Bedside Tables

Bedside tables for every bedroom

A bedside table keeps the essentials of the day within reach: a lamp to read by, a book, a glass of water and a home for the small things that would otherwise clutter the room. Known in the UK as a bedside cabinet and in the US as a nightstand, it is one of the hardest-working pieces beside the bed. We hand-pick designs to suit different bedrooms, from open, airy shapes that keep a small room feeling light through to fuller pieces with drawers for anyone who likes everything tucked away. Whether you are furnishing a main bedroom, a guest room or a child's room, the right design pulls the whole space together.

Finding the right height and size

As a guide, a bedside table works best when its top sits roughly level with the top of your mattress, or a touch above. In practice that usually means a height of around 55 to 65cm, so a lamp switch and a glass of water stay easy to reach without leaning down. Leave a small gap between the table and the bed frame so any drawers open freely and the two pieces do not feel crowded. In a larger room you can go wider for extra surface, while a tighter spot calls for something slimmer that still gives you room for the basics.

Small, narrow and floating designs

Not every bedroom has room for a wide table on each side of the bed. A narrow or small bedside table slots neatly into the gap between the bed and the wall, and suits a box room or a spare room where floor space is tight. Wall-mounted and floating designs lift everything clear of the floor, which makes cleaning easier and keeps a modern room feeling open and uncluttered. Even a slim design usually has room for a lamp and a book, so you give up very little in day-to-day use while gaining back valuable space.

Materials and finishes

We stock bedside tables in a range of materials, each with its own feel. Oak and other solid woods bring warmth and a natural grain that settles into most bedrooms, while a marble top adds a cool, hard-wearing surface that copes well with everyday use. Metal frames and legs keep a design feeling light and contemporary, and painted finishes in white, grey and black make it simple to match a table to your bed and wardrobes, or to pick one out as a gentle contrast against the walls. Mixing materials, such as a wooden body with a marble or metal top, gives you the best of both.

Storage and everyday styling

Start by thinking about what you like to keep close by. One or two drawers hide away chargers, hand cream, glasses and bedtime reading so the surface stays clear, while open shelves suit anyone who would rather reach a stack of books in one movement. When it comes to styling, begin with a lamp at a comfortable height for reading, then add only the pieces you actually use, such as a small tray, a candle or a framed photo. A matching pair either side of the bed gives a calm, balanced look, though there is no rule that says they must match; two related designs of a similar height and tone work just as well.

Matching your bedside tables to the room

A bedside table does not have to match your bed frame exactly, but picking up on one shared detail ties the room together. That might be a similar wood tone, a matching metal finish on the legs and handles, or a colour that echoes your wardrobes or headboard. If you want a pair, buying two of the same design gives the most balanced result, while pairing a table with a chest of drawers from the same range keeps a bedroom feeling considered from every angle. Trust your eye: as long as the pieces share a tone or a material, a little variety adds character.

Caring for your bedside table

A little care keeps a bedside table looking its best for years. Wipe wooden and painted finishes with a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth and avoid harsh cleaners that can strip the surface. For a marble top, deal with spills promptly, since marble is porous and can mark, and stand drinks on a coaster to be safe. Check drawer runners and any fixings from time to time and tighten them if needed, so everything keeps sliding and sitting as it should. Free UK delivery over £99, with worldwide shipping available.