18 Bedside Table Ideas For Every Space And Style
Don’t sleep on bedside tables. These quiet achievers of bedroom design do far more than hold your book or a glass of water. A reflection of your bedroom’s personality, they’re the key to keeping your space organised while allowing you to add some personal style. Looking to refresh your space? We’ve curated 18 Harbour Lifestyle-approved bedside table ideas to inspire you. From sleek, minimalist designs to clever floating options for small spaces and even tables with built-in storage to keep clutter at bay, there’s something here for every taste.
We’ll also share tips for matching your bedside table to your bedroom décor so your space feels as harmonious as it is practical. With minimalist styles and multifunctional designs topping interior trend charts, it’s time to give this bedroom essential the attention it deserves.
1. Match traditional décor with a wooden bedside table
Burford 3 Drawers Bedside Table in Natural Oak - £179
You can’t go wrong with a wooden bedside table if you want to inject timeless, classic charm. Rich oak or warm mahogany tones complement traditional décor beautifully, while subtle details like carved legs or antique-style handles add extra sophistication.
Style it next to a plush, rich duvet and classic lighting for a cosy but elegant look. For extra practicality, choose a design with drawers or shelving to store books and bedtime essentials, keeping your space neat and stylish.
2. Select from sleek, modern bedside table designs
Elysia Bubble Glass and Silver Metal Table Lamp - £169.99
While interior design is slowly shifting away from minimalism in favour of a more layered, earthy-toned approach, minimalism will always have its place, and a sleek modern bedside table can make a big impact with its simplicity. Clean lines, glossy finishes and clever storage compartments keep clutter out of sight. Glass or metal designs work particularly well in contemporary spaces, offering a lightweight yet sophisticated feel. Add a geometric lamp or an abstract vase, and you've instantly got a polished look that exudes modern elegance.
3. Go for statement bedside tables for large bedrooms
Nova Wax Relief Green Planter - £19.99
A spacious bedroom deserves furniture that stands out. Statement bedside tables, with bold colours, oversized shapes or intricate detailing, can anchor a larger room and make it feel balanced. Choose options with mixed materials, like wood and metal, to add visual interest and set the tone for the entire space.
4. Opt for taupe bedside tables to add warmth and neutral tones
Ashwell Taupe Pine 3 Drawer Wood Unit - £189.99
A versatile choice for any bedroom style, thanks to their calm, natural tone, these bedside tables pair effortlessly with various colour palettes. Look for styles with curved lines, subtle textures and grooves or interesting legs to add interest and dimension to your space. Pair with ambient lighting and earthy accents for a serene interior perfect for winding down after a long day.
5. Incorporate personal touches, like framed photos or candles, to make the space feel homely
Padstow Whitewash Wooden Candle Tray - £29.99
As well as a functional piece, a bedside table is also a chance to show off your personality. Add a framed photo of a cherished memory, a scented candle for a relaxing ambience or even a small stack of your favourite books to turn a run-of-the-mill, practical item into a curated corner.
6. Match your bedside tables with your bedroom themes
Chalbury 3 Drawer Bedside Table in Dusky Black - £175
Create a cohesive look by aligning your bedside tables with your bedroom’s overall theme. Wooden tables with a distressed finish add charm and character for a rustic finish, while metallic designs complement an industrial aesthetic.
If your bedroom leans boho, a rattan table paired with earthy décor completes the look. Matching doesn’t mean boring—mix textures and finishes to keep it interesting. Add ambient lighting to tie everything together while showcasing your personal style.
7. Explore minimalist nightstands for sleek bedrooms
Chalbury 3 Drawer Bedside Table in Pebble Grey - £175
A minimalist nightstand is perfect for a sleek, uncluttered space. Designs with clean edges, neutral tones, and subtle hardware work wonders in modern bedrooms.
Choose a table with a slim profile with hidden storage to maintain a tidy, fuss-free aesthetic or a floating option to free up floor space in small rooms. Top it off with small decorative items to keep things simple but stylish.
