Finding Your Perfect Bedside Table: Our Top Recommendations

A bedside table is one of the most personal pieces of furniture in a home. It’s the first thing you reach for in the morning and the last surface you use at night. But finding the right one can be a challenge. It needs to be the correct height, offer the right kind of storage and complement your bedroom's style without overwhelming the space.

This guide is designed to help you navigate the options. As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my role is to filter through the choices and present practical advice, helping you find a bedside table that is not just stylish, but genuinely functional for your daily life. We will look at key features to consider and highlight a few standout options that cater to different needs and tastes.

How to Choose the Right Bedside Table for Your Bedroom

Before you start browsing, a little planning can ensure you select a piece that you'll be happy with for years to come. Here are a few key points to consider.

1. Measure Your Space and Consider Scale

The most common mistake is choosing a nightstand that is the wrong size. A table that is too high or too low is awkward to use, while one that's too large can make a room feel cramped.

• Height: Aim for a bedside table that is roughly level with the top of your mattress, or no more than 5-10 cm higher. This makes it easy to reach for your alarm, a glass of water or a book.
• Width: Consider the size of your bed and the available space. A large bed can handle a wider table, but for a double bed in a typical UK bedroom, a small bedside table often creates a better sense of balance. Leave at least a few centimetres of space between the table and your bed.

2. Prioritise Functionality and Storage

Think about what you need to keep close at hand. Your answer will determine the best type of side table for bedroom use.

• Drawers vs. Shelves: A bedside table with drawers is excellent for tucking away clutter like charging cables, hand cream and medication, keeping the tabletop clear. Open-shelf designs are great for displaying books or decorative items but offer less concealed storage.
• Modern Features: Technology has found its way into furniture. A bedside table with charging station is becoming increasingly popular, offering built-in USB ports and sockets to power your devices without a tangle of extension leads.

3. Match Your Material and Style

The material and finish of your bedside table play a huge role in the overall feel of your room.

• Wood: A classic oak bedside table brings warmth and traditional character to a space. It's durable and timeless.
• Painted Finishes: A white bedside table can create a bright, clean and airy feel, fitting well with minimalist or Scandinavian decor. A grey bedside table is a versatile neutral that complements a wide range of colour schemes, from modern to classic.
• Mixed Materials: A modern bedside table might combine wood, metal and even fabric for a contemporary look.

Recommended Bedside Tables

Based on design, functionality and user needs, here are a few recommendations from our current collection.

Ochama Round End Table with Fabric Basket

• Why It Stands Out: This table’s strength lies in its simplicity and clever use of space. The minimalist round top and U-shaped steel legs create an open, airy feel, while the integrated fabric basket offers a soft, accessible storage solution for books, tablets or a throw blanket. It’s a refreshing alternative to a traditional blocky nightstand.
• Pros:
  • Space-Saving Design: Its compact 45 cm diameter makes it ideal for smaller rooms or tight spaces next to the bed.
  • Lightweight but Sturdy: The particleboard top and steel legs provide a stable surface capable of holding up to 35 kg, with adjustable feet to prevent wobbling on uneven floors.
  • Unique Storage: The double-layer polyester fabric basket is a stylish and practical feature for items you want to keep handy but out of sight.
  • Quick Assembly: The simple structure allows for assembly in around 10 minutes.
• Who is it for?: This is a great choice for those with a modern or minimalist aesthetic, renters in smaller flats or anyone who prefers soft, open storage over traditional drawers.

HaluPeit Bedside Table with Charging Station and LED

• Why It Stands Out: This white bedside table is built for the modern, connected lifestyle. It seamlessly integrates technology with a sleek design, featuring a built-in charging hub and customisable ambient lighting. The ergonomic angle of the charging panel is a thoughtful touch that makes plugging in devices effortless.
• Pros:
  • High-Efficiency Charging: Equipped with 2 AC sockets and 2 high-speed USB ports, it can power multiple devices simultaneously.
  • Ambient Lighting: The integrated RGB light strip offers 25 colours and adjustable brightness, controlled by a remote to set the mood for reading, relaxing or waking up.
  • Ample Storage: Three spacious drawers provide partitioned storage to keep everything from electronics to personal items organised.
  • Minimalist Design: The clean lines, matte white finish and concealed handles create a sophisticated and uncluttered look.
• Who is it for?: Ideal for tech-savvy users, people who work from home or anyone looking to minimise cable clutter and add a functional, modern statement piece to their bedroom.

Windermere Bedside Table with 3 Drawers

• Why It Stands Out: This piece combines classic style with substantial storage. The two-tone finish, featuring an oyster grey painted base and a natural oak bedside table top, offers a timeless look that suits both traditional and contemporary country-style homes. It arrives fully assembled, ready to use straight out of the box.
• Pros:
  • Generous Storage: Three full-sized drawers offer extensive space to keep your bedside area tidy.
  • Durable Construction: Built with a solid, chunky frame and a thick, naturally oiled oak top, this table is made to last.
  • Classic Details: The contrasting two-tone finish and traditional silver-finish cup handles add a touch of elegance.
  • No Assembly Required: A significant convenience, as the item is delivered fully assembled.
• Who is it for?: Perfect for those who need a bedside table with drawers for maximum storage, appreciate traditional craftsmanship and want a sturdy, long-lasting piece of furniture.

Looking for More Options?

These three recommendations cover a range of styles, from a modern end table to a tech-integrated hub. However, the perfect piece of furniture is a personal choice. If you're still exploring different materials, sizes or designs, you can browse our complete collection to find the right fit for your home.

Explore our full range of bedroom nightstands here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ideal height for a bedside table?

As a general rule, the top surface of your bedside table should be about the same height as the top of your mattress. A range from 5 cm below to 10 cm above your mattress height is usually comfortable and practical for reaching items while you are in bed.

How much storage do I need in a nightstand?

This depends entirely on your personal habits. If you prefer a minimalist approach and only need a surface for a lamp and your phone, an open-shelf design or a simple end table may be sufficient. However, if you like to store books, charging cables, glasses and other personal items out of sight, a bedside table with drawers is a much more practical solution for maintaining a tidy space.

Can a side table be used as a bedside table?

Absolutely. The terms nightstand, bedside table and side table for bedroom are often used interchangeably. Any small table can function as a bedside table, as long as its height and scale are appropriate for your bed and it meets your needs for surface space and storage. The key is to choose a piece that is both functional and fits your room's aesthetic.