Your bedside table should usually be level with the top of your mattress or within about 5 cm lower or higher. That simple rule gives you easier reach, better comfort at night, and a cleaner-looking bedroom setup. In this guide, you'll learn the ideal height range, how to measure it correctly, what works for low or tall beds, and how to fix a nightstand that sits too high or too low.
How High Should a Bedside Table Be?
The best bedside table height is flush with the top of the mattress. If you can't match it exactly, stay within about 5 cm lower or higher. If you have to choose one side, slightly lower is usually better - reaching gently downward feels more natural than lifting your arm up.
This rule works better than relying on a standard furniture size because beds vary considerably. A low platform bed, a thick pillow-top mattress, or a bed with a topper can all change your ideal table height significantly.
The approach is straightforward: measure from the floor to the top of your mattress, use that number as your target nightstand height, and if you're between sizes, choose slightly lower.
For example, if your mattress top sits 66 cm from the floor, look for a bedside table in the range of 61 to 66 cm, with 71 cm as the upper limit.
Newcastle 2 Drawer Bedside Table
Why Mattress Surface Alignment Matters
Mattress surface alignment means the top of the bedside table lines up with the top sleeping surface of your mattress - not the frame, not the headboard. That is the real reference point because it matches where your arm naturally rests when you're lying in bed.
When the table aligns with the mattress top, everyday use feels intuitive. You can reach for your phone, water glass, reading glasses, lamp switch, book, charger, or medication without lifting your shoulder or bending your wrist at an awkward angle. Those small movements happen dozens of times a week, so getting the height right genuinely matters.
Usually, an exact match gives you the easiest reach, the cleanest visual line, and the best balance. That said, it's ideal but not mandatory. If you can't find the perfect size, go a little lower rather than a little higher.
As a practical guide:
| Height difference from mattress top | How it usually feels |
|---|---|
| Flush with mattress | Ideal |
| Up to 5 cm lower | Very good |
| Up to 5 cm higher | Usually workable |
| More than 5 cm off | Often inconvenient |
Why Bedside Table Height Affects Comfort
The right height makes normal bedroom routines feel effortless. You notice it when lying down, sitting up to read, charging your phone, or reaching for a glass of water in the dark.
If the table sits too low, you have to dip your arm down every time you reach for something. Night after night, that small dip wears thin. If it sits too high, you end up lifting your shoulder slightly or risk nudging things off the edge.
A table that's too high can also feel visually intrusive - the top edge sits above your natural sightline when you're lying down, and items on the surface are easier to knock over by accident. A table that's too low, on the other hand, can look undersized beside the bed and make the room feel slightly unresolved.
Good proportions serve both function and appearance here. A bedside table that aligns with the mattress top tends to look right and work right at the same time.
Liverpool 2 Drawer Bedside Table (Natural)
Standard Nightstand Height - and Why It's Only a Starting Point
Most standard bedside tables sit between 61 and 71 cm high. This range fits many beds, but not all - and that's the problem with relying on standard sizing alone.
Your total bed height depends on the frame, foundation or base, mattress thickness, and any topper you use. Two Queen beds side by side can need very different nightstand heights once you factor in those layers. Standard sizing helps you narrow your options, but it shouldn't make the final decision for you.
Use bed profile as a rough guide, but let your actual mattress-top measurement make the call:
| Bed profile | Typical mattress-top height | Suggested bedside table height |
|---|---|---|
| Low-profile bed | 56–61 cm | 53–61 cm |
| Standard bed | 61–69 cm | 61–69 cm |
| High-profile bed | 71–76+ cm | 71–76 cm |
Standard Bedside Table Width and Depth
Width and depth matter almost as much as height. Most bedside tables in Australia fall in the range of 40 to 60 cm wide and 35 to 50 cm deep. Within that range, the right choice depends on your bed size, the items you keep beside the bed, and how much floor space the room has.
As a general guide:
| Bed size | Suggested table width | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single or King Single | 30 to 45 cm | Slim profiles look balanced and leave room for movement |
| Double or Queen | 45 to 55 cm | Most everyday setups land here |
| King | 55 to 70 cm | Wider tables match the bed's visual weight |
Depth is the trade-off between surface area and walking space. A 35 cm deep table is easy to move around but only fits a lamp and a small item or two. A 45 to 50 cm deep table holds a lamp, a book, a glass of water, and a phone without crowding. In tight rooms, prioritise depth over width - a deep, narrow table often works better than a wide, shallow one.
