Nightstand Essentials for Women: 50 Bedside Table Must-Haves

Hello and welcome to Nightstand Essentials for Women! I’m so glad you’re here!

Let’s be honest, that little table next to your bed—is it a cluttered catch-all or a cozy sanctuary?

It’s so easy for our nightstands to become a dumping ground for half-empty water glasses, runaway hair ties, and that book we swore we’d read three months ago. But that small space is the last thing you see before you fall asleep and the first thing you greet in the morning.

Turning it from a “command center” into a true self-care station is the secret to a better nighttime routine. It’s all about having the right bedside table essentials that help you wind down in comfort and wake up feeling refreshed.

If you’re looking for inspiration to create a practical, personal, and beautiful bedside space, you’re in the right place.

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A Woman’s Bedroom is Her Sanctuary.

A woman’s bedroom is her sanctuary. Or it should be! It is a place where she can relax and escape the chaos of the outside world.

Although each woman’s definition of “sanctuary” may differ, there are certain essentials that all women should have on their nightstands or bedside tables.

Nightstand Essentials for Women

Nightstand essentials for women and what every woman should have at her bedside. I will start with what’s on top of most women’s nightstands and work my way to the inside contents.

1. Lamp

This was a no-brainer. Raise your hand if you don’t have a light on your nightstand?!

2. A Low-Light Plant to Freshen the Air

Plants make me happy, and many of them help clear the air. We’ve got about 12 plant babies in our bedroom and counting! *I love ZZ Plants because they are so easy to grow!

3. Phone and an Extra-Long Phone Charger

This one goes without saying. Some people don’t like to have their phones in the bedroom, but I’m not one of them.

I’m an iPhone girl through and through!

4. A Favorite Photo that Makes You Smile

I have a photograph of my husband and me walking down the aisle at our son’s wedding in Tuscany! It was a dream come true!

5. A Water Carafe for Hydration

I have a small carafe and a glass of water on my bedside table. I’ve got a ton of supplements I take every night at bedtime.

I drink a big glass of water every morning to start each day right.

6. A Good Book or Kindle to Wind Down

It’s always good to have a good book. I love to read in bed; the only problem is that I usually fall asleep when reading.

Have you read any Kristin Hannah books? or what about Colleen Hoover? So good!

7. A Box of Tissues (Always a Must-Have)

Tissue is always a must-have. Whether I’ve got allergies or am watching a tear-jerker, having tissues on the bedside table is a given.

Related article: How to Organize a Nightstand

8. An Alarm Clock (to Reduce Screen Time)

It’s a good idea to use an old-school clock on your bedside table to keep your screen time down slightly. I know that it’s all over once I look at my phone.

I love this clock! It’s an alarm clock that simulates the sunrise and doubles as a sound machine and night light too!

9. Ceiling fan remote

Some people can’t sleep without a fan on. And we live in Arizona. That said, we’ve got ceiling fans in every room.

10. A Candle or Diffuser for a Relaxing Space

To create a relaxing atmosphere in your bedroom, consider adding a candle or diffuser to your nightstand.

I have a new candle I got for Mother’s Day on my nightstand that is so yummy.

Related article: a perfect nighttime self-care routine

11. Noise-Blocking Earplugs

If you’re a light sleeper or want to drown out any outside noise, earplugs can be a great nightstand essential.

These Loop quiet earplugs are the best at blocking out noise pollution and are so comfortable! They offer protection from loud noises and background noise in many situations.

They are great for sleeping and can help you to focus or to concentrate while studying, working, or reading. 

12. A Go-To Pain Reliever for Aches and Pains

I keep about four bottles of different kinds of medicine on my nightstand. One of which is a pain reliever for all those aches and pains that old ladies get.

13. A Hydrating Lip Mask or Chapstick

I have Chapstick, lip balm, and this nighttime lip mask in my nightstand at all times!

14. Antacid for Surprise Heartburn

UGH! heartburn! I get heartburn when I eat too late at night or get crazy with chips and salsa.

15. Anti-Snoring Nose Clips

True life confessions: I snore. If you snore like me, you’ve got to give these little anti-snoring nose clips a try! They are comfortable and work like magic!

16. Antihistamine for Allergy Relief

I have the worst allergies! If I miss, just one dose-it isn’t pretty.

17. A Nail File for Quick Fixes

I can’t live without a nail file in my nightstand.

18. Calming Essential oils

Lavender oil is the best and helps with sleep. Sometimes I put lavender oil on my temples and my wrists. It’s heavenly.

19. Birth control

Thank the good Lord that I’m finally done with this! 🙂

20. A Rich, Nourishing Hand Cream

Our hands are often overlooked in skincare and pro-aging. I have been giving my hands extra love, and it’s made a huge difference! I love, love this hand cream from CeraVe, and I highly recommend it!

Related article: Treatments for aging hands

21. Pain-Relieving Gel or Cream

My sister gave me these pain-reliever patches a few weeks ago, and they work if you’ve got back pain or pain anywhere that you can stick one of these pads. I would do it!

