How to choose the perfect Nightstand for your Bedroom
A Practical Guide
Perhaps you’ve never thought deeply about nightstands and you just stumbled upon this article. Or maybe you are finally upgrading that cheap and temporary table that you call a nightstand. Regardless, you’re trying to do things right, but you need help. Well, you’ve come to the right place! Once you are finished here, you will know exactly what type of nightstand you should buy.
There are four key elements we must consider to get this right.
FUNCTION
Function is an incredibly important element to consider in order to get this right. We want to make sure that whichever nightstand(s) you purchase is in accordance with your needs. If you currently have no nightstand, think of the inconveniences you face without one. That will give you an idea of where to start.
How do you function in your space?
In other words:
What do you need in a bedside table that will blend well with your lifestyle?
The type of nightstand you decide to purchase will be dependent on how you answer this question.
Common functionalities to consider:
- Placing your phone to charge
- Holding your glass of water
- Setting a lamp
- Placing your glasses
- Storage for journals, books, medicine, etc.
You have to decide what functionalities you want to prioritize.
Do you possess items that always seem to float around the room? Then I suggest getting a nightstand with more storage.
Do you simply need a designated place to charge your phone? Well then you may want to choose a nightstand that just serves as a table top.
You should now know what you need from your nightstand.
SPACE
When it comes to space, you may have very little or more than you know what to do with. It is important to analyze how much space you actually have to come up with a plan for it. Take a look around your room and its layout. Does it feel crowded? Does it feel empty?
Symmetry in the bedroom is always a pleasing sight, and nightstands love to come in pairs. However, if your bedroom is very small, you may have to let go of the idea of getting two nightstands. Sure, symmetry is always nice but asymmetry can also be beautiful. Your bedroom should be a place of relaxation and ease. Trying to stuff two nightstands in a small room will only make your space feel cluttered and cramped. To further avoid a cramped look, you can also consider wall mounted nightstands. This will help clear some floorspace.
If you have a large bedroom, congratulations! You have the luxury of options. As I’ve stated previously, you can go for that gorgeous symmetry look with two bedside tables on either side of your bed. However, especially if you sleep alone, you may also choose to have just one nightstand. Ultimately, it will come down to personal preference and style.
You should now know how many nightstands your space can fit.
DIMENSIONS
Dimensions can now be taken after finalizing our decisions in the previous steps.
Now, there are a lot of different opinions on the right height for a nightstand. I’ll tell you the three most common “rules” and let you decide which to follow.
- Level with your mattress
- 2 inches below your mattress
- 2 inches above your mattress
Keep in mind that when nightstands are higher than your mattress, you may have to contort your arm in a weird way to reach your items. Keeping it level or just below makes everything easier to grab. Having the nightstand be two inches above the height of your mattress is the cutoff. Anything above that should be an automatic no.
At this time, I’d like you to take out a measuring tape and measure the height of your mattress. Don’t just google “standard mattress height.” Everyone’s bed is different and your bedframe may be lower or higher than the standard. That is if you even have a bedframe. You should not be looking for nightstands without a bed frame!
You should now know what your ideal measurements are for your nightstand.
STYLE
Style is our most exciting step but it can be the most difficult as well. With countless options, it can be easy to get decision paralysis.
Use this guide to help narrow down the silhouette and materials that fit your vibe.
Design styles are here to guide you but they are not hard rules. Most people have a mix of styles in their homes and when done right, it can look beautiful. Don’t be afraid to step out of your interior design style.
Sleek, Functional, Simple, Clean
Common Nightstand Characteristics:
- Sharp, Geometric Lines
- No Handles on Drawers
- Integrated Technology (hidden wireless charging pads)
- Favors Solid Plinth Bases and Wall Mounted Designs Over Traditional Legs.
Common Materials & Finishes:
- Natural Woods
- Polished Metals
- Glass
- Black or White Finishes
Textured, Organic, Relaxed, Global Influences
Common Nightstand Characteristics:
- Soft Rounded Silhouettes
- Arched Frames
- Open Weave Textures
- Mixed Hardware
- Collected Feel
Common Materials & Finishes:
- Rattan
- Cane
- Wicker
- Bamboo
- Warm Woods
- Matte Natural Finishes
Cozy, Rustic, Practical
Common Nightstand Characteristics:
- Heavy Proportions
- Visible Craftsmanship
- X-brace Side Panels
- Shiplap Detailing
- Barn Door Style Sliding Hardware
- Turned Legs
- Generous Storage
- Sturdy
Common Materials & Finishes:
- Distressed/ Reclaimed Wood
- Iron Pull Handles
- Milk Painted Finishes (Muted whites, creams, sage greens)
Formal, Symmetrical, Timeless
Common Nightstand Characteristics:
- Detailed Architectural Molding
- Beveling Along the Top Edge
Common Materials & Finishes:
- Rich Dark Hardwoods (Mahogany, Cherry, Walnut)
- Antique Brass, Pewter, or Glass Knob Hardware
Retro, Clean Lines, Organic Curves, Functional
Common Nightstand Characteristics:
- Round Tapered Legs
- Wire Hairpin Legs
- Rectangular Frame
- Integrated Open Shelves
Common Materials & Finishes:
- Walnut, Teak, Acorn.
