When it comes to setting up your bedroom for optimal comfort and functionality, the height of your bedside table is a crucial but often overlooked detail. Should your bedside table be higher or lower? And by how much? These are questions that can influence both the practicality and style of your bedroom. I've lived with both a high bedside table and a low nightstand. I’ll share my opinion on finding the perfect height for your bedside table to meet your needs and preferences.
Should a Bedside Table be Higher or Lower Than the Bed?
The height of bedside tables is generally designed to complement bed sizes, often aligning with the height from the floor to the top of the mattress. As a result, these tables come in a variety of sizes, typical nightstand height ranges from 24 to 28 inches. At our store, Home Done, the generic range for bedside tables is:
- Width: 17.7 to 23.6 inches
- Depth: 13.8 to 15.7 inches
- Height: 11.8 to 22.8 inches
These ranges can help you choose a bedside table that fits well with your bed and room dimensions while accommodating your storage and functional needs. But you don't have to worry as there are plenty of other heights and shapes of bedside tables available in this range to match your specific requirements. The question then arises: should your bedside table be lower or higher than your mattress?
Lower Than the Bed
Typically, bedside tables with slightly lower height than the bed’s mattress on the bed frame are more favoured by the interior designers. This design choice is practical and functional, making it easier to reach out and grab items like a bedside lamp or a glass of water without having to stretch or fumble in the dark. A lower table allows for a more comfortable experience, as you can easily bend down to find things rather than awkwardly probing around. Additionally ,having a bedside table set lower than the bed can enhance visual symmetry within the room. It helps balance with other elements in the space, such as windowsills and radiators, contributing to a more harmonious and well-coordinated room design.
Higher Than the Bed
For those who prefer a chest-style nightstand with drawers, like myself, the height of the bedside table can take on additional significance. I value having a clutter-free tabletop, so I use the drawers to store essentials such as glasses, headphones, and books. This preference for a tidier surface often leads me to choose a slightly higher bedside table. A higher nightstand makes it easier to access the drawers without bending down too much, which is particularly useful during nighttime. Additionally, a higher table can help keep items out of reach from curious toddlers or playful pets, reducing the risk of accidental spills or disruptions. By elevating the nightstand, I can ensure that essential items like water glasses and decor are less likely to be knocked over by me while sleeping (as I am a careless sleeper), making for a more practical and secure setup in my bedroom.
What’s the Middle Ground?
Opting for a fixed height may not always offer the best fit for your needs. Instead, measure the height from the floor to the top of your mattress and select a bedside table height that complements this measurement, typically around 24 to 28 inches. This height range ensures that the table is at a comfortable level for easy access to items. The best approach here is to purchase full bed sets as this takes away the task of measuring bed table dimensions as these sets are designed by professional interior designers considering the best combination of heights between all bedroom furniture pieces.
For a wide range of options, consider shopping at a reputable online store or retailers like Home Done as their extensive selection includes various mattress heights and types, ensuring you can find the perfect fit for your preferences and requirements.
