As you design your bedroom, one key detail to think about is the height of your nightstand. The right height makes your space more comfortable and adds to both the look and usefulness of your room.
Choosing the best nightstand height isn’t always straightforward. You’ll want to consider your bed’s height, your mattress thickness, and how easily you can reach things you need at night.
Should Nightstands Be Taller or Shorter than the Bed?
Ideally, your nightstand should be roughly the same height as the top of your mattress. This alignment allows for easy access to items like your phone, books, or water bottle without any awkward stretching. A slight variation, such as 2-4 inches taller than your mattress, also works well.
A nightstand should look like a natural part of your bed, adding both function and style. Drawers or shelves are easier to use when the nightstand’s top is level with or just above the mattress.
Sometimes, your nightstand might be 1 to 2 inches shorter than your mattress, especially if you have a box spring or thick mattress. This isn’t perfect, but it’s common and still works well.
What is the Average Height Range for Nightstands?
Most nightstands are between 22 and 28 inches tall. More than half of the nightstands you’ll find in stores fall within this range. (How Tall Should a Nightstand Be? 3 Ideal Height Plus Feng Shui Secrets, n.d.)
Modern platform beds, which use slats and no box spring, are lower than traditional beds. Because of this, nightstands have also become shorter on average. (Best Bed Height – High vs Low Beds, 2025)
However, your nightstand height should ultimately be tailored to your specific bed and mattress. Still, you should choose a nightstand height that fits your own bed and mattress, not just what’s most common. The best height depends on your bedroom setup. hing out for a glass of water and realizing you have to climb out of bed to get it from a super low nightstand. The same issue applies to nightstands that are too tall, forcing you to stretch awkwardly to grab something.”
Besides mattress height, think about how the nightstand fits with your headboard, how easy it is to use the drawers or shelves, and if you want to put a lamp on it.
Choosing Between a Tall or Short Nightstand
Tall nightstands typically measure between 28 and 30 inches or more. Tall nightstands are usually 28 to 30 inches or more. They’re a good match for beds with big headboards, thick mattresses, or box springs. If your mattress is 12 to 16 inches thick, a taller nightstand is a good choice. (How Tall Should a Nightstand Be? Complete Height Guide, n.d.)less in height. These are ideal for minimalist beds or low-profile platform beds. If you plan to put a tall lamp on top, a slightly shorter nightstand might be a good option to maintain balance.
Feng Shui Nightstand Height Considerations
Feng Shui focuses on balance and harmony at home. For bedrooms, it suggests your nightstand should line up with the top of your mattress. If you have to pick between a nightstand that’s a little taller or shorter, experts say it’s better to go a bit lower—no more than 2 inches below the mattress.
Feng Shui consultant Marianne Gordon explains, “The nightstand should have rounded corners and should be lower than the top of the mattress.” Additionally, Feng Shui advocates for placing two nightstands on either side of the bed to foster symmetry and positive energy (qi) in the space. (The Feng Shui Bedroom – Run To Radiance, n.d.)
Standard Nightstand Dimensions
Here’s a quick summary of common nightstand sizes:
- Height: 22 to 28 inches for average nightstands, with taller models (28 to 30 inches) and shorter ones (under 22 inches) available. (How Tall Should a Nightstand Be? 3 Ideal Height Plus Feng Shui Secrets, n.d.)
- Width: Typically 18 to 24 inches; narrower options are less than 16-18 inches wide, while wider designs are over 24 inches. (What is a Nightstand: Everything You Need To Know, n.d.)
- Depth: Generally 16 to 20 inches deep. (Nightstand Buying Guide 2025 | Bedside Tables, 2025)
Small nightstands are usually shorter and narrower. Large nightstands are often taller and wider.
Nightstands vs. Bedside Tables: What’s the Difference?
People often use ‘nightstand’ and ‘bedside table’ to mean the same thing, but there are small differences. Nightstands usually have drawers or shelves, so they’re great if you need extra storage in your bedroom.
Bedside tables are simpler and usually don’t have drawers. They’re common in minimalist bedrooms where you just need surface space. Bedside tables might have decorative touches like pedestal bases or unique shapes that nightstands don’t usually have.
How to Determine the Best Nightstand Height
When choosing the ideal nightstand height for your bedroom, hWhen picking the right nightstand height, keep these key points in mind: to use your nightstand for decorative purposes or simply for essentials like your phone and lamp. The more items you want to place on top, the shorter your nightstand may need to be.
- Bed frame height: If your bed is about 24 inches high, look for a nightstand that’s 24 to 28 inches tall. Beds with high headboards or thick slats may need a taller nightstand to look balanced. (How Tall Should a Nightstand Be? 3 Ideal Height Plus Feng Shui Secrets, n.d.)
- Mattress Thickness and Box Spring: Taller Mattress thickness and box spring: If your bed has a thick mattress or box spring, you’ll need a taller nightstand. A platform bed with a thin mattress usually works best with a shorter nightstand. Now for easy reach of essential items like your phone, alarm clock, or bedside lamp. The number of drawers and shelves should also factor into this, as taller nightstands make it easier to access the lower drawers.
- Proportions: The nightstand’s height should match your bed and other furniture, like your dresser. Bigger beds usually look better with wider, taller nightstands.
FAQs about Bedside Tables and Nightstands
- What’s the ideal bedside table height for a standard bed?
- Between 24 and 28 inches (61 to 71 cm) is perfect for most standard beds. (Nightstand Dimensions: How to Choose the Right Nightstand Size for Your Bedroom, n.d.)
- Can a bedside table be taller than the mattress?
- Yes, it’s fine for the table to be slightly taller (1-2 inches), but anything significantly higher may cause inconvenience.
- Are bedside tables necessary?
- While not a must, they are very practical for holding personal items and adding to your room’s design.
- Should bedside tables be the same height?
- Ideally, yes, for visual symmetry, but varying heights can work if both are still functional.
- Can I use a console table as a bedside table?
- Yes, as long as it’s the right height and doesn’t overpower the room.
- What’s the best material for a bedside table?
- Choose wood for warmth, metal for a modern look, or glass for a light, airy feel, based on your room’s style.
Conclusion
The height of your nightstand is crucial for both functionality and design in your bedroom. The height of your nightstand matters for both comfort and style. Focus on what works best with your bed, mattress, and personal taste. The right nightstand height will make your room feel better and look great. Happy decorating!