- Minimal Hardware
- Finger Pulls
- Slim Brushed Brass Bars.
Bright, Minimalist, Airy
Common Nightstand Characteristics:
- Lightweight
- Slender
- Straight Legs
- Soft Rounded Corners
- Simple Silhouette
- Single Shallow Drawer
- Open Shelf
Common Materials & Finishes:
- Pale Woods (Blonde oak, ash, birch)
- White Painted Accents
- Ultra Matte and Natural Finishes
Raw, Structural, Utilitarian
Common Nightstand Characteristics:
- Structural Framing
- Exposed Hardware
- Riveted Corners
- Mesh Front Metal Doors
- Exposed Locking Casters (wheels)
- Open Pipe Framing
Common Materials & Finishes:
- Matte Black Steel
- Iron Frames
- Rough Sawn, Distressed, or Reclaimed Wood.
Current, Ever-changing, Trendy
Common Nightstand Characteristics:
- Soft Curves
- Waterfall Edges
- Fluted or Ribbed Drawer Faces
Common Materials & Finishes:
- Stone
- Marble Tops
- Tinted Glass
- Brushed Champagne Gold Hardware
- Tinted or Cerused Wood Finishes
Solid wood pieces are constructed from complete boards cut directly from trees, categorized into hardwoods (oak, walnut, maple, cherry) and softwoods (pine, fir).
Rich, unique grain patterns with natural character, knots, and warmth.
Pros:
- Exceptionally Durable
- Structurally Stable
- Can be Sanded Down, Repaired, and Refinished
Cons:
- High Price Point
- Heavy to Move
- Can Expand or Contract Slightly with Extreme Changes in Room Humidity
Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) is made from compressed wood fibers and resin, while particle board uses larger wood chips.
Perfectly uniform surfaces with zero natural imperfections, knots, or grain.
Pros:
- Highly Affordable
- Lightweight
- Resistant to Warping or Splitting from Moisture or Temperature Changes
Cons:
- Cannot be Easily Repaired or Sanded if Damaged
- Edges can Chip
- Lower Weight Capacity than Solid Wood
A razor thin layer of real hardwood (like walnut or oak) is permanently bonded to a stable core of high-grade engineered wood or plywood.
Mimics the high end look and texture of solid wood perfectly because the top surface is real wood.
Pros:
- Less Prone to Cracking than Solid Wood
- Sleek Geometric Designs
Cons:
- Very Difficult to Repair
Commonly used as the primary material in industrial, ultra-modern, or minimalist designs, metal nightstands are typically made of iron, steel, or aluminum.
Sleek, structural, and often architectural. Can be powder coated in matte black, high gloss colors, or plated in metallic tones like brass and chrome.
Pros:
- Large Weight Capacity
- Indestructible
- Resists Spills or Water Rings
Cons:
- Can Feel Visually Cold
- Doors or Drawers Can Make a Metallic Clanging Noise When Opened or Closed.
Often used as structural accents, table tops, or complete statement pieces in contemporary and glamorous spaces.
Reflective, airy, and visually weightless. Clear acrylic or glass nightstands make a small bedroom feel much larger because they don't block the visual field.
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Visually Opens Up Tight Floor Plans
Cons:
- Shows Fingerprints, Dust, and Smudges Instantly
- Requires Frequent Wiping
- Susceptible to Scratching (acrylic) or Shattering (glass)
Extremely popular in Boho, coastal, and transitional design, these materials are woven over solid wood or metal frames to create organic textures.
Ratten, Cane, Bamboo
Light, airy, and deeply textured with a casual, organic vibe.
Pros:
- Adds Warmth and Texture
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Traps Dust
- Susceptible to Fraying or Drying Out if Placed in Direct Sunlight
Typically used for the top surface of a nightstand rather than the entire piece, though solid composite plinths are trending in high end contemporary design.
Marble, Concrete, Terrazzo
Bold, luxurious, and highly tactile.
Pros:
- Scratch Resistant
- Sturdy
Cons:
- Extremely Heavy
- Real Marble and Stone are Porous and Can Easily Stain
Patterns and colors may be limited with some materials but there are a plethora of options to choose from. Just check out some of these designs:
This is the most common and typically has the most storage opportunities.
This is a beautiful shape that softens your bedroom. Especially if you have lots of harsh lines.
This is perfect for small room. It allows for a large surface space with minimal floor space.
