Furniture today is more versatile than ever. Many homeowners want pieces that can flex across different rooms  bedroom, dining room, living room, even home offices. That’s exactly why searches like nightstand buffet cabinet sideboard, sideboard as nightstand, and nightstand with drawers have become so popular.

The truth is, you can use sideboards, buffet cabinets, or even small credenzas as nightstands  and in many cases, they’re more stylish, offer more storage, and create a designer-level bedroom aesthetic.

In this full guide, we cover:

• What’s the difference between a nightstand, buffet cabinet & sideboard
• When to use a sideboard as a nightstand
• How to choose the perfect nightstand with drawers
• Best materials, heights, and styling ideas
• Top recommendations from SICOTAS
• Modern bedroom & small-space layouts

Let’s dive in.

What’s the Difference Between a Nightstand, Buffet Cabinet & Sideboard?

Although these furniture pieces look similar, they are designed for different purposes. But with modern interior design, they often overlap beautifully.

Nightstand

A small beside-the-bed table meant for:

• Lighting
• Phone charging
• Bedside storage
• Books or glasses
• Nighttime essentials

Usually 20–30 inches tall.

Sideboard

A long, low storage unit commonly used in:

• Living rooms
• Dining rooms
• Entryways

Great for:

• Display
• Organization
• Extra storage

Often 28–36 inches tall.

Buffet Cabinet

Another term similar to sideboard, usually:

• Slightly taller
• More storage capacity
• Used for dishes, linens, drinkware

Great for bedrooms, especially high beds.

Table: Quick Comparison

Feature	Nightstand	Sideboard	Buffet Cabinet
Typical Height	24–28"	28–36"	30–38"
Storage	Minimal–Medium	Medium–Large	Large
Best For	Bedside essentials	Decorative + storage	Heavy storage needs
Use as Nightstand?	Yes	Yes (if height fits)	Yes (for tall beds)
Drawer Options	Many	Sometimes	Sometimes

 

Can You Use a Sideboard as a Nightstand?

Yes — and it’s a major interior design trend.

Using a sideboard as a nightstand gives you:

More storage

Great for bedrooms lacking closet space.

Wider visual balance

Especially for king-sized beds.

Modern, high-end aesthetic

Sideboards create a luxe designer look.

Perfect for tall beds

Standard nightstands are often too short.

Multi-functional furniture

Works in living rooms later if bedroom layout changes.

Best Sideboards from SICOTAS to Use as Nightstands

These SICOTAS pieces perfectly double as nightstands because of their height, storage, and aesthetic:

Savanna Buffet Cabinet with Doors

Colors: Caramel Oak, Light Oak, Black Oak

• Beautiful rattan doors
• Perfect height for tall beds
• Warm natural tones

Zura Rattan Sideboard

Colors: Sand Oak, Amber Oak

• Cane doors for a modern boho vibe
• Deep storage
• Soft, natural bedroom look

Cas Sideboard with Doors

Colors: White Alder, Grey Alder, Dark Grey Alder

• Ultra-clean, minimalist style
• Perfect for modern or contemporary bedrooms

Helio Sideboard

Colors: Light Oak, Grey White Oak, Midnight Black

• Smooth contemporary surfaces
• Great for bedside symmetry

Explore all sideboards:
https://www.sicotas.com/collections/sideboards

When Should You Choose a Sideboard Instead of a Nightstand?

Choose a sideboard as a nightstand when:

Your bed is tall

Sideboards match height beautifully.

You want extra storage

More room for clothing, linens, electronics, etc.

You love a wide bedside look

Designers often use wider tables for balance in large bedrooms.

You want a bold focal point

Sideboards are statement pieces.

You want dual-purpose furniture

Flexible for future room changes.

When Should You Choose a Nightstand With Drawers?

Nightstands with drawers are perfect when:

You want clean surfaces

Drawers hide clutter.

You need bedside essentials handy

Glasses, chargers, remotes, skincare.

You prefer compact bedside furniture

Nightstands take less floor space.