8. Choose multifunctional bedside tables with storage solutions
Kalmar Sand Wash Acacia Wood 3 Drawer Bedside Unit
Double up on functionality with bedside tables that offer built-in storage. Designs featuring deep drawers or open shelving are ideal for stowing away books, chargers and nighttime essentials.
Some tables even come with hidden compartments or charging stations, keeping your tech tucked away but easily accessible. Pair these with a stylish alarm clock for a practical and polished look—perfect for maximising space in smaller bedrooms without compromising on design.
9. Select a white bedside table set for a clean, modern aesthetic
Chalbury 3 Drawer Bedside Table in Warm White
White bedside tables are a go-to for achieving a crisp, modern look. Their fresh, neutral tone brightens up a space and pairs effortlessly with a wide range of colour palettes. Opt for a glossy finish for something a little more contemporary or a matte design for a softer finish.
A matching set creates calming symmetry, and decorative touches like metallic accents or minimalist handles keep the look interesting.
10. Use greenery, such as small plants or succulents, to add life to your bedside table
Kew Reactive Glaze Plum Planter
A pop of greenery brings a fresh, lively energy to any bedside table. Small potted plants, succulents or even a trailing ivy add a natural element that softens the overall look of your space.
Pair the greenery with a minimalist table for a modern twist or a wooden design for a more organic feel. Use a beautiful plant pot to tie it all together, creating a bedside table setup that feels calm, balanced and full of life.
11. Opt for bedside tables with built-in charging stations for convenience
Isabella 2 Drawer Nightstand with Charging Station & USB Power Strip
Say goodbye to tangled cables with a bedside table that doubles as a charging hub. With modern designs and classic, vintage options, these tables come with discreet charging stations for your phone, tablets and other gadgets.
Look for options with integrated USB ports or wireless charging pads to keep your space tidy and tech-savvy. Pair this feature with sleek storage drawers to keep the tabletop clutter-free, and complete the setup with a statement lamp or vase for a practical, organised bedside.
12. Add elegance with a fluted bedside table for texture and detail
Does Your Bedroom Have These 21 Feng Shui Essentials?
Fluted furniture seems to be everywhere right now, and doesn't look like it's going to be going anywhere any time soon. An easy and effective way to add texture to your bedroom design, incorporate the trend into your home with a fluted bedside table with a grooved or ribbed design element.
Choose a warm wood or soft pastel finish, or go bold with a darker tone for a timeless but eye-catching feel. Style this statement addition with simple accessories and let the details do all the talking.
13. Style with trays for jewellery and personal items to keep it tidy
Harvey Walnut Wooden Candle Plate
A stylish tray transforms your bedside table into a clutter-free haven. Perfect for organising jewellery, watches or small trinkets, it keeps everything in one place while adding a decorative element.
Opt for trays in marble, glass or metallic materials to match your room’s style. Combine it with a scented candle and your favourite book in a stylish hardback cover for an effortlessly curated feel, and enjoy a practical and beautifully organised space.
14. Style bedside tables for uniquely shaped rooms
Paulmann - Serra 5.5W/2.6W LED Right Hand Wall Light with 3-Step Dim & USB Port in White & Black
An awkwardly shaped room doesn’t have to mean a lack of interior style. A round bedside table softens the space for angled corners, while triangular or asymmetrical designs make the most of unusual layouts.
A floating table attached to the wall can add serious design points in rooms with limited wall space. Match your table with versatile lighting, like a wall-mounted lamp, to save room and add character.
15. Match bedside tables with other bedroom décor like bed frames and wardrobes
Chalbury 4ft 6" High End Double Bed Frame in Dusky Black - £599
Creating a cohesive bedroom is all about coordination, and matching your bedside tables with key pieces like bed frames, chest of drawers, and wardrobes can tie the room together effortlessly. Opt for complementary materials, such as wooden tables paired with a wooden bed frame or metallic accents that echo the hardware on your wardrobe.
For a polished finish, stick to a consistent colour palette or add subtle contrasts through textures. Complete the look with soft lighting or coordinated linens to bring harmony to your space.
