A bedside table might seem like a small detail in the grand scheme of bedroom styling, but trust us - this humble piece of furniture is doing a LOT of heavy lifting.
Because your bedside table is where practicality meets personality. It’s home to your table lamp, your book, your glass of water and approximately 14 creams that promise you'll wake up looking five years younger. It’s also one of the easiest ways to add style, balance and functionality to your bedroom without redesigning the entire space.
So, what is the perfect size for a bedside table? And what should you actually be looking for before you 'add to basket'? Let’s get into it.
Why Have A Bedside Table?
Technically, you don't need a bedside table. You could survive without one. But here's the thing: the right bedside table is a gamechanger, and who wants books and empty mugs all over the floor anyway? Are we 14 again?
A bedside table creates structure around the bed and helps anchor the room visually. Without one, the bed can feel a little bit like it’s floating awkwardly in space, which is what makes a bedside table so much more than 'just' a bedroom furniture sidekick.
Functionally, it’s also your designated home for all your bedtime essentials. We're talking lamps, books, chargers, candles, jewellery, hand cream, emergency snacks… you get the idea. From a styling perspective, bedside tables are prime real estate, and here's why.
They’re one of the best places in the bedroom to inject personality, whether it's through bold lighting, a quirky accessory or beautifully-framed photo. Whatever you choose, ensure it sparks joy every time you walk into the room. After all, your bedroom deserves to be as extraordinary as you are.
In short: bedside tables may be small but they're also mighty. We fully believe in their potential to become a forever piece.
Choose once; love forever.
Drawers Or No Drawers?
Divides the room, this one.
If you’re someone who likes a calm, clutter-free bedroom, drawers are your best friend. They’re perfect for hiding away cables, notebooks, receipts, and all the other bits that somehow migrate to your bedside over time. A drawer instantly makes a room feel tidier, even if the inside resembles pure chaos. Which, honestly, is between you and the drawer.
Open bedside tables, meanwhile, create a lighter and more relaxed look. Shelving can make a smaller room feel more spacious and gives you the opportunity to style books, candles or baskets beautifully.
Want the best of both worlds? Go for a bedside table with a drawer and a shelf underneath. Organised up top. Controlled chaos below. Something for everyone.
Styles Of Bedside Tables
Your bedside table should complement your bedroom style, but that doesn’t mean it has to match everything perfectly.
In fact, slightly unexpected choices often look the most interesting.
Love a maximalist look? Choose bold colours, ornate detailing or vintage-inspired pieces packed with personality.
Prefer a more minimalist bedroom? Opt for sleek silhouettes, clean lines and neutral finishes that create a calm, pared-back feel.
Industrial metal bedside tables add edge and drama, while wooden designs bring warmth and texture. Mirrored bedside tables bounce light around beautifully and instantly dial up the glamour levels. And for smaller spaces, wall-mounted bedside shelves are the interiors equivalent of a tiny-but-mighty icon.
Basically: there are no rules, except maybe one. Do what you love, and it will always work out.
What Should Your Bedside Table Be Made Of?
Material matters more than you might think because it affects both the look and practicality of the piece.
Wooden bedside tables are timeless for a reason. They bring warmth, texture and versatility to almost any bedroom style, from rustic to contemporary.
Metal bedside tables feel cooler and more industrial, making them ideal for modern interiors or loft-style spaces.
Glass or mirrored bedside tables are brilliant for smaller bedrooms because they reflect light and create the illusion of more space. Plus, they bring a touch of boutique-hotel energy to your room, which we are FULLY on board with.
Marble or stone finishes feel luxurious and elevated, while painted finishes can add a playful pop of colour or personality.
Ultimately, the best material is the one that works with your lifestyle. If you regularly balance coffee cups, skincare and your phone charger on your bedside table simultaneously, durability is probably key.
What’s The Perfect Size For A Bedside Table?
Good question, this. The golden rule? Your bedside table should sit roughly level with the top of your mattress.
If it's too low, you’ll be blindly reaching down into the abyss every night trying to find your water glass. Too high, and the proportions can feel awkward and bulky beside the bed.
As a general guide, most bedside tables sit between 50-70cm high, but always measure your mattress height before buying.
Width-wise, it depends on your room size and how much storage you need. Smaller bedrooms may only have space for compact tables around 30-40cm wide, while larger bedrooms can handle more generous statement pieces.
And remember: scale matters. An enormous bedside table next to a tiny bed can look overwhelming, while a titchy table beside a king-size bed can feel visually lost.
The key is balance.
What Should I Style On My Bedside Table?
This is where the fun begins.
A bedside table should feel practical and personal. Start with the essentials: a lamp for mood lighting, and somewhere to place your cup of tea or coffee.
From there, layer in personality.
Stack a few beautiful books, a scented candle for ambience and a trinket tray for jewellery. If you have room, a bud vase for small bouquet of flowers, or a quirky ornament that makes you smile is a pretty addition.
And finally? Leave a little empty space. The trick is balancing function with style, and sometimes the chicest styling choice is simply giving your beautiful pieces room to breathe.
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