Your bedside table is more than just a surface for your phone and reading glasses. It's a functional statement piece that anchors your bedroom aesthetic. Whether you're waking up in a serene coastal retreat or a bold industrial loft, the right bedside table ties your entire space together while keeping essentials within arm's reach.
What's Your Bedroom Vibe: Minimalist, Boho, or Luxe?
Before diving into dimensions and drawer counts, let's identify your bedroom personality. Are you drawn to clean lines and clutter-free surfaces? You're likely a minimalist at heart. If you love layered textures, natural materials, and an eclectic mix of décor, boho is your calling. Those who appreciate rich finishes, metallic accents, and statement furniture pieces gravitate towards luxe interiors.
Understanding your style preference helps narrow down the overwhelming world of bedside tables to options that truly complement your space. Your bedside table should feel like a natural extension of your bedroom, not an afterthought.
How to Choose a Bedside Table Based on Bedroom Style
Scandinavian Style Bedside Tables
Scandinavian design celebrates simplicity, functionality, and natural beauty. Look for bedside tables in light woods like oak, ash, or pine with clean, tapered legs. The colour palette should remain neutral with whites, greys, and warm wood tones. Storage should be minimal but purposeful, with perhaps one or two drawers featuring simple, handleless fronts or understated metal pulls.
The Scandinavian approach prioritises quality craftsmanship over ornate details. These pieces work beautifully in small spaces since their light appearance creates an airy feel without visual heaviness.
Industrial Style Bedside Tables
Industrial bedside tables embrace raw, utilitarian aesthetics with metal frames, exposed hardware, and reclaimed wood surfaces. The beauty lies in the imperfections. Distressed finishes, visible welds, and weathered textures tell a story. Look for pieces combining blackened steel or iron with chunky wood tops, often featuring open shelving or mesh drawer fronts.
These tables work especially well in lofts or modern spaces with exposed brick, concrete floors, or high ceilings. They add character and edge while remaining remarkably functional.
Mid-Century Modern Bedside Tables
Mid-century modern pieces feature organic curves, angled legs, and a mix of materials that defined the 1950s and 60s design revolution. Your ideal bedside table will have tapered wooden legs (often walnut or teak), rounded edges, and clean geometric forms. Hardware is typically brass or wood, and the overall silhouette is compact yet sculptural.
These tables bridge vintage charm with contemporary sensibility, making them incredibly versatile across different bedroom settings.
Coastal Style Bedside Tables
Coastal bedside tables evoke relaxed, beachy vibes through light, weathered finishes and natural materials. Think whitewashed or driftwood-finish woods, woven cane drawer fronts, and breezy, open designs. The best coastal pieces incorporate texture like rattan, seagrass, or rope details while maintaining a light, airy appearance.
These tables work beautifully in bedrooms with natural light, creating a serene, holiday-inspired atmosphere year-round.
Bohemian Style Bedside Tables
Boho bedside tables are all about personality and global influences. Look for handcrafted pieces with carved details, painted patterns, or mixed materials. Cane and rattan are boho staples, as are tables with Moroccan tile insets, macramé details, or unexpected shapes. The key is finding something that feels collected rather than mass-produced.
Don't be afraid to mix and match. Boho style celebrates eclectic pairings, so your two bedside tables don't necessarily need to match.
Minimalist Style Bedside Tables
Minimalist bedside tables strip away everything unnecessary, leaving only essential form and function. These pieces feature simple geometric shapes, monochromatic colours, and smooth surfaces without excessive ornamentation. Materials tend towards solid woods, lacquered finishes, or sleek metals with hidden storage solutions.
The goal is to create visual calm, so look for pieces with clean lines that blend seamlessly into your bedroom rather than demanding attention.
Luxe/Contemporary Style Bedside Tables
Luxe bedside tables make bold statements through premium materials and sophisticated finishes. Think marble or glass tops, brass or gold hardware, lacquered surfaces, velvet-lined drawers, and architectural forms. These pieces often feature glossy finishes, mirrored surfaces, or unique sculptural bases that double as art.
