A bedside table is more than just a place to put your phone and a glass of water. It’s a crucial piece of bedroom furniture that frames your bed, provides essential storage and completes the look of your personal sanctuary. But with so many options available, finding the right one—especially for modern UK homes where space can be at a premium—can be a challenge.
As the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my role is to help you find practical and stylish solutions that fit your home and lifestyle. This guide will walk you through what to consider when choosing a bedside table and highlight a few standout options that balance form, function and value.
Before you start browsing, a little planning can ensure you find a piece that you’ll be happy with for years to come. Here are a few key points to consider.
The most common mistake is choosing a table that is too large or too small for the bed and the room. For a comfortable reach, the top of your bedside table should be roughly level with the top of your mattress. In terms of width, consider the space you have. If you're furnishing a smaller bedroom or a flat, a slim bedside table or a narrow side table can provide the function you need without overwhelming the room. Measure the gap between your bed and the wall to know exactly what you’re working with.
Think about what you need to store. A bedside table with drawers is excellent for tucking away clutter like charging cables, medication and personal items, keeping your sleep space serene and organised. A small bedside cabinet with a combination of drawers and open shelving offers the best of both worlds: concealed storage for private items and a display area for books or decorative objects. A simple, open-style table can create a more airy, minimalist feel if you don’t need much storage.
Today’s furniture is smarter than ever. A modern bedside table often comes with features designed for our connected lives. A bedside table with a charging station, for instance, integrates power sockets and USB ports directly into the unit. This is a brilliant way to reduce cable clutter and ensure your devices are always charged and within reach. Some models even include features like built-in LED lighting to add a touch of ambiance.
After reviewing current market options based on design, functionality and user needs, here are a few recommendations that stand out.
Why It Stands Out: This set is a masterclass in space efficiency. At just 30cm wide, these tables are designed specifically for the tightest of spaces. The most notable feature is the flexible storage system; the two drawers can be placed on any of the three shelf levels, allowing you to customise the layout to suit your needs.
Pros:
Who is it for? Anyone struggling with limited space. If you live in a new-build home, a city flat or have a bedroom where every centimetre counts, this narrow side table set is an intelligent solution.
Why It Stands Out: For those who prioritise classic, concealed storage, the Trega cabinet is a strong contender. It offers three full-sized drawers, providing ample room to keep your bedside essentials organised and out of sight. The design is simple, clean and functional.
Pros:
Who is it for? Individuals who value a tidy, clutter-free environment. If your main goal is to maximise hidden storage for books, accessories and other personal items, this bedside table with drawers is a practical and reliable choice.
Why It Stands Out: This modern bedside table is built for the digital age. Its main draw is the integrated charging station, which includes two AC sockets and two USB ports, neatly housed in an angled panel for easy access. It also features a remote-controlled RGB light strip, allowing you to set the mood with 25 different colours.
Pros:
Who is it for? The tech-savvy user, gamer or anyone who wants their furniture to be as functional as it is stylish. It’s perfect for creating a smart, organised and atmospheric bedroom hub.
The right bedside table is a personal choice, and our recommendations cover just a few of the many possibilities. If these models aren't quite what you're looking for, or if you'd like to see more colours, materials and designs, we have a wider selection available.
Explore our full range of Cabinet Bed options to find your perfect match.
A good rule of thumb is to choose a table that is the same height as the top of your mattress, or up to 5 cm taller. This typically falls in the range of 50-65 cm and ensures you can comfortably reach for items without straining.
For small rooms, focus on vertical space and a minimal footprint. A slim bedside table or a tall, narrow side table with multiple drawers or shelves will provide storage without taking up valuable floor space. Wall-mounted options are also an excellent way to free up the floor entirely.
Yes, when purchased from a reputable retailer, these products are designed to comply with UK electrical safety standards. They feature components like properly rated sockets and durable power cords to ensure safe operation. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for use.