How tall should a bedside table be? The overlooked detail that could make or break a bedroom

Don’t make your life unnecessarily difficult with the wrong bedside table height.

Bedroom with a bed, bedside table and low-hanging pendant light
(Image credit: Future PLC/Simon Whitmore)

Bedside tables are often overlooked in bedroom ideas design, and while you've probably asked yourself how tall should a bedside table be, it was also most likely quickly glossed over. Presumably this is due to their petite size compared to the mammoth investment pieces like the best mattresses and wardrobes.

But experts reveal that we should all be paying more attention to it for the sake of our comfort and room proportions. So before you start choosing your favourite bedside table ideas here's what you need to know...

How tall should a bedside table be?

Bedroom with a ladder-style shelving, bedside table and tree-print wallpaper

(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)

Perhaps as expected, there is no one size fits all answer. But there is an easy-to-follow formula we can offer instead.

‘When looking for a bedside table, consider the height of your mattress on the bed frame as this will make it easy for you to reach over and grab something while you’re in bed,’ says Rebecca Snowden, Interior Style Advisor at Furniture And Choice.

‘The average bedside table is between 60 to 71cm and should be the same level as the top of your mattress or at most 5 to 10cm taller.'

Bedside table with a lamp and flowers against a navy wall

(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)

Melissa Denham, Interior Design Expert at Hammonds Furniture, wouldn’t even go ‘more than 5cm above or below the top of your mattress, so you can use it comfortably without having to stretch while reaching objects.’

So to sum up, measure the distance between the top of your mattress and the floor before going bedside table shopping and ideally get one that’s level with your mattress or about 5cm above the top. 

Making a considered bedside table choice

Bedroom with a bed and bedside table against a pink wall

(Image credit: Future PLC/Oliver Gordon)

Despite their size, nightstands can really make or break your bedroom ideas. So don’t make the mistake of adding one as an afterthought without consideration.  

‘Do not get the proportion of the bedside table wrong as it can impact the whole look of the room,’ says style advisor Rebecca. ‘To prevent this, take into account the size of your bed in comparison to the bedside table when choosing.’

Bedroom with a bed, floral-print wallpaper and round bedside table

(Image credit: Future PLC/Polly Wreford)

And it's not just your comfort levels that will benefit from having your nightstand the same height as the mattress.

'Having bedside tables at the same height as the top of your mattress works wells aesthetically, to create a nice visual line flowing across your bedroom,' explains Mike Shapland, designer at Hammonds Furniture. 'You need to consider how it balances with other heights in the room too, like the windowsills and radiators.'

‘Bedside tables should be a finishing design touch to the considered purchase of a bed,’ adds Adam Black, co-founder of bedroom furniture company Button & Sprung. ‘Generally, if you have a statement headboard then you run the risk of making a room décor a bit busy if you go for substantial bedside tables.'

'A decorative, low level bedside table can offer the perfect base for a bedside lamp and a few essential items without creating a cluttered area.’

Bedroom with a bed, bedside table and a hanging plant

(Image credit: Button & Sprung/@FiFiMcGee10)

And don’t forget the functionality factor of this small but mighty piece of furniture. The right choice won’t only tie the whole bedroom together and keep you comfy when in bed with a cuppa, but it will also make sure you maintain a clutter-free bedside table

'What do you need to keep on the surface – a lamp, books, glass of water? You simply need to make sure the table is big enough to accommodate all these things,' recommends Mike from Hammonds.

Sara Hesikova
Content Editor

Sara Hesikova has been a Content Editor at Ideal Home since June 2024, starting at the title as a News Writer in July 2023. Sara brings the Ideal Home’s readership features and news stories from the world of homes and interiors, as well as trend-led pieces, shopping round-ups and more, focusing on all things room decor, specialising in living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, home offices and dining rooms. Graduating from London College of Fashion with a bachelor’s degree in fashion journalism in 2016, she got her start in niche fashion and lifestyle magazines like Glass and Alvar as a writer and editor before making the leap into interiors, working with the likes of 91 Magazine and copywriting for luxury bed linen brand Yves Delorme among others. She feels that fashion and interiors are intrinsically connected – if someone puts an effort into what they wear, they most likely also care about what they surround themselves with.