Finding the Perfect Bedside Table in the UK: Top Recommendations
A bedside table is more than just a place to put your lamp and alarm clock. In many UK homes, where space can be at a premium, it’s a crucial piece of furniture for storage and style. Finding the right one means balancing dimensions, functionality and aesthetics to complement your room without cluttering it.
As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my role is to help you navigate the options. This guide offers practical advice for choosing a bedside table and highlights a few recommendations that cater to different needs, from compact city flats to modern family homes.
How to Choose the Right Bedside Table
Before you start browsing, consider these key points. A little planning can help you find a piece that you’ll be happy with for years to come.
1. Measure Your Space and Bed Height
The most common mistake is choosing a table that is the wrong scale for the room or bed. A bedside table should ideally be level with, or just a few centimetres above, the surface of your mattress. This makes it easy to reach for items without straining. In the UK, the average mattress height is around 60cm, so look for tables in the 50-70cm height range. For smaller rooms, a small bedside table or a narrow side table is essential to maintain a clear walkway and avoid a cramped feeling. Measure the available width and depth next to your bed before you buy.
2. Decide on Your Storage Needs
Consider what you need to keep close at hand. Do you prefer a clean, minimalist surface or do you need to hide away clutter?
- Bedside table with drawers: Ideal for tucking away personal items, chargers and books, keeping your bedroom looking tidy. A bedside cabinet with multiple drawers offers the most concealed storage.
- Open Shelving: A modern side table with open compartments provides easy access to items you use daily and can be used to display decorative objects.
- Combination: Many designs offer a mix, with a drawer for private items and a shelf for books or a basket. This offers a good balance between a concealed side table with storage and open display.
3. Match the Style to Your Decor
Your nightstand should complement your existing furniture. For contemporary interiors, look for clean lines, neutral colours and simple hardware. Materials like light-coloured particleboard, metal frames and fabric elements can add texture and a modern feel. An end table with a minimalist design can often work just as well in the bedroom as it does in the living room, offering great versatility.
Our Top Product Recommendations
Here are a few options that stand out for their design, functionality and suitability for modern UK homes.
Ochama Round End Table with Fabric Basket
Why It Stands Out: This table combines a minimalist aesthetic with a practical, soft-storage solution. The round shape is great for smaller spaces as it has a smaller footprint and no sharp corners, while the fabric basket adds a unique, textural element.
Pros:
- Space-Saving Design: The 45 cm diameter tabletop is compact, making it suitable for tight spots.
- Unique Storage: The double-layer polyester fabric basket offers a stylish place for books, throws or other small items.
- Sturdy Construction: Features a particleboard top and U-shaped steel legs with adjustable feet to protect floors and ensure stability.
- Quick Assembly: The simple structure allows for assembly in around 10 minutes.
Who is it for? This is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a modern side table with a light, airy feel. It’s perfect for minimalist bedrooms, guest rooms or even as an end table in a living room.
HaluPeit Bedside Table with Charging Station and LED
Why It Stands Out: This bedside cabinet is designed for the modern, tech-connected user. Its integrated charging station and customisable ambient lighting make it a highly functional piece of furniture that goes beyond simple storage.
Pros:
- Integrated Charging: Equipped with 2 AC sockets and 2 USB ports, allowing you to charge multiple devices simultaneously.
- Ambient Lighting: The built-in RGB light strip offers 25 colours and adjustable brightness, controlled by a remote to set the mood.
- Ample Storage: Three deep drawers provide generous, partitioned space for organising everything from documents to personal items.
- Refined Design: The white matte finish, rounded corners and concealed handles create a sleek, high-end look.
Who is it for? This is ideal for those who work from home or have multiple electronic devices. It serves as a central hub for charging and storage, making it a practical addition to any modern bedroom or home office.
HaluPeit Slim Bedside Tables Set of 2
Why It Stands Out: Sold as a pair, this set is specifically designed for very small rooms. At just 30 cm wide, this narrow side table can fit into the tightest of gaps, while its clever interchangeable drawer system allows for personalised storage.
Pros:
- Ultra-Narrow Profile: The slim design is a perfect solution for rooms where a standard bedside table won't fit.
- Flexible Storage: Features two drawers that can be placed on any of the three shelf levels, allowing you to customise the layout.
- Sold as a Set: Provides a symmetrical, coordinated look for both sides of the bed at a great value.
- Modern Aesthetic: The black wood grain finish and clean lines blend well with a variety of contemporary decor styles.
Who is it for? This set is the answer for anyone struggling with extremely limited space. It’s perfect for small bedrooms, flats and rental rooms where every centimetre counts.
Looking for a Coordinated Bedroom Set?
If you're planning a complete bedroom refresh, matching your bed frame with your nightstands can create a cohesive and polished look. While the recommendations above offer great versatility, you may prefer a pre-matched set.
To see a wider selection of styles and combinations, explore our full range of beds with bedside tables.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a good height for a bedside table? A good rule of thumb is to choose a table that is roughly the same height as the top of your mattress, or no more than 5-10 cm taller. In the UK, this typically falls between 50 cm and 70 cm. This ensures you can comfortably reach items from your bed.
2. Can I use an end table as a nightstand? Yes, absolutely. The terms end table, side table and nightstand are often used for similar pieces of furniture. As long as the height is appropriate for your bed and it meets your storage and style needs, an end table can be a perfect substitute for a traditional bedside table.
3. How much storage do I really need in a bedside cabinet? This depends entirely on your lifestyle. If you like a clutter-free surface and only need space for a lamp and your phone, a simple table with a single shelf may be enough. However, if you want to store books, chargers, medication and other personal effects out of sight, a bedside table with drawers is a much more practical option for keeping your bedroom tidy.