Luxury bedside tables elevate the entire bedroom, turning functional furniture into conversation pieces.
What Size Bedside Table Do I Need?
Size matters tremendously when selecting bedside tables. The general rule is that your bedside table should sit level with or slightly below your mattress top. This positioning allows you to comfortably reach items without awkward stretching or bending.
For standard bed heights (typically 24 to 26 inches including mattress), look for bedside tables between 22 and 28 inches tall. Measure your specific mattress height before shopping to ensure proper proportion.
Width-wise, consider your available floor space and bed size. For queen and king beds, tables 20 to 24 inches wide create pleasing proportions. Twin and full beds pair better with more compact 16 to 20 inch wide options. Leave at least 3 to 6 inches of walking space on either side of the table for comfortable movement around your bed.
Depth typically ranges from 16 to 20 inches. Deeper tables offer more surface and storage space but can overwhelm smaller rooms. Shallow tables (14 to 16 inches) work well in tight spaces or minimalist settings.
What Height Should a Bedside Table Be?
The ideal bedside table height directly relates to your mattress height for both ergonomics and aesthetics. When lying in bed, you should be able to reach your table's surface comfortably without lifting your arm uncomfortably high or reaching downward.
Measure from your floor to the top of your mattress. Your bedside table should ideally be within 2 to 4 inches of this measurement. Slightly lower is generally better than higher. If your mattress sits at 25 inches, look for tables between 22 and 26 inches tall.
For adjustable beds or platform beds with lower profiles (18 to 22 inches), you'll need correspondingly shorter bedside tables. Some platform bed owners opt for 18 to 20 inch tall tables or even floor cushions and low stools for a cohesive, grounded aesthetic.
Don't forget to account for table lamps. If you're adding a lamp, ensure adequate vertical space between the table and any overhead shelving or wall art.
What Materials Should I Choose for a Bedside Table?
Wood Bedside Tables
Wood remains the most popular bedside table material for its warmth, durability, and versatility. Solid wood (oak, walnut, teak, mango) offers longevity and can be refinished over time. Engineered wood or MDF with veneer finishes provides budget-friendly options that still deliver on style.
Wood finishes range from natural and light (Scandinavian, coastal) to rich and dark (luxe, traditional). Consider your bedroom's existing wood tones. Matching undertones creates cohesion even when using different wood species.
Metal Bedside Tables
Metal tables bring modern edge and incredible durability. Steel, iron, and aluminium frames work beautifully in industrial, contemporary, and minimalist bedrooms. Metal can serve as the primary material or as accenting legs and hardware paired with wood or glass tops.
Powder-coated finishes in black, white, or brass add visual interest while protecting against scratches and moisture. Metal tables typically weigh less than solid wood, making them easier to move during cleaning or room rearrangement.
Cane and Rattan Bedside Tables
Cane and rattan bring organic texture and visual lightness to bedrooms. These natural materials work perfectly in coastal, boho, and even modern spaces when paired with clean-lined frames. Cane typically appears as woven drawer fronts or side panels, adding dimensional interest without bulk.
These materials require some care. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight or damp conditions, but their unique aesthetic appeal makes them worth considering for the right space.
Mixed Material Bedside Tables
Today's best bedside tables often combine materials for added visual interest. Wood frames with metal legs, glass tops with wooden bases, or cane panels within solid wood frames create dynamic pieces that work across multiple style categories.
Mixed materials also allow you to coordinate with different elements in your bedroom. You can pick up metal tones from your light fixtures while echoing wood from your bed frame, for example.