16. Explore floating bedside table ideas
Gutta 8.5W LED Dimmable 1 Lamp Pendant Light in Brushed Aluminium - £95
Floating bedside tables are a sleek and leg-less solution for modern bedrooms, offering a clean look and lighter feeling without wasting valuable floor space. These wall-mounted designs are perfect for creating a minimalist vibe and work exceptionally well in small or uniquely shaped rooms, helping it feel larger and less cluttered.
Look for options with built-in shelves for extra functionality, or choose a simple slab design for something that feels a little cleaner and airy. Pair your floating table with a brass wall sconce or hanging pendant light to keep the look streamlined and sophisticated.
17. Add decorative lamps and books to create a cosy bedside vignette
Your bedside table is a place to stash your phone, but also an opportunity to showcase your style. A decorative lamp adds a stylish element and functionality, while a small stack of books showcases your personality and interests—layer in items like a framed photo or a scented candle to make your bedside table even more unique.
Keep the look balanced by choosing tables with enough surface space to accommodate your daily essentials, and you’ll have a bedside setup that’s both practical and Pinterest-worthy.
18. Choose a matching bedside table set of 2 for a balanced look
Fairford Satin Black Pine Wood 3 Drawer Bedside Unit - £179.99
Symmetry adds a welcome sense of calm in any space, and a matching set of bedside tables can work wonders in creating balance. Perfect for double beds, a pair of identical tables looks chic and ensures each side gets equal amounts of practicality and style.
Choose designs that complement your bedroom’s colour scheme and aesthetic, such as sleek modern sets for contemporary rooms or wooden pairs for a more traditional feel. Add identical lamps or décor on each side to reinforce the symmetry and create a beautifully unified look.
Practical considerations when choosing bedside tables
An effective way of turning any bedroom into a beautiful and practical space, selecting the perfect bedside table is about style as much as it is about meeting your daily demands. Start by considering the following:
Size
Your table should sit comfortably level with the top of your mattress, making it easy to reach for a late-night glass of water or your morning alarm. It feels awkward if it’s too tall, and if it’s too short, it’s not practical.
Material
Wooden designs add warmth and a traditional charm, while sleek finishes like glass or metal feel perfectly at home in contemporary spaces. Neutral tones, like white or taupe, can work with almost any décor, giving you flexibility when styling your space.
Layout
A slim option works well for smaller rooms, while tables with built-in storage are great for keeping clutter hidden. Floating tables can add an airy, contemporary feel or choose something more opulent that makes a grand statement in a large room.
Bring your bedroom to life with the perfect bedside table
A well-chosen bedside table is an opportunity to showcase your style and enhance your bedroom's overall aesthetic. Sleek modern designs, slim options for compact spaces, multifunctional tables with storage and elegant fluted styles all offer something unique.
A bedside table from Harbour Lifestyle is an opportunity to transform your nightly routine and wake up to a well-organised, stylish space where everything you need is within reach. Our premium bedside tables offer practical storage with modern and classic designs, making your bedroom feel calm and functional.
So don't settle for anything less than a piece that enhances your room's style and simplifies your life. Shop Harbour Lifestyle today and bring home a bedside table that will elevate your space and create the sanctuary you deserve.
FAQs
Should the bedside table be higher or lower than the bed?
Your bedside table should ideally be level with the top of your mattress for easy access and no higher than 2-4 inches. This height makes reaching for items like a glass of water or your alarm clock practical without awkward stretching. A slight variation is fine, but too high or too low can feel uncomfortable.
What does Feng Shui say about bedside tables?
Feng Shui suggests having two bedside tables to promote balance and harmony, especially in shared bedrooms, for a sense of unity. Choose tables of equal size and height and avoid clutter to enhance positive energy flow and create a calm and stable environment.
Is it OK to have two different bedside tables?
While many people favour a set of identical tables, mixing bedside tables is a great way to create a unique and eclectic look in your bedroom. Choose tables with similar materials, colours or design details to keep the space cohesive and add character while maintaining a balanced aesthetic.
