Nightstand Dimensions: Will It Fit Your Room?
The usual nightstand size, how it sits beside a bed and a quick way to try one in your room.
A nightstand is typically 24 × 16 × 26 in (61 × 41 × 66 cm), and most are 16 to 28 in (41 to 71 cm) wide. The top should be about level with the top of the mattress. Beside a bed, keep 24 in (60 cm) free on the side you get in from, and count the nightstand's width as part of the floor that side takes.
Nightstand Sizes
- Width: 16 to 28 in (41 to 71 cm). Most are 20 to 26 in (51 to 66 cm).
- Depth: 14 to 20 in (36 to 51 cm). A deep one reaches further into the room than the bed's side.
- Height: 20 to 30 in (51 to 76 cm). Choose by your mattress: the top should be about level with it, give or take a few inches. See how high a nightstand should be.
- For example, IKEA's STORKLINTA nightstand is 15 3/4 × 18 7/8 × 20 7/8 in (40 × 48 × 53 cm), with one drawer and an open shelf. See STORKLINTA dimensions.
Space You Need Around It
A nightstand is small, but it takes space from the bed's side. The gaps below are for the side you use.
- Beside the bed, on the side you get in from: 24 in (60 cm). 18 in (45 cm) is the least that works. Measure from the bed's edge to the next object, which may be the nightstand.
- With a nightstand on that side: add its width to the 24 in. A 24 in (61 cm) nightstand and 24 in (60 cm) of space take 48 in (122 cm) beside the bed.
- Against a wall: a nightstand against the wall at the head of the bed takes no walking space, which is the best place for it.
Where It Fits
A nightstand on each side of a bed adds two nightstand widths to the room width. For a Queen bed (60 in) with two 24 in nightstands, that is 108 in (274 cm) before any walking space. A smaller room may only have space for one.
In a tight room a wall-mounted shelf or a slim nightstand of about 16 in (41 cm) saves several inches.
Where These Sizes Come From
These are typical ranges, not one product. Sizes are not standardised and vary by maker, so check the listing for the exact piece. Top overhangs, handles and trim can add an inch or two.
Common questions
- How big is a nightstand?
- Typically 16 to 28 in (41 to 71 cm) wide, 14 to 20 in (36 to 51 cm) deep and 20 to 30 in (51 to 76 cm) high. Sizes vary by maker.
- How high should a nightstand be?
- About level with the top of your mattress, give or take a few inches. Measure your bed rather than relying on a standard height.
- How much space do you need beside a bed for a nightstand?
- The nightstand's width, plus 24 in (60 cm) on the side you get in from if it is on that side. Against the wall at the head of the bed it takes no walking space.
- Do you need a nightstand on both sides?
- No. In a small room, one is often enough, or a shelf or a wall light.
Check it in Nooked
Nooked is a furniture fit checker and decision tool that lets shoppers place real furniture at real scale before buying. Compare finds from different stores and build a moodboard of pieces that fit together in size and style.