How tall should a nightstand be?

The height of your nightstand depends on the height of your bed frame. Typically, taller nightstand styles tend to be somewhere around 30-inches high, more or less, which is worth considering if you have a platform or storage bed. In general, you'll most likely want the top of the nightstand to align with the top of your mattress.

How can you decorate a nightstand?

Nightstands can be both stylish and practical so there are tons of ways to decorate them. If your nightstand has open shelving, consider stacking some decorative coffee table books and keeping it minimal so it looks organized . If you're working with a cabinet or drawers, top it off with a stylish lamp or alarm clock.

How do you pair nightstands with your bed?

If you're styling your bedroom with individual pieces instead of a furniture set, consider your bed frame and other pieces of furniture you already have. Depending on your style, you can use nightstands as a pop of color or create a more cohesive look.

The 13 Best Nightstands of 2023

The perfect nightstand is a stylish bedroom accent piece and a place to stash your nighttime essentials. We've spent hours researching and testing nightstands from the top home brands, evaluating quality, storage capacity, and value.

Here are the best nightstands.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Andover Mills Rushville 3 - Drawer Solid Wood Nightstand at Wayfair

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Best Budget:

VASAGLE Nightstand End Table at Amazon

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Best Small:

Safavieh Sabrina Nightstand at Amazon

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Best Round:

Urban Outfitters Tabitha Nightstand at Urban Outfitters

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Best Mirrored:

Lark Manor Eckenrode Nightstand at Wayfair

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Best Floating:

Pottery Barn Teen Lane Drawer Shelf at PBteen

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Best Modern:

George Oliver Gertz 2 - Drawer Solid Wood Nightstand at Wayfair

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Best Wood:

Nathan James Harper Mid-Century Nightstand at Amazon

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Best Farmhouse:

Sand & Stable Lana 1 - Drawer Nightstand in Off White at Wayfair

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Best Metal:

Latitude Run Jabella Metal Nightstand at Wayfair

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust The Spruce

4.6

Andover-mills-rushville-3---drawer-solid-wood-nightstand

Way Fair

View On Wayfair

What We Like

Offered in multiple colors
Three drawers
No assembly required

What We Don't Like

Offered in one size
Expensive

The Rushville 3-Drawer Solid Wood Nightstand is our favorite nightstand because it has a classic design that lends well to any bedroom decor and it’s already assembled out of the box. It’s handcrafted from renewed acacia wood that was sustainably sourced, so you can also feel good about purchasing it. The three drawers add a decent amount of storage space, so you'll have plenty of room for beside essentials and more.

This table is also available in nine colors so you can choose one that blends in seamlessly with your room or use it to add a pop of color, like turquoise or orange. Keep in mind that this dresser is designed for shorter bed frames, so if you have a thick mattress, it may not be the best height for you. This nightstand is also much more expensive than other options available, but despite its price, we think it’s a great option for anyone looking for a nightstand with plenty of storage and multiple colors available.

Price at time of publish: $353

_{Size: 15"D x 19"W x 23"H | Material: Solid wood | Storage: Three drawers}

Amazon

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What We Like

Budget-friendly
Versatile design

What We Don't Like

Includes one drawer
Offered in one color

If you’re shopping for a nightstand on a budget, this retro-style pick from VASAGLE can help elevate your space without breaking the bank. Made of engineered wood sitting on top of solid, tapered legs, this nightstand has one drawer and an additional shelf space that you can use to stack books or display other knick-knacks and keepsakes. This nightstand is offered in a rustic brown color that'll work well with various design styles and furniture colors.

Price at time of publish: $60

_{Size: 15.7"D x 19.7"W x 22.8"H | Material: Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF), Pinewood | Storage: One drawer, One open compartment}

Amazon

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What We Like

Compact size
Offered in multiple colors

What We Don't Like

Limited storage
Assembly required

With its narrow wooden frame, turned legs, and oversized top, the Sabrina Nightstand from Safavieh fits nicely into small spaces, but still offers enough surface area and storage space for your bedside essentials. In addition to a small drawer with a pull knob, it has a bottom shelf that you can use for extra storage or a display area. And it comes in multiple finishes, so you can choose which color suits your space. Keep in mind that standing at 31.9 inches (or just over 2.5 feet) it’s taller than most nightstands.

Price at time of publish: $115

_{Size: 13.8"D x 17.7"W x 31.9"H | Material: Pinewood | Storage: One drawer, One shelf}

Urban-outfitters

View On Urban Outfitters

What We Like

Versatile design
Offered in two colors

What We Don't Like

Available in one size

This Tabitha Nightstand from Urban Outfitters has a white oak finish and round edges that add a soft, beautiful touch to any bedside. The cylindrical shape is completely closed on one side, but opens on the opposite side to reveal an open shelf. You can turn the shelf toward the outside to display books or other decor pieces, or face it toward the wall to act as a hidden storage space. It also comes in a warm brown.

