How tall should a nightstand be for comfort and style?

There are a few things to consider when answering the question “how tall should a nightstand be?” This includes the mattress height, your bed type, aesthetic balance, and personal preference. A well-chosen nightstand ensures comfort and convenience and improves the room's visual balance.

Keep reading to learn about the height of nightstands and why it matters.

Why nightstand height matters

A nightstand that aligns with the height of your bed creates a sense of harmony in the bedroom, complements the size and proportions of the bed, and contributes to the overall aesthetic balance of the space.

Functionally, nightstand height directly impacts ease of use. A nightstand that is too high is cumbersome to use, requiring you to stretch awkwardly to reach your lamp or alarm clock. On the other hand, a nightstand that is too low can cause discomfort and strain, as it forces you to bend down each time you need to access something.

The right height allows you to access essentials on the nightstand without contorting your arms or shoulders.

Beyond comfort, nightstand height also complements other bedroom furniture, such as dressers or armchairs.

Safety and storage are another factor. Tall, narrow nightstands can tip if overloaded or bumped, while very low stands might lack drawers or shelves, forcing clutter on the surface. 

Average height of a nightstand

The average height of a nightstand falls within 24 to 28 inches because it aligns well with the average mattress height, usually around 24 inches. This height ensures the nightstand’s surface sits level with or slightly above the mattress top, creating a seamless visual line and ergonomic ease.

How tall should a nightstand be compared to your bed?

Ideally, the top of the nightstand should be level with the mattress or within 2 to 4 inches of the mattress's height. This allows for a comfortable reach without straining or awkwardly stretching to access a lamp, phone, or books.

The 2 to 4-inch difference is ideal because it creates a natural and ergonomic flow between the bed and the nightstand, ensures that it serves its practical function efficiently without disrupting the space's comfort, and strikes a balance between accessibility and comfort.

How tall should a nightstand be for different bed types?

Different bed types have different heights. As such, each of them requires different nightstands to maintain the proper balance between function, comfort, and design. Let’s look at some bed types and the nightstand height that complements them.

For a platform bed

A nightstand for platform beds should be between 24 and 26 inches high. This height ensures that everything you need, whether a lamp, phone, or book, is within arm's reach. It also ensures that the nightstand’s surface sits slightly above or level with the mattress, creating a clean, unbroken line that complements the bed. Nightstands that are too tall will overwhelm the room, making the bed appear smaller and creating a mismatch in scale. 

For a standard bed

Standard beds (bed frame and mattress) typically have a height of 24 inches from the floor. As such, the ideal nightstand height falls within the 24 to 28-inch range, ensuring the surface aligns with or sits just slightly above the top of the mattress.

For a tall bed or canopy bed

Tall beds often require nightstands that are 28 to 32 inches tall. This height range ensures that the nightstand is proportionate to the elevated bed and maintains the room's visual flow. When the bed is higher off the ground, using a nightstand that is too short can cause the nightstand to look out of place and make access to essential items difficult.

How tall should a lamp be on a nightstand?

If your nightstand is the same height as your mattress (or within a few inches), the general rule is to look for a lamp about 2 to 3 inches taller than the nightstand. For example, if your nightstand is 26 inches high, a lamp around 28 inches tall would be ideal.

This helps avoid shining the light over your head or directly in your eyes, which can cause discomfort. It also offers a balanced and functional lighting source.

How to choose the right nightstand height

Before choosing a nightstand, consider that it’s more than just a surface for your lamp and phone. It should also bridge comfort, style, and spatial harmony in your bedroom. Here’s how to balance between these elements for a nightstand that's both functional and stylish.

Consider your mattress height

This is the starting point for selecting a nightstand that will be functional and aesthetically pleasing. To determine the best nightstand height, measure from the floor to the top of the mattress. The ideal nightstand height should be level with or within 2 to 4 inches of the top of the mattress. 

Account for functionality and aesthetics

You want a nightstand that allows easy access to the items you use most frequently, like a bedside lamp, clock, or personal items. For example, if you like to read in bed, a nightstand that’s too tall might make it challenging to reach your book or lamp. Alternatively, a nightstand that’s too short could make you awkwardly lean over for access. 

If your nightstand is at the ideal height, you won’t have to stretch or bend excessively to reach what you need. Additionally, a nightstand’s height directly impacts the room’s aesthetic balance and overall visual appeal. Choosing a nightstand that is either too tall or too short for your bed can disrupt the room's flow, making the space feel disjointed.

Check room layout and furniture proportions

The nightstand doesn't exist in isolation. It interacts with other furniture pieces in the room. For instance, if you have a tall dresser or wardrobe, consider choosing a nightstand that is similar in height, creating a sense of balance across the room. On the other hand, if your room features a mix of varying furniture heights, adjusting your nightstand to fit within that context can help align everything.

The placement of your nightstand in relation to other furniture is also essential. A nightstand that is too tall next to a shorter piece of furniture can make the room feel crowded or mismatched, while a nightstand that is too short next to taller furniture can look out of place.

FAQs about nightstand height

Should a nightstand be taller than the bed?

A nightstand should not be taller than the bed, as this can create an unbalanced look, disrupt the room’s proportions, and force you to stretch when you need to reach  items on it. Ideally, the nightstand's top should be even with your mattress height, or at most, within a 2 to 4-inch range.

What is considered a tall nightstand?

Tall nightstands measure 28 inches or more in height, which is higher than the standard nightstand height range of 23 to 28 inches. They are suited for beds 30 inches or higher, such as lofted or canopy beds.

How far should a nightstand be from the bed?

Depending on the bed type, a nightstand should be placed between 2 inches and 6 inches away from the bed. For instance, a platform or twin bed should have 2 to 3 inches of space. A Queen-size bed should have 3 to 4 inches of space, while a King-size, lofted, or canopy bed should optimally have 4 to 6 inches of space to avoid a cramped feel.

Key takeaways for choosing the right nightstand height

When selecting your nightstand height, consider both practical functionality and your personal style preferences. The ideal height should make it easy to access items on your nightstand without straining and complement your bed type for a cohesive look.

If you love a modern, streamlined look, a lower-profile nightstand might be the perfect match for a platform bed, while a taller nightstand could enhance a more traditional or dramatic look for a canopy bed or other tall beds. 

Whatever you choose, consider how the height fits with your bed, room layout, and daily use to ensure you end up with a nightstand that is as practical as it is stylish.