The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Bedside Tables for Your Bedroom
A bedroom should be a place of comfort, relaxation, and organization. While your bed is naturally the focal point, one piece of furniture often has a bigger impact than people realize—the bedside table. Whether you need extra storage, a stylish finishing touch, or simply somewhere to place your evening essentials, the right bedside table can transform both the appearance and functionality of your bedroom.
In this guide, we'll explore everything you need to know before buying bedside tables, from choosing the right size and material to selecting storage options that suit your lifestyle.
Why Every Bedroom Needs Bedside Tables
Bedside tables are much more than decorative furniture. They provide a practical surface for everyday essentials, including:
- Bedside lamps
- Mobile phones and chargers
- Alarm clocks
- Books and magazines
- Glasses
- Water bottles
- Medicines
- Decorative accessories
Without one, everyday items often end up cluttering the floor or your bed, making the room feel untidy and less functional.
Choosing the Right Height
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is selecting a bedside table that's either too high or too low.
Ideally, the tabletop should sit level with—or just slightly below—the top of your mattress. This makes reaching for your phone, lamp, or drink comfortable while maintaining balanced proportions within the room. Interior experts consistently recommend matching bedside table height closely to mattress height for the most practical setup.
Measuring Before You Buy
Before ordering, measure:
- Available width beside your bed
- Distance between the bed and wall
- Height of your mattress
- Drawer opening clearance
- Walking space around the room
Even beautifully designed furniture can feel oversized if it dominates a compact bedroom.
Popular Types of Bedside Tables
Single Drawer Bedside Tables
Ideal for minimalist bedrooms, these provide enough storage for smaller everyday essentials while keeping the design light and modern.
Two or Three Drawer Cabinets
Perfect for anyone wanting additional storage for books, electronics, chargers, medications, or personal items.
Open Shelf Designs
Open shelving creates an airy appearance and gives quick access to books or decorative accessories.
Floating Bedside Tables
Wall-mounted options maximize floor space and create a contemporary appearance that's especially useful in smaller bedrooms.
Which Material Is Best?
Wood
Wood remains one of the most popular materials thanks to its durability, timeless appearance, and versatility. It works equally well in traditional, Scandinavian, farmhouse, and contemporary interiors.
MDF
High-quality MDF offers excellent value while allowing manufacturers to create modern painted finishes at affordable prices.
Metal
Industrial-inspired bedrooms often benefit from black steel or powder-coated metal bedside cabinets.
Glass
Glass furniture creates the illusion of extra space, making it suitable for smaller bedrooms.
Storage Matters
Think about how you actually use your bedside table.
If you enjoy reading before bed, multiple drawers help organize books and accessories.
If you only need somewhere for a lamp and phone charger, a compact open design may be all that's required.
The right storage solution helps reduce bedroom clutter while keeping everyday items within easy reach.
Matching Your Bedroom Style
Modern Bedrooms
Choose clean lines, neutral colours, and handle-free drawer fronts.
Traditional Bedrooms
Natural oak finishes, shaker styling, and antique-inspired handles create timeless elegance.
Scandinavian Design
Light wood finishes paired with simple shapes deliver a bright and calming atmosphere.
Industrial Style
Black metal frames combined with rustic wood surfaces provide striking contrast.
Luxury Interiors
High-gloss finishes, marble-effect tops, and premium hardware create an upscale look.
Should Bedside Tables Match?
Not necessarily.
Matching bedside tables create symmetry and balance, particularly in master bedrooms.
However, many interior designers now mix complementary styles, colours, or finishes to create a more personalised and contemporary appearance.
The key is ensuring they share similar proportions and overall design language.
Best Colours for Bedside Tables
Popular choices include:
- White
- Grey
- Oak
- Walnut
- Black
- Natural wood
- Cream
- Sage green
Neutral finishes remain popular because they're easier to coordinate with changing décor over time.
Bedside Tables for Small Bedrooms
Limited space doesn't mean compromising on style.
Look for:
- Narrow cabinets
- Wall-mounted designs
- Slimline drawers
- Multi-functional storage
- Compact open shelving
Even a small bedside table can significantly improve organization without overwhelming the room.
Styling Your Bedside Table
Keep surfaces practical yet attractive by combining:
- A bedside lamp
- Small indoor plant
- Scented candle
- Decorative tray
- Alarm clock
- Framed photograph
- Small stack of books
Avoid overcrowding the surface to maintain a calm, relaxing environment.
Caring for Your Furniture
To keep bedside tables looking their best:
- Dust regularly using a soft cloth.
- Clean spills immediately.
- Avoid placing hot drinks directly on surfaces.
- Use coasters where appropriate.
- Tighten handles periodically.
- Protect wooden finishes from prolonged moisture.
Regular maintenance can keep quality furniture looking great for years.
Why Quality Matters
A bedside table is used every single day.
Choosing well-built furniture means smoother drawer operation, better stability, longer-lasting finishes, and improved overall value.
Investing in quality often saves money over the long term by reducing the need for replacement.
Find the Perfect Bedside Tables
Whether you're furnishing a brand-new home, refreshing a guest bedroom, or completing a master suite makeover, choosing the right bedside table makes everyday living more comfortable while enhancing your bedroom's style.
Browse our full collection of stylish and practical bedside tables here:
https://all4uretailerltd.co.uk/collections/bedside-tables
Frequently Asked Questions
What height should a bedside table be?
Ideally, it should be level with or slightly below the top of your mattress for the most comfortable everyday use.
Should bedside tables match the bed?
Not always. Matching furniture creates symmetry, while complementary designs can add personality and visual interest.
Are drawers better than shelves?
Drawers keep clutter hidden, while shelves provide easier access to frequently used items.
What size bedside table do I need?
Measure your available space carefully and ensure there is enough room to comfortably open drawers while maintaining walking space around your bed.
Can bedside tables be used elsewhere?
Absolutely. They also work well as side tables in living rooms, hallway storage units, or compact furniture for guest rooms and home offices.