There are two types of people. The ones who are careful about the items that go on their nightstand and the others who never pay attention to these things. I fall in the former category because there are things that I need as soon as I reach for the bed-sheet covers.
Much to people chagrin, I love to keep everything in an orderly fashion. From the lamp to flowers and my favorite night read. Interestingly, nightstands have a smaller surface and they come in various shapes and sizes. Some have open drawers while the others are old school chest drawers.