A bedside table does more than hold your lamp or store your nighttime essentials — it is a key design and comfort element in your bedroom. Choosing the correct bedside table height is one of the most important steps in creating a balanced, functional, and aesthetically pleasing bedroom layout.

If you're wondering how high should a bedside table be or struggling to decide how high should a bedside table lamp be, this complete guide breaks down everything you need to know.

We’ll also showcase top bedside table options from SICOTAS, known for their modern, boho, rustic, and contemporary nightstand designs.

Explore all nightstands:
https://www.sicotas.com/collections/nightstands

Why Bedside Table Height Matters

Choosing the correct height is important for:

• Comfort while reaching items
• Better lighting when reading
• Visual balance with the bed
• Improved ergonomics
• A harmonious, evenly proportioned room

Too low → awkward bending
 Too high → uncomfortable reaching

The ideal bedside table height solves both issues.

How High Should a Bedside Table Be? (The Exact Measurement)

The ideal bedside table height is:

The same height as the top of your mattress — or 1–2 inches higher.

That means:

24–28 inches (61–71 cm) for most standard beds.

Why this height range?

• You can reach your lamp, water, and phone easily from bed.
• Items will not fall off when you reach sideways.
• The lamp height aligns properly for reading.
• It keeps the room looking visually balanced and well-designed.

Bed Height vs. Bedside Table Height (Quick Reference Table)

Mattress Height	Ideal Nightstand Height	Notes
20–22 inches	22–24 inches	Best for minimalist, low-profile beds
23–25 inches	24–26 inches	Most common range
26–28 inches	27–29 inches	Good for thick mattresses
30+ inches	30 inches or higher	Use tall nightstands like SICOTAS Helio or Cas

 

How High Should a Bedside Table Lamp Be?

Your bedside lamp should be designed for comfortable reading and soft bedroom lighting.

The ideal bedside lamp height is:

24–28 inches tall

OR

The bottom of the lampshade should align with your chin when sitting upright in bed.

Why?

• Prevents direct bulb glare
• Provides comfortable downward light for reading
• Creates a warm ambiance
• Works harmoniously with nightstand height

Tip:

If your table is shorter → choose a taller lamp.
If your table is taller → choose a shorter lamp.

Best Bedside Table Heights: Examples from SICOTAS

SICOTAS offers nightstands across various height ranges, making it easy to match your mattress height perfectly.

Here are some top ergonomic picks:

Helio Nightstands — 26 Inch Height

Perfect for standard or tall beds.

Features:

• Clean modern design
• Wide surface (great for décor + lamps)
• Available in Grey White Oak, Natural Light Oak, Brown Oak, Midnight Black
• Excellent for contemporary bedrooms

Terra White Nightstand — 25.6 Inch Height

Ideal for medium-height mattresses.

Why it’s great:

• Soft neutral tones
• Modern minimalist style
• Affordable and functional

Savanna 3-Drawer Nightstand — ~26–27 Inch Range

A perfect match for rustic or boho interiors.

Benefits:

• Rattan accents
• Spacious drawers
• Beautiful natural finishes (Caramel, Light Oak, Black Oak)

Cas Large Nightstand (3 Drawers) — ~26 Inch Height

Great for modern, clean bedrooms.

Highlights:

• Smooth-edge contemporary design
• Large storage space
• Available in White Alder, Grey Alder, Dark Grey Alder

Prelude 2-Drawer Nightstand — ~26 Inch Height

Premium contemporary style.

Features:

• Built-in charging station
• Soft beige and oak tones
• Elegant silhouette

Explore the full collection:
https://www.sicotas.com/collections/nightstands

How to Style a Bedside Table (That Matches the Height Perfectly)

Now that you know the correct height, make your nightstand stylish and functional.

Start with a Lamp (Tallest Element)

Choose a lamp between 24–28 inches tall.

Lamp placement:

• Place it on the outer side of the table
• Leave space for personal items

Stack Books for Height Variation

Stack 1–2 books and place:

• A candle
• A small sculpture
• A decorative bowl

This adds depth and elegance.

Add Greenery

Plants brighten the bedside atmosphere.

Choose:

• A small potted plant
• Dried flowers
• Eucalyptus stems

Use a Tray for Small Items

Trays help prevent clutter.

Perfect for:

• Jewelry
• Lip balm
• Nighttime skincare
• Remotes

Add One Personal Element

This makes your bedside area feel personal.

Ideas:

• A framed photo
• A meaningful object
• A souvenir

Choosing the Right Bedside Table Width & Storage

Height is essential — but width and storage matter too.

For small bedrooms:

Use narrower options like Zura or Terra.

For large bedrooms:

Wider nightstands like Helio, Cas, or Willow create visual balance.

If you need storage:

Pick a 2–3 drawer nightstand such as:

• Stria
• Crescent
• Savanna 3-drawer

These keep your table surface clean and peaceful.

Bedside Table Style Guide (Based on Bedroom Aesthetic)

Bedroom Style	Best Nightstand Finish	Height Notes	Suggested Models
Modern	White, Grey, Black	24–26 inches	Cas, Helio
Rustic	Caramel Oak, Sand Oak	26–27 inches	Savanna, Zura
Scandinavian	Light Oak, Beige	24–25 inches	Terra, Willow
Boho	Rattan, Natural Wood	25–27 inches	Zura Rattan, Savanna Rattan
Contemporary	Matte Black, Cream Oak	25–26 inches	Prelude, Opus

 

How to Measure Bedside Table Height Correctly

Follow this simple 3-step method:

Step 1: Measure from the floor to the top of your mattress

Write down the number.

Step 2: Choose a nightstand within ±2 inches of that height

For example:
Mattress height = 26 inches
Choose a nightstand between 25–28 inches.

Step 3: Add lamp height

Ensure your lamp’s bottom shade sits around chin level when sitting in bed.

Common Mistakes When Choosing Nightstand Height

Avoid these issues:

Choosing a nightstand too low

Makes the bedroom feel unbalanced and uncomfortable to use.

Ignoring lamp height

If the lamp is too short → poor lighting
If too tall → glare in your eyes

Mismatched bedside table heights (for couples)

Always choose nightstands that match in height.

Oversized nightstands

Always check width and depth to avoid crowding the bed.

Final Thoughts: The Perfect Bedside Table Height

To create a functional, comfortable, and beautiful bedroom:

Your bedside table should be the same height as your mattress or 1–2 inches taller.

Your bedside lamp should be 24–28 inches tall.

Choosing the right height improves bedroom ergonomics, lighting, symmetry, and style.

And pairing your décor with gorgeous nightstands from SICOTAS ensures you achieve both beauty + practicality effortlessly.

Explore all bedside tables here:
https://www.sicotas.com/collections/nightstands

Frequently Asked Questions

How high should a bedside table be?

The ideal height is the same as your mattress or 1–2 inches taller (24–28 inches).

Why does bedside table height matter?

It improves comfort, accessibility, lighting placement, and room balance.

How high should a bedside table lamp be?

24–28 inches tall, with the bottom of the lampshade at chin level when sitting up.

Should bedside tables be higher or lower than the bed?

Slightly higher (1–2 inches) is best for easy access.

Can bedside tables be shorter than the mattress?

Yes, but only by 1–2 inches; anything lower feels awkward.

What is the best width for a bedside table?

16–24 inches for small rooms; 24–32 inches for large rooms.

Which SICOTAS nightstand height is most universal?

Models between 25–27 inches like Helio, Savanna, and Cas fit most mattress heights.