What to Look for When Buying a Bedside Table

 

A bedside table is small, but it has a big impact on your bedroom. It helps make your space more comfortable and useful. It's also where you store your bedtime essentials, show off personal décor, and balance your entire bedroom design.

The best bedside table isn't simply the one that looks good. It should fit your room, suit your daily routine, and provide the storage and convenience you need. In this guide, we’ll help you find the best side table for your bed. We'll cover key factors to match your lifestyle.

1. Think About How You'll Use Your Bedside Table

Think about how you’ll use your bedside table each day before comparing designs and finishes. Different lifestyles call for different features. Those who enjoy reading before bed will have different needs than those who simply want a place to set an alarm clock.

Ask yourself:

• Do you read books or use an e-reader before sleeping?
• Do you charge your phone, tablet, or smartwatch overnight?
• Do you like keeping a glass of water nearby?
• Do you need a convenient spot for medications, eyeglasses, or skincare?
• Would you like to display a lamp, a framed photo, candles, or small plants?

If you charge multiple devices, a bedside table with a spacious tabletop is perfect for you. Choose a tabletop that’s wide enough for your lamp, phone charger, alarm clock, and book. It should fit everything comfortably and not feel crowded.

2. Choose a Bedside Table Size That Fits Your Space

A bedside table should feel proportionate to both your bed and your room. One that's too large can make the bedroom feel cramped, while one that's too small may not provide enough usable space.

• Consider the Width: Think about what you'll place on top of the table. If you typically use a lamp, a phone charger, an alarm clock, and a book, choose a tabletop wide enough to hold everything comfortably without feeling crowded.
  
  
• Check the Depth: Depth is especially important in smaller bedrooms and condominiums. A table that's too deep can reduce walking space around the bed and make the room feel tighter.
  
  
• Check the Height: Height also affects comfort and usability, especially when reaching for your belongings from bed. Check out our bedside table size guide to choose the ideal height for your bedroom.

The bedside table should complement your bed frame and mattress height rather than compete with them. A large king-size bed usually pairs well with slightly wider tables, while compact beds often look better with slimmer designs.

If your bedroom has an unusual layout or you're trying to maximize every inch of space, consider OUR HOME’s made-to-order furniture options. You can pick dimensions, finishes, or configurations that fit your room. This works well for both condos and larger homes.

3. Decide How Much Storage You Need

Storage needs vary from one household to another. Choosing the right setup keeps your bedroom neat. It also makes sure you can easily reach the items you use most often.

• Open Shelves: Offer quick access to books, baskets, or decorative accents. It's ideal for homeowners who prefer a lighter, more open look.
  
  
• Single Drawer: A single-drawer bedside table strikes a nice balance between storage and simplicity. It's great for storing personal items like chargers, journals, remote controls, or reading glasses. This way, your tabletop stays clutter-free.
  
  
• Multiple Drawers: If you like to keep everything within reach, multiple drawers offer extra organization. These are great for anyone who stores medications, notebooks, cables, accessories, or other bedtime essentials they want to keep out of sight.
  
  
• Cabinet-Door Designs: Cabinet-style bedside tables hide larger items. You can store books, organizers, or small baskets inside them.

4. Choose Materials That Match Your Lifestyle

The material of your bedside table affects not only your bedroom's aesthetic but also how well it suits your daily needs.

When comparing materials, consider:

• Durability for daily use
• Ease of cleaning
• Maintenance requirements
• Compatibility with your existing furniture
• Long-term style that won't quickly go out of trend

5. Match Your Bedroom Style

Your bedside table should enhance your bedroom's design. It doesn’t need to match every piece of furniture perfectly. Instead of focusing on identical finishes, aim for a cohesive mix of colors, textures, and proportions.

• Modern Interiors: Opt for clean lines, minimal hardware, and sleek shapes. This will help you achieve a polished and uncluttered look.
  
  
• Scandinavian Spaces: Light wood finishes and simple forms create a functional design. This style fits perfectly in Scandinavian-inspired bedrooms.
  
  
• Japandi Bedrooms: Japandi style combines Japanese simplicity with Scandinavian warmth. Look for natural materials, subtle textures, and understated craftsmanship.
  
  
• Contemporary Homes: Contemporary bedrooms offer flexibility with mixed materials and unique shapes. They feature statement details but keep a clean look.
  
  
• Classic Interiors: Traditional wood finishes and elegant details create warmth and sophistication in classic bedrooms. Timeless proportions enhance this beautiful style.

Remember, creating a cohesive bedroom doesn't mean every piece must match perfectly. Coordinating materials, colors, and overall style often creates a more inviting and personalized space.

6. Consider Features That Add Everyday Convenience

Small design details can make your bedside table much more enjoyable to use over time.

Some practical features worth considering include:

• Soft-Close Drawers: Soft-close mechanisms reduce noise and protect drawers from slamming. They’re great for couples, especially if one partner goes to bed earlier.
  
  
• Easy-to-Clean Finishes: Smooth, durable finishes make cleaning quick. They help keep your furniture looking great with little effort.
  
  
• Open Shelving: Open shelves offer easy access to books, storage baskets, and decorative items. This makes grabbing everyday essentials quick and simple.
  
  
• Compact Footprints: Compact bedside tables fit in small spaces. They maximize function and save floor space.
  
  
• Stable Tabletops: A strong, flat surface is safe for bedside lamps, alarm clocks, drinks, and other daily needs.
  
  

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Bedside Table

Even a beautiful bedside table can become frustrating if it doesn't suit your room or lifestyle.

Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Buying a bedside table that's too big for the available space.
• Prioritizing appearance over everyday functionality.
• Underestimating how much storage you'll actually use.
• Forgetting to leave enough walking space around the bed.
• Selecting a design that clashes with your existing bedroom furniture instead of complementing it.
• Overlooking future needs, such as additional storage or changing bedroom layouts.

Taking a few extra minutes to evaluate these factors before purchasing can help you avoid costly replacements later.

Find a Bedside Table That Fits Your Lifestyle

The right bedside table balances style, functionality, and your everyday life. Choosing the right size and storage matters. Picking durable materials and handy features helps too. Each choice makes your bedroom more organized, comfortable, and enjoyable.

Ready to upgrade your space? Check out OUR HOME's Bedside Table Collection. You’ll find stylish options for bedrooms of all sizes. 

When you’re setting up a new home or updating your space, OUR HOME offers stylish, functional bedroom furniture. Visit OUR HOME stores nationwide or explore ourhome.ph. You may also contact a personal shopper via Call to Deliver at 0917-8315260.