Price at time of publish: $249

_{Size: 14"D x 14"W x 20"H | Material: White oak wood, Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF), Plywood, Oak wood veneer | Storage: One shelf}

The 15 Best Bedside Lamps of 2023

View On Wayfair

What We Like

Available in two colors
No assembly required
Tall and narrow design

What We Don't Like

Expensive

Mirrored nightstands give off a high-class vintage vibe, and this one from Lark Manor looks like a beautiful antique piece that’s been treasured for years. It has a solid wood frame—available in a white or neutral gray finish—with a mirrored front that’s accented with a trellis overlay. Instead of drawers, it has one door that opens to reveal two shelves where you can store everything you need by your bed.

Price at time of publish: $260

_{Size: 13"D x 18"W x 30.5"H | Material: Manufactured wood | Storage: One shelf}

pottery-barn

View On PBteen

What We Like

Available in two colors
Saves floor space

What We Don't Like

Limited storage space

If you want to save on floor space, or you just like the look of a floating nightstand, this Lane Drawer Shelf from Pottery Barn Teen combines elevated style with functionality. It fully mounts to the wall, and has a drawer, shelf space, and top surface that provide plenty of room to store or display all of your essentials.

The painted white matte finish gives this floating nightstand a clean finish, and also makes it easy to wipe down if you need to. If you want to add to the look, you can pair it with the Lane Storage Mirror Shelf and the Lane Cubby Mirror Shelf to create a bedside storage space that doubles as wall art.

_{Size: 12"D x 17.75"W x 10"H | Material: Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF), m=Metal | Storage: One drawer, One shelf}

The 9 Best Floating Shelves of 2023

George-oliver-gertz-2---drawer-solid-wood-nightstand

Way Fair

View On Wayfair

What We Like

Available in multiple finishes
Removable hardware

What We Don't Like

Assembly required

If you have a modern style, this Gertz 2-Drawer Solid Wood Nightstand offers character, stability, and function. It’s made of stained pine wood that’s as durable as it is stylish and finished off with antique metal hardware and beveled front details that add to the clean lines.

The two drawers offer plenty of storage, so you can store everything from glasses to your latest read with ease. Plus, each nightstand is unique thanks to natural wood color variations throughout.

Price at time of publish: $339

_{Size: 14"D x 20"W x 24"H | Material: Pinewood | Storage: Two drawers}

The 13 Best Drawer Organizers of 2023

Nathan-james-harper-mid-century-oak-wood-nightstand

Amazon

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What We Like

Available in multiple colors
Lifetime manufacturer warranty
Mid-century modern design

What We Don't Like

Assembly required

Made with a wooden frame and pinewood legs, this mid-century modern nightstand has a space-saving design and neutral finish that make it ideal for your bedroom or as a small side table wherever you need some extra surface area. It has two easy-glide drawers accented with high-end gold hardware and a natural wood grain finish. If you prefer a contrasting look over a neutral one, you can also get the nightstand in black and brown or white and brown. There’s an all-white version available too.

Price at time of publish: $170

_{Size: 16"D x 16"W x 23"H | Material: Pine, Engineered wood | Storage: Two drawers}

Sand--stable-lana-1---drawer-nightstand-in-off-white

Way Fair

View On Wayfair

What We Like

Distressed finish
Removable hardware

What We Don't Like

Assembly required
Expensive
Available in one color

This Lana 1-Drawer Nightstand is the perfect addition to a farmhouse- or cottage-inspired bedroom. Crafted from manufactured wood and mahogany veneers and finished with off-white distressing, this nightstand has a weathered look that gives off major rustic vibes.

Additional details, like an antique nickel drawer pull and X-patterned sides, add to the charm, while the lower storage space and single drawer give you just the right amount of additional space next to your bed.

Price at time of publish: $225

_{Size: 17"D x 22"W x 26"H | Material: Manufactured wood, Mahogany veneers | Storage: One drawer, One open compartment}

Way Fair

View On Wayfair

What We Like

Available in multiple colors
One-year warranty
Built-in USB port

What We Like

Expensive
Assembly required

This Jabella nightstand from Latitude Run proves that metal can be chic. This sleek nightstand has straight legs and an upper shelf that sits on top of a ventilated door that opens with a pull tab. It includes a built-in USB port on the top, so you can keep your devices charged while you scroll through Instagram in bed. Plus, it comes in five classic colors—black, blue, gray, red, and white—so you have plenty of options to coordinate with your space.

