Nightstand essentials that make guests feel welcome

A nightstand is the command center of a guest room. If it’s stocked with the right little things, people settle in faster and ask fewer questions. I keep mine simple, practical, and obvious so no one has to open every drawer to find a charger or a tissue at midnight.

Put power within reach without a tangle

A slim power strip with two outlets and two USB ports solves the “Where do I charge my phone?” situation instantly. Mount it to the back of the nightstand with removable strips so cords don’t slide behind the bed.

Add a short, braided multi-tip cable (USB-C, Lightning, Micro-USB). Guests won’t have to borrow your charger, and the braided cord holds up to frequent use.

Add lighting that’s easy to operate in the dark

Choose a lamp with a simple on/off toggle or touch base. Nobody wants to fumble under a finial at 2 a.m. A warm bulb around 2700–3000K keeps the room calm, not clinical.

If the switch is on the cord, clip it to the back leg with a small binder clip so it stays put. The tiny detail reads thoughtful every single time.

Keep a small tray for the pocket dump

A shallow tray corrals wedding rings, watches, earbuds, and loose change so nothing disappears into the bedding. Pick something wipeable that won’t clink loudly in a quiet house.

If you’re using a soft tray or dish, add a felt dot underneath to protect the wood. A little sound and scratch control makes late-night settling quieter.

Stock low-profile comfort items

Set a slim tissue box, a travel-size hand cream, and a lip balm behind the tray. These tiny comforts save your guest a trip to the bathroom when they’ve already tucked in.

Slide a couple of individually wrapped earplugs into a small envelope. Most guests won’t need them, but if your house has early risers, it’s a kind safety net.

Make water a no-brainer

A carafe with a covered glass or two sealed water bottles avoids kitchen trips at midnight. The covered option keeps the water dust-free and looks neat on a styled surface.

Place a coaster under the glass or bottles. It’s a small way to protect your nightstand from rings and keep the setup looking new.

Share the basics without a speech

Print a minimal Wi-Fi card with network and password and slip it under the tray. Add a one-line “Coffee is at 7; help yourself earlier” if your kitchen is far from the room.

If you have a sound machine, place it on the lower shelf with a sticky note saying “turn me on.” Clear cues let people relax without asking you for the tenth time where the spoons are.