A matching pair of nightstands is the fastest way to make a bedroom feel finished. Two identical pieces frame the bed, balance the room and give both sleepers a spot for a lamp, a phone and a book. This guide walks through how to pick the right pair. For the basics on a single bedside table, see our nightstand height, size and storage guide, or browse every option in our Nightstands collection.
Step 1: Match nightstand height to your bed
The top of each nightstand should sit level with the top of your mattress or within about 2 inches of it. That way you can reach a glass of water or your phone without stretching. Measure from the floor to the top of the mattress, not the frame. Most beds fall between 22 and 26 inches. Lower platform beds pair well with shorter tables around 22 inches, like the Lisette set (22" tall). Standard and taller beds suit 24 to 25 inch tables like the Brielle set (24") or the Saffron set (25.2").
Step 2: Pick the right width for your room
With a pair, you need room on both sides, so measure each side separately. Leave at least 24 inches of walkway between the nightstand and the nearest wall or dresser. In a small bedroom or with a full bed, look for 14 to 18 inches wide. Queen and king beds look best with 20 to 24 inch tables, about two-thirds the width of a pillow or more. Depth matters too: 13 to 16 inches keeps the walkway clear.
Step 3: Decide between a set of 2 and two singles
A set of 2 almost always costs less than buying two singles, and it guarantees the same finish, height and hardware on both sides, which is hard to match later. Singles make sense when one side of the bed is against a wall or when you want a deliberately mismatched, collected look. If you want symmetry, buy the set.
Step 4: Choose drawers, open shelves or both
Drawers hide chargers, medications and the small stuff that piles up. Open shelves hold books, baskets and decor, and they make a small room feel lighter. If you keep a lot at the bedside, go for two or three drawers, like the Maribel set with three drawers each. If you want a bit of both, choose a drawer plus an open shelf, like the Saffron, Brielle or Romilly sets.
Step 5: Plan for charging
A built-in charging station puts outlets and USB ports right on the nightstand, so phones, lamps and watches charge without cords snaking across the floor. Look for USB-C if you have a newer phone, and a cord hole in the back to keep cables tidy. Most of our sets, including Juno, Maribel, Saffron, Lisette, Brielle and Sloane, include a charging station on each table.
Step 6: Coordinate finish and style
Walnut and fluted fronts feel warm and mid-century. Light oak and white open up a small room. Rattan brings a relaxed, boho feel. Curved edges, like on the Ellie set, soften a room and are safer in tight walkways.
Our nightstand set picks
- Maribel Walnut Fluted Set of 2 – 3 drawers each, USB-C charging, 19.6" wide – $379.99
- Saffron Walnut Fluted Set of 2 – 2 drawers plus an open shelf, 23.6" wide – $349.99
- Brielle Curved Walnut Set of 2 – drawer plus a cubby, 23" wide – $349.99
- Ellie Curved Set of 2 – 2 drawers, rounded corners – $349.99
- Lisette Oak LED Set of 2 – compact 15.5" wide for small rooms – $309.99
- Romilly Rattan Set of 2 – white oak and rattan – $319.99
- Juno Walnut Fluted Set of 2 – 2 drawers with USB-C charging – $299.99
- Sloane Fluted Set of 2 – LED lights and charging – $249.99
See them all in our Nightstands collection.
Frequently asked questions
How tall should a nightstand be compared to my bed?
Aim for a top that sits level with your mattress or up to about 2 inches above or below it. Most beds land between 22 and 26 inches, so measure from the floor to the top of your mattress first.
How wide should nightstands be for a small bedroom?
In tight rooms, look for 14 to 18 inches wide and leave at least 24 inches of walkway beside the bed. Queen and king beds can carry 20 to 24 inch nightstands.
Is a set of 2 cheaper than buying two singles?
Usually, yes. A matched set typically costs less than two singles and guarantees the same finish, height and hardware on both sides of the bed.
Are drawers or open shelves better?
Drawers hide clutter and suit people who keep a lot at the bedside. Open shelves are great for books and baskets and make a small room feel lighter. Many of our sets give you both.
Do nightstands with charging stations need to be plugged in?
Yes. Each nightstand has a power cord that plugs into a wall outlet, then gives you outlets and USB ports on top so phones and lamps charge without cords running across the floor.
Can I return a nightstand set?
Yes. Unused items in original packaging can be returned within 30 days. Email support@canvahome.com.
Questions or need help choosing? Every order ships free in the contiguous US with 30-day returns. Email us at support@canvahome.com.