Different Bedside Tables: Essential Styles

Quick Summary:
Choosing the right bedside table styles depends on your needs: storage, space, and decor. From classic nightstands to trendy floating shelves, find the perfect fit to keep essentials close and complete your bedroom’s look with ease.

Your bedroom is your sanctuary, and the bedside table is a crucial, often overlooked, piece of furniture. It’s where your lamp, book, phone, and maybe a glass of water live. But with so many options out there, picking the right one can feel a bit like staring at a wall of car parts without knowing which wrench to grab. Don’t worry! Just like finding the right spark plug for your ride, choosing a bedside table is simpler than it seems. We’ll walk through the different styles available, explaining what makes each one tick, so you can find the perfect companion for your bed. Get ready to upgrade your sleep space!

Why Your Bedside Table Matters

Think of your bedside table as the pit crew for your nightstand! It needs to be functional, fitting everything you need within arm’s reach without making your room feel cluttered. A good bedside table helps keep your essentials organized, provides a stable surface for your lamp, and contributes significantly to your room’s overall aesthetic. It’s a small piece that makes a big difference in how your bedroom feels and works.

Essential Bedside Table Styles for Every Bedroom

Just like there are different types of trucks for different jobs, there are various styles of bedside tables designed for specific needs and looks. Let’s dive into the most popular options you’ll find.

1. The Classic Nightstand

This is your go-to, the reliable workhorse of the bedside world. A classic nightstand usually features a drawer or two and sometimes an open shelf. It’s the standard for a reason: it offers practical storage for keeping things like chargers, books, or personal items out of sight but easily accessible.

Pros:

• Excellent storage solutions.
• Versatile, fitting most bedroom decors.
• Provides a solid surface for lamps and decor.

Cons:

• Can be bulky in smaller rooms.
• May require assembly.

2. The Bedside Chest/Dresser

If you need serious storage, a bedside chest or a small dresser is your best bet. These are essentially miniature versions of bedroom dressers, offering multiple drawers. They are perfect for bedrooms where closet space is limited and you need a place to store clothing or linens.

Pros:

• Maximum storage capacity.
• Great for organizing clothes, accessories, and more.
• Stylish and can be a statement piece.

Cons:

• Can take up a lot of floor space.
• Often heavier and more expensive.

3. The Floating Shelf Nightstand

Want to go minimalist and maximize floor space? A floating shelf nightstand is mounted directly to your wall, creating a sleek, modern look with no legs to get in the way. It’s like giving your essentials a clean, elevated platform.

Pros:

• Saves floor space, making rooms feel larger.
• Modern and minimalist aesthetic.
• Easy to clean around.

Cons:

• Limited storage unless you add small bins or baskets.
• Requires secure wall mounting, which might involve tools and a bit more work.
• Weight capacity can be a concern.

For those tackling DIY, ensuring a secure wall mount is as important as tightening bolts on an engine. Resources like the This Old House guide on hanging floating shelves can provide excellent tips on finding studs and using the right hardware for a safe installation.

4. The Bedside Table with Drawers

This is a more specific type of nightstand, focusing solely on enclosed storage. If you have a lot to hide away – from medication to messy cables – a bedside table with drawers ensures everything is out of sight. They come in various sizes and numbers of drawers.

Pros:

• Keeps clutter hidden.
• Protects items from dust.
• Offers a clean look.

Cons:

• Can be more expensive than open-shelf options.
• Accessing items requires opening drawers.

5. The Open Shelf Bedside Table

Simpler and often lighter than traditional nightstands, open shelf tables are just that – shelves without doors or drawers. They’re great for displaying books, plants, or decorative items. If you prefer an airy feel or need quick access to everything, this is a solid choice.

Pros:

• Easy access to all items.
• Lighter and often more affordable.
• Creates an open, airy feel.

Cons:

• Items are exposed to dust and view.
• Less privacy for personal belongings.

6. The Bedside Table with Wheels

These tables are designed for mobility. With built-in casters, they can be easily moved around. This is perfect if you like to rearrange your furniture often, or if you need a table that can be rolled closer when needed and out of the way when not.