22. Reading glasses

My reading glasses are everywhere and nowhere, all the time! I love these readers that block the blue light from screens! (they come in a 5-pack which is just what the doctor ordered!)

Related article: The benefits of blue light glasses

23. Breath spray (Because You Never Know)

Gotta keep it fresh, ladies.

24. Intimate lubricant

Same as above. 🙂

25. Hair ties and Hair Clips

I’ve got hair ties and hair clips inside my bedside table and all over the house. My hair drives me nuts. First, it’s up, then it’s down, and then it’s back up again. Oy-ve!

26. A Hairbrush for Morning Tangles

If you could get just one glimpse of how my hair looks in the morning when I wake up, you would understand why I’ve got a hairbrush on my nightstand. Ask anyone.

27. Soothing Eye drops

I have dry eyes and terrible seasonal allergies. I’ve got three different kinds of eye drops on my bedside table.

These are my newest favorite eye drops. They get the red out in a flash.

28. Blue Light Blocking glasses

Let’s be real, we all do a little late-night scrolling. These are a lifesaver for filtering out that harsh screen light, helping your brain (and your eyes!) wind down properly for sleep.

If you don’t know about blue light and the benefits of blue light glasses, hop over to this article.

29. A Pen and a Small Notebook

Never underestimate the power of a good-quality pen! These are my favorite pens! I buy them in bulk like just about everything else.

30. Gratitude Journal

If you’ve been hanging out on my blog long enough, you know I’m all about gratitude. I love this little orange gratitude journal! I use it to record life’s little blessings!

It’s filled with a year’s worth of insightful prompts, inspiring quotes, and ample room for reflecting on all the things that make life great.

Also makes a great gift!

Related article: How to practice gratitude every day

31. A Silk Sleep Mask

I have the best sleep mask in the whole wide world! I love it and swear by it for a better night’s sleep.

32. Stoney Yoni Oil

Ok, girls! Listen up! You’ve got to get yourself some Stoney yoni. What is Stoney Yoni, you ask?

Let’s just say Stoney Yoni brings flower power to your bedroom in a whole new way! (Stay tuned for the complete story coming soon!)

Related article: The Ultimate Guide to Yoni Self-Care

33. TV Remote Controls

Some people don’t watch TV in the bedroom; we do! I love having a TV in our bedroom and wouldn’t have it any other way!

34. Wireless Headphones or Earbuds

To drown out snoring and listen to all the videos I watch while going down the social media rabbit hole at night, and listen to bedtime meditations.

I’ve been hearing a lot about these sleep mask wireless headphones. I’m going to grab them on Amazon, and I will let you know how they work.

35. Your Nightly Medications or Vitamins

I don’t know about you, but I take an un-Godly amount of supplements these days!

36. Jewelry dish

I have a little jewelry dish on my nightstand that was my Mother-in-law’s. Every night at bedtime, when I take my rings off I think of her.

37. Candy

I stashed three little Carmel easter bunny candies in my nightstand at Easter time. So I’m saving them for just the right moment. You never know when you’re going to need a little sweetness.

38. A Relaxing Pillow Mist

I love lavender pillow mist. We’ve used lavender pillow mist since our youngest was little. It’s the yummiest bedtime thing ever.

39. Flashlight

About ten years ago, the power went out in the middle of the night, and I didn’t have a flashlight. Now I’m prepared!

Related article: Benefits of a digital detox

40. Lingerie

Now, I’ve got my lingerie in my third drawer. I’ve got three drawers in my nightstand.

So I’ve got my PJs and lingerie in the second and third drawers.

41. Prayer Journal

I’ve got three journals inside my nightstand. So I guess I’m a bit of a journal junkie!

Related Article: Things to Pray for in the New Year

42. Pimple Patches for Overnight Miracles

These things are the best invention! Life savers to the max.

43. Sleep mediation app

Sleep meditations have become a nightstand essential! I do sleep meditations every night before bed.

Right now, my favorite app is called insight timer. I use the free version.

44. Matches or a clicker

When you want a little candlelight in your life or if you need to light up a cigarette in bed. Just kidding! 🙂

45. Bible

I love this NIV study bible. I have a women’s study bible, which helps my quiet time come to life.

46. A ‘Midnight Emergency’ Snack

For those nights when you wake up at 2 AM and are just starving. It’s a ‘hangry’ emergency! A little granola bar or a pack of almonds means you don’t have to stumble all the way to the kitchen.

47. Personal Protection

This is a personal choice, of course, but for me, peace of mind is an essential. Having a firearm safely and accessibly stored in my nightstand simply helps me feel more secure at night.

48. Sticky notes & a Pen

I love keeping a small pad of sticky notes for writing down affirmations, inspiring quotes, or that random middle-of-the-night idea I don’t want to forget. It’s a great way to leave a positive note for yourself to find in the morning!

