A bedside table is more than just a place to put your phone and a glass of water. It’s a key piece of furniture that completes your bedroom's look, provides essential storage and keeps your nighttime necessities within easy reach. But with so many styles, sizes and configurations available, finding the right one can feel overwhelming.
This guide is designed to simplify your search. We will walk you through the key considerations for choosing a bedside cabinet and present a few of our top recommendations that balance style, function and value.
How to Choose the Right Bedside Table for Your Space
Before you start browsing, a little planning goes a long way. Keep these three points in mind to help narrow down your options and find a nightstand that fits your room and your lifestyle perfectly.
1. Measure Your Space and Consider Scale
The first step is to measure the available space next to your bed. A common guideline is to choose a bedside table that is roughly the same height as the top of your mattress, or a few centimetres shorter. This makes it easy to reach for items without straining. Also, consider the width. If you have a small bedroom, a compact small side table might be the ideal solution to avoid a cramped feel, whereas a larger room can accommodate a more substantial piece.
2. Decide on Your Storage Needs
Think about what you need to store. Do you prefer a clean, minimalist surface, or do you need to hide away clutter like books, chargers and lotions?
- Open Shelving: A simple table with a lower shelf offers a light, airy look and is great for displaying a few curated items like books or a small plant.
- Drawers: A bedside table with drawers is excellent for tucking away personal items, keeping your space tidy and organised. A single drawer offers a balance of open and closed storage, while a two-drawer bedside cabinet provides maximum capacity for those who need it.
3. Match Your Bedroom's Aesthetic
Your bedside table should complement your existing decor. Whether your style is contemporary, traditional or something in between, there’s a material and finish to match. A white bedside table can brighten a room and fits well with classic or Scandinavian designs. For a more urban or rustic feel, an industrial bedside table combining wood and metal is a popular choice. An oak effect bedside table brings warmth and a touch of nature, suiting many different interior styles.
Our Top Bedside Table Recommendations
Here are a few options that stand out for their design, practicality and versatility.
1. Vida Designs Arlington 1 Drawer Bedside Table (White/Oak Effect)
- Why It Stands Out: The Arlington 1-Drawer table offers a balanced design that is both timeless and functional. The combination of a crisp white frame and an oak effect bedside table top creates a versatile two-tone look that can blend into various decor schemes, from modern country to classic contemporary.
- Pros:
- Balanced Storage: Features one drawer for private items and a lower shelf for books or decor.
- Versatile Style: The neutral colour palette and clean lines make it highly adaptable.
- Practical Dimensions: At H55 x W45 x D40 cm, it’s a well-proportioned fit for most bedrooms.
- Who is it for? This is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a classic, reliable bedside table that offers a mix of concealed and open storage. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate a bright, clean aesthetic with a touch of warmth.
2. Vida Designs Brooklyn 1 Drawer Bedside Table (Rustic Brown)
- Why It Stands Out: This industrial bedside table makes a statement with its blend of a rustic brown finish and a sturdy black iron frame. The Brooklyn model brings a touch of urban loft style to the bedroom, offering a design that is both rugged and refined.
- Pros:
- Durable Construction: Made from a combination of iron and particleboard for stability and long-lasting use.
- Modern Industrial Aesthetic: The mix of materials provides a strong visual contrast that defines the industrial look.
- Functional Design: Includes a drawer and a lower shelf, with a generous tabletop weight capacity of 15kg.
- Who is it for? Ideal for those looking to create a modern bedside table with an edge. If your bedroom features exposed brick, metal accents or a minimalist colour scheme, the Brooklyn will fit right in.
3. Vida Designs Arlington 2 Drawer Bedside Table (White/Oak Effect)
- Why It Stands Out: For those who prioritise storage, the Arlington 2-Drawer model is a standout. It takes the same classic Shaker-inspired design as its one-drawer counterpart and doubles the concealed storage. This bedside table with drawers is perfect for maintaining a clutter-free environment.
- Pros:
- Ample Storage: Two spacious drawers provide plenty of room for all your bedside essentials.
- Timeless Shaker Style: The clean lines, simple knob handles and neutral finish ensure it won't go out of style.
- Sturdy and Practical: Offers a solid tabletop with a 10kg weight capacity, ideal for a lamp, alarm clock and more.
- Who is it for? This is the perfect nightstand for anyone who needs to maximise storage in their bedroom. If you find your current bedside table is constantly overflowing, the two-drawer design will help you keep everything neatly organised and out of sight.
Looking for a Different Style?
If the options above aren't quite the right fit, your perfect piece might be waiting in another collection. For those who love a blend of rustic charm and clean, contemporary lines, why not explore our range of modern farmhouse bedroom furniture?
Explore More Bedroom Furniture Styles
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good height for a bedside table?
A good rule of thumb is to choose a bedside table that is level with the top of your mattress or slightly lower (within 5-10 cm). This ensures you can comfortably reach for items from your bed without having to sit up or stretch awkwardly.
How do I choose a bedside table to match my bed?
You can either match or contrast. For a cohesive look, choose a bedside table from the same furniture range as your bed frame or one with a similar finish and colour. For a more eclectic, designer-led look, choose a table that contrasts in material or colour. For example, pairing a metal bedside table with a wooden bed frame can create an interesting visual dynamic.
What is the difference between a nightstand and a bedside table?
In the UK, the terms nightstand and bedside table are used 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 its meaning is understood and used here as well.
