How to Choose the Best Nightstands for Your Bedroom

A well-chosen nightstand enhances bedroom functionality and style, offering storage for nightly essentials within easy reach. Key considerations include matching the room’s aesthetic, selecting the right size, and choosing materials that fit your lifestyle. Saatva’s nightstand line features quality hardwoods, oak and ash veneers, and customizable storage options.

Most people agree that the most important bedroom purchase is a supportive, comfortable mattress. But once you have a great bed setup, it’s time to move on to the rest of the room.

That’s where nightstands come in. Nightstands are essential for storing your cell phone, reading glasses, and any other personal items you want within reach at night. They can also add a pop of style or color to the bedroom.

Here’s everything you need to know to pick the perfect nightstand (or nightstands!) for your bedroom.

How to choose a nightstand

First and foremost, a nightstand needs to be functional, with enough tabletop space or storage to hold your nightly necessities. But nightstands can also add a little personality to the bedroom.

Let’s take a deep dive into the key considerations for choosing a nightstand that will work for you.

Style

A good nightstand complements the style of the room, says Alex Woogmaster, founder, creative director, and interior designer at Woogmaster Studio. Is your bedroom styled like a serene retreat?

He recommends a nightstand style that coordinates with the existing decor. But if you have a high-contrast, high-style bedroom concept, he suggests a dramatic nightstand that stands out “like colorful jewelry.”

You can also think outside the box, says Lisa Lee, chief creative officer at Rituals, a creative studio in Nev. “Vintage and antique items are always winners, like a steamer trunk. A selection like this will feel collected and found instead of purchased right off the sales floor.”

Size

“Pay attention to scale,” says Lee. If you have a large room, you can go bigger or bolder with the nightstand. In cozy guest rooms, consider a small nightstand with a light hanging above it instead of a lamp on the nightstand.

Here are some sizing rules of thumb:

  • Height. As a general rule, Lee says a nightstand should be no more than 6six inches above or below the top of your mattress. Woogmaster prefers the look of a nightstand the same height as the mattress or no more than an inch below it.
  • Width. Standard nightstands range from 21-28 inches wide. Lee suggests choosing a width that allows for 4-6 inches of “wiggle room” between the side of the mattress and the nightstand.
  • Depth. “We like nightstands to be at least 18 inches deep from the headboard wall,” Woogmaster says. Ultimately, your nightstand should be deep enough to hold bedside essentials and a lamp (unless your bedside lighting is hung on the wall or ceiling).

Material and construction

Wood and metal are the most common nightstand materials, but there’s a wide variety of construction and material types within those categories. Some nightstands have metal legs with a wooden top, while others have glass tops.

Choose a nightstand material that fits your lifestyle, budget, and preferred cleaning method.

Solid wood nightstands are the most heavy and durable, but hardwood or plywood finished with a wood veneer is lighter and more affordable without compromising on the look of wooden furniture.

Metal nightstands are easy to clean, but the minimalist aesthetic might not match your bedroom style.

Storage options

Think about all the items you like to have within reach at night, then decide if you’re OK with a drawer-less bedside table or prefer a nightstand with storage. Storage options usually range from one to three drawers, but some nightstands also have open cavities or shelving.

While considering storage options, don’t forget the importance of drawer styles. Drawer hardware should match your preferred aesthetic while feeling easy to grasp in the dark.

Soft-close drawers help avoid getting woken in the middle of the night by a partner rummaging around for their phone or a drink of water.

Budget

Nightstands come at a variety of price points. The good news? More expensive isn’t always better.

“Nightstands can be made from anything — a desk, an antique stool, a plaster sculpture, a well-proportioned chair, ” says Woogmaster. “Invest in serious furniture for dressers and armoires, but have fun with nightstands. When done right, they can be strong accents with very low risk.”

Upgrade your bedroom with Saatva nightstands

Arden

The Arden nightstand’s rounded frames and fluted drawers imbues modern style and functionality into any bedroom.

Upgrade your bedroom with Saatva nightstands

Atlas

The Atlas nightstand is equal parts statement piece and functional design.

Upgrade your bedroom with Saatva nightstands

Hyde

The Hyde makes a great bedside addition with its ample drawers, traditional style, and impeccable craftsmanship.

Upgrade your bedroom with Saatva nightstands

Leo

The Leo nightstand adds a calming, inviting atmosphere to your bedroom with its minimalist design with a hint of old-world rustic feel.

Upgrade your bedroom with Saatva nightstands

Noire

The Noire nightstand adds sleek, refined style to any bedroom coupled with ample drawers for practicality.

Upgrade your bedroom with Saatva nightstands

Verdon

The Verdon nightstand exudes quiet luxury that complements a variety of bedroom styles.

FAQs

What is the rule of thumb for a nightstand?

The rule of thumb for a nightstand is that it should hold all your nightly essentials at a height and distance you can reach from the bed. For most people, the best nightstand size is the same height as the mattress top, 21-28 inches wide, and about 18 inches deep.

Should the nightstand be higher or lower than the bed?

According to interior designers, a nightstand that stands nearly equal to the bed is best. If you can’t find a nightstand the same height as the top of the mattress, Woogmaster says one that’s just slightly lower than the bed makes it easier to reach items in the dark.

What color nightstand should I choose?

“Color choice is dependent on the design style and vision of the space,” says Lee. “Our preference is to mix and match colors and textures for a more interesting aesthetic.”

What’s the difference between a nightstand and a night table?

These terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but most designers agree that a nightstand has at least one drawer, whereas a night table doesn’t always have a storage component.

Find the best nightstand for you at Saatva

It’s essential to make your bedroom feel comfortable and relaxing for you. That includes a furniture setup and style that will support your nighttime routines while fitting with the personality of your bedroom.

If you’re looking for the nightstand of your dreams, check out our line of six high-quality, stylish nightstands.

They’re made from kiln-dried hardwoods and engineered woods, and each nightstand utilizes premium high-end oak and ash veneers.

Storage options range from one to three soft-close drawers with pulls in various colors and styles.

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