10 types of bedside table to consider for your home

When it comes to interior design, the bedroom serves as a personal sanctuary where we seek comfort and tranquillity. While it's easy to prioritise elements like the bed and wardrobe, an often-underestimated piece plays a vital and practical role in our daily routines: the bedside table. From traditional-looking hardwood options to new-age floating styles, there are plenty of bedside tables available to get inspired by.

Floating bedside tables effortlessly suspend from the wall and help to free up valuable floor space while giving the illusion of a more airy and open environment.

Their clean lines and seamless integration with bedroom decor provide a minimalist, clean and functional space for essentials such as books, lamps and alarm clocks. They also double up well as an open shelving solution. Sturdy by design, a floating bedside table offers a creative, unique alternative to more traditional bedside tables.

Hardwood bedside tables are a classic side table addition to a bedroom. They are available in a range of woods, including teak, mahogany, oak and maple, with their assembly material making them well-suited for busy bedroom environments.

These wooden bedside tables can be styled further with various finishes, such as walnut, natural hardwood, black and grey - plenty of options to invigorate your colour palette.

Intricately woven rattan bedside tables combine modern style with a vintage aesthetic. The lightweight nature of rattan makes them the perfect small bedside table; like hardwood tables, they're well suited to areas where space is at a premium, such as a small guest room.

Round bedside tables offer practical and design benefits to a space. With no sharp corners to contend with, they provide a safer option for households with children or particularly tight areas.

The circular design also gives round bedside tables ample room for all your essentials, such as bedside lamps, books and alarm clocks, while their curved lines help to break up the angularity of other furniture pieces, adding a pleasing contrast to your other pieces of bedroom decor.

Tray bedside tables come in various designs and styles, each providing a practical storage solution and unique bedroom side table uses. The removable tray allows for easy mobility and convenience and provides a steady surface for bedroom essentials. The tray can also double up as a portable food and drink stand, perfect for those lazy Sunday morning breakfast-in-bed opportunities or for balancing dinner after a long day.

The versatile design of tray side tables means they can easily be used as a living room side table or sturdy nightstand, while their portable nature makes them ideal for homeowners who like to try out different furniture layouts and bedroom styles.

MDF bedside tables tend to have a particularly smooth, flat surface due to their composite wood fibre construction. The addition of other materials, such as resin and wax, makes them resistant to warping, splitting, and shrinking caused by temperature changes.

Design-wise, MDF bedside tables are often stained to mimic the appearance of natural wood but can also be painted in a range of different colours or covered with veneer or laminate to achieve different textures and finishes. 

Metal bedside tables are a dependable choice, offering long-lasting durability. Made from sturdy materials like steel, aluminium, iron, brass, or chrome, they are designed to be both functional and resilient over time. Metal surfaces are easy to clean and maintain, requiring only a quick wipe with a damp cloth to keep them looking their best. This convenience makes them an ideal choice for busy individuals or those who prefer fuss-free furniture upkeep.

Equally at home in a bedroom, bathroom or living room glass top bedside tables are versatile in their design. Their transparent nature creates a sense of lightness and openness, making them visually appealing. Glass surfaces also have a reflective quality that allows them to bounce light around a room, resulting in enhanced brightness and illumination.

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Mediterranean bedroom side tables offer a unique blend of style and cultural influence inspired by the coastal regions of Southern Europe. With their timeless elegance, these tables feature intricate detailing that exudes sophistication and cultural heritage. They create a warm and inviting atmosphere in the bedroom, incorporating warm, earthy tones and natural materials that reflect the laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle.

Marble-topped bedside tables provide a versatile and stylish option for enhancing your bedroom decor. With their natural beauty and unique veining patterns, they introduce a distinctive element to any interior design scheme. Whether your bedroom leans towards traditional or contemporary aesthetics, a marble-topped bedside table is sure to make a statement.

The durability of marble ensures long-lasting functionality, providing a sturdy surface for your bedside essentials. Simple regular wipe-downs with a damp cloth are usually sufficient to keep the surface clean.

Choosing the right bedside table for your bedroom requires consideration of key points, such as:

Size and space

Assess the available space in your bedroom and choose a bedside table that fits well without overwhelming the room. Consider the table's height, width, and depth to ensure it's proportionate to your bed and the surrounding furniture.

Storage needs

Determine how much storage space you require. If you have many items to store, such as books, electronics, or personal belongings, opt for bedside tables with bedside drawers, shelves, or compartments.

If you prefer a minimalist style and look or need extra space, you might choose a table with minimal storage or an open-shelf design, such as a floating bedside table.

Style and aesthetic

Consider the overall style and aesthetic of your bedroom space. Choose a bedside table that complements your existing home decor. Whatever your style preference, select a table that fits well with the overall design scheme and your taste.

Material and durability

Decide on the material that suits your preferences and durability requirements. Common options include wood, such as various hardwoods or engineered wood like MDF, metal, glass, or rattan. Each material has its own characteristics in terms of aesthetics, sturdiness, and maintenance needs.

Budget

When searching for a bedside table, it's helpful to determine your budget range beforehand. Keep in mind that prices can vary based on factors such as the material, design, brand, and additional features. By establishing a budget, you can focus your search on options that fit within your desired price range.

Consider the materials that appeal to you, such as hardwood, metal, or marble, and explore different designs and styles within your budget. Keep in mind that higher-quality materials and intricate designs may come at a higher price point.

As you can see, there are plenty of bedside table options to consider. When selecting one, take into account its size, storage options, and material to ensure they align with your daily requirements, bedroom space, and style preferences. It's important that your table is easily accessible from your bed, matches your existing furniture, and complements the interior design style of your room. The right bedside table should subtly enhance your bedroom's layout and serve your needs without dominating the space.