Matching vs. Contrasting: Should Your Bedside Tables Match Your Bed?

Matching vs. Contrasting: Should Your Bedside Tables Match Your Bed?

Posted by Luxo Living on

Key Takeaways 

There's no single right answer—both matching and contrasting bedside tables work beautifully in Australian bedrooms. Your choice depends on room size, design style, budget, and personal preference. 

Matching creates: Visual harmony, simplicity in decision-making, cohesive aesthetic, safer choice for traditional styles. 

Contrasting creates: Visual interest, design flexibility, budget-friendly options, personalised expression, opportunity for unique focal points. 

Most designers recommend: Coordinate (share common elements) rather than perfectly match, allowing for flexibility while maintaining cohesion. 

Understanding the Matching vs. Contrasting Debate 

The question of whether bedside tables should match your bed frame divides homeowners and designers alike. Neither approach is inherently superior—each offers distinct advantages depending on your bedroom's specific circumstances. 

Matching refers to bedside tables from the same collection as your bed frame, sharing identical finishes, materials, and design details. Contrasting means deliberately selecting different pieces that complement without matching exactly. 

The third option—coordinating—involves selecting bedside tables that share key elements (colour, material, or style) with your bed without being identical. This middle ground offers the most flexibility for Australian bedrooms. 

Why this matters: Your bedside tables occupy prominent visual positions flanking your bed. Their relationship to the bed frame significantly impacts your bedroom's overall aesthetic, perceived spaciousness, and design sophistication. 

When Matching Bedside Tables Work Best 

Traditional and Classic Bedrooms 

Formal bedroom styles typically benefit from matching furniture sets. Traditional design emphasises symmetry, cohesion, and established aesthetic rules. 

Ideal scenarios for matching: 

  • Four-poster beds with ornate details 

  • Sleigh bed frames with distinctive curves 

  • Antique or vintage bed frames with specific periods 

  • Formal master suites in established homes 

  • Bedrooms with architectural details (crown moulding, wainscoting) 

Matching wooden bedside tables to timber bed frames creates seamless visual flow in traditional spaces. When your bed frame features distinctive characteristics—carved details, specific wood species, or particular finish—matching ensures design elements don't clash. 

Budget Set Purchases 

Buying complete bedroom sets often provides better value than purchasing individual pieces. Furniture retailers typically discount matching sets, making the complete package more affordable than separate items. 

Financial advantages: 

  • Bundle discounts (typically 10-20% off individual piece pricing) 

  • Reduced decision fatigue—no need to hunt for complementary pieces 

  • Guaranteed colour and finish matching 

  • Single delivery reducing shipping costs 

For budget-conscious Australian homeowners furnishing entire bedrooms, matching sets offer practical economy. This approach particularly suits first home buyers or those furnishing rental properties quickly. 

Small Bedrooms 

Compact bedrooms benefit from visual simplicity. Matching bedside tables to your bed frame reduces visual clutter, making small spaces feel more organised and less chaotic. 

Why matching helps small spaces: 

  • Creates unified colour blocking rather than multiple competing elements 

  • Reduces visual fragmentation 

  • Allows eyes to rest on cohesive forms 

  • Makes furniture appear less imposing 

In bedrooms under 12 square metres, matching timber bedside tables to timber bed frames or coordinating white bedside tables with white upholstered beds maintains visual calm. 

Minimalist Aesthetics 

Minimalist design principles emphasise simplicity, repetition, and restraint. Matching furniture aligns perfectly with minimalist philosophy. 

Scandinavian-inspired Australian homes often feature matching light oak or bamboo furniture throughout bedrooms. The repetition of materials and finishes creates the serene, uncluttered aesthetic central to minimalist design. 

Decision-Making Simplicity 

Some homeowners simply prefer avoiding additional design decisions. If coordinating separate pieces feels overwhelming, matching eliminates uncertainty. 

Matching provides confidence that everything works together—no risk of clashing finishes, incompatible styles, or proportion mismatches. This security justifies matching for many Australian consumers. 

When Contrasting Bedside Tables Create Better Design 

Contemporary and Eclectic Styles 

Modern design celebrates mixing materials, finishes, and styles. Contemporary Australian interiors increasingly embrace eclectic combinations that would have seemed discordant decades ago. 

Contemporary design principles favouring contrast: 

  • Layering different materials adds depth and interest 

  • Unexpected combinations create memorable spaces 

  • Mixing old and new demonstrates design confidence 

  • Varied textures prevent spaces feeling flat 

A modern upholstered bed frame pairs beautifully with metal bedside tables featuring sleek lines. The material contrast—soft fabric versus hard metal—creates dynamic tension that enhances both pieces. 

