Choosing Your Perfect Bedside Table: Our Top Recommendations

A bedroom feels incomplete without a functional surface next to the bed. A good bedside table holds your evening essentials—a lamp, a book, a glass of water—and helps keep your personal space organised and calm. But with so many options, finding the right one that fits your room, style and budget can be a challenge.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my role is to help you navigate the choices. This guide offers practical advice on what to look for in a bedside cabinet or nightstand and presents a selection of popular options to help you make an informed decision for your home.

How to Choose the Right Bedside Table

Before you start browsing, considering a few key factors will ensure you find a piece that is both practical and stylish.

1. Measure Your Space and Scale

The most important factor is size. A bedside table that is too tall or too short can look awkward and be impractical to use. A good rule of thumb is to choose a nightstand that is roughly level with the top of your mattress, or no more than 5-10 cm taller or shorter. Also, measure the width of the space you have available to ensure a comfortable fit, especially if you need a small bedside table for a compact room.

2. Assess Your Storage Needs

Consider what you need to store. Do you prefer a minimalist surface or do you need to hide away clutter?

• Drawers: A side table with drawers is ideal for tucking away items like chargers, notebooks and personal effects, keeping the tabletop clear.
• Shelves: An open shelf offers easy access to books or decorative items and can make a small room feel more open.
• Cabinets: A bedside cabinet with a door provides concealed storage, perfect for larger or less sightly items.

3. Match Material and Style

The material dictates the table's look, durability and feel. A solid wood bedside table, such as one made from pine or with an oak bedside table finish, brings warmth and a traditional feel. For a more contemporary look, a modern bedside table in a neutral finish like a grey bedside table or a crisp white bedside table can blend seamlessly with your existing décor.

Our Recommended Products

Here are a few recommendations that balance style, function and value, catering to different needs and tastes across the UK.

Vida Designs Bedside Table Arlington 2 Drawers White/Oak Effect

Why It Stands Out: The Arlington model combines a timeless Shaker-inspired design with practical features. Its two-tone white and oak-effect finish offers a neutral palette that complements a wide range of bedroom interiors, from classic to contemporary.

• Pros:
  • Two spacious drawers provide ample bedside storage.
  • Classic, clean-lined design that won't quickly go out of style.
  • Constructed from durable particleboard with traditional knob handles.
• Who is it for?: This is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a functional and versatile bedside cabinet with a traditional touch. It’s particularly suited for master or guest bedrooms where classic style and good storage are priorities.

Vida Designs Bedside Table Trega 1 Drawer Grey

Why It Stands Out: The Trega nightstand is a smart solution for modern living. It features a combination of a smooth-gliding drawer and an open shelf, offering both concealed and accessible storage. Its compact footprint and sleek grey finish make it a popular choice for contemporary spaces.

• Pros:
  • Space-saving design ideal for smaller rooms, flats or student accommodation.
  • Hybrid storage with one drawer and one open shelf.
  • The grey bedside table finish is modern and easy to coordinate.
• Who is it for?: Perfect for those living in compact spaces who need a stylish, functional small bedside table that doesn't compromise on storage. Its modern aesthetic appeals to students and renters.

Ochama Side Table, Round End Table with Fabric Basket

Why It Stands Out: This Ochama side table breaks from the traditional cabinet form. Its minimalist round top, steel legs and integrated fabric basket create a light, airy feel. It’s a stylish and unconventional choice that doubles as a decorative accent.

• Pros:
  • Very simple structure allows for assembly in under 10 minutes.
  • Unique fabric basket provides soft, accessible storage for books or throws.
  • Adjustable feet ensure stability on uneven floors.
• Who is it for?: This is for someone who prioritises modern style and minimalist function over extensive concealed storage. It works beautifully in living rooms as an end table or as a modern bedside table in a contemporary bedroom.

Vida Designs Bedside Table Panama Solid Pine 3 Drawers

Why It Stands Out: For those who value longevity and classic materials, the Panama bedside table is an excellent option. Made from solid pine with a warm oak-effect stain, this piece is built to last. With three deep drawers, it offers substantial bedside storage.

• Pros:
  • Durable solid wood bedside table construction.
  • Three generous drawers provide maximum storage capacity.
  • The natural wood grain and warm stain add character and a rustic charm.
• Who is it for?: Homeowners looking for a sturdy, long-term furniture investment. Its timeless design and ample storage make it a practical and attractive addition to any traditional or rustic-themed bedroom.

Looking for Something Different?

If our recommendations aren't quite what you're looking for or if you're interested in exploring more unique and contemporary styles, why not browse our wider collection? Discover more options in our curated selection of designer side tables to find the perfect match for your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the right height for a bedside table?

The ideal height for a bedside table is generally level with the surface of your mattress, or within a few centimetres above or below it. This typically falls between 60 and 70 cm for most UK beds. This height makes it easy to reach for items from your bed without straining.

Do my bedside tables have to match?

Not at all. While matching tables create a symmetrical, traditional look, using two different but complementary nightstands can add personality and visual interest to a room. To maintain a sense of balance, try to select tables that are of a similar height and have a similar visual weight or colour palette.

What should I keep in a bedside table?

The top surface is best reserved for immediate essentials: a lamp, your phone and perhaps a book or glass of water. Use the drawers or shelves for items you want nearby but out of sight, such as charging cables, hand cream, medication or journals. This helps keep your sleeping area tidy and free of clutter.