Bedside Table Style Comparison
|
Style |
Best Fit For |
Price Range |
|
Scandinavian |
Minimalist, small spaces, light-filled rooms |
₹8,000 - ₹20,000 |
|
Industrial |
Lofts, modern spaces, edgy interiors |
₹10,000 - ₹25,000 |
|
Mid-Century Modern |
Vintage lovers, eclectic spaces, mixed décor |
₹12,000 - ₹30,000 |
|
Coastal |
Bright bedrooms, beach-inspired homes, relaxed vibes |
₹7,000 - ₹18,000 |
|
Bohemian |
Eclectic collectors, colourful spaces, texture lovers |
₹6,000 - ₹22,000 |
|
Minimalist |
Clutter-free spaces, contemporary homes, small rooms |
₹9,000 - ₹25,000 |
|
Luxe/Contemporary |
Master suites, statement interiors, premium spaces |
₹15,000 - ₹50,000+ |
Bedside Table Buying Checklist
Before making your purchase, run through this quick checklist to ensure your new bedside table checks all the boxes:
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Height matches your mattress (within 2 to 4 inches of mattress top)
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Width proportional to your bed size (20 to 24" for queen/king, 16 to 20" for twin/full)
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Adequate depth for your room (16 to 20" standard, 14 to 16" for tight spaces)
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Style complements your bedroom aesthetic (Scandinavian, industrial, boho, etc.)
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Sufficient storage for your needs (drawers for clutter-prone folks, open shelving for minimalists)
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Durable materials (solid wood for longevity, quality hardware, stable construction)
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Space for bedside essentials (lamp, phone charger, books, water glass)
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Easy access to drawers/shelves (test opening mechanisms in-person or check reviews)
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Budget-friendly (quality pieces available across all price ranges)
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Coordinating or matching pair (decide if you want identical tables or complementary pieces)
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Finish complements existing furniture (wood tones, metal finishes, colour palette)
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Room for walking space (at least 3 to 6 inches clearance on either side)
Why Shop at livspacehome.com for Your Bedside Table
Livspace understands that your bedroom is your sanctuary, and every element should contribute to creating your perfect retreat. When you shop for bedside tables at Livspace, you're not just buying furniture. You're investing in thoughtfully designed pieces that balance form, function, and quality.
Livspace offers an expertly curated collection spanning every style from minimalist Scandinavian to statement luxe pieces. Each bedside table is selected for its quality construction, on-trend aesthetics, and real-world functionality. Whether you're furnishing a compact city apartment or a spacious master suite, you'll find options that fit your space and budget.
The Livspace advantage includes detailed product specifications, high-quality images showing pieces in real bedroom settings, and transparent pricing across all categories. Their design consultants can also help you coordinate your bedside table with your overall bedroom vision, ensuring cohesive style throughout your space.
With convenient delivery options and quality assurance, Livspace makes it easy to transform your bedroom one piece at a time. Browse our complete bedside table collection to discover your perfect match.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does a good bedside table cost?
Quality bedside tables typically range from ₹6,000 to ₹50,000 depending on materials and design. Budget-friendly options start around ₹6,000 to ₹10,000, while mid-range solid wood pieces fall between ₹12,000 and ₹25,000. Premium tables can exceed ₹30,000. At Livspac Home, you'll find options across all price points. Check our bedside table collection for current pricing.
2. Should my two bedside tables match exactly?
Matching bedside tables create symmetry and work beautifully in traditional and minimalist bedrooms. However, mixing tables has become increasingly popular in eclectic and boho spaces. If you choose mismatched tables, connect them through similar heights, coordinating finishes, or complementary styles for an intentional look.
3. What's the difference between a nightstand and a bedside table?
The terms are largely interchangeable. Nightstand traditionally refers to pieces with enclosed storage like drawers, while bedside table can include more open, minimalist designs. In modern usage, both describe any small table positioned beside a bed. Focus on functionality and style rather than terminology.
4. How do I style a bedside table without making it look cluttered?
Follow the rule of three by limiting items to three categories: lighting, function, and personal touches. Use a small tray for tiny items, keep books stacked neatly (three maximum), and utilise drawers for daily essentials. Swap items seasonally to keep your bedside looking fresh.
5. Can I use something other than a traditional bedside table?
Absolutely. Creative alternatives include vintage stools, floating wall-mounted shelves, small dressers, accent chairs, or repurposed crates. The only requirements are appropriate height (level with your mattress) and a stable surface. Just ensure whatever you choose is sturdy enough to safely hold a lamp and essentials.
