Nightstand Dimensions: Finding the Perfect Fit
Is your bedroom furniture causing you stress? The wrong-sized nightstand can make reaching your phone, books, or water bottle a nightly struggle.
Most people don’t know the right dimensions for their needs. They buy tables that look good in stores but fail at home.
With the right nightstand size, you’ll sleep better knowing everything you need sits at arm’s length. Your bedroom will look more put-together too.
This guide walks you through choosing the right nightstand dimensions for your space. You’ll learn about standard heights, widths, and depths.
We’ll cover how to match your bed size and room layout. By the end, you’ll know exactly what measurements work for your specific bedroom needs.
Ideal Dimensions for Bedroom Nightstand
Standard Height, Width, and Depth Recommendations
Most nightstands range from 24 to 28 inches in height. This size works well for many standard beds. The width typically falls between 18 to 22 inches, giving you enough space for essentials.
Look for tables between 16 to 20 inches for depth to avoid taking up too much floor space.
When shopping, measure your available space first. A good rule is to leave at least 2 to 3 inches of space on each side of the nightstand. This prevents a cramped look and allows for easy cleaning.
The size of your room matters too. Smaller rooms work better with compact options. Larger rooms can handle bigger tables without looking out of balance.
Matching with Bed Height for Accessibility
Your nightstand should be level with or slightly higher than your mattress top. This height makes it easy to reach items from the bed. Most mattress tops sit 22 to 25 inches from the floor.
Test this by sitting on your bed and reaching for the nightstand top. Your arm should extend naturally, not stretch up or bend down. This position helps prevent awkward reaches or knocking items over.
Pick a taller nightstand if your bed has a tall frame or thick mattress. For low-platform beds, choose shorter tables to keep things within easy reach. The goal is comfort when you grab your book, water, or turn off the lamp.
Choosing the Right Height for Nightstand
Matching the Nightstand Height to Your Mattress Height
The right nightstand height makes your bedroom more useful. Pick a nightstand that sits even with the top of your mattress or up to 3 inches higher for best results. This height puts items within easy reach when you’re in bed.
To find the right match, measure from your floor to the top of your mattress. Most mattresses sit about 25 inches high. Add the height of any bed frame or box spring to this number. Now, look for a nightstand close to that total.
When the heights match well, you can reach for water, books, or your phone without straining. This setup also looks better than tables that sit too high or low beside your bed.
Don’t worry about finding an extra-tall table if your bed has an extra-tall mattress. Instead, focus on the 3-inch rule – your nightstand should be no more than 3 inches higher than your mattress.
Pros and Cons of Taller vs. Shorter Nightstands
Taller Nightstands:
- Make it easier to reach items from the bed
- Work well with higher bed frames and thick mattresses
- Often include more storage space in drawers or shelves
- It can help a room with high ceilings feel balanced
But taller options may look odd next to low platform beds. They can also feel top-heavy if not well-built. In small rooms, tall pieces might seem too big.
Shorter Nightstands:
- Create a low, modern look that works in small spaces
- Pair well with low-platform beds and thin mattresses
- Make the ceiling seem higher in rooms with low ceilings
- Often cost less than taller options
The downside is that shorter tables can cause more reaching or leaning to grab items. They may offer less storage space, too.
Selecting the Ideal Width and Depth
1. How Much Surface Space You Need for Essentials
The top of your nightstand needs room for your daily items. Most people keep a lamp, phone, water, and perhaps a book or glasses on their nightstand.
A width of 18-22 inches works for most needs. This gives enough room for a small lamp plus a few items without taking up too much space. If you use a larger lamp or keep many things at hand, look for tables at least 20 inches wide.
For depth, 16-18 inches support lamps while staying slim. Deeper tables offer more top space but stick out further from the wall. Make sure you can still walk around your bed easily.
Think about what you use each night. If you need only a small lamp and phone, a 15-inch-wide table might work. Pick a wider top if you keep books, tissues, water, and other items close.
Considerations for Small vs. Large Bedrooms
In small bedrooms, every inch counts. Look for compact nightstands no more than 18 inches wide and 16 inches deep. This leaves more room to move around the bed.
Slim or tapered legs help small rooms feel less crowded. You might try just one nightstand instead of two in very tight spaces. Corner nightstands can fit in tight spots where standard shapes won’t work.
For large bedrooms, the risk is having tables that look too small for the space. A king bed paired with tiny nightstands can seem out of balance. Look for tables 22-30 inches wide to match the room’s scale.
In big rooms, you need to think about reach too. Very wide tables might place some items too far from the bed. Most people can reach about 16-18 inches from the edge of the bed without straining.
Always measure your space before buying. Leave at least 24 inches between the nightstand and any dresser or wall to allow easy movement.
Space-Saving Nightstand Options
When space is tight, you need smart bedside storage solutions. Here are three space-saving nightstand options that work well in smaller bedrooms.
1. Wall-Mounted Nightstands
Wall-mounted nightstands free up valuable floor space. These floating shelves attach directly to the wall beside your bed. Many include a small drawer for personal items with an open shelf below.
Since they don’t touch the floor, cleaning underneath is simple. The open area makes small rooms feel less crowded. Look for models with built-in USB ports to reduce cord clutter.
2. Nesting Tables
Nesting tables offer flexible options for small spaces. These sets include two or three tables of different heights that fit together.
Pull out the smaller tables when you need extra surface area. Push them back together when not in use.
This design gives you more space when needed without taking up extra room day-to-day. The varied heights work well for different tasks, too.
3. C-Tables and Tuck-Under Designs
C-shaped tables slide partly under your bed while still giving you surface space. Their base fits beneath the bed frame while the top extends over the edge of your mattress. This design puts your essentials closer to you while using less floor space.
Many include a small shelf or drawer for added storage. These work well in studio apartments or dorm rooms where every inch matters.
How to Measure Your Space Before Buying?
Measure the wall length where your bed sits and allow 24 inches between the nightstand and the furniture.
Check floor-to-mattress height; your nightstand should match this or be 3 inches taller. Note bed width and pick nightstands that are 1/3 to 1/2 of headboard width.
Mark outlet and vent locations to avoid blocking them. Always bring measurements when shopping to compare with potential options.
Placement Considerations for Easy Access
Place your nightstand 3-6 inches from the mattress edge for easy reach. Check that drawers can open without hitting the bed frame and leave 24 inches for walking space around furniture. Ensure lamp cords reach outlets without crossing walkways where you might trip.
For shared beds, provide each person with a nightstand when possible to keep personal items separate and maintain room balance.
Conclusion
The right nightstand does more than hold your stuff. It brings comfort and function to your daily routine.
We’ve looked at the key factors that make a nightstand work: height that matches your mattress, width, and depth that fit your space, and storage that meets your needs.
Remember that measurements matter. Take time to measure your space before shopping. Consider both your room size and bed dimensions for the best fit.
Your nightstand works hard daily, holding your essentials and helping you rest well. You’ll create a more useful and pleasant bedroom space by picking the right size, style, and storage type.
Sweet dreams start with smart choices – including the small table beside your bed.