49. Cough drops

Because having a cough while trying to sleep is the worst! I love these cough drops! Not only do they quiet my cough, but they taste pretty good too! They are truly the best.

50. Makeup Remover Wipes (For Lazy Nights)

Makeup remover wipes should not take the place of your regular nighttime skincare routine, but there are always exceptions to every rule!

51. Eye Cream

A good eye cream is essential! I love this Eye Revive Mask! It’s helping the puffiness around and dark circles under my eyes!

52. Hand Sanitizer

For those moments when you don’t want to get out of your warm, cozy bed but need to freshen up your hands—whether it’s before applying skincare or after grabbing a snack.

53. A Gua Sha or Jade Roller

This is such a treat at the end of the day. A quick, cooling facial massage while you’re in bed feels so luxurious and is a perfect little act of self-care to help you wind down.

54. A Pair of Cozy Socks

There is nothing worse than having cold feet when you’re trying to fall asleep! I always keep a super-soft pair nearby, especially in the winter, just in case.

55. A Heating Pad for Cramps and Aches:

An absolute lifesaver. Whether it’s for monthly cramps or a sore neck, the last thing you want to do when you’re aching is stumble to the linen closet. This is all about instant comfort.

56. Floss (For Your Evening Routine)

Tell me I’m not the only one who gets fully cozy in bed, only to realize… I forgot to floss. Keeping a pack right here means I have zero excuses to get back up!

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Quick Tips for a Clutter-Free & Cozy Nightstand

Before we dive into the list, here are my four golden rules for styling your bedside table so it stays a relaxing sanctuary, not a stress pile:

• Use a Tray: This is my #1 secret! A small, decorative tray instantly makes a collection of items (like your hand cream, candle, and water carafe) look intentional, organized, and so chic.
  
• Hide Cords: Nothing ruins a relaxing vibe like a tangle of white cords. Use a simple cord clip to run them behind your nightstand or bundle them with a cute cord tie.
  
• The 3-Item Rule (for the top): If you’re overwhelmed by clutter, try this minimalist trick. Keep only three things on the surface: Light (your lamp), Life (your plant), and Love (a photo or your journal). Everything else goes in the drawers.
  
• Use Drawer Dividers: For that “command center” drawer, small acrylic trays or bamboo dividers are your best friend. They stop your lip balms, hair ties, and earplugs from becoming one giant, jumbled mess

Related Article: How to Organize a Nightstand or Bedside Table

FAQs: Nightstand Essentials for Women

What are some essential items every woman should keep in her nightstand?

Essential items for women’s nightstands include items like a lamp for reading, hand cream or moisturizer, lip balm, a book or journal, tissues, and a water bottle or glass for hydration during the night.

Should I keep medication in my nightstand?

It’s a good idea to keep essential medications like pain relievers, allergy medication, or any prescription medication you may need during the night in your nightstand for easy access.

What beauty products should I keep in my nightstand?

Some recommended beauty products to keep in your nightstand are a hydrating facial mist, a soothing eye mask or gel pads, a gentle facial cleanser, and a hydrating lip mask or balm for nighttime lip care.

Where should I put my phone at night?

Ah, the big question! While the nightstand is the easiest spot, many sleep experts agree that for a truly restful night, it’s best to charge it across the room.

But let’s be real—most of us (me included!) use it as an alarm. If it’s on your nightstand, just be sure to put it on “Do Not Disturb” mode so only true emergencies can get through.

Should I invest in a charging station in my nightstand?

Having a charging station in your nightstand can be convenient for charging your phone overnight. It ensures your device is nearby and fully charged for the next day.

What about storage solutions for my nightstand?

Utilizing storage solutions like small baskets, trays, or drawer organizers can help keep your nightstand neat and organized and make it easier to find and access the items you need during the night.

Related: How to Organize a Nightstand in 5-Easy Steps

Should I keep electronics like a tablet or e-reader in my nightstand?

Keeping electronics like a tablet or e-reader in your nightstand can be convenient for nighttime reading or entertainment. Just be sure to adjust the screen brightness to reduce blue light exposure before bedtime to promote better sleep.

And don’t forget to wear blue-light-blocking glasses!

Related: The Benefits of Blue-light-blocking Glasses

What are good aromatherapy options for my nightstand?

Yes, you can keep essential oils and a diffuser or a scented candle on your nightstand for aromatherapy. Lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus are popular choices known for their relaxing and calming effects.

Conclusion: Nightstand Essentials for Women

And there you have it—50 essentials to help transform your bedside table from a simple piece of furniture into your own personal sanctuary.

Your nightstand is such an intimate space, and curating it is a beautiful (and easy!) act of self-care. It’s not just about bedroom organization; it’s about having everything you need within reach to support your evening ritual, whether that’s unwinding with a good book, pampering your skin, or simply creating a relaxing space to end your day.

Hopefully, this list of bedside table essentials gave you some fun and practical ideas to personalize your own corner of the world.

XO, Christine