
How Tall Should a Nightstand Be?
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When designing a bedroom that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing, few pieces of furniture are as overlooked but equally important as the nightstand. One question people routinely ponder is, “how tall should a nightstand be?” While it often seems like a minor detail, the height of your nightstand is crucial for both your comfort and the overall style of your space.
Ideal Nightstand Height: General Guidelines
So, realistically, how tall should a nightstand be? The most ideal nightstand height is typically level with the top of your mattress, or within 2 to 4 inches of that height. This guarantees ease of use, for when you’re reaching for a beverage, your smartphone, or a bedside lamp in the middle of the night.
This means a nightstand that's 24 to 28 inches tall will be suitable for most standard beds. That said, mattress and bed frame heights vary greatly, especially with today’s variety of low-profile, platform, and adjustable beds. With beds that are lower to the ground, for a more modern look, 18 to 24 inches is perfect. We have a beautiful selection of mid century modern nightstands that are perfect for cosmopolitan interiors, check them out!
Two Seventy Nine Nightstands & Bedside Tables
Nightstand Height for Different Interior Styles
Along with your mattress height, your interior design vibe can impact what nightstand height feels proper in your home.
Mid-century modern bedrooms usually use lower-profile furniture, which involves nightstands that come closer to the floor. Similarly, urban or cosmopolitan interiors like to favor streamlined and compact nightstands that dont create chaos in a room and give off a timeless and minimalist vibe.
Now that we know more about these styles,, the ideal nightstand height may fall between 18 to 24 inches, especially when paired with a thinner mattress or low platform beds. This lower height aids in keeping the clean horizontal lines that represent mid-century and urban inspired atmospheres, while still offering practical bedside access.
Why Nightstand Height Matters
Although the looks and style of thre nightstand are important, it's truly about the functionality and durability. A nightstand that’s too short can make it uncomfortable to reach for things, while one that’s too tall may feel intrusive or imposing.
Here’s what can unfortunately happen if your nightstand is the wrong height:
Too low: You’ll be in the habit of reaching down and craning your neck and shoulders.
Too high: You may bump into it, especially if you sleep near the edge of the bed or too close to it.
How to Measure for the Right Nightstand Height
To choose the most ideal height for your bedside table:
1. Start by measuring from the floor to the top of your mattress.
2. Seek out a nightstand that is within 2 inches above or below that number.
3. Factor in your personal interior design style, as stated, modern and urban rooms may lean shorter.
If your bed measures 26 inches from the floor to the top of the mattress then the nightstand height of 24 to 28 inches should work comfortably for a standard look. On the other hand, if you are going for a retro or loft feel, ideally 20-22 inches would be a great fit. Lets say your bed is 25 inches from the floor to the top of the mattress, then 24 to 28 inches should work perfectly for a standard style. This ensures optimal comfort and practicality.
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Matching Nightstand Height to Bed Type
Platform Beds: These lay close to the ground, so a nightstand around 20–24 inches tall might be ideal.
Standard Beds with Box Springs: Ideally it requires a nightstand between 24–28 inches.
Adjustable or Extra-Tall Beds: It is possible you will need a nightstand as tall as 30 inches or more.
What About Floating Nightstands?
Floating or wall-mounted nightstands are getting more and more trendy. When installing one, make sure the top aligns with your mattress height, similarly to a conventional bedside table. It provides flexibility to adjust the positioning during installation, allowing you to tailor your design choices.
Final Thoughts: What Height Should a Nightstand Be?
To recap, the perfect nightstand height should:
Match the top of your mattress, give or take a couple of inches.
Reach items without strain while lying in bed.
Complement the proportions of your bed and your bedroom atmosphere.
So if you are struggling to understand and questioning , "how tall should a nightstand be?" The answer is reliant on your bed height and the atmosphere you are trying to achieve.. 24 to 28 inches works for most traditional setups, while 18 to 24 inches may suit mid-century modern or urban interiors better