Standard nightstands measure between 23" – 28" tall, 21" – 28" wide, and 16" – 20" deep. This size is compatible with standard 25" tall bed frames and provides an adequate amount of tabletop and drawer space for bedside essentials. However, a different size nightstand might work better depending on your bed's proportions, your bedside storage needs, and your room's space allowances. This guide will walk you through how to choose the optimal nightstand for your bedroom and storage goals.

In this guide:
1. Choose a Nightstand Height That's Compatible With Your Bed Height
2. Consider the Proper Nightstand Width for Your Bed Size
3. Choose the Right Nightstand Depth for Your Storage Needs
Frequently Asked Questions

1. Choose a Nightstand Height That's Compatible With Your Bed Height

To keep items within a comfortable reach, a nightstand shouldn't be too short or too tall for your bed frame and mattress. As a simple rule, the top of the nightstand should be level with the top of the mattress or no more than 4" higher than the mattress top. Measure the distance from the floor to the top of the mattress and choose a nightstand that is within 3" of that height.

• Low: Low nightstands are less than 23" tall and pair well with lower bed frames, such as modern platform beds that often sit lower than other types of beds.

• Standard: Standard nightstands measure between 23" and 28" tall. Since most beds are 24" at the top of the mattress, these nightstands are a great fit for standard bed frames.

• Tall: Tall nightstands are taller than 30" and work best with beds that have box springs or thick mattress toppers.

• Extra Tall: Extra-tall nightstands are over 35" tall. This height is an excellent choice for beds that have built-in storage below or high-profile bed frames like canopy beds.

2. Consider the Proper Nightstand Width for Your Bed Size

The width of a nightstand should be based on the size of your bed to keep the proportions balanced. Additionally, the nightstand should be placed between 3" and 6" from the edge of the bed. This keeps items within close reach and provides enough room between the two for any bedding. You can always size down if you have minimal space beside your bed, but these are the recommended nightstand width dimensions for each bed size:

• Narrow: Narrow nightstands are typically less than 21" wide. With a slim design, this nightstand size is best suited for twin- or twin XL-size beds. Narrow nightstands are also perfect for small bedrooms. Check out these 17 Ideas With Nightstands for Small Spaces for more inspo.

• Standard: With a width that ranges from 21" to 28", standard nightstands look best with full- or queen-size beds.

• Wide: Wide nightstands are more than 29" wide and pair perfectly with larger bed sizes like king or California king beds.

Tip!

Unsure what size bed or mattress you have? Measure the length and width of the bed frame and then check out our guide What Are the Most Common Bed Sizes? to quickly find the standard dimensions for each bed size.

3. Choose the Right Nightstand Depth for Your Storage Needs

A nightstand's tabletop and drawers should also be deep enough to hold any bedside items like table lamps, alarm clocks, or reading materials. Most nightstands measure between 12" and 30" deep (from the front edge of the nightstand to the wall).

However, if you like to keep larger items on the nightstand, such as a stack of magazines or an oversized reading lamp, pick a nightstand with deeper dimensions for ample surface space. Use the overall depth filter on the left hand side of the product page or reference the "Weight & Dimensions" tab on a nightstand's product page for specific depth measurements.

Tip!

After you pick out the perfect nightstand size for your space, it's time to decorate! Check out Decorating Nightstands: How to Style Your Bedside Tables for tips and tricks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standard nightstand height?
Standard nightstands are 23" to 28" tall.

How wide is a typical nightstand?
Nightstands are often 21" to 28" wide.

How deep are nightstands?
Most nightstands measure 12" to 30" deep.

Should nightstand height match the height of your bed?
Yes, the top of the nightstand should ideally be level with the top of the mattress so that you can easily reach items on your nightstand.

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