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How Tall Should a Nightstand Be? 5 Expert Tips

How to choose the right nightstand size

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

How tall should a nightstand be in comparison to your bed? It's one of the tips you need to know so you can choose a nightstand that is more functional and comfortable rather than overwhelming or too tall for the space.

“As much as I enjoy rebelling against general practices and rules, there are some essential considerations when choosing the size of a nightstand,” says designer Marie Cloud. “Overall, if your proportions are aligned, functional needs are met, and there is space to style with complimentary items, you have conquered the nightstand size battle,” she adds.

Designers, including Cloud, offer their tips and advice on how to choose the ideal nightstand.

Bedroom with soft pinks, mauves, and creams

Stephanie Goldman / Photo by Michael Blevins

Get a Feel for Proportions

Designers agree that scale and proportion are key for choosing a nightstand.

“Many times, I’ve come into a client’s space where they ended up buying a bedside table that was either too small or too large, not knowing or understanding the scale of the bedside tables,” designer Peti Lau says.

But she says that before selecting a nightstand, it's critical to have the proper size bed for the space. A queen-size bed can feel too small in large rooms and a king-size bed can be huge in small rooms, Lau says. Once the right-size bed is in place, it's easier to choose nightstands.

Just take all the other pieces in the space into consideration when choosing nightstands, says designer Stephanie Goldman.

"I like to make sure the weight of [all] the furniture is balanced throughout the room for the best visual appeal," Goldman says.

Bedroom with upholstered headboard, wood nightstand, and window

Stephanie Goldman by Michael Blevins

Choose a Nightstand's Height and Width

“The height of the average bedside table should be between 24 and 28 inches in height, giving you 25 inches from the floor to the mattress,” Lau explains. “The width depends on how much space you have left.”

Designer Emily Starr Alfano agrees. “You don’t want it to be much lower or higher than your mattress height or you’ll be reaching awkwardly for things on it,” she says.

Designers agree that there are no hard rules on how wide your nightstand can be. “With width, I think you can have a little more fun,” Alfano says.

Peti by Brittany Ambridge

Peti by Brittany Ambridge

Select Your Style

From traditional to trendy, there are plenty of bedside table ideas and styles to fit your personal style.

“Sometimes a bedside table can be the second dresser for more storage if you have a lot of space on your headboard wall,” Lau says.

Goldman agrees: “I personally love using big chests for a symmetrical look when I work with clients."

Look for unusual pieces that can become nightstands. For example, consider an antique vanity on one side of your bed to serve multiple functions and a vintage chest on the other side for storage. Floating shelves used as nightstands take up less space and provide the right aesthetic for a minimal, contemporary bedroom. Bar carts and living room end tables can also serve as bedside tables, says designer and home stager Doris Roberts, who used a round, three-tiered mirrored table as a nightstand in a client's bedroom. 

nightstand

Peti by Marco Ricca

Personalize With Mismatched Tables

According to Alfano, bedside tables don’t need to match. She has two different vintage nightstands in her bedroom. If you do have mismatched nightstands, interior designer Caroline Agee has a solution.

"Add symmetry with other items, like a pair of matching lamps or matching artwork above each to create a balanced look," she says. 

nightstand

Habiba Koroma by Chinasa Cooper

Keep Functionality In Mind

Focus on your daily routines and organizational needs to help you select a bedside table.

“There should be enough space for a glass of water, a book or two, a framed photo, and a lamp, although a wall sconce will work if space is limited,” Agee says about nightstand essentials.

If you like to put your devices to sleep at night, consider a lower drawer or shelf with a charging device rather than placing them on your tabletop where they could fall off or face a spilled glass of water. A drawer can hold small items that tend to fall off your nightstand. Consider all of these little details when choosing a nightstand.

FAQ
  • Should a nightstand be higher or lower than your bed?

    To easily reach items, it's ideal to have a nightstand that's perfectly level with your mattress. If your nightstand is a couple of inches higher than your bed, it will still be easy to reach for items. It's also fine if it is a fraction lower than your mattress but if your table is too low, it can be tougher to reach down for items.

  • Is 32 inches too high for a nightstand?

    It can depend on how high the top of your mattress is from the floor. Measure to the top of your mattress to see if 32 inches will be too high or just right.

  • What is considered a tall nightstand?

    The average nightstand is between 25 to 28 or 30 inches tall. Any nightstand over 30 or 32 inches is considered to be a tall bedside table.