Find the right nightstand size and bedside placement for your bed.
Use your bed size, mattress height, and available side space to create a balanced bedside setup.
Plan My Bedside Setup →1. Tell us about your bed
2. See it in your room
Upload your bedroom photo, then move and rotate the bed, nightstands, lamps or sconces, and surrounding pieces independently.
What Size Nightstand Should You Choose?
A nightstand should feel proportional to the bed while still fitting comfortably in the available space beside it. Width, mattress height and clearance around the bed all matter, especially when using two bedside tables.
How Tall Should a Nightstand Be?
A useful starting point is to keep the nightstand top close to the height of the top of the mattress. This makes lamps, phones and other bedside items easier to reach without making the table look unusually low or tall beside the bed.
How Wide Should Nightstands Be?
The right width depends on the bed size and the amount of open space on each side. Larger beds can usually support wider nightstands, while smaller bedrooms may need narrower tables to preserve comfortable walking space.
Bedside Lamps or Wall Sconces?
Table lamps need enough nightstand surface area for practical use. Wall sconces free up tabletop space and can work especially well with narrow nightstands. Use the calculator above to compare the proportions for your room.
Nightstand Size FAQ
Should a nightstand be higher than the mattress?
It can be slightly higher or lower, but keeping the tabletop near mattress height usually creates a comfortable reach and balanced appearance.
Do both nightstands need to be the same size?
No. Matching sizes create symmetry, but different sizes can work when the available space differs on each side of the bed.
How much space should be between the bed and nightstand?
Keep the nightstand close enough to reach comfortably while leaving enough clearance that bedding, drawers and doors can function without interference.