How to Choose the Perfect Bedside Table

A bedside table might seem like a simple purchase, but choosing the right one can make a significant difference in both the functionality and aesthetic of your bedroom. Get it wrong, and your nightstand will look awkwardly out of place or be frustratingly impractical. Get it right, and you'll wonder how you ever lived without it. Here's how to find your perfect match.

Getting the Height Right

The most important measurement to consider is height. Your bedside table should sit at approximately the same level as the top of your mattress, or slightly lower—ideally within 5-10 cm of your mattress height. This makes it comfortable to reach for your phone, a glass of water, or to turn off a lamp without straining. Getting the height right also helps you avoid accidentally bumping into the edge or corner of the table when getting in and out of bed—a surprisingly common annoyance when the table sits too high.

To measure correctly, don't just measure your bed frame. Measure from the floor to the top of your mattress, including any mattress toppers or padding. Then look for bedside tables that fall within that range. If your mattress is particularly high or low, you may need to adjust by a few inches, but comfort should be your guide. If you have to reach up or down awkwardly, the height isn't right.

Size and Proportion Matter

Beyond height, consider the overall scale. A bedside table should be proportional to your bed. A king-size bed paired with a tiny, delicate nightstand will look unbalanced, while a massive table next to a twin bed can overwhelm the space.

As a general rule, your bedside table should be about one-third to two-thirds the width of your bed. For a queen or king bed, look for tables that are at least 50-60 cm wide. For smaller beds, 40-50 cm often works well.

Don't forget to consider the depth. Make sure there's enough space to walk comfortably between the table and the wall, or between the table and any other furniture. You'll want at least 60 cm of clearance for easy movement around the room.

Working with Smaller Rooms: With the rising cost of living, many of us are dealing with smaller bedrooms than previous generations enjoyed. If space is tight, don't feel obligated to follow traditional sizing guidelines strictly. A slimmer bedside table that's 30-40 cm wide can still be perfectly functional while keeping your room from feeling cramped. Consider tables with a smaller footprint—narrow depths of 30-35 cm can provide enough surface space for essentials without jutting too far into the room. In compact spaces, functionality and flow matter more than following design "rules." It's better to have a smaller table that makes your room feel comfortable than a larger one that makes you feel like you're navigating an obstacle course.

Matching Colors with Your Bedroom

When it comes to color coordination, you have several approaches to choose from, and none of them require exact matching.

The Matching Approach: If your bed frame and other furniture are from the same collection or finish, matching bedside tables create a cohesive, coordinated look. This works particularly well in traditional or formal bedrooms. However, be aware that perfectly matched sets can sometimes feel a bit bland or hotel-like.

The Complementary Approach: Choose bedside tables in a similar tone or color family, but not an exact match. For example, if you have a dark walnut bed frame, you might choose bedside tables in a lighter oak or teak. This adds visual interest while maintaining harmony. This is often the most sophisticated approach and prevents your room from looking too "matchy."

The Contrast Approach: Deliberately choose a contrasting color to create a focal point. A white or light-colored bedside table can pop beautifully against a dark bed frame, or vice versa. This works especially well in contemporary or eclectic spaces. Just make sure the contrasting piece is echoed somewhere else in the room—perhaps in your lighting, artwork, or accessories—so it doesn't feel random.

Working with Existing Colors: Look at the other elements in your room. What color are your dresser, wardrobe, or other furniture pieces? Your bedside tables can either match these pieces or your bed frame, depending on which approach you prefer. Many designers actually recommend matching bedside tables to secondary furniture pieces rather than the bed, which can create a more collected, less "suite-like" appearance.

Coordinating Materials and Finishes

Material choice is just as important as color. The texture and finish of your bedside table should harmonize with your existing furniture.

Wood: If you have wooden furniture, pay attention to both the type of wood and the finish. Oak, walnut, pine, and teak all have different grains and natural colors. A glossy finish will look very different from a matte or distressed finish, even in the same wood type. You don't need to match the wood exactly, but try to stay within similar undertones—warm woods with warm woods, cool woods with cool woods.

