When relaxing before bedtime, a nightstand should be the ideal spot for setting a glass of water or a well-loved book before turning the lights off. There are a few different factors for finding the best nightstand sizes for your bedroom, including space, furniture, and function. Keep reading below for our guide to nightstand dimensions with tips to find the right one.

Nightstand Dimensions

Scale is an important part in choosing the right-sized furniture for a bedroom. A nightstand should be a piece that blends into the bedroom and provides a place to set an alarm clock or a cup of nighttime tea. We've outlined a few key measurements to help find the right nightstand dimensions for your bedroom.

Nightstand Height

The nightstand height shouldn't be too high or too low. As a simple rule, the height of a nightstand should be level or nearly level with the height of your bed. We recommend measuring the height of your bed to the top of the mattress and then choosing a nightstand that's tabletop is within 3" of the mattress top for comfortable access to any nighttime essentials. Modern platform beds are quite a bit closer to the floor, so pay attention to their height when choosing a nightstand.

Nightstand Width

Nightstand sizes depend on the space of a bedroom and the size of the bed frame. Standard nightstands are typically 21" – 29" wide and pair well with queen- or full-sized beds. Twin-sized beds look best with a narrower silhouette. For large king-sized beds, opt for a wider nightstand to match the scale. When decorating with a pair of matching nightstands, these guidelines help maintain a proportional look.

Nightstand Depth

A nightstand should be deep enough to hold a table lamp and any bedside essentials, such phone chargers or an alarm clock. Most nightstands have a depth between 12" and 30". If you prefer to keep larger items on the nightstand like a vase of flowers or a stack of magazines, opt for a bedside table with more surface space.

Nightstand Placement

For easy access, bedside tables should be placed 3" – 6" from the edge of the mattress. This offers enough room to give you some space while keeping items within close reach. For queen- and king-sized beds, matching nightstands are a great option for creating a symmetrical look. Twin-sized beds should only have one small nightstand, especially when placed against the wall. For two twin beds in the same room, choose a larger nightstand to provide ample table space for sharing.

Pro Tip:

Opt for mismatched nightstands for a touch of bespoke flair. Experiment with different shapes and details, such as color, hardware, or storage. You can even use an end table, stool, or ottoman as a nightstand. We recommend picking two bedside tables that are a similar size to keep the space balanced.

Nightstand Storage

Nightstands should be a functional part of a bedroom with storage that can be easily accessed. Choose bedside tables that have drawers or open shelving to optimize space and keep essentials close by. When shopping for nightstands, consider which type of storage suits your space best. Nightstands with drawer storage have one to four drawers for stashing eyeglasses, tech accessories, or reading materials. Bedside tables with open storage offer plenty of space to display books, keepsakes, and photos of loved ones.

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