The bedside table is one of the most-used pieces of furniture in your home. Every day—multiple times a day—you reach for your phone, your book, your water glass, your glasses. Getting this piece right affects the quality of your sleep environment and your daily convenience. This guide covers everything you need to consider when choosing bedside tables.
Getting the Height Right
Height is the most critical measurement for bedside tables, yet it's frequently overlooked by shoppers who focus on appearance and price. The wrong height creates daily frustration as you repeatedly reach awkwardly for essentials.
The Mattress-Level Rule
Your bedside table should be approximately level with the top of your mattress, or slightly higher—typically within 5 to 10 centimetres. This height allows comfortable reaching while lying in bed. If you need to lift your body or extend your arm uncomfortably to reach items, the table is too low. If you're reaching up and over, it's too high.
Modern beds vary significantly in height. Platform beds with thin mattresses might sit just 40 centimetres from the floor, while ensemble bases with pillow-top mattresses can exceed 70 centimetres. Always measure your specific bed before shopping rather than assuming standard dimensions will work.
How to Measure for Bedside Table Height
- Measure from floor to top of mattress when made with normal bedding
- Add 5-10cm to this measurement for ideal table height
- Consider whether you prefer reaching slightly up or slightly down
- Account for thick mattress toppers if you use them
Lamp Height Considerations
If your bedside table will hold a lamp (as most do), consider the combined height of table plus lamp. Ideally, the bottom of the lampshade should sit at approximately seated eye level when you're in bed reading or relaxing. This position provides comfortable reading light without glare. A low bedside table might require a taller lamp; a high table pairs better with a compact lamp.
Size and Proportion
Width and Depth
Bedside tables typically range from 35 to 55 centimetres in width. Choose a size proportional to your bed and room. A king bed can accommodate substantial nightstands, while a single bed in a compact room calls for slimmer options.
Depth matters for both function and clearance. Ensure adequate walking space between the table and walls, doors, or wardrobes. Most people need at least 60 centimetres of clearance for comfortable passage, though 75 centimetres or more feels more generous.
Matching or Mismatched Pairs
Traditionally, bedside tables came as matching pairs flanking the bed symmetrically. This approach remains classic and creates a balanced, formal bedroom aesthetic. However, intentionally mismatched bedside tables have become increasingly popular, particularly in contemporary and eclectic settings.
If you choose mismatched pieces, maintain rough visual balance. The tables don't need to match in style or material, but they should have similar visual weight—a substantial timber piece on one side and a delicate wire table on the other creates an off-kilter feeling. Also consider practical matching: both partners should have convenient access to similar storage and surface area.
Storage Options
Bedside storage keeps essentials close while minimising clutter. Different storage configurations suit different needs and habits.
Drawers
Drawers provide hidden storage, keeping personal items out of sight and protected from dust. A single drawer offers space for books, medications, personal items, and miscellaneous essentials. Some people prefer two drawers—one for frequently accessed items, another for less-used belongings.
Consider drawer construction when evaluating quality. Dovetail joints and solid timber drawer boxes indicate quality construction. Check that drawers operate smoothly and close fully. Soft-close mechanisms prevent slamming, a welcome feature for light sleepers or shared bedrooms.
Drawer Depth Consideration
Deep drawers hold more but can become cluttered catch-alls. Shallow drawers force more intentional organisation. Some designs offer one shallow drawer (perfect for small items like medication, lip balm, and earbuds) plus open shelving below for books.
Open Shelving
Open shelves provide visible, accessible storage. They're excellent for books, magazines, and items you want to see and reach easily. However, open storage shows clutter and collects dust. If you favour open shelving, commit to keeping displayed items curated and tidy.
Cabinet Storage
Some bedside tables feature enclosed cabinets with doors, offering maximum concealment. This works well for people who prefer a very clean bedroom aesthetic or need to store items away from curious children or pets.
Minimalist Open Designs
Simple open designs—essentially a surface and perhaps a single shelf—offer no hidden storage but maintain visual lightness and work well in minimalist settings. These designs suit people with few bedside essentials or those who prefer to store items elsewhere.
