A nightstand is a versatile and functional piece of furniture that can add style and convenience to your bedroom. But how do you choose one that is the right size for your space and your needs? We asked five designers to share their tips and tricks for finding the perfect nightstand.
Contents
Rule 1: Start With the Bed Size
Before you start browsing for nightstands, you need to know the size of your bed and how much space you have in your bedroom. Designer Peti Lau explained that choosing the right bed size is crucial for creating a balanced and comfortable space. “If you have a large room, a queen size bed feels rather small, and if you have a king size bed in a tiny room, that really doesn’t help unless all you want to do is be able to literally hop on the bed and nothing else,” she said.
Rule 2: Measure for Height and Width
Once you have your bed size sorted out, you can move on to measuring for nightstands. Designer Emily Starr Alfano advised that the height of the nightstand should be close to the height of your mattress, so that you can easily reach for things on it. “You don’t want it to be much lower or higher than your mattress height or you’ll be reaching awkwardly for things on it,” she said.
As for the width, designer Julia Newman suggested that it depends on how much space you have left after placing your bed. “The advice I give is that the height of the average bedside table should be between 24 and 28 inches in height, giving you 25 inches from the floor to the mattress,” she said. “The width depends on how much space you have left.”
Designer Stephanie Goldman added that it’s important to consider the visual weight of the furniture in the room as well. “For our clients, I like to make sure the weight of the furniture is balanced throughout the room for the best visual appeal,” she said.
Rule 3: Be Creative With Your Choices
Nightstands don’t have to be boring or conventional. You can experiment with different styles, materials, shapes, and features to suit your taste and needs. Designer Peti Lau encouraged thinking outside the box when it comes to nightstands. “As long as they conform to these measurement guidelines, bedside tables don’t need to be one particular style,” she said.
For example, you can use a stool, a chair, a ladder, a trunk, or even a stack of books as a nightstand. You can also mix and match different nightstands on each side of the bed for a more eclectic look. Or you can opt for wall-mounted shelves or sconces instead of nightstands to save floor space.
Rule 4: Consider Storage and Functionality
Another factor to consider when choosing a nightstand is how much storage and functionality you need. Do you like to keep books, magazines, glasses, chargers, or other items on your nightstand? Do you need drawers or shelves to hide away clutter? Do you want a nightstand with a built-in lamp or USB port?
Designer Marie Cloud said that storage and functionality are essential considerations when choosing a nightstand. “As much as I enjoy rebelling against general practices and rules, there are some essential considerations when choosing the size of a nightstand,” she said.
She suggested looking for nightstands that have at least one drawer or shelf for storing essentials, and enough surface space for placing a lamp, an alarm clock, and a glass of water. She also recommended choosing nightstands that match your lifestyle and habits. For example, if you like to read in bed, you might want a nightstand with a bookcase or a magazine rack.
Rule 5: Have Fun With It
Finally, don’t forget to have fun with your nightstand choice. A nightstand is not only a practical piece of furniture but also an opportunity to express your personality and style. You can choose a nightstand that complements your bed frame and bedding, or one that contrasts with them for a more dynamic look. You can also accessorize your nightstand with plants, candles, art, or other decor items that make you happy.
Designer Paige Kontrafouris said that choosing a nightstand is an enjoyable process because there are so many options available. “Are you seeking a piece with two drawers? How about three? Or would you prefer none in order to maintain a more sleek look? And are you more inclined to purchase a glam mirrored style or are you drawn to a boho rattan piece?” she asked.
Whatever your preference, there is a nightstand out there for you. Just follow these five expert rules and you’ll be able to find one that is the right size for your space.
