A nightstand is a small table or cabinet placed beside a bed. It gives you one nearby surface for a lamp, phone, book, or drink and may include drawers, shelves, a cabinet door, or charging ports.
What Is Another Name for a Nightstand?
A nightstand is also called a night table, bedside table, bedside cabinet, or bedside chest. The exact term varies by region and design.
| Term | Common use |
|---|---|
| Nightstand | United States |
| Night table | United States and Canada |
| Bedside table | United Kingdom and general use |
| Bedside cabinet | Furniture terminology and British English |
| Bedside chest | Usually a nightstand with drawers |
"Nightstand" and "bedside table" generally describe the same type of bedroom furniture.
What Is the Purpose of a Nightstand?
The purpose of a nightstand is to provide storage and a convenient surface next to the bed. It keeps frequently used items within reach while you are in bed.
Common items kept on or inside a nightstand include:
- Bedside lamp
- Mobile phone and charger
- Book or e-reader
- Alarm clock
- Reading glasses
- Water bottle
- Tissues
- Hand cream
- Medication
A nightstand also gives these smaller items a regular place, rather than leaving them on the bed or floor.
What Types of Nightstands Are Available?
Nightstands vary by storage design, material, size, and style. Common types include drawer nightstands, open-shelf nightstands, cabinet nightstands, floating nightstands, and small bedside tables.
Drawer Nightstands
Drawer nightstands provide concealed storage for items such as glasses, chargers, and medication. They work well when you want to keep the bedside surface clear.
Open-Shelf Nightstands
Open-shelf nightstands make books and decorative items easy to reach. Their contents are more visible and receive less dust protection than items stored in drawers or cabinets.
Cabinet Nightstands
Cabinet nightstands have an enclosed compartment behind a door. They can hold larger items or belongings you would rather keep out of sight.
Floating Nightstands
Floating nightstands attach to the wall instead of sitting directly on the floor. They leave space underneath, which makes cleaning easier and gives the room a lighter look.
Small Bedside Tables
A small bedside table may have a flat surface with little or no storage. This design suits compact bedrooms, narrow beds, or rooms where floor space is limited.
How Is a Nightstand Different from a Side Table?
A nightstand is designed for use beside a bed, while a side table is a general-purpose table that can sit next to a sofa, chair, or other furniture.
| Feature | Nightstand | Side table |
|---|---|---|
| Intended location | Beside a bed | Beside seating or other furniture |
| Typical height | Close to mattress height | Varies by use |
| Storage | Often has drawers or cabinets | May have little or no storage |
| Common features | Space for a lamp and charging access | Decorative or occasional-use surface |
A side table can work as a nightstand if its height and size are comfortable beside the bed.
How Tall Should a Nightstand Be?
A nightstand should usually be about level with the top of the mattress or slightly lower. This makes a lamp, phone, or book easier to reach from bed.
The right height depends on:
- Mattress height
- Bed frame height
- Personal reach
- Whether the nightstand has drawers or doors
- Available bedroom space
Measure from the floor to the top of the mattress before choosing a nightstand. A table that is much taller or shorter may be awkward to use.
Do You Need Two Nightstands?
No. One nightstand can be enough for a single bed, a narrow bedroom, or a room where only one side of the bed is accessible.
Two nightstands provide storage and lighting on both sides of a double, queen, or king bed. They do not need to match. Different tables can look intentional if they have similar heights, colors, or proportions.