How to Measure the Right Bedside Table Height
Set up the bed exactly as you normally use it - mattress, topper, and bedding all in place. Then measure from the floor to the top sleeping surface, meaning the point where your body actually rests, not just the side panel of the mattress. Let the bedding settle naturally rather than fluffing it up. That gives you a realistic daily-use height, which is what you're shopping for.
Write that number down. That is your target bedside table height. If the floor is slightly uneven or the bed sits differently on one side, measure both sides to be sure.
Do not measure the headboard. Do not measure only the bed frame. The top of the mattress is the number that matters.
Once you have that measurement, do a quick reach test. Sit or lie in bed the way you normally would and move your arm naturally toward where the table will sit. Are you lifting your hand upward? Dipping too far down? This is especially worth checking if you have an adjustable bed, a particularly thick mattress, or if you regularly sit upright to read. A table can be technically close in height but still feel slightly off in real use.
Before shopping - online or in-store - note your target height, acceptable range (±5 cm), maximum width, maximum depth, and the clearance you need for walking and drawer swing. Some product listings show overall height clearly; others make it harder to confirm the exact top-surface height. Check both the overall height and the top-surface height, and confirm drawer depth and footprint dimensions while you're at it. A little preparation saves a lot of return-shipping frustration.
Liverpool 2 Drawer Bedside Table (Natural)
Height Examples by Bed Type
Low platform bed
A low setup typically puts the mattress top around 56 to 61 cm from the floor. Standard-height nightstands can look and feel oversized here. Lower-profile pieces tend to work better both visually and in everyday use. If your mattress top sits at 58 cm, aim for a table in the range of 53 to 58 cm.
Standard bed
A typical bed often lands around 61 to 69 cm from the floor to the mattress top. This is the easiest range to shop for because most standard nightstands fall within it. If your mattress top is at 66 cm, target a table between 61 and 66 cm, with 71 cm as the upper limit.
Tall bed or pillow-top mattress
Taller beds often reach 71 to 76 cm or more. At that height, many standard tables will feel noticeably short beside the bed. Better options include taller nightstands, custom-height pieces, or floating shelves mounted at exactly the right level. If your mattress top is at 76 cm, aim for a table between 71 and 76 cm.
Adjustable beds
With an adjustable bed, measure in the position you use most often. If you sleep flat most nights, measure flat. If you regularly sit upright to read, test your reach from that position too - a reader who spends long stretches propped up may prefer a table height that works from a seated angle, not only from lying down. Floating shelves, slim tables with easy side access, and pieces with uncluttered tops tend to suit adjustable setups well.
Is It Better for a Nightstand to Be Lower or Higher?
Reaching slightly downward is generally more natural than reaching upward, which is why a table that sits 2 to 5 cm lower than the mattress often works very well. A slightly lower table also tends to feel less visually dominant beside the bed - it stays quiet and proportionate without competing with the headboard.
A table that is 2 to 5 cm higher can still work, particularly if you often sit upright to read, have a tall mattress with a heavy headboard, or primarily use the table for a lamp rather than frequently handled items. Keep the difference small. Slightly higher is acceptable, but rarely the first choice.
Once the gap exceeds about 5 cm in either direction, the setup tends to cause real comfort or proportion problems:
| If the table is too low | If the table is too high |
|---|---|
| You reach down too far. | You lift your arm more than feels natural. |
| Essentials feel less convenient. | The top edge can feel intrusive beside the bed. |
| It can look undersized next to the bed. | It can visually overpower the bed. |
| Clutter on the surface feels more exposed. | Items are easier to knock over by accident. |
What to Do If Your Current Bedside Table Is the Wrong Height
If the table sits too low
Furniture risers are the quickest fix and work well when you only need a small lift and the table has a stable base. Replacement legs are a cleaner long-term solution for wood furniture with removable leg hardware. A wall-mounted shelf is worth considering when the table is significantly too low or the room is tight - you can position it exactly where you need it. Stacking books or makeshift platforms can serve as a short-term workaround, but they rarely look intentional and can be unstable. Always prioritise stability over a quick fix.
If the table sits too high
Your best options are shortening the legs if the table design allows it, replacing the legs or base with a lower alternative, or moving the table elsewhere in the home and finding a lower bedside piece. DIY cutting risks damaging the finish or destabilising the table. If the result feels uncertain, replacement is the more practical call.
Replace rather than modify if the table feels unstable after adjustment, if the room proportions still look off, if the modification cost outweighs the table's value, or if the design simply no longer suits bedside use. Starting fresh with the right nightstand is often the simplest long-term solution.
