Brad, Owner since 1987: "We have been helping Brantford families sleep better since 1987. Every customer gets personal attention, honest advice, and the kind of follow-up service you just do not get from big box stores."
After the bed itself, your bedroom side tables are the furniture you interact with most. You reach for them in the dark. You drop your phone on them before sleep. You fumble for your glasses first thing in the morning. A good nightstand makes all of that effortless. A bad one makes you stretch, knock things over, or just pile everything on the floor instead.
If you are shopping for new bedroom side tables, or wondering why the ones you have never felt quite right, this guide walks you through the decisions that actually matter: height, storage, style, and proportion. We sell nightstands at Mattress Miracle in Brantford, so we see these questions every week. Here is what we tell people when they ask.
How to Get the Right Nightstand Height
Height is the single most important dimension when choosing bedroom side tables, and it is the one most people get wrong. The rule is simple: your nightstand surface should sit at roughly the same height as the top of your mattress, or up to two inches above it.
Here is how to measure. Grab a tape measure and check the distance from the floor to the very top of your mattress, including any mattress toppers or pads you normally sleep on. Write that number down. That is your target nightstand height.
For most people, that number falls between 24 and 28 inches. If you have a standard bed frame with a typical mattress, you are probably right around 25 inches. Platform beds tend to sit lower, around 18 to 22 inches total, so you would want a shorter nightstand in the 20 to 24 inch range. Taller bed frames, pillow-top mattresses, or beds with box springs can push the total height to 30 inches or more, which means you need a taller nightstand to match.
Why does this matter so much? Try reaching sideways from your pillow to a surface that is six inches lower than your mattress. You have to lean over and reach down. Now imagine doing that half-asleep at 2 a.m. when you need a sip of water. Not ideal. A nightstand at the right height means you just extend your arm sideways and everything is right there.
What the Research Shows
Sleep researchers recommend keeping frequently used items within easy arm's reach of your sleeping position. This is not just about convenience. Reaching and straining to find your phone or alarm clock can wake you up more fully during the night, making it harder to fall back asleep. The Sleep Foundation also recommends placing phones several feet from your pillow if they must stay in the bedroom, making a nightstand surface the ideal spot: close enough to hear an alarm, far enough to reduce the temptation of late-night scrolling.
One thing we see often at Mattress Miracle is customers who recently bought a new mattress and now their old nightstands feel too short or too tall. A thicker pillow-top mattress can add three to four inches of height compared to your old one. If you have just upgraded your sleep setup, it is worth re-measuring before assuming your old nightstands still work.
Storage Options: Drawers, Shelves, and Everything Between
The second big decision with bedroom side tables is how much storage you need and what kind. This is where the term "bed table drawer" comes into play, because for most people, at least one drawer is non-negotiable.
Think about what lives on or around your nightstand right now. For most of us, it is some combination of: a phone and charging cable, a book or e-reader, reading glasses, lip balm, hand cream, tissues, medications, a glass of water, maybe earplugs or a sleep mask. Some of that can sit on top. The rest needs to go somewhere.
Single Drawer Nightstands
A nightstand with one drawer and an open shelf underneath is the most popular configuration we sell. The drawer hides personal items like medications, journals, and chargers. The shelf below holds books or a basket. The top surface handles the lamp, water glass, and phone. This setup works well for most people and keeps the look clean without sacrificing function.
Two or Three Drawer Nightstands
If you do not have a dresser in your bedroom, or if you just like having extra storage within reach, a two or three drawer bed table drawer unit works like a mini dresser beside your bed. These are especially popular with people who keep reading material, seasonal items, or extra linens nearby. Just make sure the added height of a taller unit still matches your mattress height.
Open Shelf Nightstands
Open nightstands with just shelves and no drawers look clean and airy. They are popular in modern and minimalist bedrooms. The tradeoff is obvious: everything is visible. If you are someone who keeps your nightstand tidy, this works great. If you tend to accumulate clutter, exposed shelves will show every bit of it.
Closed Cabinet Nightstands
Nightstands with a small cabinet door offer the most concealed storage. These work well if you want to tuck away a CPAP machine, a humidifier, or anything else you would rather not have on display. Check that the cabinet has ventilation holes or enough clearance if you plan to store electronics that generate heat.
