A bedroom should be a sanctuary, a place of calm and order. Yet, the small space next to the bed often becomes a magnet for clutter—books, charging cables, glasses and half-empty mugs. A well-chosen bedside table is more than just furniture; it is a crucial component for maintaining a tidy and functional space, all while complementing your personal style.
As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my role is to help you find practical solutions that fit your home and lifestyle. This guide cuts through the clutter, offering clear advice and highlighting a few standout options to help you select the perfect nightstand for your needs.
Before you start browsing, considering a few key factors will ensure you find a piece that is both beautiful and practical.
The height and size of your bedside table are critical for both aesthetics and usability. A table that is too tall or too short can look awkward and be difficult to use. As a general rule, aim for a nightstand that is roughly level with the top of your mattress. This makes it easy to reach for a glass of water or turn off your alarm. Also, consider the footprint. If you have limited space, a small side table with a compact design will prevent the room from feeling cramped.
Think about what you need to store. Do you prefer to keep items tucked away out of sight, or do you like having books and decorative pieces on display? A side table with drawers, such as a 2 drawer bedside table, is excellent for concealing clutter and keeping surfaces clear. Models with open shelving offer easy access and a place to display your favourite items. Some designs offer a combination of both, providing a versatile storage solution.
The material and style of your bedside table should harmonise with your existing decor. For a raw, urban aesthetic, an industrial side table featuring metal frames and rustic wood finishes is a strong choice. If you favour a retro look, a mid century modern nightstand with tapered legs and clean lines will fit perfectly. For more traditional or country-style homes, a classic oak bedside table offers timeless appeal and durability. A grey bedside table is a highly versatile option that can blend seamlessly into contemporary, minimalist or classic interiors.
Here are a few recommendations that balance style, function and build quality, catering to different tastes and requirements.
Why It Stands Out: This piece captures the essence of mid century modern nightstand design with its clean lines, splayed wooden legs and minimalist aesthetic. The striking contrast between the natural wood frame and the grey and white drawers creates a sophisticated focal point. Its handle-free design, featuring simple cut-outs, enhances its sleek profile while remaining practical.
Pros:
Who is it for? This table is perfect for individuals who appreciate retro-inspired design and need a compact, stylish storage solution for a modern bedroom or living room.
Why It Stands Out: This HOMCOM table makes a bold statement with its industrial side table styling. The combination of a rustic brown wood-effect finish and a matte black metal frame creates a look that is both rugged and refined. It offers excellent versatility with its mixed storage—two drawers for private items and an open shelf for easy-access essentials or display.
Pros:
Who is it for? Ideal for those who favour industrial or rustic decor and appreciate furniture that provides flexible storage options. Its robust build makes it a practical choice for busy households.
Why It Stands Out: The Windermere bedside table offers a timeless, classic look with its contrasting oyster grey painted base and natural oak bedside table top. It is the most storage-heavy option on our list, featuring three spacious drawers perfect for anyone needing to maximise their bedside organisation. The traditional silver-finish cup handles add a touch of elegance.
Pros:
Who is it for? This is an excellent choice for someone who prioritises storage capacity and prefers a traditional, sturdy piece of furniture that will stand the test of time.
If the styles above are not quite what you are looking for, there is a wide world of bedside tables to explore. Different colours, materials and configurations can dramatically change the feel of your room. For a particularly popular and versatile choice that complements many different decor schemes, explore our full collection of grey wood bedside tables to find the perfect match for your space.
The ideal height for a bedside table is one that is level with or just a few centimetres below the top of your mattress. This typically falls in the range of 50-65 cm. This height ensures you can comfortably reach items on the table without straining.
Absolutely. The terms end table, side table and nightstand are often used interchangeably. The primary difference is their intended placement. As long as the dimensions, particularly the height and storage features suit your bedroom's needs, an end table can serve perfectly well as a nightstand.
Your choice depends on your organisational style and what you plan to store. Drawers are ideal for concealing clutter, personal items and anything you prefer to keep out of sight. Open shelves are better suited for displaying books, decorative objects or items you need to grab quickly, like your phone or a book. Some of the most functional designs offer a combination of both.