If you're shopping for a replacement, Cedora's bedside table range - available in bedroom collections including London, Manchester, Bristol, and Newcastle - includes dimensions clearly listed so you can match your mattress-top measurement before you buy.
Liverpool 2 Drawer Bedside Table (Natural)
Choosing the Right Nightstand for Your Needs
Get the height right first, then consider storage, finish, colour, and shape. Function comes before appearance.
Think about what you actually use the table for each night. If you charge devices, keep a water glass, store reading glasses, and reach for a book regularly, you'll likely benefit from a piece with a generous surface and at least one drawer to keep clutter out of sight. Lighter daily use means a smaller footprint is often fine.
Leave around 50 cm of clearance between the table and the wall or any other furniture where possible, so movement around the bed stays comfortable. Also check table width, depth, and drawer swing space - in smaller rooms, narrow pieces or floating shelves often work better than full-size nightstands.
Pairing the Table With a Bedside Lamp
Lamp height matters as much as table height. As a rough guide, the bottom of the lampshade should sit roughly at shoulder level when you're sitting up in bed - usually around 60 to 70 cm above the mattress. That puts the light above the page when reading, without shining straight into your eyes. If your nightstand sits lower than the mattress, choose a slightly taller lamp to compensate. If the table sits higher, a shorter lamp keeps the proportions right.
Storage Features Worth Considering
For most people, one drawer plus an open shelf covers daily essentials - the drawer hides chargers, medication, and notebooks while the shelf displays a book or two. If you tend to read in bed often, a piece with two drawers gives you separate space for tech accessories and personal items. A built-in USB or charging port turns the table into a small docking station, which is useful if you keep a phone, watch, and tablet beside the bed. For minimalist setups, a single open-shelf design or a floating shelf keeps the look quiet and is easy to wipe down.
As a quick comparison:
| Type | Best for | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Floating shelf | Small rooms, unusual bed heights | Custom mounting height, lighter look | Less storage, wall installation required |
| Drawer nightstand | Everyday use, more storage | Hidden storage, larger surface, easy to source | Takes more floor space |
| Open-shelf nightstand | Minimalist setups, guest rooms | Airy look, easy access | Clutter stays visible |
| Bedside cart | Renters, flexible or temporary setups | Portable, easy to reposition | Less visually cohesive |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistake is measuring to the top of the bed frame rather than the top of the mattress. The frame is not where you sleep - always measure to the actual sleeping surface.
Buying based on standard measurements alone is the second most common issue. Standard sizing is a useful baseline, but a thick mattress or topper can throw a standard-height table off easily. Measure first.
It's also worth doing a quick reach test whenever possible. A table can look proportionate and still feel awkward in real use - especially if you tend to sit upright rather than lie flat, or if your mattress is particularly firm and sits higher than expected.
Finally, don't let style override usability. A beautiful piece that's difficult to reach from in bed is the wrong choice for a bedside table. Get the function right, and then find something that looks the way you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should a bedside table be the same height as the mattress?
Yes, that is usually the best setup. The ideal height is level with the top of the mattress, though being about 5 cm lower or higher is still generally comfortable.
What is the standard bedside table height in Australia?
Most standard bedside tables sit between 61 and 71 cm high. That range suits many beds, but your mattress-top measurement is still the most reliable guide.
Can a nightstand be lower than the bed?
Yes, and a slightly lower nightstand is often preferable to one that sits slightly higher. Reaching gently downward tends to feel more natural from a lying position.
Can a bedside table be slightly higher than the mattress?
Yes, but keep it to around 5 cm at most. Beyond that, reaching up repeatedly becomes uncomfortable and the table can start to look disproportionately large beside the bed.
How do I match nightstand height to my bed frame and mattress?
Measure from the floor to the top of your mattress - including any topper - with the bed set up exactly as you normally use it. Use that number as your target height, staying within roughly ±5 cm. Always prioritise the mattress surface height over the frame height.
What is the best bedside table height for a high-profile mattress?
For a mattress top sitting around 71 to 76 cm or higher from the floor, you'll likely need a taller nightstand to match. Standard sizes will often feel too short beside a high-profile bed.
Are floating shelves a good option for custom bedside height?
Yes. Floating shelves can be mounted at exactly the height you need, which makes them useful for unusual bed heights, adjustable bases, or small rooms where floor space is limited. The trade-off is less storage than a traditional nightstand.