Comfort Tip
Before shopping for bedroom side tables, measure your mattress height from the floor and write it down. Then measure the available space between the side of your bed and the wall (or closet door, or radiator, or whatever is next to the bed). Those two numbers will immediately narrow your options to nightstands that actually fit, saving you a lot of time browsing pieces that look great online but would never work in your room.
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Matching Styles: Modern, Traditional, and Rustic
Once you know the right height and storage layout, style is where personal taste takes over. Bedroom side tables come in every look you can imagine, but most fall into a few broad categories.
Modern and Mid-Century
Clean lines, tapered legs, minimal hardware. Modern nightstands often feature slim profiles and lighter wood tones like walnut or white oak. Mid-century designs tend to have angled legs and rounded edges. These work well in bedrooms with a streamlined look and tend to feel visually lighter, which helps in smaller rooms.
Traditional
Traditional nightstands often feature turned legs, raised panel drawer fronts, and darker finishes like cherry or mahogany. These tend to be slightly larger and heavier, making them a good match for upholstered headboards and classic bed frames. If your bedroom has crown moulding and a more formal feel, traditional nightstands usually look right at home.
Rustic and Farmhouse
Distressed finishes, reclaimed wood looks, visible wood grain, and iron or black metal hardware. Rustic nightstands bring warmth and texture to the bedroom. They pair well with wood bed frames, quilted bedding, and rooms that have a cozy, lived-in feel. Just watch the scale: some farmhouse-style pieces are bulkier than they appear in photos.
Transitional
Transitional is the catch-all for nightstands that blend elements of traditional and modern. Think simple shapes with subtle detail, like a basic two-drawer box with brushed nickel pulls instead of ornate brass ones. Transitional bedroom side tables are the easiest to work with if your bedroom does not commit fully to one design style, which describes most real bedrooms.
What We Carry
At Mattress Miracle, we carry bedroom furniture including nightstands and dressers alongside our mattress and bed frame collections. Our nightstands range from $149 to $599, covering everything from simple single-drawer designs to larger three-drawer units with USB charging ports. We stock pieces in a range of finishes so you can match or complement your existing bedroom furniture. If you are buying a new bed frame, it often makes sense to look at nightstands at the same time so everything coordinates.
Practical Considerations That Are Easy to Overlook
Beyond height, storage, and style, there are a handful of practical details that separate a nightstand you love from one you tolerate.
Width and Proportion
A nightstand should be proportional to your bed. For a queen bed, aim for a nightstand that is 20 to 26 inches wide. For a king, you can go wider, up to 28 or even 30 inches. For a twin or double, a narrower nightstand around 16 to 20 inches keeps things balanced. A nightstand that is too small next to a king bed looks like an afterthought. One that is too wide next to a twin overwhelms the space.
Depth and Clearance
Standard nightstand depth runs 14 to 18 inches. In tight spaces, look for nightstands closer to 12 inches deep. Always check that the nightstand will not block a closet door, dresser drawer, or walkway. You want at least 24 inches of clearance on the walking side of the bed for comfortable movement.
Surface Area
Think about what needs to sit on top of your nightstand at the same time. A lamp, a glass of water, your phone, maybe an alarm clock. If the top surface is too small, things start falling off the edge. We generally recommend a top surface of at least 18 by 14 inches for everyday use.
Material and Durability
Solid wood nightstands hold up the longest, especially hardwoods like oak, maple, and walnut. Engineered wood and MDF with veneer finishes are more affordable and look good, but they can be more prone to water rings and surface damage over time. If you keep a glass of water on your nightstand every night, consider using a coaster or choosing a finish that resists moisture.
Drawer Quality
If you are investing in a bed table drawer unit, check the drawer construction. Dovetail joints and full-extension drawer slides are signs of quality. A nightstand drawer that you open and close every single day needs to hold up. Cheap drawer slides wear out fast and start sticking or falling off track within a couple of years.
