A nightstand is more than just a bedside table — it grounds the bedroom, balances your bed height, and keeps essentials within reach. It might hold a lamp, a stack of books, your charging station, or even that 64-ounce tumbler that keeps you hydrated through the night. It’s functional, personal, and a quiet anchor in the room.

But finding the right fit takes more than guesswork. Should it be curved or clean-lined? What kind of nightstand works well with a low-slung bed? And how tall are nightstands supposed to be, anyway?

In this guide, we’ll explain how to measure nightstand dimensions and choose a piece that complements your bedroom furniture — and fits the space’s proportions just right.

How tall should a nightstand be?

Before falling for a bedside table based on looks alone, take a moment to measure, and make sure it’s a good fit, literally.

Nightstand height

Height is one of the most important nightstand dimensions. Standard nightstand heights range from 24 to 30 inches, and not every bed height pairs well with every nightstand. A bedside table that’s too tall or too low can be awkward to use, especially when you’re reaching for your phone in the dark.

As a general rule, aim for a nightstand height that’s level with your mattress. If that’s not possible, it’s usually better to go slightly higher — up to four inches above the mattress — rather than lower. Reaching down can feel uncomfortable and impractical, especially in the middle of the night.

For very low beds, like floor-level or platform, look for nightstands made to match that specific bedroom style. The same principle applies to tall canopy beds or king beds — scale matters.

Nightstand depth

Nightstand depths vary greatly — from 12 to 30 inches. To find the right size for your bedroom, start by thinking about how you plan to use the table. If you want room for a stack of books, a lamp, and your phone charger, you’ll need more surface area. But if you just need a spot for a glass of water and a small clock, a shallower profile will do. 

Also, consider how far the piece will protrude. In smaller spaces, deep nightstands can limit movement and take up valuable floor space. Make sure there’s enough room to walk comfortably around the bed.

Nightstand width

Experts recommend leaving three to six inches between your bed and nightstand to avoid a cramped look and feel. When measuring for width, factor in that buffer zone, too.

Wide nightstands work well in larger rooms, while in tighter spaces narrow bedside tables can still offer plenty of function — especially if they include drawers or shelving for extra storage.

Browse narrow or wide nightstand options from Onton

Nightstand width guide by bed type

Here’s a tip straight out of the interior design playbook: The width of your nightstand should align with your bed size. Larger beds generally pair well with wider nightstands to maintain a good sense of spatial balance in the room.

Here’s a quick guide to finding the right bedside table dimensions for your mattress:

Twin bed

A twin bed works well with a narrower nightstand — typically 18 inches wide or less. This keeps things proportionate without overwhelming the space.

Double or queen bed

Double and queen beds pair nicely with standard nightstands, which usually range from 20 to 24 inches wide. This size offers a balanced footprint and enough room for drawers, shelving, or a surface for your essentials.

King bed

King mattresses make a bold statement — and your nightstand should keep up. Look for wider options, around 24 inches or more, to even out the visual weight and have room for larger items like a statement lamp or alarm clock.

Shop nightstands by bed type on Onton

4 tips for matching nightstand size to room layout

You’ve measured for height, width, and depth — now it’s time to find the ideal nightstand that fits flawlessly into your space. Keep these design tips in mind as you narrow down your options: 

1. Be mindful of doors

Check that the nightstand won’t block any doors, like a closet or bathroom entrance. If your bedside table will sit between the bed and a door or walkway, leave at least 24 inches of clearance to maintain easy movement — and boost the bedroom’s Feng Shui factor.

2. Use rounded corners in tight places

In compact bedrooms, sharp corners can eat into valuable square footage. Consider pieces with rounded edges — they soften the look and can free up a few inches around the bed. 

3. Style with scale in mind

Tap into your inner interior designer. Adorn your bedside table with personal touches like boho-chic knick-knacks or natural items with coastal flair, such as driftwood or seashells. As you style, think about proportion. Consider impactful items, like vases, for larger nightstands and smaller decorations, like candles, for tinier bedside tables. 

4. Think modular for flexible layouts

Some nightstands are designed to adapt, with adjustable dimensions or modular features like pullout shelves. They’re ideal for smaller spaces, offering extra storage when you need it — and a cleaner footprint when you don’t. 

Let Onton help you find the perfect nightstand

Ready to find a nightstand that’s not too big, not too small — but just right? Onton’s AI-driven search engine makes it easy to explore dozens of bedside table options tailored to your bedroom’s style and layout. Try prompts like “narrow wooden nightstand” or “leather bedside table” to discover pieces that fit your needs.

Want to see how the nightstand will look in your space? Use Onton’s Imagine tool to upload a photo of your bedroom, then preview different bedside table styles, shapes, and finishes to find the right match.

Elevate your bedroom furniture setup with Onton.

Nightstand dimensions FAQs

Is 20 inches too short for a nightstand?

A 20-inch-tall nightstand is ideal for a bed with a lower bed height, such as a platform bed. But for taller mattresses, you’ll likely want something closer to level — or slightly above — for easy access.

Should my nightstand match my bed style? 

Matching finishes — like a wooden bed frame with coordinating nightstands — can create a polished, cohesive look. But it’s not the only approach. If you’re drawn to a more festive decorating style, try mixing materials or silhouettes. A vintage bedside table paired with a modern bed, for example, can help create an eclectic, bohemian bedroom feel.

What’s the correct nightstand-to-bed proportion?

Think in terms of scale. Larger beds, like king beds, typically look best with wider nightstands. For a twin bed or compact space, choose narrower options. Onton’s Imagine tool can help you visualize how the proportions look in context.