A Guide to High-Tech Nightstands

Aside from your partner—if you are so fortunately encumbered—nothing is closer to you throughout the night than your nightstand. Shouldn’t this bedside table be more than just a receptacle for books, phones and barely sipped glasses of water?

Optimize your wee hours companion with the latest in nightstand technology below.

South Shore

South Shore nightstands provide familiar nightstand style while simultaneously addressing the most singular concern of the 21st century—having a fully charged smartphone within arm’s reach at all times. Whether it’s to turn off an alarm, read/write an email or just check the weather, the unfortunate reality of the always-connected hellscape that comprises most of our lives is that our phones are the last things we see before heading to bed and the first we reach for upon waking in the morning. And they’re completely useless if they’re dead. South Shore provides a series of cabinets (the Flexible, the Versa, the Vito) that range from classic to contemporary design, but each have the ingenious addition of a charging strip built inside. Owners can easily charge several devices in the top drawer and avoid any cord-based clutter infringing on the top of their nightstand.

South Shore nightstands range from $160 to $175 depending on style.

Sobro Smart Side Table

From the makers of the Sobro Smart Coffee Table comes the Sobro Smart Side Table—a nightstand that is not only swimming in intelligent features, but helps you sleep better too. This clever cabinet comes equipped with a wireless charging pad, multiple USB ports and outlets, Bluetooth-enabled stereo speakers, an app-controlled locking drawer, and a whisper quiet cooler drawer perfect for the frequently parched. The Sobro Smart Side Table also wants to be a sleep aid, and to that end, the nightstand features a white noise generator and LED lighting capable of sunrise simulation to more gently ease you into the morning. The accompanying Sobro Sleep App also helps you track the quality and length of your slumber so you can make informed adjustments for optimal restfulness. And if you do have a restless night, the Sobro has you covered there as well. Running along the bottom of the side table is a motion-activated night llight that will negate the need to flip a switch if nature calls. And best of all, the Sobro Smart Side Table will never go out of style—at least not technically. The WiFi-enabled device will automatically download firmware updates whenever they are required—and this constant connectivity also means you can control your Sobro remotely.

The Sobro Smart Side Table is currently available for pre-order, in white or black, for $899 with expected delivery beginning in November 2018.

Curvilux

If you’re looking for Sobro-style functionality in a sleeker—and decidedly less refrigerated—style, there’s the Curvilux. The Curvilux packs many of the same features—wireless tabletop charging for up to 3 devices, a motion-activated night light, app-controlled locking drawer, Hi-Fi stereo speaker—into a more petite presentation. The Curvilux even has a sunrise simulating alarm to gently ease you into the day. And in fairness to the Curvilux, it did launch well before the Sobro, so if there was any "inspiration" between the devices, it most likely ran in that direction. But the Curvilux also includes some intriguing original features, like a built-in microphone which will let you field phone calls with your hands place firmly behind your head upon the pillow.

And in addition to its more minimalist style, the Curvilux features a smaller price tag than its Sobro competitor. The nightstand is available now for $389.

Echo Spot

If you’re simply in love with your Stone Age nightstand and can’t imagine an evening without it, you can easily "ensmarten" the furniture with the addition of an Echo Spot. Sure, it won’t charge your devices, but this modern take on the classic alarm clock with add connected intelligence at your fingertips. Equipped with Amazon’s A.I. assistant, Alexa, the always connected Echo Spot can give you full control—on-demand or via automation—over your home’s suite of smart devices, like lights, blinds, thermostats or coffee makers, allowing you to build your preferred bedtime and morning routines. Spot users can also easily catch up on the latest news and weather, watch video on the device’s radial screen or place and receive phone calls—all through touch or voice command. Plus, the Spot is still a stylish and endlessly customizable alarm clock.

The Echo Spot is currently available for $129.