{"id":17060,"date":"2021-05-06T10:30:00","date_gmt":"2021-05-06T14:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dutchcrafters.com\/blog\/?p=17060"},"modified":"2025-10-01T11:13:27","modified_gmt":"2025-10-01T15:13:27","slug":"nightstand-bedside-table-whats-difference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dutchcrafters.com\/blog\/nightstand-bedside-table-whats-difference\/","title":{"rendered":"Nightstand or Bedside Table — What’s the Difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Do you call it a nightstand <\/a>or a bedside table, and is there in fact, a difference?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A nightstand is typically defined as a small, low bedside table that usually has drawers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A bedside table is defined as a small table beside a bed.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Amish<\/a>
The Amish Shaker One Drawer Open Night Stand<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

How are the two furniture types different from each other?

Some believe there is just one main difference: Nightstands are expected to have at least one drawer, while bedside tables are not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can a bedside table have drawers and not be a nightstand? Can a nightstand exist sans drawers and still earn the title nightstand? That\u2019s up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The terms nightstand and bedside table are often used interchangeably, since they perform similar functions. They may also be referred to as night tables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nightstands<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Nightstands achieve a number of goals that include balancing the look and style of the room and providing storage and a convenient surface to easily reach things you need when you\u2019re in bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bedside Tables<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bedside tables are meant to be practical and hold the items you\u2019re most likely to reach for while in bed. Bedside tables might not offer as much storage as nightstands and some won\u2019t offer any.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits of Both<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Nightstands and bedside tables both add to the style of the room, come in many different shapes and sizes, and offer a variety of features.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
<\/a>
This Amish Log Nightstand<\/a> (a DutchCrafters Best Seller) features an optional hidden compartment and three different drawer options to pick from. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a>
The Amish Collette Nightstand<\/a> offers a convenient pullout tray.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Both can be relied on to host lamps, alarm clocks, phones, drinks, remotes, books, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The storage drawers that nightstands provide help to keep items like medications, glasses, and reading materials stored neatly and make them easy to retrieve.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Amish<\/a>
Unique designs like the Samuel Three Drawer Nightstand<\/a> add to the style of the room.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Nightstand and Bedside Table Dimensions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ideally, the top of the nightstands or bedside tables should be even with the top of your mattress or sleeping surface. This way it\u2019s easier to grab your drink, turn on your lamp, or hit the snooze button on your clock or phone when you\u2019re in bed. Higher or lower than your sleeping surface can look out of place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep in mind, to balance the look of your bedroom, larger beds will look better with larger nightstands and smaller beds will look better with smaller nightstands. <\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Amish<\/a>
The Amish Siesta Mission Nightstand<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Do nightstands or bedside tables have to match?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Gone are the days where bedroom furniture<\/a> collections have to match. Depending on your preferences, it\u2019s your choice whether to have nightstands to match your bedroom collection or to make a collection of mismatched furniture work to your advantage. Matching furniture helps to pull together the look of the room and provide added balance. Mismatched furniture is adventurous and can contribute to a more casual, eclectic look. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For bedside tables or nightstands that aren\u2019t made to match, try to choose ones finished to match your color scheme or ones that are made of similar material to your existing bedroom furniture.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a>
The Amish Richey One Drawer Night Stand with Opening<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The title nightstand or bedside table is up to you. Now don\u2019t get us started on bedside cabinets\u2026<\/p>\n

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