Large Master Suites 

Spacious bedrooms accommodate more visual complexity. Large rooms actually risk feeling cold or hotel-like when overly matchy-matchy. 

In master suites exceeding 20 square metres, contrasting bedside tables prevent monotony. Different pieces add personality and interest that keeps expansive spaces feeling curated rather than showroom-sterile. 

Budget Flexibility 

Contrasting allows strategic spending. Invest in a quality bed frame, then add more affordable bedside tables without compromising overall aesthetic. 

Strategic budget allocation: 

  • Premium bed frame (focal point): $800-$2000 

  • Mid-range complementary bedside tables: $139-$249 each 

  • Total investment lower than premium matching set 

  • Better quality bed frame for same overall budget 

This approach particularly suits Australian homeowners prioritising mattress investment (essential for sleep quality) while keeping case goods budget-conscious. 

Personal Expression 

Contrasting furniture reflects individual personality better than matching sets. Curated combinations tell stories about your taste, travels, or family history. 

Opportunities for personalisation: 

  • Vintage market finds paired with contemporary beds 

  • Inherited pieces integrated into modern rooms 

  • DIY refinished tables alongside new bed frames 

  • Mixed cultural influences reflecting multicultural Australia 

Your grandmother's refinished timber bedside table beside your modern platform bed creates meaningful, personal spaces that matching sets cannot achieve. 

Highlighting Unique Pieces 

If you own exceptional bedside tables—whether antique, designer, or handcrafted—contrasting showcases them rather than blending them into matching sets. 

Statement boucle bedside tables or unique vintage finds deserve centre stage. Pairing them with simpler bed frames allows their distinctive character to shine. 

Asymmetrical Design 

Deliberately mismatched bedside tables on either side of your bed creates intentional asymmetry—a sophisticated design choice in contemporary interiors. 

Asymmetrical approaches: 

  • Different heights creating visual movement 

  • Complementary styles (one timber, one metal) with shared tones 

  • Varied shapes (round beside square) in same colour family 

  • Contrasting storage types (drawers versus open shelves) 

This advanced technique works best when executed with clear intentionality. Random mismatching looks unfinished; deliberate asymmetry looks designer-curated. 

The Coordination Middle Ground 

Most interior designers recommend coordination over strict matching—sharing key characteristics while allowing differences. 

What to Coordinate 

Colour Palette: 

Share the same general colour even if not identical shades. A natural oak bed pairs with bamboo bedside tables. A black upholstered bed coordinates with black-painted timber tables. 

Material Family: 

Keep within related material categories. Timber bed with timber bedside tables (even different woods). Upholstered bed with fabric-drawer bedside tables. 

Design Style: 

Maintain consistent aesthetic language. Mid-century modern bed with mid-century inspired tables. Industrial metal bed frame with industrial-style timber-and-metal tables. 

Scale and Proportion: 

Ensure bedside tables suit bed frame size. King beds need substantial tables (60cm width minimum). Single beds suit compact 45cm tables. 

Hardware and Details: 

Gold-toned bed frame hardware coordinates with gold-handled bedside tables. Tapered legs on bed frame echo tapered legs on tables. 

Coordination Examples 

Example 1: Timber Coordination 

Natural oak bed frame + bamboo bedside tables. Different timbers share warm, natural aesthetic. Modern hardware on both pieces maintains style cohesion. 

Example 2: Colour Coordination 

White upholstered bed frame + white painted timber bedside tables. Shared colour unifies different materials. Clean, contemporary aesthetic throughout. 

Example 3: Style Coordination 

Black metal bed frame + timber bedside tables with black metal legs. Mixed materials share industrial aesthetic through metal elements and clean lines. 

Example 4: Texture Coordination 

Linen upholstered bed + velvet bedside tables. Both fabrics create soft, luxurious texture story. Different but complementary materials. 


Australian Design Considerations 

Climate and Material Performance 

Australian conditions influence material choices. Coastal humidity affects timber differently than inland dry climates. 

Coastal regions: 

If your bed frame is solid timber, matching bedside tables should also be properly sealed timber, or consider contrasting with powder-coated metal that handles humidity better. Mixed materials sometimes outperform all-timber sets in coastal conditions. 

Dry inland areas: 

Timber maintains moisture balance better when multiple pieces share similar construction and finish. Matching engineered wood furniture performs more consistently in low humidity than mixing solid timber with engineered alternatives. 

Australian Home Sizes 

Australian bedrooms vary dramatically between older homes, apartments, and modern houses. This impacts matching versus contrasting decisions. 

