Mid-century Modern Nightstands

Mid-century modern nightstands are nightstands dated to the mid-century modern period, which started in the 1940s and continued until around the mid-1960s. Of course, mid-century modern nightstands are well-known for their distinct look, which is popular with homeowners with both vintage and contemporary interior styles. The following guide will help you learn more about mid-century modern nightstands, along with learning a few essential tips for adding them to your home.

What are Mid-Century Modern Nightstands?

Mid-century modern nightstands are nightstands from the mid-century style era. Of course, mid-century modern nightstand were typically used to hold a variety of nighttime essentials, such as books, drinks, glasses, medications and other items that people used before bed.

mid century night stands

The classic and timeless look of mid-century modern nightstands make them popular with many modern homeowners. Because the style is so timeless, mid-century modern nightstands work while with many contemporary interior styles.

Mid-century nightstands are typically made with solid wood materials. So, walnut mid century nightstands, cherry mid century nightstands and teak mid century nightstands can turn up from time to time. Of course, Heywood Wakefield specialized in maple Mid Century Furniture, so you often see blond Mid Century Nightstands, too.

However, some mid-century modern bedside tables towards the end of the 1960s did feature vinyl and other mixed materials. You may find MCM nightstands with marble or glass tops. Finally, sometimes you can find metals worked into the design of the furniture as well.

Common Mid-century Modern Nightstand Styles

There are several different common vintage mid-century modern nightstand styles. Obviously, mid-century modern stands were almost always sold in pairs, as they were most popular with married couples who would place them on either end of the bed. The following are the most common mid-century modern nightstand styles.

Low Mid Century Modern Nightstands
Typically, low MCM nightstands sit on very short legs or have a hidden kickplate type design. Obviously, as most Mid Century Modern Beds sit low to the floor, the corresponding nightstands may be less than 20″ tall.

Of course, they may feature two enclosed drawers or one enclosed drawer and one empty shelf. The empty shelf on shorter stands could be either on the top or bottom, depending on the particular style. Mostly, these types of nightstands had very simple lines. Indeed, the strong geometry often stood pronounced on these vintage pieces.
Tall Mid Century Modern Nightstands
While perhaps a bit more rare, tall (above 24″) vintage nightstands were in production during the period. Of course, tall mid-century modern bedside tables were typically thinner. They may feature two enclosed drawers or one enclosed drawer and one empty shelf. Like their shorter counterparts, the empty shelf could either be on the top or bottom of a higher nightstand. Higher mid-century modern stands often had very tall, pointed splayed legs. Indeed, the tall peg legs on vintage nightstands point directly to the period.

Tips for Purchasing Mid-century Modern Nightstands

If you are interested in purchasing a mid-century modern nightstand, you should consider the following tips.

Tip: Have the drawers tested for signs of problems.

You need to make sure that the drawers of your mid-century modern nightstand are fully functional. If you are buying online, have the seller test the drawer for any issues with sticking or other mechanical problems. If you are buying in person, test the strength and stability yourself.

Tip: Consider how you want to use the stand when deciding on low vs. High.

One issue that many people do not consider until the nightstand is already in their bedroom is the placement of the drawers and shelves on their Mid Century bedside tables. Consider how you would use the stand once it is in your room. Do you plan on setting up book down on the shelf every night?

Of course, with todays mattresses, you should consider the height of your sleeping arrangements. Then you may want to look for a nightstand with the shelf on top rather on bottom. Or you may want to consider a nightstand with a taller height.