How High Should a Bedside Table Be?
Height is the first—and often most overlooked—factor when shopping for a nightstand. The general rule is simple: your nightstand should be about the same height as the top of your mattress, give or take a couple of inches.
Most standard beds, with mattress included, measure between 24 and 28 inches off the floor, so many nightstands are designed within that range. A nightstand that sits too low makes it awkward to reach for your phone, lamp, or glass of water. Too high, and the proportions look off, not to mention the inconvenience of reaching upward every time you need something.
For platform beds or low-profile designs, you may want a shorter table, closer to 20–22 inches. If you have a luxury pillow-top mattress or bed frame with extra height, then a taller nightstand (up to 30 inches) will feel more balanced. The key is alignment—when you can roll over and grab what you need without stretching or leaning, the height is just right.
Should Nightstands Be Taller Than the Bed?
Technically, yes—if you have to choose between slightly taller or slightly shorter, go taller. A nightstand that’s an inch or two higher than the mattress is both practical and visually appealing. It keeps items within easy reach and makes lamps look better proportioned next to the bed.
A shorter table can work in certain styles, especially if you’re going for a modern, low-slung look with a platform bed. But for most people, taller feels more natural. Designers often use this trick to add a sense of vertical balance in the room, particularly when the bed itself has a thick mattress or a prominent headboard.
Choosing the Right Nightstand for a Small Bedroom
In smaller bedrooms, a bulky nightstand with oversized drawers can quickly overwhelm the space, making the room feel cramped. Instead, consider narrower or multifunctional designs that offer storage without taking up too much space.
Some great options include:
Slim-profile tables with one drawer and an open shelf for books.
Floating shelves or wall-mounted nightstands which free up floor space and make the room feel more open.
Compact storage cubes or stools, which double as seating or accent tables.
Nightstands with built-in charging stations reduce the need for messy cords and extra accessories.
Leave at least 24–30 inches of walkway clearance around the bed. This ensures the room doesn’t feel cramped and gives you space to move comfortably.
If your room is really tight, consider skipping traditional pairs. A single nightstand, styled thoughtfully with a lamp and tray, can look just as balanced.
Color and Finish Considerations
While white, black, and wood tones dominate most showrooms, a colored nightstand can be the perfect accent in a bedroom. Choosing a bold hue like navy blue, sage green, or charcoal adds depth and personality, especially if the rest of the palette is neutral.
For example, a navy bedside table against a white or beige wall brings contrast without overwhelming the space. Softer colors like blush or dusty gray-green feel calm and cozy, ideal for creating a restful atmosphere.
When in doubt, tie the color back to something else in the room—maybe the rug, an accent chair, or the bedding. This creates cohesion and makes the nightstand feel intentional, not random.
If you prefer to play it safe, neutrals remain the top choice for most homeowners. White, black, gray, and natural wood are timeless, versatile, and easy to blend with existing furniture. These shades work well in both bedrooms and entryways, where side tables often serve as a drop zone for keys or décor.
In recent years, muted earth tones—like clay, taupe, and olive—have grown in popularity, offering a softer alternative to stark neutrals. They bring warmth without being overpowering and pair beautifully with natural wood finishes.
Material and Style Choices
Beyond height and color, materials play a huge role in how your nightstand looks, feels, and lasts over time. The material not only defines the style but also influences durability, maintenance, and price.
Wood
Wood is the most common choice for nightstands, but it’s important to understand the difference between solid wood and engineered wood.
Solid Wood:
Solid wood nightstands are built from natural timber such as oak, walnut, maple, or pine. They are durable, long-lasting, and can be refinished over time if scratched or worn. Because every piece of wood has unique grain patterns, solid wood nightstands often feel more authentic and premium. They tend to cost more, but they age beautifully and are considered an investment piece.
Engineered Wood:
Engineered options, such as MDF (medium-density fiberboard) or plywood, are made by compressing wood fibers or layers of wood veneers. They are more affordable and resistant to warping compared to some solid woods. Many engineered wood nightstands are finished with veneers or laminates that mimic the look of natural wood, making them budget-friendly alternatives. However, they don’t typically last as long as solid wood and can’t be sanded or refinished in the same way.
When choosing between the two, consider your budget and long-term expectations. If you want a piece that lasts decades and develops character, solid wood is worth the investment. If you’re furnishing a rental, guest room, or working within a tighter budget, engineered wood offers style at a lower price point.
Metal and Glass
Sleek and contemporary, metal and glass nightstands bring a lighter, more modern feel. They’re ideal for urban lofts, minimalist spaces, or industrial-inspired bedrooms. While visually striking, they don’t provide the same warmth as wood, so they often work best as accent pieces rather than the primary furniture style.
Rattan or Cane
Perfect for coastal, tropical, or bohemian interiors, rattan and cane nightstands add texture and natural charm. They’re lighter in weight but less durable than wood or metal. Many homeowners use them to soften a bedroom with wood-heavy or modern furniture.
Stone or Marble Tops
If you want a touch of elegance, stone or marble is an excellent choice. Marble-topped nightstands feel luxurious and are highly durable against scratches and heat. However, natural stone is heavy and porous, meaning it requires some care to avoid staining. Many manufacturers also offer faux marble options for a similar look at a lower cost.Matching your nightstand to your bed frame isn’t a hard rule anymore. In fact, many designers recommend mix-and-match styling—a wood bed with metal tables, or a fabric headboard paired with stone-topped nightstands—to create visual interest and avoid a “set-in-a-box” look.
Practical Features to Consider
Nightstands aren’t just decorative. They’re some of the hardest-working pieces in the bedroom. Think about how you use yours daily:
- Storage: Do you need drawers to hide clutter, or do you prefer open shelving for books and baskets?
- Cable management: Many modern nightstands offer built-in charging ports or cord cutouts. If you keep a phone, tablet, or lamp plugged in, this is a worthwhile feature.
- Proportion: Ideally, the width of a nightstand should be about one-third the width of your bed. This keeps the look balanced and prevents the table from looking too small or too bulky.
Lighting: Consider the height of your lamp. The bottom of the lampshade should sit around shoulder height when you’re in bed, which often depends on the nightstand’s height.
Final Tips for Choosing the Perfect Nightstand
Don’t feel tied to a matching bedroom set. Some of the best interiors mix different shapes, colors, and materials, giving the room character and balance.
Quality matters too. At Tribesigns, we focus on nightstands that combine practicality with style. Our collections include solid wood and engineered wood options, available in different shapes and functions—from minimalist tables to storage-rich designs. Whether for a small room or a master suite, there’s a piece built to fit your needs.
We also believe furniture should support the planet. For every purchase, Tribesigns donates to plant one tree, helping reforestation and promoting a sustainable future.
A nightstand is more than a surface—it anchors the bed, balances the room, and makes your daily routine easier. With Tribesigns, you get a piece that’s functional, stylish, and eco-conscious—something you’ll enjoy for years.
