Round vs. Square Nightstands: Which Is Better for Your Bedroom?

Deciding between round and square nightstands? Your decision will affect the comfort and beauty of your sleep sanctuary.

Today we will compare the popular round and square nightstands and choose the more suitable nightstand for you.

Pros and Cons of Round Nightstands

A round nightstand is usually a cylindrical, oval or hemispherical-designed bedside storage cabinet. It has no sharp corners, contrasting with traditional square nightstands.

• Soften the space: no sharp corners, take up less space, and at the same time, can reduce the viewpoint oppression.
• Beautiful modeling: soft corners, smooth lines, more artistic.
• Small storage space: the round area is small; you can not place too many items.
• Poor stability: the center of gravity of the circle is relatively decentralized; when placing heavier items, it is easy to shake or even tip over .

Pros and Cons of Square Nightstand

Square nightstands are rectangular, square, L-shaped, etc., which are more versatile and universal bedroom pieces. 

• Strong storage capacity: more space inside, usually 15-20% more storage space than the same size round model.
• Stable square structure: smooth center of gravity, not easy to shake, even when placing heavier items, it is not easy to topple over, high safety.
• Diversified price: Diversified choices, more choices even for low budgets.
• Sharp edges and corners: Right-angled edges and corners are easy to bump and hurt in daily activities, with certain space limitations.

Round vs. Square Nightstands: Which Is Right for You？

The next step is to compare the two shapes of nightstands in several ways to help you choose the best nightstand for your bedroom.

1. Bedroom Aesthetics

Let's look at bedroom style and aesthetics to choose shapes. Different shapes fit different styles; for example, you can't use a round nightstand in a classic mid-century-style bedroom. How weird is that?

Mostly made of rattan, wood, metal and acrylic, the gentle curves of a round headboard add a warm and cozy vibe to a bedroom and are a popular choice for bohemian, coastal and vintage styles. When the window and door are arched and the bed and makeup vanity are curved, you can clear the style of your whole bedroom if you choose round nightstands.

The square nightstand has a clear sense of line, is more atmospheric and minimalist, and is suitable for American traditional, industrial style, and minimalism. To be more coordinated. 

In some traditional or classic-style bedrooms, square nightstands can enhance the solemnity of the space and match with gorgeous bedding, exquisite decorations, etc., to create a noble and elegant bedroom environment.

2. The Shape of the Bed

The nightstand is closely related to the bed and must be used with the bed for the sake of the overall aesthetics. Below is a simple table; below we will explain in detail the two main bed shapes.

1) Curved, Round Beds ---- Round Nightstands

When your bedroom has a curved, round bed , give priority to the round nightstands. No corners of the round and curved bed naturally articulate, with smooth curves, avoiding visual conflict.

Reminder: the diameter of the nightstands should not be larger than the radius of the bed arc; otherwise, it is like “stacked music.”

(2) Square, Rectangular Bed ➔ Both can be, According to the Style to Determine

When your bedroom has a square or rectangular bed, both shapes are fine. If you like a more softened bedroom, you can choose round nightstands for a softer look.

But if you want to maximize storage, it's the square nightstand with drawers that fits the bill.

Tip:

Square cabinet width ≤ bed frame width 1/4

Round cabinet diameter ≤ 1/3 of bed frame width

3.  Real Needs of the Room

Measure the gap between the bed and the wall/other furniture; whether you choose round or square nightstands, allow for at least 45-50cm of access.

When your room is too small but has a lot of items, avoid the round shape and go for a square nightstand. Because it has a right-angle design, it fits seamlessly into the wall and side of the bed, maximizing the use of corner space. For example, this wooden right-angle nightstand features a multiple-drawer design to perfectly utilize the space in the corner.

When you have a large room, either square or round nightstands will work. You can even use them in combination. Round nightstands are suitable for areas with frequent lines of motion (such as the side of the passageway) without fear of bumping. While the square shape is suitable for the inner side to avoid bumping.

4. Safe Choice: Which Shape Is Better for the Family?

Sometimes a nightstand choice can affect safety, and when you have children in your home, you have to be careful.

Ideal for families with small children. Prioritize use in children's rooms or high-activity areas to reduce the risk of sharp-angle collisions.

Suitable for families with pets. Families with pets know that sharp edges need to be surrounded. Why not just go for round nightstands, which will cut down on a lot of hassle?

Suitable for adult bedrooms, studies, etc. If items need to be accessed frequently (e.g., books, glasses), a right-angled edge may be easier to position, but make sure you leave enough passing width (at least 60cm).

Nightstand Shapes and Lighting Fixtures

If you already have bedside lamps and want to choose a nightstand that matches them, then I can help you with that too.

Avoid choosing bulky and large lamps that can be visually oppressive when matching round nightstands. Choose such things as frosted glass globe lamps, paper chandeliers, compact table lamps, and curved wall lamps—these compact-type lamps keep the visual transparent.

Recommendations

• Scandinavian style: white spherical ceramic table lamp + round log cabinet.
• Retro style: brass base glass globe lamp + rattan round cabinet.
• Contemporary style: Matte metal suspension lamp + rock plate round cabinet.

Match the square nightstand with a more diverse selection of lamps, as the cabinet is large. Choose geometric table lamps, long wall lamps, or industrial-style metal lamps.

Matching Recommendations

• Minimalist style: solid color square column table lamp + square chest of drawers without handles.
• Industrial style: metal grid wall lamp + old iron square cabinet.
• Japanese style: wooden base paper lamp + dwarf square cabinet.

Additional Tips for Choose Nightstand 

• If you want easy to clean, choose a round nightstand; a square one is easy to accumulate dust. The style with wheels is more convenient to clean
• Choose round nightstands for small bedrooms and practical square nightstands for more storage.
• Don't put round nightstands next to narrow aisles.
• Small space caution with dark-colored square nightstand.
• Mix two shapes of nightstands by the bed, preferably in the same color.

Choosing the Perfect Nightstand with Homeyfad

Still on the fence? Click on our collection of nightstands and take your time to pick. Whichever nightstands you choose, Homeyfad can help you by giving you the most professional guide.

We are familiar with everything in the field of home; contact us now with any matching questions!