9 best bedside tables in 2026, according to an interiors writer
The best bedside tables do some serious heavy lifting, far more than simply holding a lamp and a half-drunk glass of water. They can completely change how a bedroom feels, adding balance, storage and a bit of personality all at once.
In my experience, bedside tables are one of the easiest ways to make a bedroom feel more considered. A sleek marble side table can sharpen up a minimalist room, while a chunky two-drawer design instantly makes things feel calmer by hiding away all the clutter. Chargers, books, hand cream, tissues, lip balm, that mug you repeatedly forget to take downstairs – it all needs somewhere to live.
Personally, I think nightstands are underrated. People spend ages choosing a bed frame, then panic-buy the first vaguely matching bedside table they see, which is how you end up with something too low, too bulky, or permanently covered in random clutter. I've learnt the hard way that the right bedside table can make the whole room work harder. A dark wood finish can make white bedding feel richer, a marble top gives polished, hotel style, while a painted piece with brass handles can elevate the whole room.
And practicality matters just as much as looks. I want enough space for a lamp, a book, a glass of water and all the little bits and bobs that seem to migrate to the nightstand over time, but I don't necessarily want them all on show. A couple of nifty drawers can make the space feel instantly calmer, while an open shelf or slimmer side table works well if space is tight. The best bedside tables, for me, are the ones that manage to be useful, stylish and full of personality.
How I tested
I looked at a mix of styles, materials, storage options and price points, focusing on bedside tables that felt properly practical as well as good-looking. I considered everything from drawer space and overall footprint, to assembly, height and how each design would work with different bed frames and bedroom layouts.
As well as reading customer reviews and checking dimensions closely, I paid attention to the small details that make a bedside table feel worth having, whether that's soft-close drawers, hidden cable storage, unusual materials or simply enough surface space for a lamp, book and glass of water.
Why you can trust me
I've spent years writing about interiors, furniture and homeware, testing everything from mattresses and bed frames to storage furniture and soft furnishings. I know the difference between something that photographs well and something that actually works in real life, especially in smaller bedrooms where every centimetre matters.
For this edit, I focused on bedside tables that balance style with practicality, covering everything from compact minimalist side tables to chunkier storage-heavy designs. So whether you're after hidden storage, a more decorative statement piece or simply somewhere to keep your phone charger within reach, there's something here to suit your space, taste, and budget.
Below, our edit of the 9 best bedside tables to bring into your bedroom in 2026.
Wooden Bedside Table Zumi with Marble Top
Specifications:
- Dimensions: H 50cm x W 45xm x D 40cm.
- Materials: Ash wood, MDF with walnut veneer, marble, metal.
- Assembled? Partially – legs require assembly.
Why we love it: This bedside table gets the balance right between retro and polished, with its dark wood finish, marbled brown top and gold-coloured handle giving it plenty of presence by the bed. The walnut veneer keeps the look rich and warm, while the marble top adds contrast and makes the whole piece feel a bit more elevated.
There's only one drawer, but it's fitted with a soft-close mechanism, which makes it feel more premium in everyday use and saves you from any clattering late at night. The compact shape means it works well in smaller bedrooms too, especially if you want something that looks substantial without taking up loads of floor space.
Because it's made from natural materials, each piece has slight differences in the wood grain and marble veining, which adds to the appeal in our book. A great pick if you like darker furniture and want something that feels timeless rather than trend-led.
Pros & ConsPros- Soft-close drawer.
- Rich walnut finish.
- Marble top feels elevated.
Cons- Higher price point.
Dusk Evie 2 Drawer Bedside Table
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 42 x 33.5 x 15cm.
- Materials: Wood with metal handles.
- Assembled? No — simple assembly required.
Why we love it: The Evie nails that polished, modern look with its matte painted finish, gold-effect legs and neat cylindrical handles giving it a glam edge. The taupe colourway feels softer and more grown-up than a classic white bedside, while still being neutral enough to work with almost anything from boucle bed frames to darker woods and brass lighting.
The two drawers are a decent size too, making it easy to stash away chargers, books, hand cream and all the other bedside clutter that somehow multiplies overnight. Smooth metal runners help everything slide neatly, and the slim legs stop it feeling too chunky despite its generous storage.
