A bedside table is an essential piece of bedroom furniture. It provides a convenient place for everyday items, adds useful storage and helps make your bedroom more organised. However, choosing the right one involves more than appearance. Height, dimensions, materials and storage capacity all affect how well it works in your space.
Whether you are furnishing a new bedroom or updating your existing furniture, here are the key things to consider when choosing a bedside table for your Australian home.
Choose the Right Height for Your Bed
Height is one of the most important factors when selecting a bedside table. Ideally, the tabletop should be close to the height of your mattress or slightly lower. This makes it easier to reach your phone, books, glasses and other essentials without having to lean too far.
Before buying, measure the distance from the floor to the top of your mattress, including any mattress topper. Do not measure only the bed frame, as different mattress thicknesses can affect the final height.
|
Bed Type |
Height Considerations |
|---|---|
|
Low-profile bed |
Choose a shorter bedside table |
|
Standard bed |
Look for a table close to mattress height |
|
High bed |
Consider a taller bedside table |
|
Upholstered bed |
Check the combined height of the frame and mattress |
A bedside table that is too low may feel inconvenient when reaching for everyday items. A table that is too high can also make it difficult to use a bedside lamp or place things on the surface comfortably.
It is also worth considering your future furniture plans. If you intend to replace your mattress or bed frame, choose a height that will continue to work with your bedroom setup.
Find the Right Size for Your Bedroom
The width and depth of a bedside table should suit both your bed and the available floor space. A table that is too large can make a bedroom feel crowded, while one that is too small may not provide enough storage or surface area.
The size of your bed is a useful starting point.
|
Bedroom Setup |
Recommended Approach |
|---|---|
|
Single bed |
Compact bedside table |
|
Double bed |
Small to medium-sized table |
|
Queen bed |
Medium or wider table |
|
King bed |
Wider table or matching pair |
|
Small apartment bedroom |
Narrow design with drawers |
These are general suggestions rather than fixed rules. The actual dimensions of your bed frame, headboard and surrounding furniture should determine your final choice.
Depth is equally important. Measure the distance between your bed and the nearest wall or furniture. Make sure there is enough room to walk comfortably and open the bedside table drawers.
For smaller Australian bedrooms, a compact design with two drawers can be a practical solution. It provides useful storage without taking up too much floor space.
Consider How Much Storage You Need
Think about what you normally keep beside your bed. Some people only need space for a lamp, phone and glass of water, while others prefer to store books, chargers, reading glasses and personal belongings.
Different storage designs offer different benefits.
|
Storage Type |
Main Benefits |
Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
|
Open shelf |
Easy access and simple appearance |
Books and frequently used items |
|
One drawer |
Basic concealed storage |
Minimalist bedrooms |
|
Two drawers |
More organised storage |
Everyday personal belongings |
|
Drawer with shelf |
Combines visible and hidden storage |
Flexible storage needs |
Open Shelves
Open shelves provide convenient access to frequently used items. They are suitable for books, magazines and decorative accessories. Their open structure can also make a smaller bedroom feel less visually crowded.
However, everything remains visible, so keeping the shelf organised is important.
Drawer Storage
Bedside tables with drawers are ideal for keeping personal belongings out of sight. A single drawer may be enough for basic essentials, while two drawers allow you to separate different items.
A two-drawer bedside table is particularly useful if you want to keep the tabletop clear for a lamp, alarm clock and other accessories.
Choose the Right Material
The material affects the appearance, durability, weight and maintenance requirements of a bedside table. Understanding the differences can help you make a more informed decision.
|
Material |
Advantages |
Things to Consider |
|---|---|---|
|
Solid wood |
Natural grain and substantial construction |
Requires suitable care |
|
Wood veneer |
Natural wood appearance and varied finishes |
Check the supporting material |
|
Engineered wood |
Flexible designs and finishes |
Construction quality varies |
|
Metal |
Contemporary appearance and sturdy frames |
May not suit every interior |
|
Glass |
Light and open visual effect |
Shows fingerprints and dust |
Solid Wood
Solid wood is a popular choice for bedroom furniture because of its natural grain, warm appearance and substantial feel. Each piece of timber has its own characteristics, giving wooden furniture a distinctive look.
Different timber types have different levels of hardness, grain patterns and moisture sensitivity. The quality of the construction and protective finish also affects long-term performance.
Solid wood bedside tables are suitable for people who appreciate natural materials and want furniture with a classic appearance.
Wood Veneer and Engineered Wood
Wood veneer uses a thin layer of wood or decorative material applied to a supporting base. It can provide an attractive wood-grain appearance while allowing manufacturers to create different finishes and designs.
