Choosing the right nightstand height might seem like a small detail—but if you’ve ever fumbled in the dark for your phone, lamp, or a glass of water, you know it matters. I recently redecorated my bedroom and was surprised at how much difference the right nightstand height made—not just in comfort, but in how the whole room felt.
In this post, I’ll walk you through what I learned, what the experts recommend, and how to find the perfect nightstand height for your space.
Table of Contents
- Standard Nightstand Height
- Matching Nightstand Height to Your Bed
- Why Nightstand Height Matters
- When to Choose a Taller or Shorter Nightstand
- Design Tips for Choosing the Right Nightstand
- Adjustable and Custom Options
- Conclusion
Standard Nightstand Height
Most nightstands range from 24 to 28 inches (61 to 71 cm) in height. That’s the industry standard, and for good reason: it works for many average-height beds. If you walk into a furniture store, chances are most nightstands will fall into this category.
But here’s the thing—I bought a 13-inch platform bed frame and didn’t realize how short it was until I paired it with a 28-inch nightstand. Reaching up to turn off my lamp every night felt awkward. That’s when I realized height matters a lot more than I thought.
Matching Nightstand Height to Your Bed
The golden rule: your nightstand should be the same height as the top of your mattress—or up to 2 inches higher. Any lower, and you’ll be reaching down, which isn’t ergonomic or convenient.
How to Measure Your Bed Height:
- Place your mattress on the frame or foundation you plan to use.
- Measure from the floor to the top of the mattress.
- That’s your target nightstand height.
💡 Tip: Don’t forget to account for thick mattress toppers or hybrid mattresses—they can add several inches.
Why Nightstand Height Matters
After testing both a too-high and too-low nightstand, here’s what I learned:
- Ergonomics: It’s frustrating (and even a little dangerous) to reach up or bend too far in the dark. A nightstand that matches your bed height makes grabbing your phone, glasses, or water bottle easy and safe.
- Visual Balance: A well-proportioned nightstand creates symmetry with your bed and other furniture. My oversized nightstand next to a low bed looked like a giant!
- Functionality: If you like to read in bed or charge your devices overnight, a reachable surface is non-negotiable.
When to Choose a Taller or Shorter Nightstand
Taller Nightstand (29+ inches):
- Ideal for beds with box springs or thick mattresses.
- Works well in more traditional or luxurious room designs.
- Adds extra drawer space for those who like bedside storage.
Shorter Nightstand (Under 24 inches):
- Best for low-profile or platform beds.
- Great for minimalist aesthetics.
- Prevents an overpowering look in small bedrooms.
👉 Tip: If your bed is under 22 inches tall, aim for a nightstand around 20–22 inches.
Design Tips for Choosing the Right Nightstand
After experimenting with styles, here are a few things that helped me get it right:
- Match materials: If your bed has a wooden frame, match the wood tone or finish with your nightstand.
- Think proportionally: A bulky nightstand next to a sleek bed can throw off the whole room.
- Storage matters: Do you need drawers for chargers and books, or just a surface for a lamp and a glass of water?
Also, don’t forget the lighting angle—a nightstand that’s too low will make your bedside lamp shine awkwardly.
Adjustable and Custom Options
If your bed height changes (like with an adjustable base) or your room is a bit unconventional, there are flexible solutions:
- Adjustable-height nightstands: Some modern designs offer variable leg lengths or stackable elements.
- Floating nightstands: Mounting a shelf to the wall lets you choose the exact height.
- Custom furniture: Sites like Etsy or Wayfair offer customizable pieces made to fit your needs perfectly.
When I couldn’t find the right size in stores, I actually used a small side table and added risers—it worked surprisingly well!
Conclusion
Your nightstand height plays a crucial role in both the functionality and aesthetics of your bedroom. Don’t settle for a “standard” height just because it’s common. Measure your bed, consider your style and storage needs, and choose a height that actually works for you.
✅ Key Takeaways:
- Match the nightstand height to your mattress top or go 1–2 inches higher.
- Choose taller nightstands for high beds and shorter ones for platform beds.
- Don’t ignore visual balance and ergonomic comfort.
- Consider adjustable or custom options if nothing off-the-shelf fits.
Need help finding the right one? Check out our curated list of Top Nightstands by Bed Height.
Let me know—what nightstand height worked best for your setup? I’d love to hear in the comments!
