subject: How to Choose the Best Bed Side Table for Your Bedroom Setup [print this page]
The perfect bedroom is a sanctuary, a carefully curated haven designed for rest and rejuvenation. While the bed is undoubtedly the star, its most crucial supporting actor is often overlooked: the humble bed side table. This piece is far more than a simple stand for a lamp; it is a functional anchor, a style statement, and the key to a clutter-free, organised, and harmonious sleep environment. Choosing the right one requires a blend of practical consideration and aesthetic sense. This guide will walk you through every step to ensure you select the ideal nightstand that complements your space, serves your needs, and enhances your overall bedroom experience.
The Foundational Step: Getting the Size and Proportion Right Before you fall in love with a specific design, the first and most critical step is to ensure it will fit your space perfectly. A nightstand that is too large will overwhelm the room, while one that is too small will look lost and offer little utility.
Measuring for Harmony and Functionality The goal is to achieve visual balance with your bed. Start by measuring the height of your mattress. A common rule of thumb is that the surface of your bedside table should be level with or within 5-10cm above the top of your mattress. This creates a harmonious line and makes it easy to reach for a book, glass of water, or your alarm clock without straining.
Next, consider the width. The table should be proportional to the size of your bed. For a standard double bed, a table around 50-60cm wide is ideal. For a king-size bed, you can opt for something larger, up to 70cm. Crucially, don’t forget to measure the space between your bed and the wall or any other furniture. Ensure there is enough room to open drawers comfortably and to walk past easily, maintaining clear pathways in the room.
Aligning Style with Substance: Choosing a Design That Complements Your Bedroom Your nightstand should feel like a natural extension of your bedroom’s decor, not an afterthought. It’s an opportunity to reinforce your chosen style or add an exciting contrasting element.
Matching Your Bedroom's Overall Aesthetic Modern & Minimalist: Opt for designs with clean lines, sleek metals, and smooth finishes like gloss-lacquered MDF or glass. Think about models with hidden storage to maintain a clutter-free look.
Scandinavian: Look for light woods like oak or ash, often with slender, tapered legs. The design should focus on simplicity, functionality, and a sense of light and airiness.
Industrial: Choose pieces that incorporate raw materials like reclaimed wood, blackened steel, and iron. Look for details like exposed rivets or metal frames.
Traditional & Classic: Carved wooden tables with detailed mouldings, cabriole legs, and rich, dark finishes like walnut or mahogany are perfect for a timeless, elegant feel.
The Material World: Pros and Cons of Different Finishes The material of your bedside cabinet impacts its durability, maintenance, and overall aesthetic.
Solid Wood: Offers unmatched durability and longevity. It can be sanded and refinished if it gets scratched. It brings natural warmth and character to a room but is often at a higher price point.
Engineered Wood (MDF with veneer): A more affordable option that offers great stability and a consistent finish. Modern veneers can beautifully mimic real wood. It is susceptible to water damage if left untreated.
Metal: Provides a sleek, modern, or industrial feel. It is incredibly sturdy and easy to clean but can be prone to showing fingerprints and may scratch over time.
Glass: Creates a feeling of light and space in a smaller room. Tempered glass is strong and safe. The main drawback is that it shows dust and smudges very easily, requiring frequent cleaning.
Maximising Utility: Selecting the Right Type of Storage for Your Needs The primary function of a nightstand is to keep your essentials organised and within reach. Your lifestyle will dictate the best storage solution for you.
Open Shelving vs. Closed Cabinets vs. Drawers Drawers: The classic choice for a reason. Drawers are perfect for concealing clutter like medications, reading glasses, remote controls, and other personal items you want to keep handy but out of sight. They help maintain a clean and serene surface.
Open Shelving: Offers a more airy and accessible feel. It’s great for placing a small basket to corral items or displaying a few favourite books. However, it can easily look messy if not styled carefully.
Closed Cabinets: Often featuring a door, these provide hidden storage for larger items while keeping dust at bay. This can be a good option if you need to store bulkier things like extra bedding or a small blanket.
The Surface Top: Your Essential Landing Zone Regardless of the storage below, the surface area is non-negotiable. Consider what you need to have within arm's reach every night and every morning. This typically includes:
A bedside lamp for reading.
A place for your phone or charger.
Space for a book and a glass of water.
Room for an alarm clock or a small vase of flowers. Ensure the table you choose has enough clear surface area to accommodate these daily essentials comfortably.
The Final Touches: Functionality, Safety, and Cohesion A few often-overlooked details can make the difference between a good choice and a great one.
Incorporating Practical Features Look for designs that offer built-in functionality to enhance convenience. Some modern nightstands come with integrated wireless charging pads, built-in power outlets, or USB ports, elegantly solving the problem of trailing cables and making it easy to power up your devices overnight.
Ensuring Stability and Safety This is especially important in households with young children or pets. A sturdy, well-built bedside table should not wobble or feel top-heavy. If you are considering a taller, narrower design, ensure it has a sufficient weighty base or can be anchored to the wall for added safety and peace of mind.
Why Choose Orsina for Your Bedside Table? At Orsina, we believe the details make the home. We are a UK-based furniture specialist dedicated to helping you create a bedroom that is both beautiful and perfectly functional.
We are committed to curating a collection of bedside tables that blend exceptional design with practical everyday use. We understand that this piece is a vital part of your bedtime routine, which is why we select pieces from designers who prioritise quality materials, thoughtful storage solutions, and stable construction. Our expertise allows us to offer guidance not just on style, but on the practicalities of size, proportion, and functionality to ensure your choice enhances your space for years to come.
Our commitment is to provide outstanding service to customers across the UK, from initial inspiration to delivery in your bedroom. We are here to help you find a piece you will love and use every single day.
Explore our curated collection of bedside tables and find the perfect functional companion for your bed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1. How much should a good bedside table cost? The price varies greatly based on material, size, and brand. Well-made tables from solid wood will be a investment, while those from engineered wood or metal can be more affordable. It's best to view it as a long-term investment in your bedroom's functionality and style.
2. Is it necessary for bedside tables to match exactly? Not at all. While matching tables create a symmetrical, formal look, using two different but complementary tables is a popular interior design trend. They should share a common element, such as colour, material, or similar height, to create a cohesive but more dynamic and curated look.
3. What can I use instead of a traditional bedside table? Get creative! A small wooden stool, a stack of vintage suitcases, a floating wall shelf, a pretty chair, or even a neatly styled pile of books can serve as a unique and stylish alternative to a conventional nightstand.
4. How can I stop my bedside table from getting cluttered? Utilise storage solutions effectively. Use the drawers for items you need but don't want to see. Employ a small tray on the surface to corral smaller items like lip balm, jewellery, or watches. This keeps everything organised and intentional.
5. What is the ideal distance between the bed and the nightstand? The table should be placed close enough that you can easily reach everything on it without getting out of bed. It is typically flush against the side of the bed or just a centimetre or two away, never with a large, awkward gap.
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