When designing a comfortable and functional bedroom, one often-overlooked detail can make a big difference: the height of your nightstand. You use your nightstand every day—for a lamp, a book, your phone, or a glass of water—so choosing one at the right height is essential for both convenience and style. In this blog, we’ll explore how tall a nightstand should be, and how to find the perfect match for your bed and your needs.
The Ideal Nightstand Height
As a general rule, your nightstand should be level with the top of your mattress or within 1–2 inches taller. This makes it easy to reach items while lying in bed without awkward stretching or bending.
Recommended Range:
Most nightstands range from 24 to 28 inches tall, which fits well with standard bed heights (approximately 24–26 inches from the floor to the top of the mattress).
Why Matching Height Matters
Here are a few reasons why nightstand height is so important:
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✅ Ease of Access: A nightstand that’s too low or too high can make it uncomfortable to grab items, especially in the dark.
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✅ Balanced Aesthetics: Visuall
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✅ Lighting If you're using a bedside lamp, the right nightstand height ensures that the light is properly positioned for reading or ambient lighting.
How to Measure the Right Nightstand Height
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Measure Your Bed Height: Use a tape measure to find the distance from the floor to the top of your mattress.
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Add 0–2 Inches: Choose a nightstand that matches this height or is up to 2 inches taller.
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Avoid Going Too Low or Too High: A nightstand more than 4 inches lower or higher than your mattress can feel awkward to use.
Considerations for Adjustable Beds & Platform Beds
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Platform Beds: These often sit lower to the ground, so look for shorter nightstands (18–22 inches).
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Adjustable Beds or Pillow-Top Mattresses: These may be taller than average, requiring a taller nightstand (28–30 inches).
Style Tips: Matching Function with Form
When choosing your nightstand height, also consider:
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Drawer Access: Make sure drawers open easily from a seated or lying position.
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Lamp Height: The base of your bedside lamp should be roughly at the same level as your mattress for ideal lighting.
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Design Balance: If your headboard is tall or dramatic, a slightly taller nightstand can help balance the proportions.
Final Thoughts
The best nightstand isn’t just stylish—it’s functional. Matching the height of your nightstand to your mattress ensures better usability and a cleaner look in your space. Measure your bed first, and let that number guide your choice.
Whether you’re furnishing a new room or upgrading your current setup, paying attention to nightstand height can elevate your comfort and bedroom design.