Cord Management
Many modern nightstands now include built-in USB ports or cutouts in the back panel for routing charging cables. If your nightstand does not have these features, look for one with an open back or a discreet hole for cords. There is nothing worse than a tangle of cables hanging off the side of an otherwise clean-looking nightstand.
One Nightstand or Two?
If you share the bed with a partner, two nightstands is almost always the right call. Each person needs their own surface and storage. They do not have to match exactly, but keeping them the same height creates a balanced look. Mismatched nightstands can work if they share a common element like finish colour or hardware style.
If you sleep alone, one nightstand on your dominant-hand side is usually enough. Some people prefer a small table or floating shelf on the other side for symmetry, but it is not necessary for function.
For Brantford Residents
Bedroom sizes in Brantford vary quite a bit depending on the age of your home. If you live in one of the older character homes near downtown or in Eagle Place, your master bedroom might be on the smaller side, with room for a queen bed and not much else. In those cases, look for narrower nightstands in the 16 to 20 inch range, or consider wall-mounted floating shelves as an alternative. If you are in one of the newer subdivisions in the north or west end, your bedrooms are likely larger with more room to accommodate standard or wider nightstands. Either way, measuring your specific space before you shop will save you the hassle of returning something that looked right online but crowds the room in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find Your Perfect Mattress at Mattress Miracle
We are a family-owned mattress store in Brantford, helping our community sleep better since 1987. Come try mattresses in person and get honest, no-pressure advice.
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario
Call 519-770-0001What is the ideal height for a bedroom side table?
The ideal height is level with the top of your mattress, or up to two inches higher. For most standard bed setups, that means a nightstand between 24 and 28 inches tall. Platform beds need shorter nightstands, around 20 to 24 inches. Measure from the floor to the top of your mattress (including any toppers) and use that number as your target.
Do I need one nightstand or two?
If two people share the bed, two nightstands is strongly recommended. Each person needs their own surface for personal items, a phone charger, and a lamp. If you sleep alone, one nightstand on the side you naturally reach toward is usually enough. A second one adds visual balance but is not required for function.
How wide should a nightstand be for a small bedroom?
For small bedrooms, look for nightstands between 16 and 20 inches wide with a depth of 12 to 14 inches. A slim single-drawer design takes up less visual and physical space. You can also consider wall-mounted floating nightstands, which free up floor space entirely. The key is making sure you can still walk comfortably around the bed with the nightstand in place.
What nightstand material is most durable?
Solid hardwood like oak, maple, or walnut is the most durable option for bedroom side tables. These materials resist dents, handle daily use well, and can be refinished if they get scratched. Engineered wood with a high-quality veneer is a good mid-range option. Avoid particleboard with laminate if you want the nightstand to last more than a few years, especially if it will hold a water glass nightly.
Does my nightstand have to match my bed frame?
No, your nightstand does not need to be an exact match. Many well-designed bedrooms use nightstands that complement rather than match the bed frame. The key is to share at least one common element: a similar wood tone, the same metal finish on hardware, or a consistent style direction. What usually looks off is mixing extremes, like a very ornate traditional nightstand next to a very minimal platform bed. As long as the pieces feel like they belong in the same room, you are fine.
Sources
- Walker M. Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams. Scribner. 2017. ISBN: 978-1501144318.
- Okamoto-Mizuno K, Mizuno K. Effects of thermal environment on sleep and circadian rhythm. J Physiol Anthropol. 2012;31(1):14. DOI: 10.1186/1880-6805-31-14
- Krauchi K. The thermophysiological cascade leading to sleep initiation in relation to phase of entrainment. Sleep Med Rev. 2007;11(6):439-451. DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2007.07.001
- Haskell EH, Palca JW, Walker JM, Berger RJ, Heller HC. The effects of high and low ambient temperatures on human sleep stages. Electroencephalogr Clin Neurophysiol. 1981;51(5):494-501.
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We are located at 441½ West Street in downtown Brantford. Free parking available, wheelchair accessible. Our team does not work on commission, so you get honest advice based on your needs.
Mattress Miracle , 441½ West Street, Brantford, ON · (519) 770-0001
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 10am–6pm, Thursday–Friday 10am–7pm, Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 12pm–4pm.