Lights Out: 15 Nightstand Essentials For Men

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Over one-third of our lifespan is spent under the stars in a deep sleep — at least that’s what health professionals suggest. That’s not, however, including the time spent awake either in the morning or before the lights go out. Here, we’re either winding down from a big day or motivating ourselves for the hours to come. Either way, a nightstand becomes an essential piece for the modern bedroom.

And with this essential furniture item comes — you guessed it — a slew of additional, albeit smaller, essentials that take up the prized real estate next to the bed. From notebooks for analog inspiration, watch winders to keep your day running, the nightly read for compelling dreams, and a well-designed lamp to keep things illuminated until the eyelids finally fall, these are all items that cater to those prized moments of self-reflection, solitude, relaxation, and introspection. You’d be surprised how difficult it is to come across these moments today. At least these nightstand essentials can work to facilitate some much needed quiet time.

Sun Tzu The Art of War

No matter who you are or what profession you choose, conflict is a part of our day-to-day lives. So even though the likelihood of you leading an army into battle is low, Sun Tzu has elegantly outlined conceivable principles and methods to accomplish your goals and defeat your opponent on the battlefield — whatever that may be at the time.

Purchase: $5

Nearly Natural Agave Plant

Breathe a little life in the bedroom if you haven’t already. These succulents will not only add a little something extra to the nightstand but are easy to care for even for the most irresponsible plant father. Not to say we’re supporting such neglect. It’s just that if we can get all the aesthetics of indoor plants without the high maintenance, then we have what you call a win-win situation.

Purchase: $33

Mophie Wireless Charge Pad

Keep that phone charged without the worry of wire thanks to the Mophie Wireless Charge Pad. Here, utilizing the latest Qi wireless technology through a collaboration with Apple, the iconic brand successfully developed the most convenient mobile charging device available. The Mophie boasts up to 7.5W fast charge capability, a non-slip rubberized coating, and works with the iPhone X, 8 and 8 Plus.

Purchase: $40

Bull & Stash Market Journal

Sometimes the best ideas come moments after awakening from a deep sleep. So when inspiration strikes, don’t be left without an analog means of jotting it down before it retreats back into the mind’s abyss. Luckily, Bull & Stash offer up this nightstand-compatible journal made from premium full-grain leather that hosts 50 lined pages, a magnetic closure, internal pockets, and a clip-in pen carrier.

Purchase: $50

Baxter of California Wood Ash Candle

Whether you’re trying to set the mood or simply looking for some aromatherapy, Baxter of California’s Wood Ash scented candle is a good look for any bedroom. Each candle exudes pleasant notes of the great outdoors — campfires of coastal California to be specific — alongside fine aromas of pine, blonde wood, leafy grass, and cade. Not a bad addition at all to the nightstand.

Purchase: $60

Craighill Nocturn Catch Valet Tray

Having an organized valet tray to house the day’s carry items come nightfall is never a bad idea, especially when that very valet tray is made right here in the USA from American hardwood. It’s the perfect catch-all for any EDC gear and will no doubt look the part while doing so.

Purchase: $88

Inventery Mechanical Pen

Just like the necessity a nightly notebook presents, a reliable pen completes the symbiotic relationship here to prevent any inspiring thoughts or ideas from escaping your grasp. And with a brass unibody construction, a Schmidt P8126 cap-free rollerball refill, and an all-brass Schmidt SKM88 silent all-metal clicker the Inventory Mechanical Pen not only performs when needed but looks good while doing so.

Purchase: $90

Arne Jacobsen Station Alarm Clock

Originally designed back in 1941, Arne Jacobsen’s Station Alarm Clock comes equipped with a handsome midcentury appearance and silhouette. Key features include easy-to-read numbers, two-tone hands, simplicity, and elegance — basically what you’d expect from a well-designed mid-century clock.

Purchase: $129

Marshall Kilburn Portable Speaker

If peace and quiet simply isn’t an option, opt for Marshal’s unique Kilburn Portable Speaker. Modeled after their iconic amplifiers, each speaker houses two 3/4” dome tweeters and a 4” woofer for maximum sound quality. Sync up the phone in no time and cue the mood.

Purchase: $229

Dom Vitro Primo Eye Glasses

Handmade from thick acetate, these timeless optical lenses boast upward of five barrel hinges to ensure longevity is on your side. For when the time comes to take the contacts out for the day or simply serving as a pair of reading glasses for The Art of War, the Dom Vitro Primo glasses are sure to please.

Purchase: $295

Blue Dot Bub Table Lamp

What’s a nightstand without a lamp? Our thoughts exactly. Fortunately, this alluring hand blown glass lamp is cleverly designed with both shade and base becoming one sleek unit. And in addition to a modest size — 16” x 11” — each Table Lamp comes equipped with a cloth-covered cord with an inline switch, olive-tinted glass, and even ships fully assembled.

Purchase: $319

Wolf Viceroy Single Watch Winder

Here’s the thing about automatic watches, they require self-winding to remain charged and ticking. And with hours or even days of stationary movement threatening the quality of your prized timepiece, a reliable watch winder is never a bad idea for the nightstand. Needless to say, the Viceroy, complete with a handful of rotation options, directional settings, and winding programs is a fine winder indeed.

Purchase: $449

Apple iPhone XS

The newest iPhone iteration from Apple didn’t leave much room for disappointment. The smallest (relatively speaking of course) of the new lineup not only boasts the crispest and highest definition screen yet thanks to a Super Retina 3.3 million pixel OLED truetone display but the sound quality is hugely enhanced as well. We could go on and on about the XS, but we’ll leave it up to you to see for yourself since seeing is believing after all.

Purchase: $999

Nelson Thin Edge Bedside Table

As the design director at Herman Miller for close to three decades during the mid-century, George Nelson was a formidable force in the design world. Case in point, this Then Edge Bedside Table he designed for Herman Miller back in 1952. It’s a refined version of the Basic Cabinet series from 1946 and is produced today using 85% recycled materials and environmentally sustainable veneers right here in the USA.

Purchase: $1,395

Tudor Black Bay Watch

What’s a watch winder without a watch? Fortunately, Tudor’s self-winding Black Bay timepiece is the perfect companion for such a device. Key features include a 41mm polished steel case, a unidirectional rotatable bezel, a black dial protected by a domed sapphire crystal, a rivet steel bracelet, and a waterproof rating to 200 meters.

Purchase: $3,675

Now For The Bed By Thuma


Globally inspired and designed in San Francisco, The Bed by Thuma is a fine platform bed built to elevate every aspect of the bedroom in both form and function. Their designers drew from modern architecture, fashion, and minimalist luxury interiors to create a contemporary bedroom masterpiece.

Key features include a comfortable PillowBoard for a pro-lounge environment, cork-padded bottoms, rounded corners, a mattress lip to keep everything in place, and a nine-inch clearing underneath for storage. It’s shipped directly to your home and assembles in less than 5 minutes without any tools required. Available now.

Purchase: $800+