Smaller apartments and older homes: 

Compact bedrooms (10-15m²) benefit from matching or closely coordinated pieces. Visual simplicity prevents overwhelm. 

Modern master suites: 

Generous bedrooms (20-30m²+) in contemporary Australian homes accommodate contrasting furniture without visual clutter. Larger spaces need more visual interest. 

Rental Considerations 

Renters move more frequently than homeowners. This mobility influences furniture purchasing strategies. 

Matching challenges for renters: 

  • Complete sets difficult to move repeatedly 

  • Specific finishes may not suit next property 

  • Higher upfront investment in pieces you might outgrow 

Contrasting advantages for renters: 

  • Individual pieces more flexible across properties 

  • Budget-friendly staged purchasing 

  • Easier to replace single damaged piece 

  • Adapts to different bedroom sizes 

Australian renters often benefit from investing in quality bed frames while selecting more affordable, adaptable bedside tables that work across various rental properties. 

Australian Design Trends 2025 

Contemporary Australian interior design increasingly embraces eclecticism over matching sets. 

Current trends favouring contrast: 

  • Mixed material combinations (timber + metal, timber + fabric) 

  • Scalloped and fluted details on individual statement pieces 

  • Boucle and velvet upholstered accent furniture 

  • Vintage pieces integrated into modern contexts 

  • Deliberately asymmetrical styling 

These trends don't eliminate matching—they simply expand acceptable design vocabularies. Both approaches remain valid in Australian homes. 

Practical Decision-Making Framework 

Step 1: Assess Your Bed Frame 

Distinctive characteristics requiring careful pairing: 

  • Ornate carvings or period-specific details 

  • Unusual materials (velvet, leather, rattan) 

  • Bold colours or patterns 

  • Curved or sculptural forms 

  • Substantial visual weight 

Neutral bed frames working with anything: 

  • Simple platform bases 

  • Basic metal frames 

  • Solid colour upholstered headboards 

  • Clean-lined timber frames 

  • Low-profile designs 

Distinctive bed frames often benefit from either matching (to honour their style) or very thoughtful contrasting. Neutral bed frames offer maximum flexibility. 

Step 2: Evaluate Your Room 

Room factors favouring matching: 

  • Small bedrooms (under 12m²) 

  • Formal/traditional architecture 

  • Limited natural light 

  • Already visually busy (patterned wallpaper, multiple windows) 

  • Minimalist design goals 

Room factors favouring contrasting: 

  • Large bedrooms (over 20m²) 

  • Contemporary architecture 

  • Abundant natural light 

  • Plain painted walls needing interest 

  • Eclectic or personal style goals 

Step 3: Consider Your Budget 

Calculate your total bedroom furniture budget, then decide allocation. 

Budget allocation example 1 (Matching): 

  • Complete bedroom set: $1,800 

  • Bed frame + 2 matching bedside tables + tallboy 

  • Consistent quality across all pieces 

  • Bundle discount applied 

Budget allocation example 2 (Contrasting): 

  • Quality bed frame: $1,200 

  • Mid-range bedside tables: $199 each ($398 total) 

  • Remaining $200 for accessories 

  • Better bed frame for similar total cost 

Contrasting enables strategic investment in high-impact pieces (bed frame, mattress) while economising on accessories. 

Step 4: Define Your Style Confidence 

High style confidence: 

If you're comfortable making design decisions and trust your aesthetic instincts, contrasting offers creative freedom. You can curate unique, personal combinations. 

Moderate style confidence: 

Coordination provides safety—share colour or material but allow differences. This middle ground reduces risk while permitting some personality. 

Low style confidence: 

Matching eliminates uncertainty. Pre-coordinated sets guarantee everything works together. Nothing wrong with choosing simplicity and confidence. 

Step 5: Think Long-Term 

Matching advantages long-term: 

  • Consistent wear patterns 

  • Simultaneous refinishing possible 

  • Predictable replacement if needed 

  • Maintains cohesion through years 

Contrasting advantages long-term: 

  • Individual piece replacement easier 

  • Style evolution without replacing everything 

  • Adding new pieces doesn't disrupt existing 

  • More flexible across home changes 


Common Mistakes to Avoid 

Matching Mistakes 

Over-matching: 

Matching bed, bedside tables, tallboy, dresser, and mirror creates showroom sterility. Leave some pieces different even in predominantly matching schemes. 

Ignoring room context: 

Matching dark timber furniture set in small, dark bedroom feels oppressive. Consider room's existing characteristics, not just furniture relationships. 

Sacrificing quality for matching: 

Don't buy lower-quality matching set when budget allows better quality bed frame plus affordable contrasting tables. 

