24/7 Customer Support
Free returns
Same-day & Next-day Delivery
Quality Guaranteed
Unlock Your Welcome Offers: FREE Delivery | Up to 80% OFF | Free 30-day JoyPlus trial
Download the APP
A bedside table is more than just a place to put your lamp and alarm clock. It’s a small but essential piece of furniture that completes your bedroom, keeping your nighttime essentials organised and within easy reach. Yet, finding one that balances style, function and the right dimensions for your space can be a challenge. Whether you need a compact surface for a small room or a multi-functional unit with storage, the right choice can make all the difference.
This guide is designed to help you navigate the options. We’ll walk through key features to consider and present a few standout choices that cater to different needs and tastes, from classic wood designs to modern, tech-ready units.
Before you start browsing, a little planning can help you narrow down the search. Focusing on these practical points will ensure you find a table that you'll be happy with for years to come.
The first step is always to measure. Consider the height of your mattress; ideally, your bedside table should be roughly the same height or a few centimetres taller, making it easy to reach for things from bed. Also, measure the available floor space. If you're furnishing a smaller room, a narrow bedside table can provide the surface area you need without feeling bulky. These can also work well as a small lamp table in a snug corner of a living room.
Think about what you need to store. Do you just need a surface for a lamp, a book and your phone? Or do you have other items you’d like to keep out of sight?
Many designs offer a combination, giving you both display space and private storage. An end table with storage is a versatile piece that can serve this purpose in either the bedroom or living room.
The material of your bedside table influences both its look and durability. A solid oak side table brings warmth and a traditional, sturdy feel to a room, promising longevity. In contrast, engineered wood (like particleboard or MDF) is often used in modern designs, allowing for sleek finishes and more accessible price points. A crisp white nightstand can brighten a room and fits well with minimalist or contemporary aesthetics. Consider your existing furniture to ensure the new piece complements the overall style.
Here are a few recommendations from our catalogue, selected to meet a range of common requirements for UK homes.
Why It Stands Out: This table is all about timeless quality and convenience. Constructed from solid oak and oak veneer, it offers the durability and classic appeal of real wood. Its clean, squared frame gives it a contemporary edge, while the softly rounded corners add a touch of refinement. The integrated lower shelf provides practical, open storage for books or a small basket. A significant advantage is that it arrives fully assembled, so you can enjoy it straight out of the box.
Pros:
Who is it for?: Anyone looking for a long-lasting, traditional piece of furniture that requires zero assembly and fits seamlessly into classic or modern country interiors.
Why It Stands Out: This set of two nightstands is a practical solution for smaller bedrooms or for anyone needing matching tables on a budget. With a width of just 25cm, this narrow bedside table is specifically designed to fit into tight spaces while maximising vertical storage. It features two drawers for concealed storage and an open upper compartment that can be assembled to face left or right, offering a degree of customisation. The clean, white finish makes it a versatile choice for modern décor.
Pros:
Who is it for?: Those furnishing a compact space, first-time buyers, or anyone needing a pair of matching, functional nightstands without a large footprint.
Why It Stands Out: This is a modern, feature-rich bedside cabinet with USB ports and more. It’s designed for the connected home, featuring an integrated charging station with two AC sockets and two USB ports. The panel is ergonomically angled for easy access. It also includes a built-in RGB light strip with multiple colours and brightness levels, controlled by a remote. Beyond the tech, it’s a practical storage unit with three spacious drawers. The minimalist white body, rounded corners and concealed handles create a sleek, high-end look.
Pros:
Who is it for?: Tech-savvy individuals, home-office workers, or anyone who wants their furniture to be as functional and modern as their devices.
If these specific models aren't quite the right fit, don't worry. Tastes and needs vary, and the perfect piece for your home is out there. For a wider selection of styles, materials and sizes, we invite you to explore our full Bedford furniture collection.
What is the ideal height for a bedside table? As a general rule, the top of your bedside table should be about level with the top of your mattress, or perhaps 5-10cm taller. This ensures you can comfortably reach for a glass of water or your phone without straining.
Can I use a side table for a living room as a bedside table? Yes, absolutely. The distinction between a side table for a living room and a bedside table is often just its placement. As long as the height is appropriate for your bed and it offers the storage you need, a stylish end table can work perfectly in the bedroom.
How much storage do I really need in a nightstand? This depends entirely on your personal habits. If you prefer a minimalist approach, a simple table with enough surface for a lamp and a book may be sufficient. However, if you like to keep items like charging cables, hand cream and other personal effects tidy and out of sight, a nightstand with drawers or a cabinet is a much more practical choice.