Measure a nightstand in three dimensions: width, depth and height. Record the result as W × D × H, such as 24 × 18 × 26 inches. If you are shopping for one, measure the space beside the bed and the distance from the floor to the top of the mattress.

Nightstand Measurements at a Glance

Measurement How to measure it Why it matters
Width Measure from the widest point on the left to the widest point on the right Confirms that the nightstand fits beside the bed
Depth Measure from the back edge to the furthest point at the front Shows how far it will extend into the room
Height Measure from the floor to the highest point Helps you compare the nightstand with the mattress
Mattress height Measure from the floor to the top of the mattress Helps you choose a comfortable tabletop height
Clearance Measure the gaps around the bed and nearby furniture Prevents blocked drawers, doors and walkways

Retailers usually list furniture dimensions as width, depth and height. Some use length, width and height instead, so check the product's measurement key before comparing models.

How to Measure an Existing Nightstand

1. Measure the Width

Place the end of a tape measure against the widest point on one side of the nightstand. Measure straight across to the opposite side.

Include anything that extends beyond the main cabinet:

  • Tabletop overhang
  • Decorative trim
  • Handles
  • Molding or raised edges

The cabinet may be narrower than the full piece, so measuring only the cabinet can give you the wrong width.

2. Measure the Depth

Measure from the back of the nightstand to the furthest point at the front. This may be the tabletop, drawer front, handle or decorative edge.

If the nightstand sits against a wall, use its full depth. That is the amount of floor space it occupies.

For storage, measure the inside of each drawer as well:

  • Internal width
  • Internal depth
  • Internal height

The exterior dimensions tell you whether the nightstand fits the room. The drawer dimensions tell you whether items such as books, chargers or medication will fit inside.

3. Measure the Height

Measure from the floor to the highest point of the nightstand. On most models, the highest point is the tabletop. If the piece has a raised back, mirror or decorative structure, record that measurement separately.

For everyday use, compare the mattress with the tabletop, not with the headboard or lamp.

How to Measure for a New Nightstand

Measure the Space Beside the Bed

Measure the horizontal distance between the bed and the nearest wall, dresser, nightstand or other furniture. Measure both sides separately because walls, baseboards and doors can make the available space different on each side.

Leave the gap you need between the bed and the nightstand. A gap of about 3 to 6 inches is commonly recommended for access and bedding clearance, although a smaller gap may work in a tight room.

Use this calculation:

Maximum nightstand width = available space - desired clearance

Example:

  • Space beside the bed: 28 inches
  • Desired gap: 3 inches
  • Maximum nightstand width: 25 inches

Measure the Available Depth

Measure from the wall behind the nightstand to the point where the walkway must remain clear.

Check the space around the proposed nightstand:

  • Can drawers open fully?
  • Can cabinet doors swing open?
  • Will it block a closet or bedroom door?
  • Will bedding hang over its front edge?
  • Can someone walk past it comfortably?

A shallow nightstand is easier to place in a narrow bedroom. A deeper model provides more storage and surface space but extends farther into the room. Standard nightstands are often around 16 to 20 inches deep, while compact designs may be shallower.

Measure the Mattress Height

Measure from the floor to the top of the mattress. Include the bed frame, foundation, mattress and any mattress topper.

The tabletop should usually be level with the mattress or close to it. A nightstand within about 3 inches of the mattress height is a practical target.

Example:

  • Floor to mattress top: 27 inches
  • Suitable nightstand height: about 24 to 30 inches
  • Comfortable target: about 26 to 28 inches

Do not measure only to the top of the bed frame. The mattress and topper add to the final height.

Check the Room Before Ordering

Use painter's tape to mark the proposed width and depth of the nightstand on the floor. This shows whether the footprint blocks the walkway or makes the room feel crowded. Pottery Barn also recommends marking furniture dimensions on the floor before delivery.

Measure the delivery route too:

  • Front door
  • Hallways
  • Bedroom door
  • Staircases
  • Elevator entrances
  • Tight corners

A nightstand can fit beside the bed and still fail to fit through a doorway. If the retailer lists packaged dimensions, compare those with the doorways and passageways because packaging may be larger than the assembled piece.

Measurements to Record Before Shopping

Available width:
Maximum depth:
Mattress-top height:
Desired gap from bed:
Doorway width:
Hallway or stair clearance:

When comparing products, look for dimensions listed as:

Width × Depth × Height

For example, a 24 × 18 × 26-inch nightstand is 24 inches wide, 18 inches deep and 26 inches high.