How to Choose a Bedside Table for Any Bedroom

The right bedside table sits within about 5 cm of the top of your mattress, leaves room for a lamp and a glass, and does not block the door or the wardrobe. Measure the mattress height from the floor before you look at any options.

Most UK mattresses end up between 55 cm and 65 cm from the floor once the frame and any topper are in place. A table that is much lower forces you to lean down in the dark. One that is much higher puts the lamp at eye level when you are lying down.

Measure the height first

Stand the bed in its final place. Measure from the floor to the top of the mattress, including any topper. Look for a table whose surface is within 5 cm of that number. Standard UK tables sit around 55 to 60 cm high. Divan beds with deep mattresses can push the sleeping surface to 70 cm, so you need a taller unit.

Check width and depth against the bed and the room

A double bed (135 cm) usually looks balanced with a table 35 to 45 cm wide. A king (150 cm) can take up to 50 cm. Depth of 35 to 45 cm keeps the table from sticking too far into the walking space. Measure the gap between the bed and the nearest wall, door or wardrobe before you order.

Decide how much storage you need

One drawer is enough for most people: phone charger, glasses, a book. Two drawers or a cupboard add bulk. Open shelving looks lighter but collects dust. If the room is small, a floating shelf or a slim wall-hung unit saves floor space.

Match the material to the rest of the room

Solid oak or painted wood sits well with most UK bedroom furniture. MDF with a laminate finish is cheaper and fine if the room is dry. Avoid high-gloss if the room gets strong morning light; fingerprints show.

Think about the lamp and the cable

Leave space for a lamp base and a book. If you use a phone at night, make sure there is a place for the cable to drop behind the table without crossing the floor. Some tables have a cut-out or a shelf for this.

Conclusion

Measure the mattress height from the floor and the available floor gap first. Then choose the width and storage that fit the bed size and the room. The table that matches the mattress height will feel right the first night you use it.

FAQs

What height should a bedside table be?

Within about 5 cm of the top of the mattress, measured from the floor. For most UK beds that is 55 to 65 cm.

Can I use a different height table on each side?

Yes, if the beds are different heights or one side has less space. Keep the surface that holds the lamp at a comfortable reach.