Realyn Nightstand Review: Ashley B743-91 (Perfect Height, Drawer + Shelf, Cottage Style Done Right)

A Realyn nightstand works especially well when you want a softer, cottage-inspired bedroom that still feels adult and clean. The style is traditional without being heavy, and it pairs nicely with white, beige, linen, light wood tones, and even darker bed frames if you want contrast.​

I also like that a Realyn nightstand is designed to function in real life: it has a drawer for the stuff you don’t want visible (chargers, remotes, hand cream, meds), and it has an open shelf that acts like a “landing zone” for the items you reach for constantly. That drawer + shelf combo is, in my opinion, one of the most underrated storage layouts for a bedroom—especially if you’re trying to avoid clutter on top of the nightstand.​

Realyn nightstand specs (Ashley B743-91)

When I review a nightstand, I start with dimensions—because a nightstand can be gorgeous and still be wrong for your bed.

Here are the key specs commonly listed for the Realyn nightstand B743-91:

• Overall size: 24.0″ W × 16.0″ D × 27.0″ H​
• Weight: about 44 lbs (this matters for stability)​
• Storage: 1 drawer + open shelf​

The Realyn nightstand is also described with construction details like dovetail drawer construction and decorative hardware, plus a casual/traditional “cottage” aesthetic. If you’ve owned wobbly, lightweight bedside tables before, that ~44 lb weight is a subtle benefit because it often translates to a more solid feel when you open the drawer daily.​

How I know if the Realyn nightstand is the right height for my bed

Height is where most people get disappointed after delivery. The best-looking nightstand in the world becomes annoying if it’s too low or too high for the bed.

A common guideline is that your nightstand should be level with the top of your mattress or up to about 2–4 inches taller, so you can reach items comfortably while lying down. Since the Realyn nightstand is 27 inches tall, it often lands in the “works with many beds” range—especially for mattresses that sit around the mid‑20-inch mark from the floor.​

My quick measuring method (do this before you buy)

1. Measure from the floor to the top of your mattress (not the frame).​
2. Compare that number to 27″ (Realyn nightstand height).​
3. If your mattress top is around 25″–29″, you’ll usually be in a comfortable zone.​

If your bed is very tall (thick mattress + box spring + tall frame), don’t automatically panic if the Realyn nightstand sits a little lower than the mattress top—some guides note that this can still function normally, especially with tall beds.​

Why I like “1 drawer + open shelf” for real bedrooms

Two-drawer nightstands are popular, but I don’t always think they’re the best.

Here’s what happens in a real bedroom: the top of the nightstand becomes a clutter magnet. The drawer gets stuffed with random items. And then you’re left with no easy place for the “in-between” stuff—like a book you’re reading this week, a sleep mask, or a small basket for cords.

With the Realyn nightstand, I use:

• The drawer for clutter (charging bricks, lip balm, remote, meds, spare earbuds).​
• The open shelf for a basket or neatly stacked items that would otherwise pile on top.​

That open shelf is also a guest-room superpower. Guests can place a small bag, book, or water bottle there without digging through drawers.​

Realyn nightstand style: what it looks like in an actual home

The Realyn nightstand is often listed as a casual/traditional piece with a light, antiqued look that fits cottage and farmhouse-inspired bedrooms. This is one of those designs that looks better when it’s styled simply.​

When I style a Realyn nightstand, I avoid overdoing it with heavy décor. The piece already has visual detail—so I let it breathe.

