How to Choose a Nightstand: Size, Style & Storage
By Ceiling Fans, Home Store for Light Fixtures | Published: 2026-10-30
Category: How-to Guides
Choose a nightstand that aligns with your bed height, matches your room's style, and offers the right drawer storage for your bedside essentials.
Quick answer
Choose a nightstand that aligns with your bed height, matches your room's style, and offers the right amount of drawer storage for your bedside essentials.
Size matters: match the nightstand to your bed
A nightstand that is too tall or too short can look awkward and be inconvenient to use. The rule of thumb is to pick a nightstand whose top surface is roughly level with the top of your mattress. For a standard bed frame, that means a nightstand height of 24 to 28 inches. Also, consider the width: a nightstand that is too wide for your bed's side can crowd the room, while one that is too narrow may not hold what you need.
Style: modern vs. traditional
The nightstand should complement your bedroom's overall aesthetic. A modern nightstand typically features clean lines, glossy finishes, and metal hardware, while a traditional one leans toward warm wood tones, ornate details, and classic shapes. Mixing styles can work if you maintain a consistent color palette or material theme, but a direct clash (e.g., a sleek white nightstand next to a heavily carved wooden bed) can feel disjointed.
Storage: drawers vs. open shelves
Drawers keep items hidden and dust-free, making them ideal for storing small electronics, reading glasses, or personal items. Open shelves offer easy access but require tidiness. If you need to stash clutter out of sight, a nightstand with two or three drawers is a practical choice. Consider the drawer glide system: smooth metal glides are quieter and last longer than basic wood-on-wood runners.
Your nightstand decision rules
- Measure your bed height first: Measure from the floor to the top of your mattress (including any topper). Your nightstand should be within 2 inches of that height.
- Match the style to your room: If your bedroom has modern furniture, pick a nightstand with clean lines and glossy or matte finishes. For a traditional room, choose wood tones and classic hardware.
- Count your storage needs: List the items you keep at bedside (phone, book, glasses, lamp, etc.). One drawer is enough for minimalists; two or three drawers suit those with more to store. If you need a lamp on top, make sure the nightstand's top surface is at least 18 inches wide and 15 inches deep.
Real product examples
- Stoholm Modern White Nightstand with 2-Drawer and Chrome Handles: White UV high-gloss finish with chrome handles and two spacious drawers. This modern nightstand hides bedside clutter and its glossy surface wipes clean easily, ideal for a contemporary bedroom.
Stoholm Modern White Nightstand with 2-Drawer and Chrome Handles - 24 Inch Transitional 3-Drawer Nightstand with Solid Wood Legs: Three smooth-gliding drawers with solid wood bun feet and scratch-resistant PU paper lamination. The extra drawer gives you more organized storage for bulkier items, while the durable finish stands up to daily use in a busy household.
24 Inch Transitional 3-Drawer Nightstand with Solid Wood Legs
Who should buy what
Best for
- Anyone who wants a clean, clutter-free look and values easy cleaning (choose a glossy modern nightstand with drawers)
- People who need extra drawer space for bedside organization (choose a three-drawer nightstand)
Not for
- Those who prefer open shelving for quick access and don't mind visible items (skip drawer-only nightstands)
