For most bedrooms, the best nightstand is the IKEA TONSTAD in oak veneer. It balances price, size, storage and design. The TONSTAD measures 15¾ inches wide by 15¾ inches deep by 23¼ inches high, has one drawer and an open lower shelf, and costs $149.99 in the oak veneer finish. IKEA lists it with a 4.4 out of 5 rating from 240 reviews.
The TONSTAD suits anyone who wants a conventional bedside table with room for a lamp, phone, book and water glass without using much floor space.
Best Nightstands at a Glance
| Nightstand | Best for | Price checked September 20, 2026 | Key features |
|---|---|---|---|
| IKEA TONSTAD | Best overall | $149.99 | Oak veneer, one drawer, lower shelf, 23¼-inch height |
| IKEA TARVA | Best budget option | $79.99 | Solid pine components, drawer, lower shelf |
| IKEA IDANÄS | Best for hidden and open storage | $179.99 | Drawer, open storage, cable-management hole |
| Thuma The Nightstand | Best premium minimalist design | $495 | Solid wood, one drawer, lower shelf |
| IKEA VIHALS | Best for very small spaces | $39.99 | Compact 14⅝-inch square design, open shelf, casters |
Why the IKEA TONSTAD Is the Best Overall Nightstand
The IKEA TONSTAD covers the features most people need from a bedside table:
- Useful storage: The drawer holds small items such as glasses, medication and charging cables. The lower shelf leaves room for books or a basket.
- Small footprint: At nearly 16 inches square, the TONSTAD fits beside many beds without narrowing the walkway.
- Practical height: Its 23¼-inch height works with many low and medium-height beds. Measure your mattress before buying.
- A finished look: The integrated handle and rounded legs give it a traditional appearance without much ornament.
- Reasonable price: The oak veneer model costs $149.99. The painted version costs $129.99.
The main drawback is the material. The TONSTAD uses oak veneer rather than solid wood throughout, so it is a weaker choice if you want heirloom-quality construction or a piece you can refinish extensively.
Best Budget Nightstand: IKEA TARVA
The IKEA TARVA is the best budget nightstand if you want a wood design with a drawer and shelf. It costs $79.99 and measures 18⅞ inches wide by 15⅜ inches deep by 24⅜ inches high. Its top, sides, shelf, drawer front, drawer sides and legs are made from solid pine. The back and drawer bottom are fiberboard.
Choose the TARVA if you want:
- A larger surface than the TONSTAD
- A simple Scandinavian design
- A nightstand that can be painted or stained
- A lower-cost table with a drawer and shelf
The unfinished pine looks more casual than the TONSTAD's finished veneer, and the TARVA requires assembly.
Best Premium Nightstand: Thuma The Nightstand
The Thuma The Nightstand is the best premium option for a minimalist bedroom. Architectural Digest lists it at $495 and describes it as a solid-wood nightstand with one drawer, a lower shelf and Japanese-inspired joinery that does not require traditional metal hardware.
The Thuma makes sense if you:
- Prefer solid wood and careful construction
- Want a clean, modern design
- Already own a Thuma bed or other Thuma furniture
- Are willing to pay more for the materials and finish
It is difficult to justify for a basic bedroom. The IKEA TONSTAD provides the same basic bedside functions for less than one-third of the price.
Best Nightstand for Storage and Cables: IKEA IDANÄS
The IKEA IDANÄS is the better choice when you want concealed storage, open storage and cable management in one piece. It has a drawer, an open storage area and a cable hole in the back. IKEA lists the white version at $179.99 with a 4.7 out of 5 rating from 370 reviews.
The IDANÄS works better than the TONSTAD if you keep several devices, books or accessories beside the bed. The cable hole helps route charging leads behind the nightstand, although it is not a built-in charging station.
Best Small-Space Nightstand: IKEA VIHALS
The IKEA VIHALS is the best option when floor space is extremely limited. It measures 14⅝ by 14⅝ inches, costs $39.99, and has an open square design with casters. IKEA lists it with a 4.7 out of 5 rating from 277 reviews.
The VIHALS fits well in:
- Small bedrooms
- Dorm rooms
- Guest rooms
- Narrow spaces beside the bed
- Bedrooms where an open shelf is more useful than a drawer
Its main weakness is the lack of enclosed storage. Choose the TONSTAD or IDANÄS if you want to keep clutter out of sight.
How Tall Should the Best Nightstand Be?
Your nightstand should be close to the top of your mattress. A surface about four inches higher or lower is generally acceptable, but a closer match makes it easier to reach a lamp, phone or glass of water from bed.
To choose the right height:
- Measure from the floor to the top of your mattress.
- Include the height of any mattress topper.
- Compare that measurement with the nightstand's total height.
- Check that the nightstand will not block a baseboard, outlet or walkway.
Height matters more than appearance alone. The 23¼-inch TONSTAD may work well beside a low platform bed but sit too low beside a tall mattress and box spring.
Which Nightstand Should You Buy?
Buy the IKEA TONSTAD in oak veneer if you want the strongest overall mix of storage, size, appearance and price.
The IKEA TARVA is the better low-cost wood option. Choose Thuma The Nightstand for solid wood and premium construction, the IKEA IDANÄS for additional storage and cable management, or the IKEA VIHALS when every inch of floor space matters.