A nightstand is usually placed where space is limited: between the bed and the wall, often with a door nearby. If it's too high, it looks clunky next to the mattress. If it's too deep, it extends into the door's swing area or blocks the passage. Those who get up in the semi-darkness in the morning can bump into misplaced furniture. The correct height and depth are therefore not a matter of taste, but a question of function and safety in the room.
Nightstand Height in Relation to the Top Edge of the Mattress
The top edge of the nightstand should be at the same height as the top edge of the mattress or a maximum of five centimeters below it. This way, you can comfortably reach a lamp, book, or phone from a lying position without having to lift your arm or stretch. A nightstand that is too low forces you to bend down, while one that is too high appears visually dominant and makes reaching difficult.
Measure the height from the floor to the top edge of the mattress, not to the bed frame. For box spring beds, this height is often between 60 and 70 cm, and for classic bed frames with slatted bases, it's between 50 and 60 cm. Choose the nightstand accordingly: a model with a height of 55 cm fits most standard beds, while a model with 65 cm is suitable for higher box spring beds.
Nightstand Depth and Distance to the Door
The depth of the nightstand determines how far it protrudes into the room. Standard models have a depth between 35 and 45 cm. If the nightstand is next to a door, there must be at least 10 cm of space, preferably 15 cm, between the furniture edge and the door leaf when the door is open. This prevents the door from hitting the furniture when opened or you having to move the nightstand to fully open the door.
Measure the distance from the wall where the door is hung to the point where the door leaf ends when opened 90 degrees. Subtract 15 cm. The result is the maximum depth the nightstand can have if it is placed directly next to the door. For a door that is 80 cm wide and opens completely, the swing radius is approximately 80 cm. If the edge of the bed is 100 cm from the door wall, there is space for a nightstand with a maximum depth of 35 cm.
Width and Proportions to the Bed
The width of the nightstand should be between one-third and half of the bed's width to ensure it looks visually balanced. For a single bed with a width of 90 cm, a nightstand of 30 to 45 cm is suitable; for a double bed with a width of 160 cm, it can be 50 to 80 cm. Nightstands that are too narrow appear lost, while those that are too wide overwhelm the bed and take up unnecessary space.
Ensure that there is approximately 5 to 10 cm of space between the edge of the bed and the nightstand. This allows you to comfortably make the bed and provides freedom of movement when getting in and out. A nightstand pushed directly against the edge of the bed makes these activities difficult and collects dust in inaccessible gaps.
Guidelines for Different Room Situations
| Situation | Recommended Height | Recommended Depth | Recommended Width |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard bed with slatted frame | 50–60 cm | 35–45 cm | 40–60 cm |
| Box spring bed | 60–70 cm | 35–45 cm | 50–70 cm |
| Nightstand next to door | same as mattress | max. 35 cm | 30–50 cm |
| Small bedroom | same as mattress | 30–35 cm | 30–40 cm |
Alternatives for Very Limited Space
If the space between the bed and the door is less than 40 cm, forgo a classic nightstand. A narrow wall console with a depth of 20 to 25 cm offers space for a lamp and a book without protruding into the door area. A wall-mounted shelf at mattress height also serves the purpose without occupying floor space.
Another option is a nightstand with a shallower depth, about 30 cm. Such models are available as narrow chests of drawers or as tall, slender cabinets. They offer less storage space but fit into narrow passages and allow the door to swing freely.
Practical Measuring Tips
- Always measure the mattress height with bedding and topper, if present. These add 3 to 5 cm to the pure mattress height.
- Open the door completely and mark the point where the door leaf reaches with painter's tape. This way, you can see exactly where the nightstand needs to end.
- Place a tape measure or a folding rule on the floor and simulate the depth of the nightstand. Walk past the spot several times to check if the passage is sufficient.
- Consider skirting boards and plinths: they reduce the usable depth by 2 to 4 cm if the nightstand is to stand directly against the wall.
- Plan space for drawers: an extended drawer protrudes 30 to 40 cm beyond the furniture's depth. Check if you can open the drawer without hitting the bed or the wall.
You can find suitable pieces under Nightstands and Chests of Drawers. Information on how the pieces are constructed, available dimensions, and delivery times can be found on Eichholtz Nightstands and Eichholtz Chests of Drawers and Sideboards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high should a nightstand be in relation to the bed?
The top edge of the nightstand should be at the same height as the top edge of the mattress or a maximum of 5 cm below it. This allows you to comfortably reach items from a lying position. Measure the height from the floor to the top edge of the mattress, not to the bed frame, and choose the nightstand accordingly.
How much space should be left between the nightstand and the door?
There should be at least 10 cm, preferably 15 cm, of space between the edge of the nightstand and the open door leaf. This allows the door to swing freely without hitting the furniture. Measure the door's swing area when fully open and subtract 15 cm to determine the maximum depth of the nightstand.
What is the standard depth for a nightstand?
Standard nightstands have a depth between 35 and 45 cm. In narrow spaces or next to doors, narrower models with a depth of 30 to 35 cm are suitable. Wall consoles with a depth of 20 to 25 cm are an alternative if space is very limited. Note that extended drawers require an additional 30 to 40 cm of space.
How wide should a nightstand be?
The width should be between one-third and half of the bed's width. For a single bed with a width of 90 cm, 30 to 45 cm is suitable; for a double bed with a width of 160 cm, 50 to 80 cm. Leave 5 to 10 cm of space between the edge of the bed and the nightstand so you can comfortably make the bed and get in and out.