
6. Candles Without Holders
Candles can create a peaceful atmosphere, but without proper holders, they pose a fire risk. Placing them directly on your nightstand increases the chance of accidents, especially if they tip over. Always use sturdy holders to minimize hazards.
Consider battery-operated candles for a safer alternative that mimics the soothing glow without the risk. By prioritizing safety, you can enjoy the ambiance without worry. Your nightstand should be a haven for relaxation, not potential fire hazards. Keep safety in mind for a peaceful night’s sleep.
7. Open Beverages
Open beverages, like a glass of water, can seem convenient by your bedside, but they pose potential problems. Spills can damage furniture, and condensation rings are unsightly. Consider using a covered water bottle or insulated cup to prevent accidents.
This keeps your nightstand tidy and maintains its aesthetic appeal. Moreover, a spill-free zone ensures that electronics or books nearby remain safe. By minimizing risks, you create a more harmonious and organized sleeping space, focused on rest and relaxation.
8. Cluttered Jewelry
Nightstands can quickly become a tangled mess of jewelry if not managed properly. Loose pieces risk getting lost, damaged, or forgotten. Consider using a jewelry box or organizer to keep items neat and accessible.
This not only prevents tangling but also adds an elegant touch to your nightstand. By organizing jewelry, you create a more serene environment conducive to rest. A clutter-free space enhances the overall aesthetics and promotes a more peaceful end to your day.
9. Bright Alarm Clocks
Bright alarm clocks with glaring displays can disrupt sleep by emitting excessive light. This light, even if minimal, can interfere with your body’s natural sleep cycle. Consider choosing an alarm clock with a dimmable display or one that projects time softly on the ceiling.
Alternatively, use your smartphone’s alarm function and place it across the room. This not only minimizes light pollution but also encourages you to get out of bed in the morning, starting your day with purpose.
10. Strong Perfumes
While a pleasant scent can be calming, strong perfumes on your nightstand can be overwhelming. Their potent aroma may disrupt sleep or cause headaches. Consider storing fragrances in a dedicated space, away from your bedside.
Opt for a subtle room spray or essential oil diffuser if you desire a calming scent. This ensures your bedroom remains a restful sanctuary without overpowering smells. By reducing sensory stimuli, you promote a more peaceful and rejuvenating sleep environment.
11. Pets’ Toys
Though you love your pet, their toys don’t belong on your nightstand. Pet toys can introduce dirt, allergens, and pet hair into your sleeping space. Instead, designate a special area for toys, keeping your nightstand clean and organized.
This separation helps maintain a hygienic environment and sets boundaries for your pet. By keeping the nightstand free from pet clutter, you create a calming atmosphere where you can unwind without distractions or mess from your furry companions.
12. Too Many Books
While reading before bed can be a relaxing ritual, too many books on your nightstand can create clutter. Limit yourself to one or two current reads and rotate them as needed. This approach keeps your space tidy and allows you to focus on one story at a time.
Consider a separate bookshelf for the rest. A streamlined nightstand reduces visual chaos and fosters a tranquil environment, perfect for unwinding and enjoying your current literary escape without distractions.
13. Expired Medications
Keeping expired medications on your nightstand can be a hidden hazard. These outdated pills could mix with current prescriptions, leading to confusion or accidental ingestion. Storing them in a designated medicine cabinet is safer.
Regularly checking expiration dates and disposing of old medications properly ensures your safety and keeps your nightstand clean. By clearing out expired items, you make room for essentials and maintain a healthy, organized sleeping space. Remember, a clutter-free nightstand promotes peace of mind.
14. Unused Chargers
Unused chargers on your nightstand quickly become tangled messes, adding unnecessary clutter. Before you know it, they dominate the surface space, making it difficult to find what you need. Instead, store spare chargers in a designated drawer or organizer.
This keeps your nightstand clean and functional, reserved for essentials only. By managing electronics, you enhance the room’s aesthetics and ensure that your sleeping area remains serene and uncluttered, allowing for better focus on rest and relaxation.
15. Excessive Decor
Decorating your nightstand can be delightful, but too many decorative items create clutter. Overcrowding with knick-knacks distracts from the calming environment your bedroom should provide. Instead, select a few meaningful pieces that bring you joy without overwhelming the space.
A minimalist approach enhances tranquility, allowing you to appreciate the decor rather than feel burdened by it. By choosing simplicity, you maintain a serene and inviting sleeping area, fostering a peaceful night’s rest and a refreshing awakening.
