When it comes to creating a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing bedroom, the right nightstand can make all the difference. But have you ever wondered: How tall should a nightstand be? The height of your nightstand might seem like a personal preference until you reach for your glass of water at 3AM and it goes tumbling down. We’ve looked into the perfect nightstand height and are ready to tell you all about it!
Average Height of Nightstand: Which Is It?
The average height of a nightstand is between 24 and 30 inches (about 2-2.5 feet high). This makes sense for most bedsides, but the average nightstand size isn’t always one size fits all. As a rule of thumb, you’ll want your nightstand to be 5-7 inches either higher or lower than the top edge of your bed. This will ensure the perfect height for grabbing your phone or drink in the middle of the night!
How to Choose a Nightstand
Choosing the right nightstand is easy if you follow a few simple steps. Here are our top nightstand height rules:
1. Measure Your Bed and Nightstand Correctly
Break out the tape measure, and determine the height of your bed and nightstand. If your nightstand is shorter than your bed, ensure that it’s only 5-7 inches shorter than where you’re resting. If needed, employ furniture risers to raise your nightstand to the proper height.
If you find that your nightstand is too tall, it might be worthwhile to hire a Tasker to shorten its legs a bit. Overall, it’s best to do any measuring at the store and select a nightstand at the proper height before bringing it home.
2. Think About the Tabletop Space Needed
Think about your nighttime routine: What goes on your bedside table? If you’ve got just a few items (say, your phone and a glass of water), you’ll need only a small nightstand. If you’ve got a menagerie of items, then you’ll want to choose something a little wider. Just be mindful of the space in your bedroom—a nightstand that’s too large (or too small) can look a bit out of place and throw off your style.
3. Consider Your Bedroom Space
As mentioned above, the size of your bedroom is a key factor in choosing a nightstand. Visualize your space before purchasing, and choose a nightstand that fits the space well. When assembling, try to build the item in its intended spot so you don’t have to lug it around.
4. Choose Your Nightstand Style
There are lots of nightstand styles to choose from, but be sure to select one that fits with the other pieces in your room. In general, it’s best to select a nightstand that fits in with the style of your bed, curtains, and flooring.
Nightstand Height FAQs
Here are some common questions about the height of your nightstand:
Should Nightstands Be Taller Than the Bed?
In most cases, nightstands should not be taller than the bed. A shorter nightstand makes it easier to grab things while a taller nightstand can be more difficult to access (especially in the dark).
What If the Nightstand Is Shorter Than the Bed?
You should be good to go if your nightstand is shorter than your bed! One of the key nightstand-height rules is to have your nightstand positioned just a bit below the top of your bed.
How Far Should a Nightstand Be From the Bed?
Generally, you’ll want your nightstand within arm’s reach. Your nightstand’s height is important, but the distance from your bed is crucial. As a rule of thumb, your nightstand should be six inches to a foot away from your bed. This will ensure you can grab items from it without knocking anything over.
Get Ready For Bed With Taskrabbit
Feeling cozy and ready to turn the lights out? We’re glad to hear it. But if you’re fretting over your nightstand (whether it’s assembling it or modifying it) it might be time to hire a Tasker. Taskers can put together your nightstand, attach furniture raisers to it, shorten it, or do whatever else you might need.
Don’t do it all alone. Hire a Tasker today!
