Don’t overlook the nightstand. It’s one of the first things you see when you wake up and one of the last before you go to sleep. The right one not only pulls a bedroom together and reduces clutter, but it also holds everything you need to wind down, rest, and start again.

So if you’re wondering, “Do I need a nightstand?” the short answer is yes! It may just be the secret to a calmer and more organized bedroom. And you have plenty of options to choose from in terms of storage, features, and design.

What a Nightstand Does for You

A small surface can make a big difference. A nightstand keeps your essentials within arm’s reach. A lamp, phone, or glass of water – it’s all easy to find, even in the dark, when you have a nightstand.

Streamline daily rituals

With a bedside table, you’ll have a stable spot for everything you need. Phone charger, reading glasses, medication, sleep mask – you won’t have to go searching for the little things you need to begin your wind-down routine or start your day. It’ll all be right there, organized, right next to your bed.

Open & hidden storage

Some nightstands have drawers to tuck away journals, earplugs, remotes, and anything you want to keep out of view. Your nightstand may also have open shelving, so you can display picture frames, accents, or store a few books.

Make your bedroom look more designed

The bed is the centerpiece of your room, but nightstands flanking it on both sides help to visually anchor the space, especially when paired with table lamps. It’s one of the highest-impact, lowest-effort upgrades you can make to your bedroom.

How to Get the Height Right

Before you consider style, storage, or color, make sure you know the proper nightstand height for your bed. A nightstand that’s too short will have you reaching and leaning to grab items off its surface. While a nightstand that’s too high looks awkward.

Ideally, the surface of a nightstand is within 2–4 inches of the top of your mattress. For most beds, that puts you in the 24–28 inch range. But the number that matters most is your specific mattress height. Platform beds with low-profile mattresses may need a nightstand closer to 20–22 inches, while a tall bed with a box spring and pillow-top might call for something closer to 30–32 inches.

Pro tip: Before you shop, measure from the floor to the top of your mattress.

Nightstand Height Reference Guide

  • Low platform bed: 20–22 inches tall
  • Standard mattress (most common): 24–26 inches tall
  • Tall bed or mattress-plus-box-spring: 28–32 inches tall

Nightstand Options: Storage & Features

What can a nightstand do for you? Beyond the top surface, you have plenty of storage and additional features. From drawers that hide everyday clutter to built-in charging, modern nightstands are designed to work harder for you.

  • No drawers or an open shelf: This minimalist option is your best bet for small bedrooms. If you have an open shelf, you can add a small basket to corral items you don’t want in view.
  • One drawer: A single drawer is typically the right amount of storage for smaller bedside items, like chapstick, remotes, and chargers.
  • Two or three drawers: Two or more drawers give you dedicated storage spots and separation for everyday essentials and heavier items, like books.
  • Floating or wall-mounted: This space-saving solution leaves the floor clear under the nightstand. Some options even include a drawer.
  • Jewelry storage: Some nightstands include a shallow drawer that’s often felt-lined to store earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and other items you want protected.
  • Built-in charging: Skip the tangled cords with built-in USB chargers.
  • Bluetooth connectivity: Some nightstands double as a sound system, with built-in Bluetooth speakers that let you stream music, podcasts, or white noise without adding a separate device to your bedside.
  • Interior lighting: Built-in LED lights make it easier to find what you’re looking for, either in a drawer or on a shelf, without turning on a table lamp or an overhead light.

Nightstand Alternatives for Small Spaces

No space for a traditional nightstand? Try these alternatives that retain the benefits of a bedside table:

  • Headboard with built-in shelves: Beds with integrated storage and shelving free up floor space and keep essentials close by.
  • Floating shelves: A 10–12-inch-deep shelf installed at mattress height gives you a lamp surface and space for a few smaller items with zero floor footprint.
  • Desk: In small bedrooms, certain furniture pieces can pull double duty. Position a desk alongside your bed so you have the benefits of a tabletop without having to add an additional piece to your room.
  • Accent table: A slim accent table can fill in for a nightstand when space is tight. You just need enough surface space for essentials while adding a bit of personality to your room.

Additional Nightstand Buying Tips

Don’t get stuck with a nightstand that doesn’t work for you or your space. Consider these additional tips as you browse:

  • Measure first, shop second. Measure the floor to the top of your mattress and bring that number with you as you shop.
  • Consider a bedroom set. Buying a full set – nightstand, dresser, bed frame, and mirror – ensures a cohesive look.
  • Leave enough room to walk. Even if a wider nightstand fits against the wall, you need at least 15–18 inches of clear path on both sides of the bed. Don’t let a beautiful piece make the room feel like an obstacle course.
  • Check drawer depth before you commit. A drawer less than 4 inches front to back won’t accommodate a standard book. If you read in bed, prioritize depth.
  • Mismatched nightstands are fine – if done intentionally. Mixing styles is a popular design choice, but keep one element consistent (finish tone, hardware metal, or height).

A Better Bedroom Starts at Your Bedside

If you prioritize a tidy, restful landing zone, a nightstand is an essential element of your sleep space. The right one does more than hold your phone – it organizes your evenings and simplifies your mornings. Whether you opt for a classic two-drawer design, or a feature-packed option with built-in charging, the best nightstand fits your space, your routine, and the way you like to start and end each day.