Essential Features and Details
Cable Management
Modern bedside tables should accommodate electronic charging. Look for tables with built-in cable holes, rear cutouts, or designed gaps that allow cords to pass through neatly. Some contemporary designs incorporate built-in USB charging ports or wireless charging pads—convenient features for tech-focused households.
Surface Area
Consider what you'll actually place on your bedside table and ensure adequate surface area. At minimum, most people need space for a lamp, phone, and water glass. Book readers need room for current reading material. Some people keep additional items like medication, glasses, or a small clock.
Edges and Corners
In bedrooms where you might navigate in darkness or half-asleep, sharp corners on bedside tables become hazards. Rounded corners or designs with softer edges reduce the pain of inevitable night-time encounters. This consideration becomes more important with children in the household.
Material Choices for Bedrooms
Bedroom furniture operates in a relatively protected environment compared to high-traffic areas. This allows more material options than might be practical elsewhere.
Timber
Timber bedside tables bring warmth and natural beauty to bedrooms. They're durable enough for decades of use when properly cared for. Timber complements nearly any bedroom style, from traditional to contemporary. Consider matching wood tones with your bed frame and other bedroom furniture, or intentionally contrast for visual interest.
Painted Finishes
Painted bedside tables offer colour flexibility and often cost less than solid timber alternatives. White and neutral painted pieces remain popular for their versatility and ability to brighten rooms. Bold colour choices can add personality to otherwise neutral spaces.
Metal
Metal bedside tables suit industrial, modern, and minimalist bedrooms. They're typically lighter than timber equivalents and easy to clean. Glass or stone tops often pair with metal bases for contemporary designs.
Upholstered
Some bedside tables feature fabric-wrapped surfaces or sides, adding softness to bedroom schemes. These coordinate beautifully with upholstered bed heads. However, fabric surfaces are more susceptible to staining and may not suit households where water glasses might be knocked over.
Styling Your Bedside Tables
The Essential Layer
Start with functional essentials: lamp, clock (if used), and space for phone and water. These items should be positioned for easy, half-asleep reaching. Consider a small tray or dish for jewellery, keys, or other small items you place down before sleep.
Adding Personality
Beyond essentials, bedside tables offer opportunities for personal expression. A small plant brings life to the bedroom. A framed photo adds sentiment. A beautiful book you're currently reading serves both function and decoration. Current reading material shows personality while remaining practical.
Bedside Styling Rules
- Function first: essentials should be easy to reach
- Limit displayed items to prevent cluttered appearance
- Vary heights using books, small vases, or stacked items
- Consider symmetry between paired nightstands
- Keep at least one small clear area for temporary items
Managing Clutter
Bedside tables tend to accumulate clutter—receipts, hairpins, tissues, empty water glasses. Regular clearing prevents the bedside zone from becoming a dumping ground. A weekly reset where you return migrated items to their proper places keeps surfaces manageable.
Alternatives to Traditional Bedside Tables
Traditional nightstands work for most situations, but alternative approaches sometimes suit specific needs better.
Wall-Mounted Shelves
Floating shelves beside the bed provide surface area without occupying floor space. This approach works well in very small rooms or where you want maximum clearance for cleaning. Consider whether wall mounting is permissible in your situation and whether the wall structure will support loaded shelves.
Stacked Books or Crates
Stacked vintage suitcases, wooden crates, or even a pile of books can serve as unconventional bedside surfaces. These options add character in eclectic settings and often cost very little. However, stability and practical function may be compromised.
Small Desks or Writing Tables
In home office/bedroom combinations or guest rooms, a small desk can double as an oversized bedside table. This maximises function in limited space, though the desk needs to be an appropriate height for bedside use.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Several recurring errors complicate bedside table choices:
Ignoring height matching: Always measure your bed before purchasing. Standard nightstand heights won't suit non-standard beds.
Prioritising appearance over function: A beautiful table that's too small, lacks storage, or sits at an awkward height becomes a daily frustration regardless of its appearance.
Forgetting about lighting: Consider lamp placement and height early in the process—they're interconnected with table selection.
Underestimating storage needs: Think honestly about what you keep beside the bed. If you need hidden storage, prioritise designs that provide it.