Price at time of publish: $250

_{Size: 13"D x 19"W x 24"H | Material: Metal | Storage: One shelf, One cabinet}

Urban-outfitters

View On Urban Outfitters

What We Like

Geometric design
Large storage options

What We Don't Like

Expensive
Available in one color

If you’re all about shabby chic, this Caroline Rattan Nightstand, an Urban Outfitters exclusive, is it. Strands of rattan are woven through the nightstand, including the geometric legs, to create a textured motif across the whole front face.

It has one tab-pull drawer and an open compartment on the bottom, so in addition to adding some style to your room, it also gives you a place to stow away some bedside necessities. And each one is handmade to order, so you’ll get a truly custom piece.

Price at time of publish: $429

_{Size: 17.13"D x 20"W x 23.5"H | Material: Rattan, Mindi wood veneer, Mahogany wood | Storage: One drawer, One open compartment}

west-elm

View On West Elm

What We Like

Made with FSC®-certified wood from responsibly managed forests
Light colors keep this larger piece from being overwhelming in a bedroom
Three drawers and lots of surface space

What We Don't Like

Assembly required
Expensive

With three full drawers and at least 6 inches more in width than any of the other nightstands on our list, the Margot Raffia Nightstand is our top choice for a large nightstand. Made with sustainably sourced wood in a neutral white-washed finish, the larger piece of furniture provides ample surface space and storage without overwhelming a bedroom. Handwoven raffia adds texture, and light bronze finished handles and legs provide a muted elegance to the nightstand. Anti-tip hardware is included, with some assembly required upon delivery.

Price at time of publish: $699 for individual

_{Size: 17"D x 28"W x 30"H | Material: Kiln-dried solid mahogany wood, Engineered wood, Handwoven raffia | Storage: Three drawers}

Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie

What We Like

No assembly required
Two hidden power outlets and two USB outlets
Ample storage space
Full line of corresponding bedroom piece available

What We Don't Like

Only available in one color option
Expensive

We love the way the Quincy Charging Nightstand effortlessly blends a chic 1960s mid-century look with the modern-day convenience of built-in charging ports. The wooded acorn-colored piece has understated brass hardware that will pair well with almost any other bedroom decor. The hidden power outlets and two USB ports provide a convenient and stylish way to plug in and charge the devices you like to keep at your fingertips. Two drawers on metal glides provide smooth access to ample storage space. The nightstand arrives fully put together with no additional assembly required.

Price at time of publish: $448

_{Size: 16"D x 22"W x 24.5"H, | Material: Solid eucalyptus, Engineered wood, Acacia wood veneer | Storage: Two drawers}

Size

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a nightstand is the size. Measure the area next to your bed (or wherever you want to put it) and then choose a nightstand that falls well within those dimensions. Make sure to consider height too—some nightstands are taller than others and if you have a low platform bed, the two might not be a good match.

Style

Style is a personal preference, but it also plays into how your nightstand will fit and look in your bedroom. If you have a small area, rounded or narrow nightstands may be the best option since they increase surface area without a bulky design. You’ll also want to consider whether you want closed drawers or doors or if open shelving is enough to suit your needs.

Assembly

Many nightstands require assembly, so make sure to keep that in mind when choosing one. Some only require you to place the top on the legs in a one-step process, while others are more of an involved one to two hour process. Make sure you’re aware of how much time and effort is required in putting the nightstands together, and enlist some help if a two-person assembly is noted.

FAQ

How tall should a nightstand be?

The height of your nightstand depends on the height of your bed frame. Typically, taller nightstand styles tend to be somewhere around 30-inches high, more or less, which is worth considering if you have a platform or storage bed. In general, you'll most likely want the top of the nightstand to align with the top of your mattress.
How can you decorate a nightstand?

Nightstands can be both stylish and practical so there are tons of ways to decorate them. If your nightstand has open shelving, consider stacking some decorative coffee table books and keeping it minimal so it looks organized. If you're working with a cabinet or drawers, top it off with a stylish lamp or alarm clock.
How do you pair nightstands with your bed?

If you're styling your bedroom with individual pieces instead of a furniture set, consider your bed frame and other pieces of furniture you already have. Depending on your style, you can use nightstands as a pop of color or create a more cohesive look.

This article was written by Lindsay Boyers, a freelance home writer who has written for The Spruce since 2019. From furniture to small appliances, she's written about all things home and knows what makes a product great. To make this list, she considered each pick's size, style, and assembly. More of her home-related writing can be found on MyDomaine.