How to Choose Nightstands That Fit Your Space

Measure your bed height and available floor space, then select nightstands that align with your mattress top and provide adequate storage for your bedside essentials.

1. Get Your Baseline Height. Measure from the floor to the top of your mattress. Your nightstand should be within 2-3 inches of this height for comfortable reach. If your bed has a thick mattress topper, include that in your measurement.
2. Map Your Square Footage. Measure the width and depth of space beside your bed. Leave at least 3 feet of walking space around the bed and ensure nightstand drawers or doors can open fully. Standard nightstands range from 15-30 inches wide.
3. Know What You're Storing. List what you keep bedside: books, medications, phone charger, lamp, water glass. Count items to determine if you need drawers, shelves, or just a flat surface. Heavy readers need more shelf space, while minimalists can choose simple designs.
4. Factor in Room Flow. Look at your room's traffic flow and existing furniture placement. If your bed is against a wall, you might only need one nightstand. Corner beds may require smaller, space-saving designs or wall-mounted options.
5. Balance Bed and Stand. Large beds need substantial nightstands to look proportional, while twin beds pair better with smaller pieces. Your nightstand width should be roughly one-third to half the width of your bed's side for visual balance.
6. Solve Your Lighting. Ensure your nightstand can accommodate a lamp if needed. Check that the lampshade bottom sits at eye level when you're in bed. If using wall sconces instead, you have more flexibility with nightstand size and shape.
7. Confirm Comfort Reach. Sit on your bed edge and reach toward where the nightstand will sit. Your arm should comfortably reach the surface without straining up or bending down significantly. This confirms the measured height works practically.