What Height Should a Bedside Table Be? Dimensions Guide

July 26, 2026

The ideal height for a bedside table matches the top edge of the mattress, typically measuring between 40 cm and 50 cm for standard beds, and between 55 cm and 70 cm for continental or box-spring beds.

A bedside table that is too low is like a screwdriver that is too short – it works, but makes day-to-day handling unnecessarily awkward. Choosing the correct dimensions is vital for bedroom ergonomics. Reaching for a lamp switch, an alarm clock, or a glass of water in the middle of the night should not require bending the arm awkwardly downwards or upwards.

Dimensions and Suitability: Determining the Right Height

The height of the bed dictates the dimensions of the bedside table. Because mattresses and slatted bases vary in thickness depending on the design, measuring the individual top edge of the mattress is the first step before assembling or selecting furniture fittings.

Futon beds: These low-profile beds have a very low frame height. Bedside units with a height of 15 cm to 30 cm are required here.
Standard beds: Classic bed frames usually have a sleeping surface height between 40 cm and 50 cm. Matching bedside tables and nightstands should sit precisely within this range.
Comfort beds and box-spring beds: A box-spring bed features a multi-layered construction and often reaches heights of 55 cm to 70 cm. Standard bedside tables are too low in this scenario.

A tolerance of plus or minus 5 cm relative to the mattress is ergonomically acceptable. However, a flush finish creates a seamless visual line and prevents pillows from sliding against an awkward edge during the night.

How to Choose: Planning Criteria for Bedside Tables

Beyond height alone, width and depth play a significant role in usability and room layout.

Depth: A typical depth ranges between 35 cm and 45 cm. If a bedside unit is deeper, it makes getting into and out of bed more difficult.
Width: Depending on available space, widths usually vary from 30 cm to 60 cm.
Material: Bedside units are frequently constructed from chipboard or MDF with a melamine coating or decorative foil. These surfaces resist moisture well – a useful benefit should a glass of water tip over at night.

Space-Saving Solutions and Alternatives

Small bedrooms often lack room for wide bedside cabinets. When horizontal floor space is restricted, storage must be planned vertically. A tall, narrow chest of drawers can serve as a functional alternative to a traditional bedside table. It provides significantly more storage space for clothes or books across stacked drawers while occupying a small footprint.

Coordination with the remaining bedroom furniture is also important. If a substantial 180 cm high wardrobe stands beside the bed, the bedside table should not look visually overwhelmed. Those who prefer modern interior styling often combine sleek, reflective finishes. A high-gloss chest of drawers at the foot of the bed pairs cleanly with matching high-gloss bedside units. Much like a white high-gloss wall unit in a living area, these surfaces reflect ambient light and help smaller rooms appear more spacious.

Assembly and Fitting of Bedside Tables

Assembling a bedside unit is generally a straightforward DIY project. The carcase is typically joined using cam lock fittings and classic wooden dowels (Ø 8 mm).

An essential hardware detail during assembly is the choice of drawer runners. Bedside units are often fitted with either roller runners or ball-bearing runners.

Budget-friendly or compact designs often utilise partial-extension runners, allowing the drawer to open to around 75% of its depth.
A full-extension runner provides 100% access to the drawer contents, which is particularly useful for deeper bedside cabinets.

Tools required for assembly:

Pozi screwdriver (usually size PZ2 for furniture connecting bolts)
Lightweight cordless drill driver (for securing drawer runner tracks)
Wooden mallet (for gently tapping in wooden dowels)
Tape measure or folding rule for alignment

Always mount the drawer runners onto the inner cabinet sides before assembling the outer panels. Screwing drawer runners inside an already enclosed, narrow cabinet carcase is awkward and prone to alignment errors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can the bedside table be higher than the bed?

A bedside table can be up to 5 cm higher than the mattress without causing major ergonomic issues. If it is significantly taller, there is a risk of bumping one's head against the edge during sleep or knocking items over when reaching out in the dark.

How far should a bedside table be placed from the bed?

A clearance of 5 cm to 10 cm between the bed frame and bedside table is recommended. This leaves adequate room for duvets and blankets, prevents scratches on the bed frame, and simplifies changing the bed linen.

Floating wall-mounted or freestanding bedside table?

Wall-mounted bedside units are fitted directly onto the wall using concealed cabinet hangers. They make floor cleaning easier and create a lightweight visual aesthetic. This approach requires a load-bearing wall (solid masonry or double-boarded stud walls) and suitable wall fixings. Freestanding models fitted with furniture legs offer more flexibility and require no drilling into the wall.