How to Choose Nightstands: A Complete Guide

A nightstand is a small piece of furniture that makes a big difference: it determines how high you place your book, whether the drawer can hold everything you need within reach, and whether the bedroom feels airy or cluttered. Choosing the right one is more a matter of measurements and proportion than of personal taste. This buying guide explains what height you need, what dimensions to choose based on your space, whether to opt for a drawer or a shelf, and how to pair it with your bed.

Height: The Measure That Matters Most

This is the most common mistake people make when buying a nightstand: not checking its height in relation to the bed. The nightstand should be at the same height as the top of the mattress, or at most 5–10 cm higher. That way, you can reach your alarm clock, glass of water, or light switch without having to stretch or bend down from the bed.

In practice, most nightstands are between 50 and 60 cm tall. But it all depends on your bed:

• Low bed or Japandi-style bed (mattress at 40–45 cm): nightstand 40–50 cm high.
• Standard bed (mattress height 50–55 cm): nightstand 50–60 cm.
• Loft bed or bed with a storage base (mattress at 60 cm or higher): a 60–65 cm-high nightstand or a special tall nightstand.

A tip before you buy: Measure the height from the floor to the top of your assembled mattress, including the box spring or bed base. That's the only number that really matters.

Dimensions and proportions tailored to your space

Beyond its height, the width and depth determine whether the nightstand fits without blocking the path or taking up too much space next to the bed.

The balance with the bed is also important: on a double bed, two matching nightstands on either side create a balanced look. For single beds or narrow bedrooms, a single nightstand or a side table that serves a dual purpose may be sufficient.

Drawers, shelves, or open shelving

The type of storage affects both the function and the visual weight of the side table:

• With a drawer: hides what you don't want in plain sight (medications, cables, personal items). The most practical option for most people.
• Drawer + bottom shelf: combines closed storage on top with open space below for books or a basket. The most versatile option.
• Open shelving without drawers: more visually uncluttered, ideal for small or minimalist-style bedrooms. On the other hand, everything is out in the open.

If you share a bed, think about each side separately: someone who reads at night might want a shelf for several books; someone who charges their phone will appreciate a drawer to hide the cables. For most bedrooms, a solid oak nightstand with a drawer and a lower shelf is the most balanced option.

Bedside Table Styles: Modern, Floating, and Rustic

Modern side table

Clean lines, slender legs, or a lightweight base, with no moldings. Let the wood grain take center stage. Pairs well with contemporary, Nordic, and Japandi bedrooms.

Floating or suspended side table

It attaches to the wall without legs, which keeps the floor clear and makes the bedroom look more spacious. It's the trendy choice for small spaces and for anyone who wants a minimalist look. It requires a sturdy wall mount.

Rustic side table

Wood with a pronounced grain and a robust appearance, in natural or slightly weathered finishes. It adds traditional warmth and serves as a counterpoint in very understated bedrooms.

In all cases, the material determines durability: a solid wood side table won't warp or splinter over the years, unlike those made of particleboard. If you want to understand why, read our comparison of MDF vs. solid wood.

Nightstands for Small Bedrooms

When there's not much space between the bed and the wall, there are several solutions:

• Narrow side table (30–40 cm): the minimum width needed to accommodate a lamp and a piece of furniture without blocking the path.
• Floating nightstand: Since it has no legs, the uncluttered floor makes the bedroom seem more spacious.
• Round side table: With no corners, it takes up less visual space and helps prevent bumps in rooms with narrow passageways.
• Just one small table: whether the beds are single or pushed up against a wall, sometimes one is enough.

How to Match Them with the Bed and Headboard

The nightstand doesn't stand alone: it forms a set with the bed and the headboard. Here are a few guidelines:

• The same wood and finish as the headboard: the most cohesive and harmonious look. If you already have a headboard or are planning to choose one, start with our guide on how to choose a wooden headboard and make sure your nightstands complement it.
• Deliberate contrast: a natural oak headboard paired with nightstands in a darker shade—or vice versa—for a more eclectic look.
• Two matching nightstands: next to a double bed, the symmetry brings balance to the bedroom.
• Wall color: Warm neutral tones bring out the best in oak. Check out our guide to the best colors to pair with oak furniture.