Nightstands and end tables look alike. Both are small tables that sit beside something you sit or lie on, hold a lamp and keep essentials within arm's reach. But they're sized and designed for different jobs. Here are the key differences between a nightstand and an end table, how tall each should be, and when you can use one in place of the other.
Nightstand vs. End Table at a Glance
| Nightstand | End table | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it goes | Beside the bed | At the end of a sofa or beside an armchair |
| Height rule | Within a few inches of the mattress top | Level with, or up to about 2 in below, the sofa arm |
| Typical height | About 22–30 in | About 20–26 in |
| Storage | Usually drawers, sometimes a shelf or cabinet | Often open, with a shelf or one drawer |
| Main jobs | Lamp, phone, glasses, book, water, chargers | Drinks, remote, lamp, books, decor |
| Also called | Bedside table, night table | Side table, accent table |
What Is a Nightstand?
A nightstand, or bedside table, is a small table or cabinet that sits next to the bed. It's designed for things you reach for while lying down: a reading lamp, phone, glasses, a book and a glass of water. Because bedside clutter builds up, most nightstands have one to three drawers, and many add an open shelf for baskets or books.
What Is an End Table?
An end table is named for where it sits: at the end of a sofa, or beside an armchair. Its main job is to give a seated person somewhere to set down a drink, a remote or a lamp. End tables tend to be lighter and more open than nightstands, and they come in many forms: square or round, drum, C-shaped, glass or wood, with or without a drawer.
"Side table" is a broad term for any small table placed beside seating, and "accent table" covers small decorative tables used anywhere. A sofa table, also called a console table, is different again: a long, narrow table, usually 10–14 in deep, placed behind a sofa.
Key Differences
1. Height
- Nightstand: the top should sit roughly level with the top of the mattress, or a few inches above it. Many beds put the mattress top around 24–25 in from the floor, so most nightstands are about 24–28 in tall. Tall platform or pillow-top beds may need 28–30 in or more. More in our nightstand height guide.
- End table: the top should be level with the sofa arm or up to about 2 in lower, usually 20–26 in. Lower is easier to reach than higher.
2. Storage
Nightstands lean toward closed storage: drawers keep chargers, medication, hand cream and books out of sight. End tables lean toward open surfaces and display, since living rooms usually have other storage.
3. Size and proportion
- Nightstands are commonly about 18–28 in wide and 14–20 in deep. Scale them to the bed: wider, chunkier nightstands suit queen and king beds; narrow ones suit tight spaces. See the nightstand size guide.
- End tables are usually smaller and shouldn't be deeper than the sofa itself. Keep them in proportion to the sofa's arm and the room.
4. Placement
- Nightstand: close to the bed, with a few inches of gap so bedding doesn't drag, and at least 24 in (ideally 30–36 in) of walkway around the bed.
- End table: tucked close to the sofa arm so the top is within easy reach; leave a clear path to walk past it.
Can You Use a Nightstand as an End Table?
Yes, and it often works well, especially if you want more storage in the living room. Check two things:
- Height: a 26 in nightstand next to a sofa with a 24–26 in arm is a good fit. Next to a low, modern sofa, it may be too tall.
- Depth and bulk: a three-drawer nightstand looks heavier than an open end table, so it suits larger sofas and traditional rooms best.
A nightstand with an open shelf, like our walnut two-drawer design, bridges both: drawers for remotes and chargers, a shelf for books or a basket.
Can You Use an End Table as a Nightstand?
Yes, if it's tall enough. Many end tables are 20–24 in tall, which can sit below the top of a standard mattress, making it awkward to reach the lamp or phone. Measure your mattress height first. A small end table also works well in a guest room or a small bedroom, where a full nightstand would crowd the space; see bedroom with one nightstand.
How to Choose
- Measure the height of the mattress top or sofa arm, and aim for a table within the ranges above.
- List what you'll keep on it, and in it. More items means drawers.
- Check the width against the space beside the bed or sofa, and leave a walkway.
- Match the visual weight of the furniture next to it: a chunky bed or sofa needs a substantial table.
- Coordinate, don't match: the nightstand doesn't need to match the bed, and end tables don't need to match the coffee table. Repeat a finish or material instead.
Homsee Nightstands
- Walnut 2-Drawer Nightstand with Open Shelf: 26.3 in H × 23.6 in W × 13.7 in D, walnut-toned ash veneer, two drawers plus an open shelf. It works by the bed or as an end table.
- White Carved 3-Drawer Nightstand: 26.3 in H × 23.6 in W × 13.7 in D, with French-style carved drawer fronts and antique-style knobs.
- Curva 3-Drawer Nightstand: a larger 31.5 in H × 32.8 in W × 17.7 in D design with a curved front and deep drawers, sized for tall beds and king or queen bedrooms.
Choosing drawers? See our nightstand with drawers buying guide.
FAQ
What's the difference between a side table and a nightstand?
A nightstand is a side table designed for the bedside: sized to mattress height and usually with drawers. "Side table" is a broader term for small tables beside any seating.
Why is it called an end table?
Because it traditionally sits at the end of a sofa.
How tall should an end table be?
Level with the sofa or chair arm, or up to about 2 in lower, typically 20–26 in.
How tall should a nightstand be?
Within a few inches of the top of your mattress, usually about 24–28 in, taller for high beds.
What is another name for a sofa table?
A console table, or behind-the-sofa table. It's long and narrow and sits behind the sofa rather than at its end.
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