Pros:

• Easy to move and reposition.
• Convenient for multi-use spaces.
• Great for cleaning around.

Cons:

• Can roll accidentally if not secured.
• Wheels might not fit all decor styles.

7. The Corner Bedside Table

Tight on space? A corner bedside table is designed to fit snugly into a corner, utilizing often-unused space. They come in various shapes, like triangular or curved, to maximize that corner fit.

Pros:

• Optimizes space in small rooms.
• Fits into awkward corners.
• Can be a unique design element.

Cons:

• Limited surface area and storage.
• May not be suitable for large lamps or multiple items.

8. The Stool or Side Table

Sometimes, the simplest solution is best. A small stool or a basic side table can function perfectly as a bedside table, especially if you only need a surface for a lamp and a book. They offer a minimalist and often budget-friendly option.

Pros:

• Minimalist and space-saving.
• Often inexpensive.
• Adds a unique touch.

Cons:

• Very limited or no storage.
• May not be stable enough for heavy items.

9. The Bedside Table with Integrated Lighting or Charging

For the tech-savvy and convenience-seekers, some modern bedside tables come with built-in LED lights or USB charging ports. This cuts down on cord clutter and makes it super easy to power up your devices overnight.

Pros:

• Reduces cord clutter.
• Convenient for charging devices.
• Built-in lighting is a nice bonus.

Cons:

• Can be more expensive.
• Requires access to a power outlet for the table itself.
• Technology can potentially fail.

Materials: What’s Under the Hood?

The material of your bedside table plays a big role in its durability, weight, look, and price. Here’s a quick rundown of common materials:

Wood: This is the most traditional and popular choice. Solid wood (like oak, walnut, or pine) is durable and can be stained or painted. Engineered wood products (like MDF or particleboard) are often more affordable but less durable.

Metal: Often used for frames or as the entire table, metal offers a modern or industrial look. It’s strong but can sometimes be less forgiving if it scratches.

Glass: Tempered glass tops can make a bedside table look airy and contemporary. They’re easy to clean but can show fingerprints and are susceptible to chips or breaks.

Acrylic/Lucite: These transparent materials give a virtually invisible look, perfect for making a small room feel larger. They are light, modern, and can be surprisingly durable.

Choosing the Right Size and Height

Just like picking the right size tire for your car ensures a smooth ride, the size and height of your bedside table are critical for comfort and function. You don’t want to be stretching too far or having to duck down awkwardly.

Height: The ideal height for a bedside table is usually level with the top of your mattress. This makes it easy to place or grab items without looking or reaching too much. Measure your mattress height (from floor to the top of the mattress pad) and use that as your guide. A little variation (an inch or two up or down) is usually fine, depending on personal preference.

Width and Depth: Consider the space you have available. Measure the area next to your bed. You don’t want a table that overpowers the bed or makes it hard to walk around. Smaller rooms benefit from narrower and shallower tables. Larger rooms can accommodate wider or deeper options. Also, think about what you need to place on it. If it’s just your phone and a small lamp, a narrower table works. If you have a stack of books, a tablet, and multiple devices, you’ll need more surface area.

Table: Bedside Table Styles at a Glance

Here’s a quick look at how different styles stack up for common needs:

Bedside Table Style	Best For	Storage	Space Efficiency	Aesthetic
Classic Nightstand	General use, good storage	High (drawer/shelf)	Medium	Traditional, Versatile
Bedside Chest/Dresser	Maximum clothing/item storage	Very High (multiple drawers)	Low	Traditional, Elegant
Floating Shelf	Minimalists, small spaces	Low (surface only)	Very High	Modern, Minimalist
Table with Drawers	Hiding clutter, organization	High (enclosed)	Medium	Clean, Modern, Traditional
Open Shelf Table	Easy access, displaying items	Medium (open)	Medium	Airy, Casual
Table with Wheels	Flexibility, easy movement	Varies (can have drawers/shelves)	Medium	Functional, Modern
Corner Table	Utilizing awkward spaces	Low to Medium	High (space-saving)	Practical, Unique
Stool/Side Table	Minimal needs, decorative touch	Very Low (none)	Very High	Minimalist, Contemporary

Style Tips: Matching Your Bedside Table to Your Bedroom Decor

Your bedside table isn’t just functional; it’s a decor element. Like choosing the right seat covers to match your car’s interior, it should complement your room’s style.

