A nightstand is one of those pieces of furniture that quietly does a lot of heavy lifting. It holds your lamp, your book, your phone charger, your glass of water — and it's the first and last thing you see every day. Yet most people spend far less time choosing their nightstand than they do their sofa or dining table.
This guide will help you choose the perfect nightstand for your bedroom — one that's the right size, the right style, and built to last.
Step 1: Get the Height Right
The most important dimension of a nightstand is its height. As a general rule, your nightstand should be within 2 inches of your mattress top. This makes it easy to reach items without straining.
- Standard mattress height (with box spring): 25–27 inches — look for a nightstand around 24–28 inches tall
- Platform bed or low-profile mattress: 18–22 inches — a lower or floating nightstand works best
- Tall mattress with topper: 28–32 inches — you may need a taller unit or a wall-mounted option
Pro tip: Floating or wall-mounted nightstands are a great solution when standard heights don't work — you can install them at exactly the right height for your bed.
Step 2: Consider Your Storage Needs
Think about what you actually keep on and in your nightstand before choosing a style:
- Open shelf — great for books, baskets, or decorative items. Easy access, airy look.
- One drawer — ideal for keeping essentials like chargers, lip balm, or a journal out of sight.
- Two drawers — maximum storage, great for smaller bedrooms where the nightstand doubles as a dresser.
- Floating/wall-mounted — no floor footprint, perfect for small spaces or minimalist aesthetics.
Step 3: Match Your Bedroom Style
Your nightstand should complement your existing bedroom furniture and overall aesthetic. Here's a quick style guide:
- Scandinavian / Nordic — clean lines, natural wood, minimal hardware. Our chestnut and oak-ish mango wood nightstands are a perfect fit.
- Modern / Minimalist — floating nightstands with no visible hardware create a sleek, uncluttered look.
- Rustic / Farmhouse — chunky wood with visible grain and warm finishes. Walnut tones work beautifully.
- Contemporary — mix materials like wood and metal for a current, eclectic feel.
Step 4: Think About the Width
Your nightstand shouldn't overwhelm your bed or your room. A good rule of thumb:
- The nightstand should be roughly half the width of your mattress or smaller
- Leave at least 12–18 inches between the nightstand and the wall or other furniture for comfortable movement
- In small bedrooms, a floating nightstand or a narrow open shelf takes up minimal visual and physical space
Step 5: Choose Quality Materials
A nightstand takes daily use — opening and closing drawers, setting down drinks, bumping into it in the dark. Material quality matters:
- Solid wood — the most durable option. Resists warping, can be refinished, and gets better with age. Our nightstands are crafted from solid mango wood for exactly this reason.
- MDF / engineered wood — budget-friendly but less durable over time, especially in humid environments.
- Metal — industrial look, very durable, but can feel cold in a bedroom setting.
- Rattan / cane — lightweight and bohemian, but limited storage options.
Step 6: Don't Forget the Details
Small details make a big difference in how a nightstand looks and functions:
- Cable management — does it have a hole or groove for charging cables?
- Drawer glide quality — smooth, soft-close drawers are worth paying for
- Finish durability — a matte or oiled finish hides fingerprints better than high-gloss
- Stability — give it a gentle push. A quality nightstand shouldn't wobble.
Our Nightstand Collection
At Nuzum Furniture Store, all our nightstands are handcrafted from solid mango wood by skilled artisans. Available in chestnut, oak-ish, and walnut finishes, with options ranging from open shelves to two-drawer designs and wall-mounted floating styles. Free shipping across Canada on all eligible orders.
Browse our full nightstand collection and find the perfect match for your bedroom.