Nightstands

Most nightstands are 24–28 in tall, which suits a standard bed frame with a box spring and mattress. The rule that matters more is to match your own bed: the top of the nightstand should sit level with the top of your mattress, or within about 2 in of it. Measure from the floor to the top of the mattress, including any topper. Low platform and floor beds need an 18–22 in nightstand, and tall beds need 28–32 in. Our classic and carved 3-drawer nightstands are about 26.4 in tall, and the Curva and Orbis 3-drawer pieces are 31.5 in tall for higher beds. See the full nightstand height guide.

Ideally about level with the mattress top. Up to 2 in lower or higher is fine. Slightly lower is easier to reach while lying down, and slightly higher can look tailored. Much more than that and you either lean over the edge of the bed or reach up at an awkward angle. A nightstand that rises far above the mattress also tends to dominate the bed visually.

Aim for each nightstand to be about a quarter to a third of the bed's width. For a queen bed (60 in), 20–28 in wide works best; our 3-drawer nightstands are 23.6 in wide. For a king bed (76 in), go for 24–32 in so the nightstand doesn't look lost next to the headboard. The Curva 3-Drawer Nightstand is 32.8 in wide. Most nightstands are 14–20 in deep. Leave 2–6 in between the nightstand and the bed, and at least 24 in of walkway. The nightstand size guide has a chart by bed size.

Yes. A small 3-drawer dresser or chest makes a roomy nightstand, especially next to a tall bed or in a bedroom with space for only one bedside piece. Check that its height is close to your mattress top (usually 26–32 in) and that its depth doesn't block the walkway. The Orbis 3-Drawer Curved Dresser is 31.5 in tall, and its top board is rated for 88 lb, so it can take a large lamp and a stack of books.

No. Mismatched nightstands can look more personal than a matching set. To make them look intentional, keep the two heights within 1–2 in of each other and of the mattress, repeat one element (color, wood tone, hardware or lamps), and balance the visual weight. A rule of thumb is to match one thing and vary one thing: for example, the same white finish with different drawer fronts. Ideas for pairing and for one-nightstand layouts are in our bedroom with one nightstand guide.

Yes. One nightstand is common in small bedrooms, guest rooms, and rooms where the bed sits against a wall or next to a window. Put it on the side you get in and out of bed, near an outlet. Balance the other side with a wall sconce, art hung slightly off-center, or a plant. Because a single nightstand has to hold everything, a 3-drawer model with a charging station, such as the Elwood Reeded 3-Drawer, is a practical choice.

Yes, as long as you use them like any power strip. Charge phones, watches, lamps and other small devices, and don't plug in heaters or other high-wattage appliances. Keep the power cord from getting pinched behind the bed, and don't charge devices under pillows or blankets. The Elwood Reeded 3-Drawer has a built-in power station with two outlets, one USB port and one Type-C port. Its single cord plugs into the wall.

Solid hardwoods such as oak and walnut are the most durable and can be refinished, but they are heavy and expensive. Many well-made nightstands combine a solid wood frame with engineered wood panels. This keeps the price reasonable and makes the panels less likely to warp with changes in humidity. Our classic, carved and walnut nightstands use solid pine with engineered wood, and the walnut model has an ash veneer. More on materials and drawer features is in our nightstand with drawers buying guide.