How Tall Should Your Nightstand Be? (Finding the Perfect Height)

A nightstand can be a stylish (and functional) addition to your bedroom. But sometimes, in pursuit of design and aesthetic, it can be too easy to forget practicalities like height.

While there is no right answer (it’s your bedroom after all), in the ideal world you want to strike the right balance between design and aesthetic.

In this article, we’ll go over some of the factors you need to consider to get just that.

Determining the Ideal Nightstand Height

When you’re choosing a nightstand for your bedroom, you should consider the ideal height for both functionality and aesthetic purposes. Ultimately, determining the perfect height comes down to two factors:

Your Bed Height

First, you need to measure the height of your bed, including the mattress and box spring (if applicable). This way, you can get an idea of how high your nightstand should be in relation to your bed.

Ideally, the top of your nightstand should be level with the top of your mattress or slightly above it. This allows for easy access to items on the nightstand (and also just looks good).

Here are some standard bed heights and the corresponding (ideal) nightstand heights:

Bed Height	Nightstand Height
18-22 inches	20-24 inches
22-26 inches	24-28 inches
26-30 inches	28-32 inches

Mattress Thickness

Another factor to consider is the thickness of your mattress. Thicker mattresses may leave less room between the top of the mattress and the nightstand, while thinner mattresses may leave too much space.

Keep in mind that if you have a thicker mattress, you might need a taller nightstand. On the other hand, if your mattress is on the thin side, you might be able to get away with a shorter nightstand without sacrificing functionality.

Design and Functionality

As you select the perfect nightstand for your bedroom, you should consider both design and functionality. In particular, consider the following:

Storage and Accessibility

Your nightstand should be high enough to accommodate your needs, so consider how you’ll use the nightstand and what items you’ll keep on it.

For example, if you need space for a lamp, books, or other small items, a nightstand higher than your mattress might be ideal.

But if you prefer easy access to items while lying in bed (which I relate to), you’ll want to choose a nightstand that’s the same height as your mattress or slightly lower.

Consider whether you’ll need storage space in drawers, shelves, or both. If so, a nightstand with varying storage options will probably make sense.

You may even decide to hang a mirror above your nightstand, so be sure to take that into account when assessing height.

Nightstand Aesthetics and Proportion

Consider the nightstand’s visual appeal and proportions. Here are a few guidelines to help you choose a nightstand that complements your bed:

1. Make sure the nightstand’s width is proportional to your bed’s size. A general rule is to choose a nightstand at most one-third the width of your bed, although less is probably better.
2. The style and material of the nightstand should match or complement the rest of your bedroom furniture.
3. Avoid choosing a nightstand that is too tall or short, as this can make your bedroom feel off-balance or create an awkward look.

Standard Nightstand Heights

Lastly, you’ll want to consider the height of your bed for optimum use and aesthetics. 

Typically, nightstands range between 24 and 28 inches in height. Let’s take a closer look at some common nightstand height options:

• Standard Height: The most common nightstand height is 24 to 28 inches. This height works well with most beds, which allows easy access to items on the nightstand but still keeps it visually aligned with your bed.

• Lower Height: A shorter nightstand, around 18 to 22 inches, can be ideal for lower bed frames.

• Higher Height: With taller mattresses or bed frames, you might consider nightstands around 30 inches high. Your items still still be an arm’s reach away, but you’ll still get a balanced aesthetic.

Personal comfort and aesthetic preferences should definitely be top of mind. To help visualize the best fit, you can use a temporary prop, such as a stack of books, next to your bed to gauge the ideal height before adding that nightstand to your cart.

Adjusting to Your Space

Small Bedroom Solutions

You may be concerned about fitting a nightstand in your small bedroom. However, don’t worry. There are several options to find the perfect nightstand size for your space. For example, wall-mounted nightstands or floating shelves can help open the floor space.

Another practical solution is to use multi-functional furniture like a nightstand with built-in drawers or storage compartments. This will help you maximize your storage capabilities without adding clutter to your room.

Making the Most of Your Nightstand

Here are a few tips on organizing your nightstand for better access and reduced clutter:

• Store frequently used items, such as your phone, glasses, or a book, on the top of your nightstand for easy access.
• Use a small tray or container to organize smaller items, like jewelry or keys, and prevent them from getting lost.
• Use drawers or shelves to store less frequently used items or books
• Consider using a small lamp or a reading light on your nightstand to keep things well-lit without taking up too much space.

By implementing these tips, you can create a functional and organized nightstand while maximizing the space available in your bedroom.