The nightstand is the hardest-working piece in the bedroom. It holds the lamp you read by, the water glass, your phone, and the drawer full of chargers, lip balm and books you meant to finish. The right one sits at the right height, fits the space beside the bed and keeps the clutter out of sight. This guide covers how to measure, how much storage you really need, whether a charging station is worth it, and how to choose between a single nightstand and a set of 2, plus our picks from the Canva Home nightstands collection. Every nightstand ships free to the contiguous US, typically arriving in 5–12 business days.
Step 1: Match the height to your mattress
Measure from the floor to the top of your mattress, including any topper. Choose a nightstand within about 2 inches of that number, level with the mattress or slightly lower. That way you can set down a glass or grab your phone without stretching up or reaching down.
- Low platform beds pair best with shorter nightstands, around 20 to 23 inches.
- Standard beds usually suit nightstands about 22 to 27 inches tall.
- Tall beds with a box spring and a thick mattress may need 28 inches or more.
Step 2: Measure width, depth and clearance
- Width: most nightstands are 15 to 24 inches wide. Leave a few inches between the nightstand and the side of the mattress, and a clear path to the closet or door.
- Depth: 15 to 16 inches holds a lamp, a phone and a book. In a narrow gap, a 13- to 14-inch-deep table still works.
- Drawers: make sure the drawer can open fully without hitting the bed frame.
Proportion matters too. A small table can look lost next to a king bed, and a wide chest can crowd a full bed in a small room.
Step 3: Decide how much storage you need
- One drawer plus an open shelf: the most popular layout. Small things go in the drawer, and books or a basket go on the shelf.
- Two or three drawers: best if the nightstand also stores clothes, medications or overflow from a small dresser.
- Open shelves only: lighter-looking and good for small rooms, but everything stays on show.
Step 4: Consider a built-in charging station
Many nightstands now include AC outlets and USB or USB-C ports. If you charge a phone, watch or tablet overnight, it's one of the most useful upgrades. Cords stay off the floor, and you no longer have to reach behind the bed for the wall outlet. Some designs hide the ports under a sliding top or inside a back panel so they stay out of sight.
Step 5: Choose a single or a set of 2
A set of 2 matching nightstands gives the bed a balanced, finished look and usually costs less than buying two separately. A single nightstand works for a bed against the wall, a guest room or a kid's room.
Step 6: Pick materials and style
- Rattan and woven fronts add texture in boho and coastal bedrooms.
- Fluted panels and faux marble tops feel modern and a little luxe.
- Glossy white and LED-lit designs suit contemporary rooms.
- Wood-look finishes are easy to match to an existing dresser.
Look for scratch- and water-resistant tops, since a nightstand lives with water glasses and coffee mugs.
Assembly
Our nightstands ship flat with hardware and instructions. Most take well under an hour to build, and a set of 2 takes a bit longer.
Our nightstand picks
- Best for small bedrooms: the Curtis Rattan Nightstand Table (Set of 2) ($207.99) has a compact 15.74" x 15.74" footprint and stands 21.85" H. Each table has a drawer and an open shelf in natural wood and rattan.
- Best for narrow gaps: the Nell Rattan Nightstand Table With Charging Station ($197.99) is only 13.7" deep and 28.74" tall, a good match for higher beds. It has a built-in charging station, a drawer and an open shelf, in black or white.
- Best tech-friendly: the Modern Bedside Table with 2 Drawers ($189.99) is 18.9" W x 15.7" D x 26.8" H. A sliding top hides 2 AC outlets, 1 USB-C and 2 USB-A ports, and it has an app-controlled LED strip.
- Best boho pair: the Boho Rattan Nightstand Accent Side End Tables ($235.99, set of 2) are each 18.9" W x 15" D x 23.6" H, with a woven-look drawer, an open shelf and a thick top that holds up to 66 lbs.
- Best modern pair with charging: the Juno Walnut Fluted Nightstand Set of 2 with Charging Station ($299.99) are each 19.61" W x 15.5" D x 24" H, with 2 drawers, an open shelf, and USB-C, USB and 2 AC outlets on each.
- Best curved design: the 24" Tall Modern Curved Nightstand Bedside Table ($214.99) is 23.42" W x 15.35" D x 24" H, with rounded edges, a burl wood-look finish, a drawer and an open shelf. Want more storage in the same look? The Ellie 3-Drawer Nightstand ($249.99) has the same 23.42" W x 15.35" D footprint, stands 26.77" H and has three drawers. Each top holds up to 50 lbs.
- Most drawer storage: the Fluted Night Stand with 3 Drawers ($289.99) is 23.11" W x 15.63" D x 25.28" H, with three drawers, gold-tone handles and a water- and scratch-resistant faux marble top.
Browse every style in our nightstands collection, or shop the whole bedroom. Pairing it with a dresser? See how to choose a dresser. If the bedroom is short on space, our small-space storage ideas can help. To finish the foot of the bed, add an end of bed bench with storage.
Frequently asked questions
How tall should a nightstand be?
Measure from the floor to the top of your mattress, including any topper. Pick a nightstand within about 2 inches of that height, either level with the mattress or slightly lower, so you can reach it easily from bed.
How wide should a nightstand be?
Most nightstands are 15 to 24 inches wide. Leave a few inches between the nightstand and the side of the bed, and keep a clear path to walk around it. In a small bedroom, a 16-inch-wide or narrower table is easier to fit.
Should nightstands match the bed?
They don't have to. A pair of matching nightstands looks tidy and balanced, but a coordinating finish works too. Keep the heights close so the room still looks even.
Are nightstands with charging stations worth it?
If you charge a phone, watch or tablet at night, yes. Built-in outlets and USB ports keep cords off the floor and free up the wall outlet behind the bed.
Do nightstands need assembly?
Yes. Our nightstands ship flat with hardware and instructions, and most take well under an hour to build.
Is shipping free?
Yes. Every Canva Home nightstand ships free to the contiguous US, typically arriving in 5–12 business days.
If something isn't right, you can return it within 30 days of delivery by emailing support@canvahome.com, as long as the item is unused, unassembled and in its original packaging.