Size, Design & Style: This is How to Pick the Perfect Bedside Table
The ideal accompaniment to your bed.
Bedside tables are a bedroom essential – they provide convenient bedside storage for phones, books and other personal items. Not only do bedside tables further the aesthetic of your bedroom, they also help to frame your bed within the room, whether that's in the middle with two tables on either side, or up against a wall with a single bedside table. Check out our guide to discover the elements and styles to consider when choosing a bedside table design.
Overview:
Before You Begin: Choose a Size
Bedside Table Designs
Materials
Storage
Key Features
Bedside Table Styles
Before You Begin: Choose a Size
The first step to choosing a bedside table design is making sure you know the appropriate size table to sit beside your bed. Make sure the table surface is around the same height as your mattress and a width that can accommodate the items you want to place on top of your table.
Height
Prep for your bedside table purchase by measuring the height of your mattress. The bedside table’s height should match it – if you choose a bedside table that's too short or too tall, it will look uneven next to the bed and make grabbing items off of the table more difficult. Since the average mattress is around 64cm, a standard nightstand is around 58cm –71cm. If you have a low mattress or bed frame, then a 58cm small/low style is best for you. Have a taller bed frame or mattress? Choose a tall nightstand that sits at 30" to match the height of your bed.
Width
The width of your bedside table should be based on the surface space you need and your style preferences. Decorating a smaller or minimalistic bedroom? Save room with a narrow table with width under 54cm. If you plan on placing personal items or decor on the bedside table, then a standard (54cm – 74cm) or a wide width (over 74cm) is best for you. A narrow table that's sleek and minimal is great for a modern or glam space, while a standard or wider bedside table matches a cosier traditional or rustic aesthetic.
Bedside Table Designs
After finding the right size, it's crucial to find a bedside table design that complements your space and suits your storage needs. Consider different features (like felt-lined drawers or built-in outlets) that will elevate your setup.
Materials
Wood
Wood is the most popular bedside table material for a reason. There are so many tones to choose from, and each adds a rich colour and texture to your room. Wood also goes with every aesthetic, so you're sure to find a style that fits your space. A mid-toned oak or rich mahogany adds to a traditional bedroom, while a blonde wood or teak fits in a contemporary or country-esk space. You can also add a vintage-inspired feel with a distressed finish.
Metal
Metal bedside table sets are ideal for an industrial or modern aesthetic. These bedside tables tend to be minimalistic, with sharper angles and cooler colour options. Mix and match your metal bedside tables with a different-coloured handle for a glam or eclectic look or keep it monochromatic for a sleek, modern feel.
Tip: Bonus: Choose a hybrid of both wood and metal for a transitional look. Think: a bedside table with a wood body with metal legs.
Discover all of the storage features available for your bedside table. These features are designed to give you the storage space and functionality you need for your bedroom. From soft-close drawers to open shelving, these storage features give your bedside table a unique feel.
Drawers
bedside tables with drawers give you plenty of storage for organising any nighttime essentials and keeping the top of the table fuss-free.
Number of Drawers
One of the most important features to consider when choosing a bedside table design is the number of drawers, and what you’re hoping to store in them. Options typically range from one to three. Smaller items like chargers, reading glasses and medicines fit perfectly into a shallow top drawer, while larger items like books or pyjamas are great for deeper drawers below.
Self/Soft-Close Drawers
The soft-close feature on a bedside table ensures that your drawers or doors won't shut too quickly or firmly with a mechanism that eases the door closed. The self-close mechanism gently pulls the drawer closed using a spring-based system. These features prevent unwanted loud noises and keep your bedside table in good condition.
Felt-Lined Drawers
Felt-lined drawers keep your personal items from collecting dust at the bottom of your drawers. This lining can also prevent metal or sharper items like jewellery or watches from scratching or marking the wood or metal bedside drawers.
Shelving
Bedside tables with open shelving give you extra space to add decor or place your essentials. With one or more shelves, this type of bedside table storage is versatile and easy to style. The open shelves are the perfect spot to show off a stack of books or use a decorative basket to stow any small items.
Along with storage customisations, there are a few other key features to consider when choosing a bedside table design. Check out these important options to think about below.
Removable Hardware
Hardware is a great way to customise your bedside table design. Having removable hardware will allow you to personalise your nightstands to best fit your style. A metallic finish is perfect for a sleek glam or modern look, chunky wooden handles give a rustic feel and intricate black hardware fits a country house or traditional aesthetic.
Assembled
Avoid the extra labour of assembling your bedside table with one that comes fully assembled.
Built-In Outlets
Keep your charging cables tucked away in a bedside table with built-in outlets. These bedside tables come with outlets placed discreetly in the back of the unit, so you can charge your devices beside your bed without all the unsightly wires.
Bedside Table Styles
The style of your bedside table is just as key as the size or storage. Whether you're looking for a perfect match to your room’s style or to blend a few styles to further your transitional aesthetic, we've got you covered. Keep reading for a few styling tips to get you inspired.
Traditional
A traditional bedside table is an easy way to further your room’s transitional style. Using a mix of contemporary and classic silhouettes, transitional style meets at the intersection of both worlds to create a unique look. We love how the timeless nightstand design above pairs with the more modern headboard and bold patterned bedding. Top the nightstand with a gold table lamp to tie in the brass tones on the drawer pulls and headboard. Finish with a subtle framed print and a few decorative books to give your bedside table a curated touch.
For modern-style bedrooms, pick a bedside table that matches the clean-lines and streamlined silhouettes found throughout the space. The simple shape and minimal hardware gives this nightstand a contemporary feel while the natural wood finish adds an organic element to the bedroom. The drawers provide enough space to store any bedside essentials and keep the top of the table from getting too cluttered. Juxtapose the bedside table with a soft globe-shaped pendant and a vase filled with leafy branches for a stylish finish.
Opt for a glam nightstand to give your neutral bedroom an elevated touch. To achieve the luxe look, choose a bedside table with ornate touches. The herringbone pattern and sleek brass details above make this bedside table design the perfect pairing for the upholstered headboard and plush armchair. Select a simple table lamp or install a wall light to add the right amount of lighting without taking any attention away from the table.
A rustic table brings a bit of natural appeal to the bedside. Choose a bedside table style with a distressed wood finish or aged metal hardware to really perfect that rustic aesthetic. The deep wood finish of the bedside table above highlights the natural wood grain and works well with the warm earth tones that tie the space together. Add simple bedside table decor and a tufted rug to make your bedroom feel as cosy as possible.
Tip: Enjoyed this article? Then you might also like:
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