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A bedside table is more than just a place to put your lamp; it’s an essential piece of furniture that frames your bed, holds your nightly essentials and completes the look of your bedroom. Yet, finding the right one can be a challenge. With so many styles, sizes and storage options, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Do you need drawers or shelves? A modern minimalist design or something with a more rustic feel?
As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my role is to help you navigate these choices. This guide is designed to provide practical advice on selecting a bedside table that fits your space, style and needs. We'll explore key features to consider and highlight a few carefully selected options that offer great function and design.
Before diving into specific products, let's cover a few key points to help you narrow down your search. Thinking about these factors will ensure you find a piece that is both practical and a perfect fit for your room.
One of the most common mistakes is choosing a table that is out of proportion with the bed and the room. A good rule of thumb is to select a nightstand that is roughly the same height as the top of your mattress, or just a few centimetres below. This makes it comfortable to reach for your phone or a glass of water. For smaller UK homes and flats, a small bedside table with a compact footprint is often the most practical choice to avoid a cluttered feel.
Consider what you plan to keep by your bed. If you prefer a tidy, minimalist surface, a bedside table with storage in the form of drawers is an excellent option. Drawers allow you to tuck away chargers, books and personal items, keeping them accessible but out of sight. Alternatively, if you enjoy displaying books, plants or decorative objects, a table with open shelves, like an end table, can serve as both storage and a style statement.
Your bedside table should complement your existing furniture. For a clean and airy feel, a white bedside table is a versatile choice that works well with modern, Scandinavian or coastal themes. If your style leans towards a more raw, urban aesthetic, an industrial nightstand combining wood and metal elements can add character. For a sleek and uncluttered look, a modern bedside table with simple lines and a handle-free design is a superb option.
Based on design, functionality and user needs, here are our recommendations for bedside tables that stand out this year.
Why It Stands Out The Denver model is the definition of modern simplicity. Its sleek, handle-free design creates a clean, uninterrupted surface that is perfect for minimalist interiors. The compact dimensions make it an ideal small bedside table for rooms where space is at a premium, while its two smooth-gliding drawers provide surprisingly generous storage to keep your bedside area organised and clutter-free.
Pros
Who is it for? This is an excellent choice for anyone with a modern, minimalist or Scandinavian-themed bedroom. It's particularly well-suited for flat dwellers or those with smaller rooms who need functional storage without sacrificing style.
Why It Stands Out The Arlington bedside table blends classic Shaker-inspired design with modern sensibilities. The combination of a clean white frame and an oak-effect top adds warmth and texture, making it incredibly versatile. The two spacious drawers, finished with traditional knob handles, offer substantial storage, while the sturdy tabletop can comfortably hold a lamp, books and other essentials.
Pros
Who is it for? This table is perfect for those who appreciate a timeless, classic look. It fits seamlessly into traditional, transitional or country-style bedrooms and offers a great balance of style and practical storage.
Why It Stands Out This piece from Tribesigns is a masterclass in versatile, industrial design. Functioning as both an industrial nightstand and a living room end table, its three-tier open shelving provides abundant space for books, plants and decorative items. The combination of a rustic brown wood-effect finish and a geometric black metal frame creates a bold statement. It’s a functional piece of furniture that doubles as a decorative accent.
Pros
Who is it for? This is the ideal choice for lovers of industrial, rustic or urban décor. It's also perfect for anyone who prefers open shelving to drawers and wants a versatile piece of furniture that can adapt to different rooms and uses.
While these recommendations cover a range of popular styles, we understand that everyone's taste is different. If you're drawn to the natural warmth and unique grain patterns of wood, you may find your perfect match in a different finish.
Explore our curated collection of Wood Veneer Nightstand options to discover more designs that bring a touch of nature indoors.
What is the difference between a bedside table and a nightstand? In modern usage, especially in the UK, the terms are largely interchangeable. Both refer to a small table or cabinet placed next to a bed. Historically, a nightstand might have implied a piece with enclosed storage like a drawer or cupboard, whereas a "table" could have been a simpler, open design. Today, the terms are used to describe the same category of furniture.
What height should a bedside table be? For optimal comfort and accessibility, a bedside table should be approximately the same height as the surface of your mattress, or no more than 5-10 cm lower. This ensures you can easily reach for items without straining. Before buying, it's always a good idea to measure the height from your floor to the top of your mattress.
How much storage do I need in a bedside table? This depends entirely on your personal habits. If you like to keep your bedside surface clear and store items like medication, books and electronics out of sight, a bedside table with storage drawers is the best option. If you only need a place for a lamp and your phone, or you enjoy displaying personal items, a simpler table with a single shelf or an open design will work perfectly.