Forgetting future flexibility: 

Complete matching sets become challenging to update. Replacing one piece often means replacing everything for continuity. 

Contrasting Mistakes 

Too many contrasts: 

Mixing timber species, colours, styles, and scales simultaneously creates chaos. Limit to 1-2 contrasting elements while coordinating others. 

No common thread: 

Completely unrelated pieces look accidental. Always share at least one element—colour, material family, style period, or scale. 

Fighting distinctive bed frames: 

Highly ornate or unusual bed frames need respectful pairing. Don't contrast so dramatically you create visual competition. 

Ignoring proportion: 

Delicate metal bed frame with heavy, chunky timber bedside tables feels mismatched. Maintain consistent visual weight even when contrasting styles. 

Random rather than intentional: 

Contrasting should appear deliberate, not like you couldn't find matching pieces. Ensure clear design logic in your combinations. 

Material Combination Guide 

Timber Bed Frames 

Works well with: 

  • Same timber species (matching or coordinated) 

  • Different timber in same tone family (light oaks, medium walnuts) 

  • Painted timber in coordinating colours 

  • Metal-and-timber hybrid tables 

Avoid: 

  • Clashing timber tones (orange oak with grey walnut) 

  • Overly ornate bedside tables with simple bed frames 

  • Plastic or low-quality materials looking cheap beside quality timber 

Upholstered Bed Frames 

Works well with: 

  • Any material—upholstered beds are neutral 

  • Painted timber matching headboard colour 

  • Metallic tables adding contrast 

  • Natural timber providing warmth 

Avoid: 

  • Matching exact fabric (looks like sofa set) 

  • Clashing patterns if headboard is patterned 

  • Materials that compete with headboard texture 

Metal Bed Frames 

Works well with: 

  • Timber tables adding warmth 

  • Painted timber in bed frame colour 

  • Metal-legged tables with any tops 

  • Glass or acrylic tables for industrial aesthetic 

Avoid: 

  • All metal everything (cold, institutional feel) 

  • Ornate traditional timber (style clash) 

  • Materials too delicate for industrial aesthetic 

Styling Tips for Both Approaches 

Making Matching More Interesting 

Even matching sets benefit from styling variety. 

Add contrast through: 

  • Different lamp styles on each bedside table 

  • Asymmetrical accessories (books stacked on one side, plant on other) 

  • Varied artwork above each table 

  • Different but coordinating bedding colours 

  • Layered rugs introducing new textures 

Visual interest techniques: 

  • Vary heights of objects on each table 

  • Use rule of three for accessory groupings 

  • Include live plants for organic elements 

  • Display personal items preventing showroom feel 

Making Contrasting Work Cohesively 

Contrasting requires more careful styling to avoid randomness. 

Unifying techniques: 

  • Identical lamps on both tables (strong symmetry anchor) 

  • Matching accessories in same style/colour 

  • Consistent styling approach (both minimal or both layered) 

  • Coordinated bedding pulling everything together 

  • Rug in colour bridging furniture tones 

Balance considerations: 

  • If tables are different heights, balance with accessory height 

  • If one table is visually heavier, lighter styling balances 

  • Asymmetrical furniture benefits from symmetrical styling 


Real-World Scenarios and Solutions 

Scenario 1: Inherited Vintage Bed Frame 

Challenge: You've inherited grandparent's solid timber bed frame. Finding matching bedside tables impossible. 

Solution: Embrace contrasting. Choose contemporary bedside tables in coordinating timber tone but modern design. This honours heritage piece while creating current bedroom aesthetic. 

Alternative: Refinish vintage bed frame in modern colour (white, black), then pair with new bedside tables in same colour. Transforms heirloom while making coordinating easier. 

Scenario 2: Budget Upgrade 

Challenge: You purchased affordable complete set five years ago. Bed frame quality fine but bedside tables wearing poorly. 

Solution: Replace bedside tables with better quality contrasting pieces. Coordinate colour or style while upgrading materials. This extends bedroom's life without complete replacement cost. 

Scenario 3: Small Bedroom, Bold Personality 

Challenge: 10m² bedroom benefits from matching simplicity, but you want personality and uniqueness. 

Solution: Match bed frame and bedside tables for visual calm, then inject personality through bold accessories, artwork, and textiles. Let furniture be backdrop for expressive styling. 

Alternative: Choose matching base colour (all white) but vary materials (upholstered bed, timber tables, metal lamp). Shared colour maintains simplicity while materials add interest. 

Scenario 4: Rental Property Limitations 

Challenge: Current rental has specific bed frame built in. You need bedside tables adapting to unknown future properties. 

Solution: Choose versatile contrasting bedside tables in neutral colour (white or natural timber) working with any bed style. This investment moves with you regardless of future bed frames. 