• Modern/Minimalist: Opt for clean lines, geometric shapes, and materials like metal, glass, or acrylic. Floating shelves or tables with simple drawers work well. Think sleek and uncluttered.
• Traditional/Classic: Wood is your friend here. Look for elegant designs with carved details, rich finishes, and classic hardware. A solid wood nightstand with drawers fits perfectly.
• Rustic/Farmhouse: Reclaimed wood, distressed finishes, and a more casual, sturdy feel are key. Open shelving or tables with simple drawers can enhance this look.
• Bohemian: Get creative! Woven baskets, unique wood grains, or even a repurposed vintage trunk can serve as a boho bedside table. It’s about personality and eclectic charm.
• Industrial: Combine wood with metal. Think raw metal legs, concrete-look tops, or exposed hardware. A metal-framed table with a wooden surface can nail this style.

Considerations Before You Buy

Before you hit the ‘buy’ button or head to the store, let’s do a quick check, like inspecting tires before a long drive:

• Your Needs: What absolutely needs to be within reach? A book and phone, or a whole collection of skincare and tech gadgets? This dictates storage needs.
• Your Space: Measure the area next to your bed. Use painter’s tape to mark out potential table dimensions on your floor to visualize the footprint. Don’t forget to account for door swings if it’s near a closet or door.
• Your Budget: Bedside tables range from under $50 to several hundred dollars. Decide what you’re comfortable spending.
• Assembly: Are you handy with tools, or do you prefer something that comes fully assembled? Check product descriptions for assembly requirements.
• Durability: Do you tend to be a bit rough on furniture, or do you need something that will last for decades? Material choice is key here. For example, solid wood is generally more enduring than particleboard.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the standard height for a bedside table?
A1: The standard height usually matches the top of your mattress. Measure from the floor to the top of your mattress pad and aim for a bedside table of that same height. This makes it easy to access items without stretching or straining.

Q2: How wide should a bedside table be?
A2: Width depends on your bed size and personal needs. For Queen or King beds, you might have space for wider tables (20-25 inches). For Twin or smaller beds, a narrower table (15-18 inches) is often better to avoid overwhelming the space and allow for easy movement.

Q3: Do I need a bedside table with drawers?
A3: It depends on what you want to store. If you like to keep your surfaces clear and hidden away items like chargers, medications, or personal notes, then drawers are essential. If you only need a spot for a lamp and a book, open shelves or even a simple stool might suffice.

Q4: What are the best materials for a bedside table?
A4: Solid wood is a durable and classic choice. Metal offers a modern or industrial look and is very strong. Glass can make a space feel lighter but requires careful handling. For budget-friendly options, engineered wood like MDF or particleboard is common, though less durable.

Q5: Can a small stool work as a bedside table?
A5: Absolutely! If you only need a surface for a lamp, phone, or a small book, a stylish stool or a compact side table can be a great minimalist and space-saving solution. It’s a great way to add a unique touch.

Q6: How do I choose a bedside table for a small bedroom?
A6: In small bedrooms, look for narrower, shallower tables, corner units, or floating shelves. These options take up less floor space and keep the room feeling open. Prioritize essential storage without overwhelming the area.

Conclusion

Finding the right bedside table is like finding the perfect tool for the job – necessary, practical, and can even add a touch of style. Whether you’re leaning towards the dependable classic nightstand, the space-saving allure of a floating shelf, or the ample storage of a bedside chest, there’s a style out there that fits your needs and your room. Think about what you need to keep close, how much space you have, and the vibe you want to create. With this guide in hand, you’ve got the knowledge to choose a bedside table that’s not just furniture, but a key player in making your bedroom your ultimate comfort zone.