SIMPLE RULES FOR THE RIGHT SIZE NIGHTSTAND EVERY TIME

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SIMPLE RULES FOR THE RIGHT SIZE NIGHTSTAND

Use these simple rules for choosing the right size nightstand for any bedroom large or small.  From the bedside table height to choosing the right width, this post covers it all.

When you are planning you bedroom design you need to keep a few things in mind. At the top of the list are furniture selections, layout, and comfort. Let’s jump into each one of these topics. Your nightstand sizing plays into all of these angles of bedroom design.

BEDROOM FURNITURE

You’ve heard me say it a thousand times by now, you need a plan. For any room you are decorating, you need a written plan from the top down. You will save money by having a solid plan that is calculated and measured. 

Step One in selecting bedroom furniture is to measure the room. Take measurements of all walls, windows, doors and openings, and ceiling height.

In your bedroom you may have the following furniture pieces:

• Bed
• Nightstands
• Lamps
• Dresser
• Mirror
• Bench or chest
• Rug
• Desk

The key to choosing the right size nightstands is laying out the room in a way that makes sense and only having furniture you need in the space. When you overcrowd the room, it will look smaller.

BEDROOM LAYOUT

Next, use a free room planner to lay out your furniture plan. If possible, make the bed the focal point of the space. Place it on the wall so that as you walk in, it’s centered. 

If you cannot center the bed on the wall across from the door, place it on the longest unobstructed wall. Tip: You CAN place a bed in front of windows. While it isn’t my first choice, it can look great if the space allows.

Ideally you can fit a nightstand on each side of the bed, with lamps for reading and light. Then add a dresser or desk to the room. If you have an exceptionally large bedroom, 20’x 20′ you can add additional pieces of furniture like a bench, chaise, seating area with cocktail ottoman, chest or dressing table.

COMFORTABLE FURNISHINGS

As always, function over form comes into play when decorating your bedroom. Select comfortable furniture, part of comfort is the right size, i.e. not too large for the room. 

You also want space to move around in your bedroom. I want your nightstands to be large enough to hold a lamp, glass of water, a book and any other night routine things you have. So we will discuss the top dimensions to fit best.

Step one is to select a comfortable bed. Next, invest in great bedding- think silky, soft sheets and a clean white duvet cover with fresh, fluffy pillows. 

Lastly, choose a dresser large enough to hold you clothing and nightstands to keep those evening routine items close by, but secured away out of view.

NIGHTSTAND SIZE GUIDE

I’ve come up with some guidelines to help you choose the best nightstand size for your room, bed size and needs. Luckily, there is a good range and variation, so finding the perfect nightstand will be easy.

NIGHTSTAND HEIGHT

The best nightstand height is between 28- 30″ tall. The goal is to get the tabletop to be with an inch or 2″ of the mattress top. When you choose a nightstand this height, you can easily reach the lamp, place a glass of water or grab your book.

If you have an exceptionally low bed, like Crate and Barrel or West Elm platform beds, you will likely need a slightly lower nightstand. Pay attention to the bed height. 

On the flip side, if you have a massive bedroom and a California king size bed, your nightstands should be large, substantial pieces of furniture like a chest, 36″ table or dresser.

RULE OF THUMB: 29 1/2″ is a great nightstand height

NIGHTSTAND WIDTH & DEPTH

For twin size beds: Opt for 18″ to 22″ wide nightstands. The depth can be in the same range.

Queen beds: 22″ to 24″ x 23″ to 27″ is a great size range for nightstands paired with a queen bed.

King bed: 23″ to 25″ and larger width and depth will work well with you king size bed. If you have a California king and an 18′ x 18′ bedroom or larger, you can use a chest as a nightstand. A chest will take up wall space so that the room doesn’t look bare. Chests make great nightstands in such large spaces. 

NIGHTSTAND SUGGESTIONS

You can read more about finding the right pieces for your home decor bedroom design project on these two posts about choosing the right size bedside lamp and bedroom furniture pairings.