Scenario 5: Partner Style Differences 

Challenge: Partners disagree on bedroom aesthetic—one prefers traditional matching, other wants eclectic contrasting. 

Solution: Compromise through asymmetrical bedside tables. Each partner chooses one table reflecting their style, coordinated through shared colour or material family. Creates personalised "his" and "hers" sides while maintaining overall cohesion. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Do bedside tables have to match each other? 

No. Bedside tables on either side of the bed don't need to match each other or the bed frame. Coordinating through shared colour, material, or style creates cohesion without requiring identical pieces. Deliberately mismatched tables are increasingly popular in contemporary Australian interiors. 

Is it okay to have different bedside tables on each side? 

Yes, absolutely. Intentional asymmetry adds personality and visual interest. Ensure the two different tables share at least one element—similar height, colour family, material type, or style period—to appear deliberate rather than accidental. 

Should bedside tables be the same height as your bed? 

Bedside tables should align roughly with your mattress top, typically 55-70cm high depending on your bed frame. This height allows comfortable reach while sitting or lying in bed. Height matching matters more than style matching for functionality. 

Can you mix metal and wood bedside tables with a wooden bed? 

Yes. Mixed materials create visual interest and contemporary appeal. Metal-legged tables with timber tops work beautifully beside timber bed frames, combining warmth of wood with modern metal accents. Ensure metal finish (black, brass, chrome) complements rather than clashes with timber tone. 

What if I can't find bedside tables matching my bed frame? 

Coordinate instead of match. Choose tables sharing your bed frame's colour, material family, or design style. For example, if your bed is walnut timber, any medium-brown timber bedside table coordinates well. Perfect matching isn't necessary for beautiful, cohesive bedrooms. 

Are matching bedroom sets outdated? 

Matching sets aren't outdated but are less dominant than previously. Contemporary design embraces mixing furniture pieces. However, matching still works beautifully in traditional styles, minimalist aesthetics, and small bedrooms. Choose based on your space and style, not trends. 

How do I make mismatched bedside tables look intentional? 

Ensure they share one strong common element—height, colour, material type, or style period. Use identical lamps on both tables to create symmetry anchor. Style both tables similarly (both minimal or both layered). This creates cohesion despite furniture differences. 

Should bedside table handles match bed frame hardware? 

Coordinating hardware creates polish but exact matching isn't essential. If your bed frame has brass details, brass-handled bedside tables look intentional. However, mixed metals are acceptable in contemporary design—just ensure overall balance rather than random variety. 

Can I use a dresser as a bedside table if it doesn't match my bed? 

Yes. Repurposing furniture adds character. Any appropriately sized piece (tallboy, dresser, small chest) functions as bedside table regardless of matching. Coordinate through colour, styling, or accessories. This approach often creates more interesting bedrooms than matching sets. 

How much should I spend on bedside tables compared to my bed frame? 

Generally, allocate 60-70% of bedroom furniture budget to bed frame and mattress (most important for sleep quality), then 30-40% to bedside tables and other pieces. For a $2,000 bedroom budget, invest $1,200-$1,400 in quality bed and mattress, then $300-$400 on bedside tables. 

Conclusion: Your Bedroom, Your Rules 

Neither matching nor contrasting bedside tables is objectively better—both create beautiful Australian bedrooms when executed thoughtfully. 

Choose matching when you prioritise simplicity, have small bedrooms, appreciate traditional aesthetics, want budget-friendly complete sets, or prefer reduced decision-making. 

Choose contrasting when you want personal expression, have large bedrooms, embrace contemporary style, need budget flexibility, or own unique pieces deserving showcase. 

Choose coordinating when you want flexibility with cohesion—share colour, material, or style while allowing differences. 

The most important factors are room size, existing architecture, your confidence level, and functional needs. Trust your instincts while applying these guidelines. Your bedroom should reflect your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences, not rigid design rules. 

Australian homes successfully incorporate both approaches. Walk through furniture showrooms, browse design magazines, and notice what resonates with you. Your comfort in your bedroom matters more than perfect adherence to any design philosophy. 

Ready to explore bedside table options for your Australian bedroom? Browse coordinating collections featuring everything from traditional matching sets to unique contemporary pieces that mix beautifully with existing furniture. With extended warranties, fast nationwide delivery, and expert customer service, finding your perfect bedside solution is simpler than ever. 

This guide was written for Australian homeowners seeking practical, balanced advice on bedroom furniture selection. Information reflects current design trends, Australian market options, and real-world considerations for creating beautiful, functional bedrooms across diverse Australian home styles and sizes.