It's versatile enough to move beyond the bedroom as well, working just as nicely beside a sofa or armchair if you're short on storage elsewhere. There are other colour options available too, including black and white wood-effect versions, so it is easy to find one that fits your space.
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Pros & ConsPros- Generous storage.
- Decorative front.
Cons- Finish not as premium as others.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: H 66.5cm x W 47.5cm x D 37.5cm.
- Materials: MDF, rubber wood, metal.
- Assembled? No – full assembly required.
Why we love it: With its Gustavian-style etching, painted wood finish and neat gold handles, this bedside table brings a touch of old-world charm. But the slim pull-out coffee shelf is the real scene-stealer, ideal for a morning brew, a book or a late-night cup of tea, while the adjustable shelf inside keeps clutter tucked neatly out of sight.
It's also taller than a lot of bedside tables, which makes it especially useful if you have a deeper mattress or a higher bed frame and don't want to spend half the night reaching down for your phone charger. The longer legs keep it feeling light despite the extra height, and the storage feels surprisingly generous for something with quite a compact footprint.
Assembly is a little more involved than some simpler styles, and a few reviewers have noted that the doors can need adjusting to sit flush. Once built though, it looks far more expensive than it is, with plenty of practical details hidden behind its elegant front.
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Pros & ConsPros- Timeless design.
- Neat painted finish.
- Pull-out coffee stand.
Cons- Needs full assembly.
Habitat Adeje 2 Drawer Bedside Table
Specifications:
- Dimensions: H 45cm x W 40cm x D 36cm.
- Materials: MDF, oak veneer.
- Assembled? No – self-assembly required.
Why we love it: This bedside table boasts that easy mid-century feel that Habitat does so well, with its curved edges, light oak veneer and circular cut-out handles that keep things looking clean and unfussy. The proportions are fairly compact, making it a good choice for smaller bedrooms or tighter spots where a bulkier nightstand would feel overwhelming.
The two drawers are surprisingly roomy for the size, with enough space for books, chargers and all the bits you'd rather keep tucked away. Its wooden runners help maintain a more classic feel, and the oak finish is warm enough to work with everything from crisp white bedding to richer colours and darker woods.
It does need full self-assembly, but it's straightforward to put together and it looks more expensive than the price tag suggests. This is a great option if you want something simple, a bit retro, and versatile enough to slot into an existing bedroom scheme.
Pros & ConsPros- Compact size works in smaller rooms.
- Good amount of storage.
Cons- Lower height will not suit every bed Frame.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: H 61cm x W 55cm x D 50cm.
- Materials: Oak Wood, Plywood, MDF, Oak Veneer, Oak Burl Veneer, Poplar Wood, Napoli Green Marble, Steel and Stainless Steel
- Assembled? Yes.
Why we love it: This one leans properly grown-up – admittedly, with a price tag to match. The Napoli green marble brings depth and drama, while the oak burl drawers add rich texture, and the scalloped antique brass handles give it a softer, more decorative edge. We also love the open, curved base, which lightens the chunky square silhouette and makes the whole piece feel more sculptural.
Inspired by Soho House Berlin, it boasts a polished hotel look that makes your bedroom feel more considered straight away. The ribbed wooden border framing the marble top is a lovely detail too, tying together the different materials and adding even more texture. The drawers are roomy enough for the usual bedside clutter, while the generous top leaves space for a lamp, books and bits and bobs.
At 32kg, this is a substantial piece that feels reassuringly solid once in place. There's no assembly either, which feels only fair given the investment, although the marble top does need a little care to keep it looking its best. Wine, coffee and anything acidic should be wiped away quickly, but if you're happy to be slightly precious with it, the finish is definitely worth the extra effort.
Pros & ConsPros- Top quality craftsmanship.
- Unique design.
Cons- Very expensive.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: H 72cm x W 35cm x D 46cm.
- Materials: Metal.
- Assembled? No – full assembly required.
Why we love it: This bedside cabinet brings a fun, functional twist with a compact footprint that still packs in clever storage. Inside, there's adjustable shelves and a handy hook, while the matte, magnetic finish and vented door give it that signature locker-room look. We love the poppy red for its punchy feel, but it also comes in a range of contemporary colours, making it easy to match your space – or shake things up a little with a bold colour pop.
