Using a nightstand that is too low or too high for your mattress can lead to discomfort and pain when reaching for items while in bed. For this guide, I’m helping you find the perfect nightstand height to comfortably access items on nightstands without excessive stretching or straining awkward positions.
Optimal Heights: Understanding the Height of a Nightstand to a Bed
Nightstands should be the same height or two to four inches higher than the top of your mattress for ideal comfort and ergonomics. As a rule of thumb, having your nightstand at the exact level or slightly above your mattress allows you to reach over easily.
It can lead to discomfort when the nightstand is too low or too high relative to beds. You’ll find that most commercial nightstands are somewhere between 24 and 28 inches tall, which is the average height.
Nightstands about two to four inches taller than beds will make it easier to reach for things, like a glass of water or an alarm clock, during the night.
Nightstand Height Depending on the Type
Nightstands come in different shapes and sizes, although there are three main types that you’ll find most commonly in shops and online. Whether it’s a bedside chest, cabinet, or table, the best nightstand height should still be two to four inches taller than the height of your mattress.
- Bedside chest: There are bedside chests that are great for folks who need a little extra drawer space to keep things they like close at hand, like a lamp. They’re like cute little miniature dressers with ample storage!
- Bedside cabinets: A bedside cabinet is like a mini cabinet with drawers. These are awesome if you’ve got something chunky, such as a big alarm clock you want to keep out of sight.
- Bedside table: Although they can look really nice, these bedside tables aren’t very functional. While they have a minimalistic look, they serve more aesthetic purposes.
An act as simple as reaching over the drawers on your nightstand or edge table can become a most painful move. As you can see, the height of nightstands is about more than just comfort.
Knowing how tall nightstands should be can make the difference between reaching over with ease and having a terrible night of pain after one wrong move.
Elevate Your Style: Choosing the Height of Bedside Tables
There are several things you must remember when choosing your bedside table height. Aside from the average height of your bed, other considerations can help you find the perfect nightstand height according to your needs and interior.
Proper Measurements
I’ve encountered clients who had failed attempts because they simply measured with the naked eye, thinking it was about the same height as the bed. Then, they get home with their new nightstand, only to find it’s not the right height. It’s crucial to consider the full height of your bed.
To avoid this frustration, measure your mattress height based on the frame’s length, width, and height. Adjust it to whatever height is best for adjustable beds. It should be the same height as the top of the mattresses, although you can allow an inch or two higher if necessary.
For beds resting on a flat platform base, the measurement may be on the lower end of around 18 inches. An adjustable or canopy bed may have a higher measurement of about 36 inches. Lastly, check the headboard height and how it scales with the bedroom wall space.
Extra Storage Space
Consider the bedside table height as well as the storage space. Does extra storage with drawers matter to you? Do you have precious items you want to keep close to your bed?
Perhaps you need a table with drawers on the side of the bed to hold small items like a phone charger? Do you want a nightstand that could act as a second dresser or drawer? Choose a nightstand with good storage space and the perfect height to reach the items easily.
3Surface Area
Do you have a big bedside lamp you want to keep close at hand? Do you love reading and want to keep your books close? As a rule of thumb, the bedside table height should complement the surface area to keep the room symmetrical.
For instance, an average bedside table has enough surface area to hold small items like a bedside lamp or a glass of water. Your bedding should also have enough room to spare to let linens drape.
However, be wary of a depth larger than 24 inches. Consider how much space you have on either side of the bed. This should prevent you from bumping into the tables when you get in and out of the bed.
Nightstand Style
There are literally hundreds of nightstands on the market. Even when you finally find the perfect nightstand height, you should still consider whether the design matches the rest of your master bedroom furniture.
For example, you can opt for an antique-looking two-drawer nightstand for a contemporary-styled room. Meanwhile, I often select slender, smaller bedside tables if the existing furniture style in a room is small and lightweight.
On the other hand, I recommend leggier pieces that aren’t bottom-heavy to bring the weight off the floor and make the room look bigger and more open.
Mattresses
Consider the total height of your mattress setup, including the bed frame, cushion, and any mattress pads or toppers. Measure from the floor to the top of where you sleep to determine the height your nightstand needs to match.
Think about the width and depth of the nightstand and the size of your cushion. For example, choose a wider nightstand for a king bed or California king mattresses. On the other hand, I prefer a bedside chest or cabinet to complement larger beds.
Meanwhile, narrower bedside tables may be more fitting for a twin cushion. Ultimately, your nightstand size should be proportional to the cushion size.
Frequently Asked Questions
How High Should a Nightstand Be in Relation to the Bed Frame?
The ideal height for a nightstand is two to four inches taller than the top of your cushion. This allows you to reach over easily and access items on your nightstand without stretching your arms too much.
What Is the Best Height for a Bedside?
The recommended height for a bedside nightstand is 24 to 28 inches tall. This range matches most standard mattress heights so that the top of the nightstand is about two to four inches higher than the cushion.
What Is the Standard Size and Height of a Bedside Table?
The typical dimensions of a bedside table are between 24 and 28 inches tall, 16 and 20 inches deep, and 24 and 28 inches wide. This provides enough surface area for lamps, books, and other bedside items while keeping the overall size compact.
Conclusion
In summary, match your nightstand height to the top of your mattress within two to four inches for optimal comfort and ease of use in your bedroom furniture. Following the standard nightstand height will improve your bedroom experience and prevent aches from poor ergonomics.