Engineered wood is also commonly used in furniture construction. Its performance depends on the material, thickness, edge finishing and overall build quality.
When shopping, check the product specifications carefully. A furniture item described as wooden does not necessarily mean every component is made from solid timber.
Metal and Glass
Metal bedside tables can work well in contemporary and industrial bedrooms. They often feature simple frames and clean lines.
Glass surfaces create a lighter visual appearance and can be useful in smaller rooms. However, they generally require more frequent cleaning to remove fingerprints and dust.
Think About Colour and Surface Finish
The colour of your bedside table can influence the overall atmosphere of your bedroom. Popular options include white, grey, black, brown and natural wood finishes.
|
Colour or Finish |
Visual Effect |
Common Applications |
|---|---|---|
|
White |
Fresh and bright |
Light, simple bedrooms |
|
Grey |
Calm and contemporary |
Modern interiors |
|
Natural wood |
Warm and organic |
Farmhouse and transitional spaces |
|
Dark brown |
Rich and classic |
Traditional bedrooms |
|
Black |
Bold and understated |
Contemporary interiors |
Natural wood finishes are particularly useful when you want to introduce warmth and texture. Grey and white finishes can create a cleaner appearance, while darker colours provide contrast.
You do not need to match your bedside table exactly with your bed frame or wardrobe. Combining different finishes can create a more natural and interesting bedroom.
Pay attention to the surface finish as well. A smooth finish may be easier to wipe clean, while visible wood grain can add more character to the furniture.
Check the Construction and Practical Details
A bedside table is used frequently, so construction quality should be part of your buying decision. Small details can affect how convenient the furniture is over time.
Drawer Quality
Check whether the drawers open and close smoothly. Look at the handles, drawer joints and overall construction. Dovetail joints, for example, are a traditional woodworking method that uses interlocking shapes to connect drawer components.
Tabletop Space
Consider everything you want to place on the tabletop. A bedside lamp, phone, book and water glass can take up more space than expected.
A wider surface provides greater flexibility, especially if you use several accessories.
Stability and Maintenance
Check the legs, frame and overall construction to ensure the table feels stable. Uneven flooring may also affect how securely the furniture sits.
For wooden furniture, regular dusting and prompt cleaning of spills can help maintain the finish. Avoid leaving standing water on the surface and follow the manufacturer's care instructions.
Consider Lighting and Power Access
Most bedrooms have several electrical items near the bed, including lamps, phones and alarm clocks. Your bedside table should allow these items to be used conveniently.
If you plan to use a table lamp, check that the tabletop is wide enough for its base. You should also consider the position of nearby power points so charging cables do not need to stretch across the room.
Cable management can help keep the area tidy, particularly if you regularly charge multiple devices.
Another useful consideration is the placement of drinks. Keep water glasses away from electrical equipment and charging connections to reduce the risk of accidental spills.
Should You Choose One Bedside Table or Two?
The decision depends on your bedroom layout and personal needs.
A matching pair creates a balanced appearance, especially when the bed is positioned in the centre of the room. It also provides separate storage and surface space for two people.
However, two bedside tables are not essential. In a smaller bedroom, one table may provide enough storage while leaving additional room for movement.
You can also choose different designs for each side of the bed. Using similar materials, colours or proportions can help maintain a coordinated appearance without requiring identical furniture.
Bedside Table Recommendations From Parrot Uncle
Parrot Uncle offers bedroom furniture that combines practical storage with carefully considered design details. If you are looking for a bedside table that provides everyday convenience while adding character to your bedroom, these two designs are worth considering.
Hinwitz Transitional Solid Wood 2-Drawer Nightstand
The Hinwitz Transitional Solid Wood 2-Drawer Nightstand combines natural solid wood construction with classic transitional styling. Its two drawers provide convenient storage for personal belongings, while the felt-lined upper drawer offers a softer space for smaller accessories. Measuring approximately 68.6 cm wide, 45.7 cm deep and 68.6 cm high, it offers a generous storage solution for bedrooms that need a substantial bedside table.
Rainier Modern 25-Inch Gray Wood 2-Drawer Nightstand
The Rainier Modern 25-Inch Gray Wood 2-Drawer Nightstand features a contemporary grey finish, gold metal knobs and tapered legs. Its two drawers provide practical storage, while its rubberwood construction and wood veneer finish introduce natural wood details. Measuring approximately 63.5 cm wide, 39.4 cm deep and 67.3 cm high, it is a practical option for bedrooms where a modern appearance and functional storage are equally important.
Final Thoughts
The best bedside table should suit your bed height, available space and everyday storage needs. Consider the materials, dimensions and construction before choosing a design. A well-selected bedside table can make your bedroom more organised, comfortable and practical.
