Answering the question of "how to choose a bedside table" comes down to three fundamental factors: measuring the top surface height of your mattress and the available floor space next to the bed, determining what will rest on top versus what requires enclosed storage, and choosing a material and design that harmonize with your bedroom's overall aesthetic and budget. There is no single standard size that works for every bed or room—each space requires precise measurements before buying.
An attractive design alone is not enough. A nightstand might look beautiful in photos, but if it impedes movement around the room or proves difficult to reach from the bed, it falls short functionally. Making the right choice involves balancing measurements, daily routines, and visual harmony with existing furniture.
How to Choose a Bedside Table in the Right Size
The practical journey of how to choose a bedside table begins with taking accurate measurements of the bed and its surrounding area before comparing styles or finishes. Knowing your bed frame and mattress size provides essential context for determining the ideal nightstand proportions.
1. Measure Nightstand Height Relative to the Mattress
Measure the vertical distance from the floor to the top surface of your mattress after the bed is fully made with bedding. Avoid relying solely on the bed frame height, as it does not reflect the actual functional level.
- Ideal Level: The top surface of your bedside table should sit roughly level with the top of your mattress. A variation of 5 to 10 cm higher or lower can work well, provided reaching for items while lying down remains comfortable and effortless.
- Measurement Steps:
- Set up the mattress on its final frame.
- Measure from the floor to the highest point of the mattress surface.
- Compare this total height against candidate nightstand specs before buying.
- Allow for slight variances, but aim for alignment.
2. Determine Width, Depth, and Clearance Pathways
Measure the clearance between the side of the bed and the adjacent wall, wardrobe, or door trim. Measure both sides of the bed independently if doors, windows, or architectural features differ.
Pre-Purchase Checklist:
- Confirm adequate clearance to walk past the table once placed.
- Account for door and window swing arcs on each side of the bed.
- Compare external table dimensions against actual floor space rather than visual estimation.
- Factor in lamp base size and daily tabletop essentials when evaluating width and depth.
When transitioning from measuring to your final decision, remember that choosing the right nightstand relies on balancing table height, overall proportions, and available room layout.
3. Test Drawer Swing and Accessibility
Examine the external dimensions and verify that drawers or cabinet doors can open fully without colliding with the bed frame, baseboards, or walls. Testing clearance ensures smooth daily use over time without frustrating physical obstacles.
Browse Loft’s selection of bedroom bedside tables to compare exact specs and design options for your room layout.
Storage and Daily Living Requirements
Determining how to choose a bedside table requires inventorying the items you keep within reach each night. A bedside lamp, smartphone, and glass of water require vastly different storage configurations than books, tablets, or personal care items.
1. Tabletop Surface Area for Nighttime Essentials
A compact surface is sufficient if your nighttime needs are minimal (e.g., a small lamp, phone, and water glass). If you keep books, e-readers, or multiple personal items bedside, opt for a wider and deeper top that accommodates items without cluttering your space or complicating daily dusting.
2. Enclosed Drawers for Personal Items
A bedside table with drawers is ideal for concealing charging cables, reading glasses, and personal items you prefer keeping out of sight. When evaluating options, examine internal drawer depth and pull clearance rather than just counting drawers; multiple shallow drawers can sometimes prove less practical than one deep drawer.
3. Open Shelving for Quick Access
Open shelves provide quick access to books or space to display decorative accents. However, because contents remain visible, open shelving can look cluttered without regular organization.
Explore nightstand options on Loft Store to compare tabletop surface areas and storage layouts tailored to your nightly routines.
Selecting Materials and Design for Your Bedroom
Once height and storage needs are clear, material choice and visual design complete the selection. Balancing material durability with room cohesion ensures your nightstand performs well and enhances your decor.
1. Material Durability and Maintenance
Bedside table materials vary in surface maintenance and resistance to daily wear. Select materials capable of handling water glasses, lamp bases, and frequent touch without scratching or staining easily.
2. Coordinating with Bed and Decor Styles
Align table finishes and lines with your bed frame, lighting, and existing bedroom furniture:
- Modern Interiors: Select nightstands featuring clean lines, sleek hardware, and minimalist silhouettes that match modern lighting fixtures.
- Classic Interiors: Choose nightstands featuring carved wood details, warm stain finishes, or traditional hardware.
- Focal Accent Piece: Pick a unique, contrasting design to serve as a visual anchor in the room.
- Harmonious Integration: Select finishes and tones that match surrounding furniture to blend seamlessly into the background.
3. Placing Nightstands on Both Sides of the Bed
When using paired nightstands, measure the space on both sides of the bed individually. While height should remain consistent on both sides, storage features can vary according to each partner's needs—such as opting for extra drawers on one side and an open shelf design on the other.
Loft Bedside Table Collection
Reviewing real product options allows you to apply measurement criteria directly. Loft offers bedroom nightstands in diverse sizes, materials, and styles:
Selected Nightstand Options
The bedside table category includes versatile options to compare by size, storage, and finish:
- Euclid Bedside Table: A stylish option featuring functional storage and clean proportions.
- Essio Bedside Table: Offers a contemporary aesthetic tailored to modern bedroom setups.
Reviewing product details, dimensions, and photos on individual product pages helps ensure the piece you choose delivers both aesthetic appeal and practical function.
Common Nightstand Buying Mistakes
Avoiding these frequent missteps ensures your chosen bedside table works as well in daily life as it looks in showroom photos.
1. Relying Solely on Bed Frame Height
Mattress thickness can add significant height above the bed frame. Always measure to the top of the dressed mattress to prevent buying a nightstand that sits awkwardly low or high.
2. Forgetting Drawer Clearance and Walking Space
A table may fit the open floor space, but restricted drawer clearance can prevent drawers from opening completely or narrow the walkway around the bed. Always verify drawer extension space before purchasing.
3. Picking Surface Size Before Listing Tabletop Items
Choosing a small surface area without considering your lamp base or nightly items leads to overcrowding, while buying an oversized table wastes valuable bedroom real estate. Match surface area directly to your actual tabletop needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the ideal height for a bedside table?
The top of your bedside table should sit approximately level with the top of your mattress (or within 5–10 cm above or below it). This allows you to reach items comfortably while lying down.
2. Is a bedside table with drawers better than an open-shelf design?
Drawers are better for hiding clutter and keeping personal items private, whereas open shelving offers quick access for readers. Choose based on your storage habits and preferences.
3. How do I choose a bedside table for a small bedroom?
Measure the available space carefully, prioritizing slim widths and shallow depths that do not block walkways or door clearance. Wall-mounted floating nightstands are also excellent space-saving options.
Summary
Knowing how to choose a bedside table comes down to three clear steps: measuring mattress height and available floor space, identifying your storage and tabletop requirements, and selecting a durable material and design that matches your bedroom style.
Following these steps ensures you select a nightstand that provides optimal functionality, seamless convenience, and effortless visual harmony.