Choosing Your Perfect Bedside Table: Our Top Recommendations

A bedside table is one of the most personal pieces of furniture in a home. It’s more than just a surface for a lamp and an alarm clock; it’s the keeper of your night-time essentials, from your current book to a glass of water. Finding the right one involves balancing style, size and storage, which can be a challenge. Many of us are drawn to specific aesthetics like the raw appeal of an industrial look or the warm comfort of rustic design, but we also need practical solutions that don’t clutter our precious bedroom space.

This guide is designed to help you navigate the options. We’ll walk through key considerations for choosing a bedside table and present a few of our top recommendations that blend popular styles with everyday functionality.

How to Choose the Right Bedside Table

Before you start browsing, a little planning can ensure you find a piece that fits your room and your routine perfectly. Here are a few practical points to consider.

1. Get the Proportions Right

The most common mistake is choosing a table that’s the wrong height. A bedside table should ideally be level with, or just a few centimetres below, the top of your mattress. This makes it comfortable to reach for items without straining. In the UK, this typically means a height between 50cm and 65cm. Also, measure the width and depth you have available, ensuring there’s enough space to open drawers or doors without obstruction. If your room is particularly compact, a small bedside cabinet might be the most suitable choice.

2. Balance Style with Storage Needs

Your bedside table should complement your bedroom’s decor while serving its purpose.

• Industrial & Rustic Styles: An industrial bedside table often features a wood and metal side table design, combining materials like particleboard with a dark wood effect and a black metal frame. This creates a clean, sturdy and functional look. A rustic bedside table might lean more heavily on natural wood tones and textures for a warmer, more lived-in feel.
• Storage Solutions: Think about what you need to store. If you prefer a tidy, minimalist surface, a side table with drawers is essential for hiding away chargers, notebooks and other clutter. If you like to keep books or decorative items on show, a model with an open shelf could be a better fit.

3. Consider Materials and Assembly

Many contemporary bedside tables are constructed from durable particleboard and metal, offering a stylish look at an accessible price point. These materials are easy to clean and maintain. Most of these pieces require self-assembly, so it’s worth checking that clear instructions are provided. A well-built frame and quality fittings are key to ensuring the unit remains stable and durable over time.

Our Bedside Table Recommendations

Here are a few standout options that cater to different tastes and storage requirements, with a focus on the popular industrial and rustic aesthetics.

HOMCOM Bedside Table with 2 Drawers, Industrial Style

Why It Stands Out: This HOMCOM model offers a fresh take on the industrial look with its two-tone rustic brown wood-effect and matte black metal frame. Its key advantage is the generous and varied storage, combining two drawers with an open shelf, providing a place for everything.

The structure is particularly robust, with a metal frame supporting a particleboard body. A notable feature is the adjustable feet, which allow you to keep the table perfectly level and stable, even on slightly uneven floors. With a total weight capacity of 80kg, it’s built to be a reliable part of your bedroom for years to come.

• Pros:
  • Excellent mixed storage with two drawers and an open shelf.
  • Strong metal frame and high weight capacity.
  • Adjustable feet for enhanced stability.
  • Striking two-tone industrial design.
• Who is it for?: This is an ideal choice for anyone who needs maximum storage from their nightstand and appreciates a modern, refined industrial aesthetic.

Vida Designs Brooklyn 1 Drawer Bedside Table, Rustic

Why It Stands Out: The Brooklyn bedside table from Vida Designs embodies the classic rustic bedside table style with an industrial twist. Its simple, clean lines and combination of an industrial-finish particleboard with an iron frame make it a versatile piece that can fit into many decor schemes.

The design is practical and uncluttered, featuring one drawer for private items and a spacious open shelf below, perfect for stacking books or placing a decorative basket. Its straightforward construction makes for a relatively simple self-assembly process.

• Pros:
  • Classic industrial-rustic aesthetic.
  • Balanced storage with one drawer and one open shelf.
  • Durable iron and particleboard construction.
  • Versatile design that complements various interiors.
• Who is it for?: Someone looking for a functional, no-fuss wood and metal side table that offers a good balance of concealed and open storage without overwhelming the space.

Interiors by Premier Sherman 1 Drawer Bedside Table, White/Rattan

Why It Stands Out: For those who prefer a lighter, airier feel, the Sherman bedside table is an excellent alternative. It moves away from dark industrial tones, blending a clean white wood finish with a natural rattan drawer front. This combination introduces texture and warmth, suiting bohemian, coastal or modern rustic bedrooms.

Standing slightly taller at H60 x L40 x W50cm, it’s a great fit for higher beds or divans. The single drawer provides discreet storage, while the open shelf below is perfect for keeping your favourite reads within arm's reach. Its lightweight construction also makes it easy to move and position.

• Pros:
  • Unique design with a stylish rattan drawer panel.
  • Bright, versatile aesthetic suits multiple decor styles.
  • Taller profile is ideal for higher beds.
  • Lightweight and easy to maintain.
• Who is it for?: This table is perfect for individuals wanting to create a bright and calming bedroom atmosphere. It’s for those who value texture and a decorative touch in their functional furniture.

Looking to Complete the Look?

A great bedside table is the perfect partner for a stylish bed. If you're updating your whole bedroom and love the warm, natural aesthetic, why not explore our collection of rustic beds to find a frame that complements your new furniture?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ideal height for a bedside table?

The top of your bedside table should be roughly level with the top of your mattress. This generally falls between 50cm and 65cm from the floor. This height ensures you can comfortably reach for items like your phone or a glass of water without having to sit up or stretch awkwardly.

What is the difference between a bedside table and a nightstand?

In the UK, the terms are used almost interchangeably. Both refer to a small table or cabinet designed to be placed next to a bed. The term nightstand is more common in American English, but functionally, there is no real difference. Both can come with drawers, shelves or a combination of the two.

How much storage do I need in a bedside table?

This depends entirely on your personal habits. Take a look at what’s currently on or around your bedside. If it’s cluttered with chargers, creams and other small items you’d rather not have on display, a model with one or more drawers is your best option. If you only keep a lamp, a book and your phone by your bed, a simpler design with an open shelf might be all you need.