A nightstand is a small table or cabinet that sits beside your bed, within easy reach while you're lying down. Most nightstands have a flat top surface and often include a drawer or shelf underneath for storage.

People use nightstands to keep things they might need during the night or first thing in the morning: a lamp for reading before sleep, a glass of water, an alarm clock, a book, or glasses. Some nightstands have drawers perfect for storing items you want nearby but out of sight, like a journal, flashlight, or phone charger.

You might also hear it called a bedside table or simply a nighttable. While nightstands are usually fairly plain and practical, some are beautifully crafted pieces of furniture that match a bedroom's style. Whether simple or fancy, a nightstand's main job is the same: keeping your essentials within arm's reach when you need them most.