The 9 best bedside tables that are both practical and pretty

Peruse our pick of the best bedside tables around to carry your clutter and house your all-important bedside necessities

Best bedside tables – Dunelm Priya Side Table, Habitat Short 1 Door 2 shelf Locker in grey, IKEA BJÖRKSNÄS Bedside table, Hay Butler Stepladder
(Image credit: Future)

Invest in the best bedside table to complete your haven of oasis that you use to snooze, dress yourself and to store the copious amount of clothes that you own. Not only is a bedside table there to fill the gaps on either side of your bed, but they are undeniably handy for hiding – and housing – bedside must-haves. From your reading material to a glass of water, a bedside lamp, your glasses or even the baby's bottle – all for easy reaching.

Having a bedside table to place your paraphernalia is a minor convenience that we may take for granted. Yet it's those little things – that when we get them right – make all the difference to the day (or even our ability to wind down at night). 

But which bedside table to choose? Simply enough, there's no one size fits all. Some may want a bedside table with heaps of storage whilst others might be happy enough with something that offers just one shelf. In terms of material, the majority of bedside tables are wooden but you can find metal options and more out there. If bedroom floorspace is a premium, then you could opt for something space-savvy and slim, or there are wall-mounted bedside tables on offer, too.

In short: there's something for everyone, no matter the style of your home and the size of your budget. Here are our top bedside table picks across the web, so that you can buy online rest assured your money is being spent on something stylish. Once you're done, and if you're in the market, see our best sofa beds guide for our recommendations for your spare bedroom, living room or the kids' room, to sleep more heads.


The best bedside tables – for style, functionality and durability

Livingetc knows design. We spend hours testing and comparing the latest products, bringing only our edit of the very best to you. Find out more about how we review.

John Lewis & Partners Trinity Marble Bedside Table

(Image credit: John Lewis & Partners)

1. John Lewis & Partners Trinity Marble Bedside Table

A marble-topped bedside table offering plenty of space

Specifications

Size: H59cm x W37.8cm x D37.5cm
Storage: 2 drawers

This handsome bedside table from John Lewis boasts a marble top for housing a lamp, your reading material, a coaster and perhaps a tray for your jewellery to live in. Other than that, you can use its two drawers for storage purposes, one of which is deeper than the other. This piece of functional furniture boasts a luxury look thanks to its nod to Art Deco furniture, with a tessellated pattern carved into its Acacia wood drawers. Circular gold handles are screwed on to make a statement, and it stands proud on matching gold slim feet.

Urban Outfitters Marienne Bedside Table

(Image credit: Urban Outfitters)

2. Urban Outfitters Marienne Bedside Table

An arched beauty for contemporary-style homes

Specifications

Size: L45.7cm x W43.1cm x H50.8cm
Storage: 1 shelf

This curved beauty from Urban Outfitters gets all of the praise from us when it comes to looks. Practicality, not so much, since it doesn't offer any hidden space. Though it does have a spacious shelf to store your reading material, glasses plus more. For those who are living the waste-not-want-not lifestyle, it's great. It's also made from eucalyptus wood and it would pair perfectly if you have white walls and dark wooden floors to complete the look.

Dunelm Priya Side Table made from mango wood by the side of a bed with rug on the floor and plant and candle on top

(Image credit: Dunelm)

3. Dunelm Priya Side Table

Carved out of Acacia wood, this is a statement-worthy buy

Specifications

Size: H54cm x W37.5cm x D32cm
Storage: 2 drawers

Crafted from solid mango wood, this bedside table would undoubtedly make a statement in your bedroom. Plus, thanks to its two drawers, it can carry clutter and hide it from wandering eyes and inquisitive small hands. Its drawers boast a unique grooved design with brass-finished handles to complement. It also sits on angled brass feet, with an antique finish. We think that it looks triple its price tag... don't you agree?

Habitat Short 1 Door 2 shelf Locker in grey

(Image credit: Habitat)

4. Habitat Short 1 Door 2 shelf Locker

A minimalist buy for a teens bedroom

Specifications

Size: H60cm x W35cm x D40cm
Storage: Cupboard – 3 shelves inside

Make it old school with help from this Habitat bedside table. Yes, it's a locker. Yes, it's unique. Perhaps not one for your bedroom, but it could be great for a spare bedroom or for a teenagers' room. It offers plenty of space for hidden storage with three shelves inside, plus it comes in your choice of grey or a striking yellow. Don't fret: it's made from steel so chances are it'll last for years of use with proper care.

ercol for John Lewis Shalstone two-drawer bedside table

(Image credit: ercol)

5. ercol for John Lewis Shalstone two-drawer bedside table

A mid-century style bedside table with a matte finish

Specifications

Size: H58cm x W49cm x D44cm
Storage: 2 drawers

Crafted from solid oak and veneers, this piece features traditional dovetail and finger joints for extra strength. Subtle yet effective, this piece boasts two drawer compartments, plus it boasts a stylish matte finish. Designed exclusively for John Lewis, you can match this bedside table with the rest of the matching range for the full effect.

