Build a bedside table by measuring your mattress height first, then cutting and assembling the frame to match, and finishing with sanding and paint or stain.
Nothing beats a nightstand sized to your own bed and room. A bedside table you build yourself costs less than most store-bought versions, fits your space exactly, and gives you a solid piece of furniture you made with your own hands. The key is getting the height right before you cut a single board.
Start by measuring from the floor to the top of your mattress. That number sets your target height. Most standard bedside tables land between 24 and 28 inches, but what matters is what feels comfortable from your bed. If your mattress sits higher, you simply build taller legs.
Choosing the Right Size for Your Bed and Room
Your nightstand should sit within a few inches of the mattress top, so you can reach a glass or phone without stretching. Wider beds need wider tables to look balanced. A good rule of thumb is 16–20 inches across for a twin bed, 18–22 inches for a full, 20–26 inches for a queen, and 24–30 inches for a king or California king.
Depth matters just as much. Typical nightstands run 15–20 inches deep, which suits most rooms. Too deep, and you’ll bump corners getting into bed. Too shallow, and you lose usable surface space for a lamp and a book.
Leave breathing room around the piece. Subtract at least 4 inches of gap on each side between the bed and wall, and keep at least 20 inches of clear floor space to walk past.
Materials You’ll Need
Most DIY plans call for materials you can find at any lumber yard or hardware store. Solid wood stock works well for legs and rails, while plywood panels make good shelves and side pieces. You also need wood glue, screws, drawer slides, and a drawer pull if you’re adding a drawer.
- Solid wood or plywood for the carcass
- Wood glue and screws for assembly
- Drawer slides and a handle (optional)
- Sandpaper and your choice of paint or stain
Pick your wood before you start cutting. Solid stock gives you a grain you can stain beautifully, while plywood stays flat and stable for larger panels. Both work fine, so choose based on the look you want.
Measuring and Cutting Your Parts
Accurate cuts make assembly straightforward. Cut parts to length after that, and you’ll have clean, square pieces ready for assembly.
One approach routes rebates into the side pieces to hold the shelves and back panel. You assemble the carcass with PVA glue and clamping pressure, then add the back panel. Square everything by checking that the diagonals match, and clamp until the glue sets.
Make a full-size pattern out of thin material before cutting any shaped parts. This step costs you an hour but saves you from ruining expensive lumber on a miscut curve.
Assembly Tips and Common Mistakes
Assemble in stages: build the frame first, add shelves or a drawer, and finish with the top. Pre-drill every screw hole to prevent splitting, and wipe off excess glue while it’s still wet. If you’re including a drawer, install the slides exactly per the slide manufacturer’s instructions since sizes and mounting requirements vary.
Finish by sanding through progressively finer grits, then apply paint or stain in thin, even coats. Let each coat dry fully before adding the next.
Avoid the pitfalls that plague first-time builds:
- Ignoring mattress height leads to a table that’s awkward to reach
- Choosing a size that blocks your walking path
- Making the top too deep for the room
- Skipping the hardware manufacturer’s instructions
If your room is cramped or you want to reclaim floor space entirely, a
FAQ
What height should a bedside table be?
A standard bedside table stands 24–28 inches tall, but the right height matches your mattress top. Measure from the floor to the top of your mattress and build your table within a few inches of that number for comfortable reach.
What wood is best for building a nightstand?
Solid wood like pine, oak, or maple gives you a durable, stain-friendly surface, while plywood stays flat and resists warping for panels. Choose solid stock for visible legs and rails, and plywood for shelves and sides to balance cost and stability.
How much space should I leave beside the bed?
Leave at least 4 inches of gap between the bed and the table so you don’t bump it, and keep 20 inches of clear floor space to walk past. Measure your room before building so your nightstand doesn’t block the path.
References & Sources
- Fine Woodworking. “Bedside Table Project Guide.” Provides step-by-step cutting and assembly instructions for a DIY nightstand.