My favorite Realyn nightstand setup (simple and high-end)

• A lamp with a warm bulb (soft light makes “chipped white” finishes look richer)
• A small tray (rings, lip balm, watch)
• One book or a small plant

How I use the shelf so it stays tidy

• A woven basket for cords/chargers
• Or 2–3 books stacked with a candle or small object

This approach keeps the Realyn nightstand functional while still looking like a styled bedroom photo—without making it hard to clean.​

Practical bedroom scenarios (where this nightstand really shines)

Apartment bedrooms and small spaces

In a small bedroom, width and depth matter. The Realyn nightstand’s 24″ width and 16″ depth are large enough to be useful but not so huge that they overwhelm tighter layouts. If you’ve ever tried to squeeze a bulky nightstand between the bed and the wall, you know how quickly a “great deal” becomes a daily annoyance.​

The open shelf helps too. In apartments, I often don’t want extra storage furniture, so the shelf becomes a mini storage zone without needing another piece.​

Primary bedrooms with a “soft traditional” look

If your bedroom has upholstered headboards, linen bedding, neutral rugs, or vintage-inspired décor, the Realyn nightstand can blend in naturally. It reads “cozy and collected” rather than “ultra modern,” which is perfect if you want calm energy in a sleep space.​

Guest rooms and Airbnb setups

For a guest room, the Realyn nightstand’s open shelf is incredibly practical: guests can put items there immediately without wondering what’s “allowed” in the drawer. In rentals, I also like furniture that looks classic enough to please most people—because trendy pieces can feel dated fast.​

Realyn nightstand durability: what I care about most

I always look for signs that a nightstand can handle daily life: drawer use, weight, and stability.

The Realyn nightstand is listed around 44 lbs, which suggests it’s not a flimsy lightweight table. It also lists dovetail drawer construction, which is commonly associated with stronger drawer joinery than basic stapled joints. If you open a drawer every morning and every night, these details matter—because drawer failure is one of the first ways cheap nightstands disappoint.​

A quick “fit check” before you buy

This is my personal checklist to avoid buyer’s remorse:

• Does 24″ width fit your space without blocking walking paths?​
• Does 27″ height fit your mattress height for comfortable reach?​
• Do you need more hidden storage than a single drawer provides?​
• Would an open shelf help your routine, or would it become clutter?​

If you answer “yes” to height and space, and you like cottage styling, the Realyn nightstand is usually a safe choice.​

Styling tips to make the Realyn nightstand look even better

I like to treat a Realyn nightstand like a “frame” for a small bedside vignette. The goal isn’t to decorate—it’s to make your life easier while keeping the room calm.

5 things that always make it look better

• Use one lamp with a shade that’s proportional to the 24″ width (not tiny).
• Keep the top surface at about 60–70% “clear” so it feels restful.
• Use a tray to group small items (it instantly looks tidier).
• Add one soft texture nearby (linen lamp shade, woven basket).
• Keep shelf storage intentional (basket or books), not random piles.

Common mistakes people make with nightstands (and how I avoid them)

• Buying too low: It looks fine, but reaching down every night gets old fast; the “mattress level or slightly higher” guideline helps prevent this.​
• Going too wide for the space: A nightstand that blocks drawers or doors is a daily frustration.
• No plan for cords: If you charge devices, plan where cords go (basket on shelf, cord clips behind).
• Over-decorating: Too many items turns the top into clutter and defeats the point of buying storage.

FAQ

What are the dimensions of the Realyn nightstand B743-91?

The Realyn nightstand B743-91 is commonly listed as 24.0″ W × 16.0″ D × 27.0″ H.​

How tall should a nightstand be next to a bed?

A common recommendation is that a nightstand should be level with the top of your mattress or about 2–4 inches taller for comfortable reach.​

Is a nightstand with an open shelf a good idea?

Yes, if you want quick-access storage and a way to reduce top-surface clutter; the Realyn nightstand combines one drawer with an open shelf for that purpose.​

Will a 27-inch nightstand work with a tall bed?

Many guides note that taller beds can still function well with nightstands that sit slightly below the mattress top, though measuring your mattress height is the best way to confirm.​

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Step 4 – Optional competitive structure note

I structured this like top-ranking buyer guides: dimensions and fit first, then storage layout, then styling and “who it’s for,” with FAQs to capture long-tail queries.