Nightstand Size & Height Guide
Match nightstand height to your mattress and choose the right drawer layout.
Match the mattress height
The most useful nightstand is the one you can reach without stretching. As a starting point, keep the top of the nightstand within a few inches of the top of your mattress. If the mattress is 25 inches high, a 24- to 27-inch nightstand is usually comfortable.
If the nightstand is much lower, you will lean down for a glass of water. If it is much higher, it can feel like a wall beside the bed.
Measure the gap
Leave a few inches between the nightstand and the bed so you can make the bed and reach behind it. On the wall side, leave enough room for a lamp plug and a phone charger. If the room is tight, a narrower nightstand with a single drawer can be the better choice.
Drawers vs. open shelves
- One drawer: enough for a book, a charger, and a few small items.
- Two or three drawers: better if you use the nightstand as a small dresser.
- Open shelf: easy access, but dust collects faster.
- Closed cabinet: hides clutter but can feel heavy in a small room.
Height and style
A taller nightstand can work with a high bed or a platform bed. A lower nightstand suits a low-profile bed and a modern room. If you have two nightstands, keep them the same height even if the styles differ.
A quick check
Put a lamp and a glass on the nightstand. Sit on the bed. Reach for both. If you have to twist or stretch, the height is not right. Move the nightstand a few inches closer or choose a different height.
Pieces that fit this advice.
Related guides.
Nightstands Set of 2: How to Choose a Matching Pair
Choose a matching nightstand pair by bed height, room width, storage, and finish.
Read the guide →How to Measure Your Space Before Buying Furniture
A simple measuring checklist for furniture: floor space, doorways, walkways, and chair clearance.
Read the guide →