What Size Nightstand Goes with a King Bed?

A well-proportioned nightstand improves your bedrooms aesthetics and makes bed-time a lot more convenient. In this article we’ll help you decide what size nightstand you should choose for your king bed.

A nightstand for a king bed should have a width of at least 24 inches and a height between 23 to 28 inches. This aligns with the standard bed height of 25 inches.

Determining the Ideal Nightstand Size

When you’re deciding on the size of nightstand for your king bed, consider both height and width to ensure a balanced and functional bedroom setup. Here, we’ll explore height proportion and width considerations to help you make the best decision.

Height Proportion

Getting the height of your nightstand right can make a significant difference in both functionality and aesthetics. Aim for a nightstand height that falls within 23 to 28 inches, as it will provide the perfect balance between your king bed and the nightstand.

This way, you can easily reach for the items on your nightstand without having to stretch or bend down awkwardly.

Width Considerations

Since you’re pairing a king-size bed with the nightstand, don’t forget about the width of the nightstand too. Generally, wide nightstands that measure more than 24 inches are a perfect match for king or California king beds.

However, you should consider the available floor space in your bedroom and the distance between other furniture pieces before making a decision on width.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with different width options and styles to best suit your needs.

Style and Functionality

You’ll want to consider both style and functionality when it comes to selecting your nightstands. Sure, you want it to blend seamlessly with your bedroom decor, but you’ll also want to make sure that you have plenty of storage and space for your belongings.

Storage Options

Think about what items you want to keep close at hand in your bedroom – this may include books, a lamp, your phone, or perhaps some personal mementos.

Your choice of nightstand should offer the necessary storage. Some options include:

• Drawers: Nightstands with drawers are great for keeping items hidden and organized, particularly if you have a lot of small items that need a home.
• Open shelves: If you prefer to have your items more easily accessible, a nightstand with open shelves might suit you better. This option is also great for showcasing decorative items, like books or plants.
• A combination: If you can’t decide between drawers and open shelves, there are nightstands that offer both!

Material Choices

Keep in mind the overall style and aesthetics of your space. Some popular material choices include:

• Wood: A classic choice, wooden nightstands are versatile and can complement various design styles. They are available in different wood types and finishes, allowing you to match them with your existing furniture.
• Metal: If you want to add some industrial flair to your bedroom, a metal nightstand might be the perfect addition. They are often sleek and modern, offering a unique, stylish touch.
• Upholstered: For a more luxurious feel, consider an upholstered nightstand. These often feature fabric or leather coverings, adding a touch of elegance to your bedroom design.

Symmetry and Balance

Two Nightstands vs One

Having two nightstands provides a sense of symmetry and balance, giving your bedroom a harmonious and well-organized look, especially if your nightstands match.

This is especially true if you and your partner have different preferences for bedside necessities (or if you like to go to bed at different times and need somewhere to place your reading light).

However, if your bedroom space is limited, you might want to opt for a single nightstand. This way, you can save room while still providing adequate storage and a place for your night-time essentials.

In this case, try to choose a design that complements your existing decor and doesn’t overwhelm the space.

Design Considerations

Another aspect worth considering when choosing a nightstand is how it’ll look with the rest of your bedroom furniture. You’ll want to find a balance between the size and style of your bed and the nightstand so that they work together harmoniously.

As a guideline, having a nightstand 2 to 5 inches taller or shorter than your mattress height should work well.

When it comes to selecting a nightstand design, think about the style of your bed, dresser, and other furniture in the room. You can either choose one that matches the existing aesthetic or opt for a contrasting piece that adds visual interest.

For example, if you have a modern, minimalist bed, you could pair it with a sleek, streamlined nightstand. On the other hand, if your bed has an ornate design, selecting a complementary nightstand with decorative elements can enhance the overall look of your bedroom.

Nightstand Placement

Let’s break down the issue of nightstand placement into two key sub-sections: Distance from the Bed and Space Constraints.

Distance from the Bed

To create a comforting and functional space, make sure the nightstand is close enough to your bed.

As a rule of thumb, aim for a distance between 2-3 inches from the edge of your mattress to your nightstand to guarantee easy access from your bed.

This will ensure that you can comfortably reach your essentials, such as a glass of water, an alarm clock, or a lamp. Keep in mind that if your nightstand is too far, you might end up straining when you reach for your belongings.

Space Constraints

Before deciding on the size of your nightstand, consider the available space in your room. If your bedroom has limited space, opt for a smaller nightstand, around 25 inches wide.

In spacious rooms, you can go for wider nightstands, more than 29 inches wide.

Remember to measure the dimensions of your bedroom, your bed, as well as the floor space around the bed to make sure your chosen nightstand will fit perfectly in the available space.

We’ve put together some alternatives if there is not enough room for your nightstand.