A bedside table is more than just a place to put your lamp and alarm clock. It’s a crucial piece of furniture that frames your bed, provides essential storage and completes the look of your personal sanctuary. Yet, finding the right one can be a challenge. You need to balance style with function and size with the available space in your room.
As the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my role is to help you navigate these choices. This guide offers practical advice and highlights a few standout options to help you find a bedside table that truly fits your home and lifestyle, without the marketing fluff.
Before you start browsing, considering a few key factors will ensure you make a choice you’ll be happy with for years to come.
The most common mistake is choosing a table that is out of proportion with the bed and the room. A good rule of thumb is to select a bedside table that is roughly the same height as the top of your mattress, or no more than 5-10 cm taller. This makes it easy to reach for a glass of water or your phone in the middle of the night. For smaller UK homes and flats, a narrow bedside table can be a smart solution, offering storage without consuming valuable floor space. Remember to measure the available width and depth, leaving enough clearance for drawers or doors to open without obstruction.
Think about what you need to store. Are you a minimalist who only needs a surface for a book and a lamp? A simple small side table with an open shelf might suffice. If you prefer to keep clutter out of sight, a bedside table with drawers is essential for stowing away charging cables, hand cream and other personal items. Consider a combination of open and closed storage to display decorative items while hiding everyday necessities.
Today’s furniture often does more than just look good. A modern bedside table can come equipped with features that simplify your life. A bedside table with charging station, for instance, integrates USB ports and AC sockets directly into the unit. This eliminates the need for messy extension cords and keeps your devices powered up and within reach. Some models even include built-in LED lighting, which can serve as a reading lamp or provide soft ambient light.
Here are a few recommendations that cater to different needs, styles and spaces.
Why It Stands Out: This table combines classic design with practical storage. Its soft truffle paint finish and rustic pine construction offer a timeless look that complements both traditional and contemporary bedroom decor. It arrives fully assembled, saving you time and effort.
Pros:
Who is it for? This is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a sturdy, traditionally styled side table for bedroom use that offers a balance of concealed and open storage.
View the Provence Side Table on Joybuy.co.uk
Why It Stands Out: This set of 2 bedside tables is specifically designed for modern living where space is at a premium. The slim, vertical profile maximises storage without a large footprint, making it ideal for compact bedrooms.
Pros:
Who is it for? Perfect for those living in smaller flats or homes who need a functional and stylish storage solution that won't overwhelm the room. The clean, white bedside table design is versatile for any modern interior.
Explore the Ochama Slim Bedside Tables on Joybuy.co.uk
Why It Stands Out: This set redefines what a modern bedside table can be. It integrates a charging station, customisable LED lighting and generous storage into one sleek package, making it a hub of functionality for the contemporary bedroom.
Pros:
Who is it for? This set is ideal for the tech-savvy individual or anyone looking to maximise convenience and storage. It’s a complete bedside solution that combines the functions of a table, charger and lamp.
Discover the HaluPeit Charging Bedside Tables on Joybuy.co.uk
While these picks cover a range of needs, your perfect match might be something else entirely. If you are curating a bright, cohesive look and favour clean lines, a white bedside table is a versatile choice that can also work beautifully as an end table in a living room.
To see more options that fit this aesthetic, feel free to browse our broader collection.
Explore Our Full Range of White Living Room Furniture
The top of your bedside table should be level with or slightly above the top of your mattress (typically 5-10 cm higher). This ensures you can comfortably reach for items without straining.
Yes, absolutely. The terms bedside table, side table for bedroom and end table are often used interchangeably. The most important factor is that the table's dimensions, style and features are suitable for your bedroom space and personal needs.
Leaving a small gap of around 5-8 cm is usually best. This prevents the furniture from looking cramped while keeping everything within easy arm's reach. It's also important to ensure there is enough clearance to open any drawers or cabinet doors fully.