Bedside Tables

The standard height for a bedside table is 55-65cm, which puts the surface roughly level with your mattress or a few centimetres higher, comfortable for reaching over without sitting up. Width depends on your available space: measure the gap between your bed and the wall, leaving at least 10cm on each side for easy movement. If space is tight, a 1-drawer table (typically 40-45cm wide) works well. If you've got room and need more storage, 2-drawer designs are usually 45-50cm wide. Also consider what you'll place on top (a lamp, phone charger, book) and make sure the surface area can handle it without looking cramped.

It depends on what you're storing. A single drawer handles the basics: charger cables, glasses, hand cream, maybe a notebook. If you're someone who keeps books, tablets, medications, or extra bits by the bed, two drawers make more sense. Some people use the top drawer for nightly essentials and the bottom for less used items. If you need serious bedroom storage, consider pairing a 1 drawer bedside table with a chest of drawers elsewhere in the room rather than overloading your bedside with height. Tall, narrow pieces can feel unstable next to a bed.

Many of our bedside tables belong to coordinated ranges designed to work together. Our Agnes collection includes wardrobes, chest of drawers, and bedside tables in the same off white with oak top finish. Maru, Thalia, Chantilly, and several others follow the same principle. If you're furnishing a whole bedroom or adding to existing pieces, staying within the same range ensures consistency. If you're matching to furniture you already own, check the finish carefully: our product photos show actual pieces, not renders, so what you see is what arrives. Customer reviews often include photos of items in situ, which can help gauge how finishes look in real bedrooms.

Measure the space between your bed frame and the nearest wall or obstacle, then check individual product dimensions. Don't forget to account for drawer depth when open. Drawers typically extend 30-35cm from the front of the table, so you need clearance. Also consider plug socket placement: you'll likely want to charge your phone or plug in a bedside lamp, so check the socket isn't blocked by the table or awkwardly positioned behind it. If your bedroom layout puts the socket low on the wall, make sure the table doesn't sit flush against it. A bit of planning here prevents frustration later.

Most bedside tables take 45 minutes to an hour to put together. You're attaching drawer fronts, legs, and sometimes drawer runners, nothing particularly complicated. Everything comes with instructions and the tools you'll need (usually an Allen key and possibly a screwdriver). Our simpler 1 drawer designs are quicker; 2 drawer tables or those with doors take a bit longer. If you've assembled flatpack furniture before, you'll be fine. If you haven't and would rather not start, local furniture assembly services typically charge £20-40 for a bedside table and can usually fit you in within a few days.

Oak offers warmth and durability. Solid wood that ages well and suits both traditional and contemporary bedrooms. Our oak pieces show natural grain and come in finishes from light washed tones to deeper walnut-effect stains. Rattan brings texture and a lighter, more relaxed feel. Woven panels on drawer fronts add visual interest without weight. It suits coastal, mid century, and Scandi styles particularly well. Painted finishes (white, sage green, taupe, pink) work in rooms where you want colour or a softer look. Painted surfaces need slightly more care. Wipe spills promptly and avoid harsh cleaners, but they're perfectly durable for everyday bedroom use.