Your bed height is standard

Nightstands align better with mattress height.

Best SICOTAS Nightstands With Drawers

Perfect for bedrooms of all sizes:

Cas Nightstand With Drawer — $125.99

Colors: White Alder, Grey Alder, Natural Oak

• Sleek, minimalist
• Smooth drawers
• Versatile for any bedroom

Cas 3-Drawer Nightstand — $199.99

Great for storage lovers.

Savanna Nightstand with Charging Station — $109.99

• Rattan drawer front
• Built-in outlets
• Perfect for modern tech-friendly bedrooms

Terra Nightstand — $67.99

Budget-friendly and clean.

Explore all Cas nightstands:
https://www.sicotas.com/collections/cas-nightstand

Choosing the Right Height (Most Important Step)

Ideal height:

Same height as your mattress top
 OR
1–3 inches taller

Why?

• Easy arm reach
• Better lamp height alignment
• Balanced aesthetics

Because sideboards are taller, they match well with platform & luxury mattress setups.

Styling Ideas: Nightstand vs Sideboard As Nightstand

Nightstand Styling Ideas

Lamp + tray + small plant

Books + candle + bowl

Drawer for hidden items

Works well for clean, minimal bedside looks.

Sideboard As Nightstand Styling Ideas

Because sideboards are wider, you can style them like mini bedside dressers.

Two lamps (hotel style)

Large plant + sculptural vase

Books + framed art

Extra baskets inside cabinets

Creates a luxury designer bedroom effect.

Table: Which One Should You Use?

Room Type	Best Option	Why
Small bedroom	Nightstand with drawers	Saves space
Master bedroom	Sideboard or buffet cabinet	Creates symmetry & storage
Guest room	Nightstand	Minimal, functional
Tall beds	Sideboard	Height alignment
Minimalist home	Cas nightstand	Clean design
Boho home	Zura or Savanna sideboard	Natural textures

 

Design Styles That Match Sideboards as Nightstands

Modern farmhouse

Light oak + woven cane

Bohemian chic

Rattan + warm textures

Contemporary

Grey Alder + Black Oak finishes

Scandinavian

Light oak + clean shapes

Japandi

Minimal + natural wood tones

Bedroom Layout Ideas Using Sideboards as Nightstands

Wide Master Bedroom Layout

• King bed centered
• Two sideboards as nightstands
• Large lamps
• Artwork behind each lamp

Result: Hotel-level symmetry.

Minimalist Small Bedroom

• One nightstand with drawers
• Under-bed storage
• Floating shelf above bed

Clean and modern.

Boho Chic Room

• Rattan sideboard
• Earth-tone bedding
• Plants + woven baskets

Contemporary Luxury

• Cas sideboards
• Matte black accents
• Neutral beige palette

Final Thoughts: The Best Furniture for Your Bedroom Needs

Whether you choose a nightstand, a sideboard, or a buffet cabinet, the key is matching:

• Height
• Storage needs
• Aesthetic style
• Bedroom layout

Choose a nightstand if:

You want compact storage, drawers, minimal footprint.

Choose a sideboard/buffet cabinet if:

You want a designer look, extra storage, and a bold bedside statement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a sideboard as a nightstand?

Yes. Sideboards offer more storage and a luxury designer look — perfect for tall beds and large bedrooms.

Does a nightstand need drawers?

Not always, but drawers keep your bedside surface tidy and organized.

What’s the ideal height for a nightstand or sideboard used beside a bed?

The same height as the top of your mattress or 1–3 inches higher.

Are buffet cabinets good for bedrooms?

Yes — they work well as oversized nightstands or extra bedroom storage.

Which is better for small bedrooms?

Nightstands with drawers take up less space and provide compact storage.

Which SICOTAS nightstand is best for storage?

The Cas 3-Drawer Nightstand offers the largest capacity.

Which sideboard works best as a nightstand?

Savanna Buffet Cabinet and Zura Rattan Sideboard are top choices for style + functionality.