Habitat Wilderness 1 Drawer Bedside Table in blue inside bedroom next to bed with plant the other side

(Image credit: Habitat)

6. Habitat Wilderness 1 Drawer Bedside Table

Chic and cheerful, this blue bedside table stands out

Specifications

Size: H50cm x W47cm x D42cm
Storage: 1 drawer

This Habitat bedside table ought to stand striking in your home. With a blue finish and gold-plated metal legs, it's even rounded for a softer – yet wow-worthy – look. Although it only boasts one drawer, said drawer is pretty spacious plus it has a statement-worthy gold handle for easy opening. Add a pop of colour to your bedroom, or use this bedside table to add a luxe look (for less).

Hay Butler stepladder

(Image credit: Hay)

7. Hay Butler stepladder

A multi-purpose option that's also eco-friendly

Made from oiled oak, this multi-functional piece looks great as a bedside table and is sturdy enough to step on if the need arises. Though it doesn't have anywhere to hide anything (like wires or medication, receipts), it does offer two shelves – one for a drink and your phone to live whilst you snooze, the other for your current reading material, a tablet and perhaps your reading glasses to sit atop. This is an eco-friendly design and it's made from solid oak with an oiled finish.

IKEA Bjorksnas bedside table in neutral bedroom

(Image credit: IKEA)

8. IKEA Bjorksnas bedside table

Specifications

Size: W48cm x D38cm x H69cm
Storage: 1 drawer, 1 shelf

Simple, stylish and tall, this piece will ensure your book, drink and anything else is within easy reach. With a leather handle for an understated look, its Scandinavian design is what won us over. Plus, it offers a drawer and a shelf. It's made from birch wood. With reasonable proportions, it should fit inside and work well inside any bedroom – big or small.

Loaf Mini Marmo side table inside bedroom with blue sleigh bed

(Image credit: Loaf)

9. Loaf Mini Marmo side table

A curved option for traditional homes

Specifications

Size: W40cm x D40cm x H60cm
Storage: 1 drawer

This elegantly curved table will fit into a number of nooks, including beside the bed. It has a solid top to add elegance, otherwise, it will fit in splendid inside any traditional style home. It's handmade by skilled artisans in Ningbo, China, with the finishing touch of a brass rounded handle to access its small drawer.


What to consider when buying a bedside table?

Do you want a cupboard and drawers where you can put everything neatly away, or are you happy with an open shelf or two?

Height is another factor to take into account. Is your bed on a raised base or do you have a low profile or platform bed? Either way, you'll likely want your bedside table at a similar height, so that it not only looks cohesive but that it's comfortable too.

Once the practicalities and ergonomics have been considered, it's on to the fun stuff. What style are you going for? Our edit covers a number of different looks from understated luxe with the Harlosh at Pinch and the Amphora at Maxalto to a touch of glamour from the Serra at Soho Home.

Where to buy a bedside table?

Should you still be searching for the perfect buy for your room size and budget, see below for where else to peruse for your new bedside table.

  • Argos bedside tables
  • Atkin & Thyme bedside tables
  • Dunelm bedside tables
  • Furniture123 bedside tables
  • Graham & Green bedside tables
  • Habitat bedside tables
  • Heal's bedside tables
  • IKEA bedside tables
  • John Lewis bedside tables
  • Loaf bedside tables
  • MADE.com bedside tables
  • Raft bedside tables
  • Wayfair bedside tables
  • Westelm bedside tables
Annie Collyer
Deputy Ecommerce Editor

Annie is Livingetc's Deputy Ecommerce Editor, and with a penchant for shopping and four years of ecommerce experience in her cart, she's more than equipped to advise when it comes to exactly the home decor you need to buy for your home. With a particular love of home fragrance, she always ensures her interiors emanate a luxurious scent to match her bijou residence. Annie and her team work to provide you with the best in-class content, whether you are searching for fluffy towels for your bathroom, clever drawer organizers for your kitchen or even a new dinnerware set for when guests come to dine. Whatever the season — or the latest trend — Annie and her team work to cover events for Livingetc, whether that be holidays or sale events, spanning Mother's Day to Black Friday.


Annie's knowledge has been sprawled across several homes websites, including Real Homes, Ideal Home, Homes & Gardens and Gardeningetc. She has also injected her ecommerce skills into the titles of Woman & Home and Country & Townhouse.


Annie lives in South East London in a sizeable two-bed apartment with her husband-to-be and her Pug called Doug. Annie's space, though surprisingly substantial, lacks storage space meaning that she's always on the lookout for things to buy to maximize space at home. She's currently redecorating this space whilst on a budget, and loves discovering a dupe or DIYing something to look triple its price tag. Next on her list of things to do at home are DIY crittal-style doors leading from her living room to her hallway.


You can follow Annie's home Instagram account at @athome.withannie.