The humble bedside table is one of the most functional pieces of furniture in any bedroom. It’s the final resting place for your book, a perch for your morning cuppa and the charging hub for your phone. Yet, in many modern UK homes and flats where space is a premium, finding one that is both stylish and practical can be a challenge.
This guide is designed to help you choose a bedside table that fits your space, meets your needs and complements your decor. We'll walk through key considerations and share some of our top recommendations that balance modern design with everyday utility.
Before you start browsing, a little planning can ensure you find the right fit. Here are a few practical points to consider.
The most important step is to measure the available space next to your bed. Note the width, depth and height. A good rule of thumb is to choose a table that is roughly level with the top of your mattress, making it easy to reach for your alarm or a glass of water. If you're short on floor space, a narrow bedside table or a slim end table that utilises vertical storage can be an excellent solution.
Think about what you need to keep close at hand. Do you just need a surface for a lamp and your phone? A simple round end table might suffice. If you want to keep clutter out of sight, a side table with storage is essential. A bedside table with drawers is perfect for tucking away personal items, books and chargers, helping you maintain a tidy and calming bedroom environment.
In our connected world, a nightstand with charging station is becoming less of a luxury and more of a necessity. Models with built-in power sockets and USB ports eliminate the need for messy extension leads and keep your devices powered up and within arm's reach. This is a particularly useful feature for a modern nightstand, blending technology seamlessly into the furniture's design.
Here are a few standout options that cater to different needs and spaces, from compact living rooms to master bedrooms.
Why It Stands Out: This table combines a minimalist aesthetic with a clever storage solution. The removable fabric basket offers a soft, accessible place to store magazines, a small throw or other items, while the round top provides a stable surface for drinks and essentials. Its versatility means it works just as well as an end table for living room use.
Pros:
Who is it for?: Ideal for those who appreciate a clean, modern look and need flexible, open storage. It's a great small side table for flats, dorm rooms or any corner that needs a touch of style and function.
View the Ochama Round End Table
Why It Stands Out: This is the ultimate nightstand with charging station for the modern bedroom. The built-in power strip, featuring 2 AC outlets and 2 USB ports, means you can say goodbye to tangled cables. Three spacious drawers with sleek, bevelled fronts provide ample hidden storage, keeping your bedside neat and organised.
Pros:
Who is it for?: Perfect for the tech-savvy user who wants to keep multiple devices charged overnight. It’s also a great choice for anyone needing significant bedside storage to maintain a clutter-free space.
Explore the Ochama Nightstand with Charging Station
Why It Stands Out: This set of 2 bedside tables offers exceptional value and a smart solution for tight spaces. The slim end table profile is designed to fit into narrow gaps, while the combination of two drawers and an open compartment provides a surprising amount of storage. The open shelf can even be assembled to face left or right for customisation.
Pros:
Who is it for?: An ideal choice for couples wanting matching tables or for anyone needing a functional table for a very tight space. The combination of drawers and a shelf makes it highly practical.
Discover the Ochama Set of 2 Narrow Side Tables
Style is personal, and we understand that these selections might not be the perfect match for every home. If you're looking for different finishes, materials or designs, there are many other options to explore.
For a wider selection, browse our full collection of black wood bedroom furniture to find the piece that completes your space.
A good height for a bedside table is one that is level with or slightly taller than the surface of your mattress. This typically falls between 50 cm and 65 cm. This height makes it comfortable to reach for items from your bed without straining.
Absolutely. The terms "end table" and "bedside table" are often used interchangeably. The key is to focus on function and proportion. As long as an end table for living room use fits the height and space requirements of your bedroom, it can serve perfectly well as a bedside table.
For a small room, focus on pieces that maximise storage without taking up a large footprint. Look for a narrow bedside table or a small side table with a tall, vertical design. Models with drawers and shelves are more efficient than those with just a tabletop. Choosing a table with a lighter colour or reflective surfaces can also help make the space feel larger.