Metal: Metal bedside tables work beautifully in modern or industrial spaces. If you have metal accents elsewhere—in your bed frame, lighting, or hardware—try to match the finish. Brass, chrome, matte black, and brushed nickel each create a different mood. Mixing too many metal finishes in one room can feel chaotic, so aim for consistency.

Mixed Materials: Many contemporary bedside tables combine wood and metal, or wood and glass. These pieces can be easier to coordinate because they bridge multiple styles. A wood-topped table with metal legs, for instance, can tie together a wooden dresser and metal bed frame beautifully.

Upholstered Materials: Upholstered bedside tables add softness and texture to your bedroom. Boucle fabric, with its distinctive looped, textured surface, has become particularly popular for creating a luxurious, cozy feel. It pairs beautifully with both modern and traditional furniture and adds tactile interest without overwhelming the space. Other upholstered options like velvet or linen can also work well, depending on your room's style.

Other Unique Materials: Materials like marble, glass, or lacquer can add visual interest and sophistication. These work best when you want to introduce a new element to your room. Make sure they don't clash with your existing textures—for example, a sleek glass table might look odd next to very rustic, chunky wooden furniture.

The Bottom Line

Choosing the perfect bedside table comes down to three things: getting the height right for comfort, selecting a size that's proportional to your bed and room, and coordinating colors and materials with your existing furniture in a way that feels intentional. Whether you go for perfect matching, complementary tones, or bold contrast, the key is that your choice should feel deliberate and cohesive with the rest of your space.

Take your measurements, consider your room's existing palette, and don't be afraid to take your time. The perfect bedside table is out there—and when you find it, everything will just click into place.

Quality Doesn't Have to Mean Expensive

Here's the good news: a great bedside table doesn't need to break the bank. Unlike larger furniture pieces that need to withstand heavy daily use, bedside tables have a relatively easy life. They hold a lamp, a book, and your phone—they're not bearing much weight or enduring constant wear and tear.

This means you can prioritize design and fit over premium construction without sacrificing longevity. Look for pieces with solid construction basics: stable legs, smooth drawer glides if applicable, and good finishing. But you don't need to invest in heirloom-quality craftsmanship the way you might for a dining table or sofa.

Focus your budget on getting the right size, height, and style that works with your space. A well-chosen, reasonably priced bedside table that perfectly suits your room will always look better and serve you better than an expensive piece that doesn't quite fit. Smart shopping means finding the sweet spot between quality construction and good value—and that sweet spot is more accessible than you might think.

What to Keep on Your Bedside Table: Mindfulness Matters

Once you've chosen the perfect bedside table, what you put on it matters just as much for your wellbeing. Your bedside table is the last thing you see before sleep and the first thing you encounter when you wake—making it a surprisingly powerful influence on your mental state.

Create a Calm Zone: Think of your bedside table as a sanctuary for rest and relaxation. Keep it free from clutter and work-related items. Avoid stacking bills, work documents, or anything that triggers stress or mental to-do lists. Your bedroom should be a space that signals to your brain that it's time to unwind, not a reminder of unfinished tasks.

Essential Items Only: A good rule of thumb is to keep only what genuinely serves your evening and morning routines. A lamp for reading, a book (actual paper, not a tablet if possible), a glass of water, and perhaps a small dish for jewelry or glasses. If your table has a drawer, use it to tuck away items like hand cream, lip balm, or medications—keeping the surface itself minimal and peaceful.

The Phone Question: Many sleep experts recommend keeping phones out of the bedroom entirely, but if that's not realistic for you, consider storing it in a drawer rather than on the surface. This small act creates a physical barrier between you and the temptation to scroll before bed or first thing in the morning, both of which can disrupt sleep quality and mental clarity.

Intentional Objects: If you want to add personal touches, choose items that genuinely bring you peace. A small plant, a meaningful photo, or a beautiful object you love can enhance the space without creating visual chaos. The key is intentionality—each item should earn its place by either serving a purpose or bringing you genuine joy.

A thoughtfully curated bedside table isn't just about aesthetics; it's about creating an environment that supports better sleep, calmer mornings, and improved mental wellbeing. Less really is more when it comes to this small but significant space.