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How Much Does a Nightstand Weigh? (Sizes, Weight Explained)

Nightstands are a popular piece of furniture in the bedroom that provide more functions than we associate with it. However, when needing to move it around, we often look over how heavy it can be and the costs moving it would bear. 

To help with the issue, here are some commonly asked questions with answers that have been thoroughly researched. To start with,

How much does a nightstand weigh?

The weight of a nightstand depends on the material it is made of and whether it is solid or hollow inside. A typical nightstand can weigh anywhere between 20 to 80 pounds. It should also be noted that the lighter the nightstand is the less weight it can hold on top of it.

Usually for common people, the word nightstand and bedside tables are interchangeable and used as such.

However, to keep the distinction clear, a nightstand will always have a built-in drawer or shelf where you can keep your things in or on it. Whereas, a bedside table may or may not give you that option.

This built-in shelf or drawer determines how heavy it is going to be, as well as the material the furniture piece is made of itself. Keeping that in mind,

Wood

Nightstands made of wood are one of the most common forms of nightstands available. It can be super-light or quite heavy, depending on the dimensions. The usual weight is 20 kg or 44 pounds.

Upholstered

Upholstered nightstands are becoming trendy again, and they usually weigh less than wood nightstands. A usual Baxton studio upholstered nightstand will be around 20-30 pounds in weight.

Metal

Same as upholstered, metal nightstands are around 20 pounds each.

Glass

Glass nightstands tend to be heavier. As seen in Wayfair, a typical glass nightstand will be around 35 pounds.

Plastic

Plastic nightstands can be very light or very heavy since it matters on the dimensions and the overall designs. The lightest can be around 10 lbs whereas the heaviest can be a whopping 60 lbs.

Wicker

Wicker is coming back in style for how it can transform a room into a more cozy, rustic look. They are on the lighter side which boosts their popularity as well. They weigh about 18-30 lbs.

Rattan

Rattan nightstands are known for their minimalistic allure and lightweight tendencies. Most rattan nightstands weigh around 14-15 pounds.

MDF

MDF is a popular choice for how versatile it is. An MDF nightstand can be around 20 lbs. to 30, if not even more. 

It should be noted that these are generalized weights and furniture can weigh more or less than the given amount depending on the design, material, and dimensions.

How much weight can a nightstand hold?

Same as the way it can weigh, how much weight a nightstand can hold depends on its build and dimensions. For example.

  • Wooden nightstands can hold up to 150 lbs.
  • Wood with wicker baskets nightstand can hold up to 40 to 55 lbs.
  • A pressed wood nightstand can hold 35 pounds
  • Foamy or upholstered nightstands tend to have the capacity of 50 lbs.
  • MDF nightstands can also hold up to 150lbs on top
  • A lighter wicker nightstand has a weight capacity of 30 lbs. 
  • Glass nightstands are tricky so should be contacted with the manufacturer to check their weight limits. Usual ones work with 30 lbs.

Just to be on the safe side, you should always check the product website to see how much weight it can hold, or contact the manufacturer themselves. 

How much does a bedside table weigh?

As mentioned earlier, bedside tables are different from nightstands in the sense that they won’t always have built-in drawers or shelves in them. Keeping that in mind, it makes sense that bedside tables with drawers in them tend to weigh more than those without.

But it also depends on the material it is made of as well.

The weight range fluctuates between 40 lbs. to a surprising 200lbs, depending on the object it is made of and how it is structured.

How much weight can a bedside table hold?

A simple yet modern bedside table can hold about 150 lbs. But it totally depends on the material and size of the bedside table you are using. The weight of the bedside table itself plays a vital role in determining the weight it can hold.

How do you weigh a piece of furniture like a nightstand or bedside table?

Let’s say you have already tried looking it up and for some reason, the weight of the furniture is not available. Now you have to take matters into your own hands and need to figure it out on your own.

To do this measurement question, all you have to do is have an access to a weight machine and weigh it there.

You can also ask a moving company to help out if that does not work.

What is the average size of a nightstand?

Nightstands come in all shapes and sizes, yet an average size chart exists for manufacturers and users to have a guideline. In this case, it is 20 inches throughout, meaning it is 20 inches in length, width, and height.

When doing your measurements for a nightstand, make sure it is equal or at least close to the height of your bed frame so you can have easy access to it by the pieces aligning rightly.

How big should a nightstand be?

By big, we are assuming you are asking about the overall size of the nightstand. As mentioned previously, the average size is 20 inches across all dimensions.

To test the limits, if a nightstand gets too big, it turns into a dresser or chests instead, so that should be kept in mind. Usually, “big” nightstands are around 30 inches in height and 25 to 40 inches in width.

If you wish for bigger bedside tables or nightstands, you can absolutely go for chests or drawers for they fill up bigger, spacious rooms effortlessly.

Can you increase the weight capacity of a nightstand?

While it is ill-advised, yes you can increase the weight capacity of your bedside nightstand.

See how the table is supported and how you can change or add to it. By increasing its supporting material, you can technically increase the weight capacity of a nightstand as well.

What material can hold the most weight in nightstands?

While wood and upholstered nightstands are well known for their durability and weight capacity, you can always override such limits by customizing a nightstand yourself.

Let’s assume you are planning to keep something rather heavy on the tabletop, so it is better to make a customized nightstand from a branded or professional maker where you can specify your needs.

A branded nightstand table can hold up to 100 pounds, if not more with the sizing being 36 inches by 30 inches.

Extra tips:

  • Look into the product you are going to buy and research its pros and cons.
  • You should also know your measurements so the nightstand is not too big or too small for your room or bed.

Nightstands are quickly becoming a necessity in daily life regarding the bedroom for the extra storage and functionality it provides. While it can be confusing for they are available in a diverse set of sizes, designs, and materials, you should always go for the one that works best for you.