16. Dirty Laundry
Dirty laundry should never find a home on your nightstand. It not only looks untidy but can also introduce odors and allergens into your sleep space. Instead, use a laundry basket or hamper to keep clothes organized and off surfaces.
This ensures your nightstand remains a place for calming essentials, not chores. By maintaining a tidy appearance, you promote a peaceful atmosphere conducive to relaxation and rest. A clean space reflects a clear mind and a restful night’s sleep.
17. House Plants with Pests
House plants are lovely, but those with pests don’t belong on your nightstand. Infestations can spread quickly, contaminating your sleep space and affecting air quality. Regularly inspect plants for pests and treat them promptly.
Consider relocating them to a sunny spot away from the bed. This prevents pests from disturbing your resting area, ensuring that your bedroom remains a peaceful and clean sanctuary. A pest-free nightstand supports a healthier sleep environment and enhances your overall well-being.
18. Wallet and Keys
Nightstands often become catch-alls for everyday items like wallets and keys, but this leads to clutter and distraction. Instead, designate a specific spot near the entrance for these essentials, allowing for easy access when leaving the house.
This keeps your nightstand clear and reduces the risk of misplacing important items. By organizing your space, you create a more calming and functional environment, perfect for unwinding and ensuring a restful night’s sleep without unnecessary clutter.
19. Unused Notebooks
Unused notebooks can accumulate quickly, turning your nightstand into a paper-tower. This visual clutter can hinder relaxation before bed. Instead, store them elsewhere, keeping only one nearby for capturing late-night thoughts or dreams.
This keeps your nightstand neat and functional, supporting a tidy, peaceful environment. By managing paper clutter, you enhance the room’s aesthetics and ensure that your sleeping area remains serene and uncluttered, allowing for better focus on rest and relaxation.
20. Liquor Bottles
Keeping liquor bottles on your nightstand sends mixed messages about relaxation. Alcohol may seem like a nightcap, but it’s disruptive to sleep patterns and creates unnecessary clutter. Consider storing spirits in a designated area, away from the bedroom.
This maintains a tranquil sleep environment and discourages late-night indulgence. By prioritizing rest over revelry, you create a more restful and balanced space. Your nightstand should inspire peace and relaxation, not distractions from a good night’s sleep.
21. Unused Gift Items
Unused gift items, while thoughtful, can clutter your nightstand unnecessarily. Keeping them on display often turns into a guilt trip rather than joy. Instead, store them elsewhere or consider regifting or donating when appropriate.
This keeps your space purposeful and free of unnecessary clutter. By choosing to showcase only meaningful items, you maintain a serene and personalized environment. A clutter-free nightstand invites tranquility and ensures your bedroom remains a reflection of your current tastes and needs.
22. Strong Air Fresheners
Strong air fresheners might seem like a quick fix for odor control, but they can be overpowering and disrupt sleep. Their chemical-laden scents can irritate respiratory systems, especially in a confined area. Opt for natural alternatives like essential oil diffusers or gentle room sprays.
These solutions maintain a pleasant aroma without overwhelming your senses. By choosing subtle fragrances, you foster a calming atmosphere conducive to rest, ensuring your nightstand complements a peaceful and rejuvenating sleeping space.
23. Loose Change
Loose change might seem harmless, but it adds clutter and can easily scatter or get misplaced. Instead, designate a specific jar or container for coins, keeping your nightstand tidy and organized. This prevents accidental spills and provides a designated spot for spare change.
By maintaining order on your nightstand, you enhance its appearance and ensure it remains a calming area. A clutter-free environment promotes relaxation, allowing you to focus on rest and comfort without distractions.
24. Sticky Notes
Sticky notes might start as reminders but can quickly become overwhelming on your nightstand. Their colorful chaos distracts from the calm environment needed for restful sleep. Instead, consider a digital list or planner app to manage tasks. This keeps your nightstand neat and free from paper clutter.
By embracing technology, you create a more organized space, allowing you to focus on relaxation rather than to-do lists. A clean nightstand supports a peaceful sleep setting.
25. Children’s Toys
Children’s toys may wander into the bedroom, but they shouldn’t stay on your nightstand. Their presence clutters the space and can become a tripping hazard during nighttime awakenings.
Designate a specific play area or toy basket for your child’s items. This keeps the nightstand clear for bedtime essentials, maintaining a serene and safe environment. By organizing toys, you create a restful space for yourself, encouraging a peaceful night’s sleep without the chaos of misplaced playthings.