Nightstand Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Nightstand
Choosing the right nightstand is essential to creating a functional and cohesive bedroom. Nightstands, also known as bedside tables or bedside cabinets, offer a convenient surface and storage next to your bed for lamps, books, phones, and other essentials. This comprehensive guide will help you select the perfect nightstands tailored to your bedroom layout, bed size, and personal style, ensuring a harmonious and practical space.
Understanding the Purpose of a Nightstand
A nightstand serves multiple functions: a platform for bedside lighting or alarm clocks, storage for items like reading glasses or medications, and an anchor connecting bedroom furniture visually. Whether you choose one or two nightstands depends on your bed size, bedroom dimensions, and routine habits.
Nightstand Height: Achieving Comfortable Alignment
Height is a key measurement for a nightstand’s comfort and usability. Ideally, the top surface should be within 1 to 2 inches of your mattress height to allow easy reach of lamps, electronics, and books without bending or stretching.
General guidance: Mattress heights vary widely—from around 20 inches to over 30 inches. Before shopping, measure your bed's height from floor to mattress top where the nightstand will be placed. Compare this to the nightstand’s total height (floor to top surface). Nightstand heights typically range from 22 to 28 inches but always verify exact specs for your chosen piece.
For example, if you have a platform bed with a mattress height of 22 inches, a nightstand between 22 and 24 inches tall will complement it well.
See our Nightstand Height Guide for an in-depth look at balancing nightstand and bed heights.
Width and Depth: Balancing Storage Needs with Room Space
Nightstands come in various sizes to suit bedroom dimensions and storage demands. Typical widths range from 18 to 28 inches, depths often from 14 to 20 inches.
In smaller bedrooms or tight layouts, select narrower and shallower nightstands to preserve at least 24 inches of walking clearance beside the bed, which is recommended for comfortable movement.
Measure your bedroom’s wall width beside the bed and available floor space, considering proximity to outlets and light switches. Also, check drawer or door clearance to ensure smooth opening without bumping adjacent furniture or walls.
Learn more with our detailed Nightstand Size Guide.
Storage Options: Drawers, Shelves, Cabinet Doors, and Combinations
Choose a nightstand storage style that fits your habits and bedroom organization.
- Drawers offer concealed storage for personal items like reading glasses, notebooks, or medications, keeping surfaces tidy. Confirm there’s enough clearance for full drawer extension beside your bed.
- Open shelves provide easy access to books or baskets but require regular tidying to avoid dust and clutter.
- Cabinet doors combine the privacy of drawers with the accessibility of shelves but ensure door swings do not interfere with walls, doors, or other furniture.
- Combination styles offer mixed storage, often drawers above shelves or a cabinet door with a drawer.
Explore pros and cons of storage styles in Nightstand With Drawers vs. Open Shelf.
Materials and Style: Coordinating With Your Bedroom Decor
Nightstands are crafted from materials such as solid wood, veneers, metal, glass, or upholstered finishes. Selecting a material and style to complement your bed and other bedroom furnishings enhances your room’s harmony.
- Wood nightstands lend classic warmth and are versatile across traditional, rustic, or transitional styles. Browse options in our Wood Nightstands collection.
- Metal and mixed-material pieces suit modern or industrial preferences.
- Upholstered nightstands add softness and coordinate well with upholstered beds.
For tips on blending nightstands with your bed and dresser, see How to Match Nightstands With Your Bed and Dresser.
Lamp Placement and Charging Considerations
Assess the size and base of bedside lamps to ensure they fit securely without crowding the nightstand surface. Lamp cord length and proximity to electrical outlets are critical to avoid clutter.
If you use multiple devices, select nightstands with surface space and easy access to power sources for chargers or wireless pads. Planning cord management ahead can keep your bedside neat.
One Nightstand or Two: Matching Bed Size and Bedroom Function
Most queen-size beds and larger look balanced with two nightstands, providing symmetrical storage and surface access for two sleepers. Single or twin beds commonly use one nightstand to save space.
Consider your bedroom layout and personal routines when deciding. For guidance, explore One Nightstand vs. Two.
Measuring Your Space: Essential Before You Buy
Accurate measurements ensure your new nightstand fits seamlessly. Record your bedroom’s wall width at the bed's side, floor clearance, bed height, and distances to doors, windows, outlets, or switches.
Measure existing furniture for proportional coordination, and double-check all nightstand product dimensions before purchase. Sketching or photographing your room with measurements noted helps visualize placement and clearance requirements.
Care and Safety Tips
Follow manufacturer assembly and anti-tip instructions carefully, using supplied hardware for anchoring if provided. This is especially important in homes with children or pets to prevent tipping accidents.
Maintain nightstands by cleaning surfaces with manufacturer-recommended products and checking drawer and door hardware periodically to ensure smooth operation.
Comparison Table: Key Factors When Choosing Nightstands
| Factor | Considerations | Typical Ranges/Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Height | Match bed mattress height ± 1-2 inches | 20-30 inches (mattress); 22-28 inches (nightstand) |
| Width | Room space and storage needs | 18-28 inches |
| Depth | Allows adequate walking clearance and drawer/door swing | 14-20 inches |
| Storage Type | Drawers, shelves, cabinet doors, combos | Drawers for concealed; shelves for easy access; doors for enclosed space |
| Material | Style and durability preference | Wood, metal, glass, upholstery |
| Lamp & Charging | Surface size and power outlet proximity | Stable lamp base; cord length; available surface |
| Quantity | Bed size and symmetry | One for twin; two for queen, king beds |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal height for a nightstand?
Choose a height within 1 to 2 inches of your mattress top for ease of reach; measure your bed height to select the right nightstand.
How much clearance should be left for walking beside the bed?
At least 24 inches of clearance beside the bed is recommended for comfortable movement.
Are drawers better than open shelves for nightstand storage?
Drawers hide clutter and protect items from dust; open shelves provide quick access but require tidier organization.
Can I use different nightstands on each side of the bed?
Yes, mixing styles or sizes can work if balanced visually and functionally, but matching pairs create symmetry.
Should I consider lamp size when selecting a nightstand?
Yes, ensure the lamp base fits securely and cords reach outlets without causing clutter.
How important is following anti-tip instructions?
It's vital for safety to use any provided hardware and follow assembly guidance to prevent tipping accidents.
Explore Nightstand Collections and Supporting Guides
Decor Furniture offers a wide selection of nightstands matching various styles and needs. Browse trusted collections like Ashley Nightstands, Coaster Nightstands, and Crown Mark Nightstands.
For a complete bedroom look, explore coordinated Bedroom Sets combining beds, nightstands, and dressers.
Support your nightstand search with related guides including Nightstand Height Guide, Nightstand Size Guide, One Nightstand vs. Two, and Nightstand With Drawers vs. Open Shelf.