Sleep Soundly with a Stylish 30 Inch Wide Nightstand
If you've recently upgraded to a taller, more modern bed, you may have noticed your bedside setup now feels cramped and out of proportion. Those once functional 20 inch wide nightstands can start to feel downright tiny next to a platform bed over 30 inches high. But fear not - a properly sized 30 inch wide nightstand can provide back the bedside real estate you need for lamps, books, glasses of water, and other essentials. Keep reading to understand why a wider nightstand is crucial for tall beds, and how to shop for the perfect 30 inch option to suit your space and style.
Why You Need a Wider Nightstand
Most standard sized nightstands measure between 20-25 inches in width, which is fine for older style bed frames that sit lower to the ground. But modern platform beds have gotten taller - some upwards of 36 inches high. Suddenly those petite nightstands barely reach the halfway point of the mattress. This size disparity looks visually awkward, and leads to some frustrating functionality issues.
With only a narrow 20 inch nightstand next to today's tall beds you're likely dealing with:
- A cramped setup where your lamp and alarm clock crowd each other.
- No room to set down a book or glass of water without things getting knocked over the edge.
- A nightstand that appears oddly undersized and disproportionate next to the bed.
But the right 30 inch wide nightstand opens up your bedside space with welcome benefits:
- Increased surface area to spread out bedside necessities.
- Items can be placed with breathing room instead of crammed together.
- Better scale and visual balance next to a taller mattress height.
Nightstand Height Considerations
Along with width, nightstand height is an important dimension to factor in. Standard nightstand sizes here are around 24-28 inches tall. But with modern tall beds, you need taller nightstands for optimal ergonomics and aesthetics.
There's a basic formula to follow: your nightstand height should be around 60% of the total height of your mattress. So for a mattress height over 30 inches, that means choosing a nightstand at least 28-30 inches tall. The closer you stay to the 60% ratio, the better the proportions will look. Going below or above that range starts to look visually imbalanced.
Having a nightstand that's too short looks awkward and leads to strained reaching and bending. But on the other hand, an excessively tall nightstand blocks access and can make it hard to reach items. The ideal height provides you easy access to bedside necessities without uncomfortable stretching or hunching over.
Finding the Perfect 30 Inch Wide Nightstand
Now that you know what to look for in terms of optimal nightstand size, it's time to go shopping. Here are the main ways to get your hands on the right 30 inch wide nightstand:
- Online Retailers: Massive sites like Wayfair and Amazon make it easy to filter your search for 30+ inch wide options. Just set the width filter to your minimum needed size.
- Furniture Stores: Check showrooms like IKEA or Crate and Barrel. Their modern inventories have widened along with bed sizes.
- Specialty Shops: Some niche boutiques focus specifically on wider bedside furniture for tall beds.
- Custom Shops: Made-to-order companies can build a fully custom nightstand to your exact specifications (for a price).
Popular Styles and Finishes
Just like standard sized nightstands, 30 inch wide options come in an array of materials and designs to match your room's decor. Consider the overall aesthetic you want your nightstand to have:
- Modern: Clean lines, geometric forms, and materials like acrylic, metal, or lacquered wood.
- Traditional: Ornate details, carved accents, and classic wood finishes like oak or mahogany.
- Rustic: Distressed wood with artisanal charm perfect for farmhouse style rooms.
- Eclectic: A mix of textures, colors, and eras for the maximalist at heart.
When it comes to color and finish, popular options include:
- Natural wood tones and stains
- Matte lacquered finishes in both light and dark hues
- Glossy painted colors for a pop of vibrancy
- Metal in brushed nickel, bronze, or sleek black
Features to Look For
Today's nightstands incorporate design features that enhance both form and function. Here are some to look for with 30 inch wide options:
- Drawers: Typically 2-4 drawers for concealed bedside storage. Deep drawers hold bulkier items.
- Shelving: Open shelves provide display space for books or decorative items.
- Charging Station: Built-in USB ports or power outlets to charge devices overnight.
- Durable Materials: Solid wood, metal, or medium density fiberboard (MDF) for lasting quality.
- Soft-Close Hardware: Drawer glides and hinges that prevent slamming for smooth and quiet operation.
- Minimal Assembly: Many companies now ship nightstands ready for quick DIY assembly.
Functionality to Consider
Along with the features above, think about how you'll actually use your 30 inch wide nightstand on a daily basis:
- Open or concealed storage? Drawers keep items tucked away while shelves provide grab-and-go access.
- Dividers, shelves, or additional trays to customize drawer organization.
- Drawer glides that allow full extension for complete visibility and access.
- Door pulls or integrated handles that fit your grip and aesthetic preferences.
Factor in any specialized functionality that's important to your needs or preferences while shopping around.
Best Brands for Wide Nightstands
Certain furniture brands really shine when it comes to wide nightstand offerings. Here are some of our favorites:
- IKEA - A budget all-rounder with lots of 30" options under $150.
- West Elm - Luxe textures and finishes if you want to splurge.
- Crate & Barrel - Streamlined silhouettes in wood, lacquer, and glass.
- Pottery Barn - Timeless traditional styles crafted from solid wood.
- Target - Affordable basics great for a guest room or kids' bedrooms.
Weigh the pros and cons of each brand against your budget, style preferences, and functionality needs.
Style and Placement Tips
A few savvy styling tricks can make your 30 inch wide nightstand feel like part of a pulled together space:
- Add a table lamp, rug, and photo frame for a vignette effect.
- Incorporate bedding colors into the nightstand with a ceramic vessel or decorative accessory.
- Try placing in line with the edge or center of the headboard based on space.
- Allow enough clearance to open drawers without collisions.
And don't forget to fill up that abundant real estate. Stock your nightstand with lovely but functional items:
- Alarm clock
- Scented candle
- Coaster and water glass
- Book or e-reader
- Small plant or vase of flowers
- Bedside tray to corral small items
At the end of a long day, you want your bedside refuge to feel spacious and soothing. A properly sized 30 inch wide nightstand creates visual balance and welcome functionality. No more jammed corners orTipOver hazards from stuff piled up. Just open space to curl up with a book, set down a midnight snack, charge your devices, and enjoy a more restful sleep.
Armed with our tips and recommendations, you can confidently shop for and style the ideal 30 inch wide nightstand. Sized in proportion and styled with intention, your bedside will transition from cramped to calm. Set the scene for better sleep and sweeter dreams with your stunning new spacious nightstand.