The details are what make it feel more considered than a standard metal locker. There's a lockable door, a custom keyring, air vents and a subtle embossed logo, all of which give it plenty of personality. The tall, slim shape is especially useful in smaller bedrooms where floor space is tight, but you still want decent storage.
Assembly is required, but the pieces are designed to slot together fairly simply, and once built it feels both sturdy and practical. It works particularly well in more modern bedrooms, children’s rooms or anywhere that could do with a bit more colour.
Pros & ConsPros- Contemporary colours available.
- Plenty of hidden storage.
Cons- Full assembly required.
- May be too tall for some bed frames.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: H 42cm x W 37cm x D 37cm.
- Materials: Marble, MDF.
- Assembled? Yes.
Why we love it: Cool, crisp and beautifully pared back, this marble side table brings an easy elegance that works just as well by the bed as it does next to a sofa. The smooth marble top feels satisfyingly substantial, while the cross-shaped base adds a subtle architectural note. Practical too, it's handy for a lamp, a book and a glass of water, and there are matching pieces if you fancy carrying the look through the room.
This one's more for minimalists who don't rely on hidden storage, as there are no drawers or shelves to tuck things away. Instead, it keeps things simple, acting as a clean surface for the essentials and little else. In a smaller bedroom, that can actually be a bonus, helping the space feel lighter and less crowded.
The marble also gives it a more elevated feel than a standard painted bedside table, and at 20kg it has a reassuring weight to it. A seriously stylish option if you prefer clean lines, a more minimal look and a bedroom that feels calm rather than cluttered.
Pros & ConsPros- Sculptural.
- High-end.
- Calming presence.
Cons- No storage.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: H 61cm x W 56cm x D 41cm.
- Materials: Tropical hardwood, engineered hardwood, iron, brass, resin, and bone inlay.
- Assembled? Yes.
Why we love it: This chunky little number brings serious personality, with its sunburst design doing all the talking. The tropical hardwood body feels satisfyingly solid, its hand-finished grain adding warmth and variation, while the demi-lune handle gives the front a sculptural focal point. Inside, there's an adjustable shelf and a sneaky cord escape, so it is not just a pretty piece.
The resin and bone inlay hardware is what really sets it apart, creating a decorative centre point that feels bold but still refined. This one does veer into retro, but the mix of materials keeps it looking fresh and modern. The clear lacquer finish also helps protect the wood, which is handy given how much wear a bedside table tends to get.
Storage is generous too, with enough room inside for paperbacks, chargers and all the bits that can make a nightstand look cluttered. At 56cm wide, it has a broader footprint than some slimmer styles, but that extra width makes it feel more substantial and gives you more room on top for a lamp, books and whatever else tends to pile up by the bed.
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Pros & ConsPros- Beautifully crafted.
- Includes cord escape.
- Both hidden and open storage.
Cons- Nothing to see here!
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Flute Marble Bedside Table - Vintage
Specifications:
- Dimensions: H 51.5cm x W 48cm x D 37cm.
- Materials: Acacia wood, grey sanwar marble.
- Assembled? Partially – legs require assembly.
Why we love it: This bedside table feels slightly moodier than some of the designs around at the moment, with its dark stained wood and richly veined marble top giving it a more vintage, collected feel. The marble itself is particularly lovely, mixing coffee, cream and grey tones with dramatic veining that means no two pieces look exactly alike.
The fluted detailing adds texture, while the brass-capped legs bring in a subtle hint of glamour. This one is compact enough to work in smaller bedrooms, but still has enough presence to anchor the space and make the bed area feel more considered.
Because it's made from natural materials, there's a nice unpredictability to the finish, with slight differences in veining, colour and texture only adding to its charm. A great option if you want something that feels a little more characterful than a standard bedside, but still versatile enough to work with different styles of bedroom.
Pros & ConsPros- Warm, vintage-inspired finish.
- Beautiful veined marble top.
- Brass-capped legs add polish.
Cons- Marble needs a little care.
- Limited storage space.
Bedside table FAQs
How do the best bedside tables compare?
| Product | Dimensions | Materials | Assembly | Standout details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westwing Wooden Bedside Table Zumi with Marble Top | H50 x W45 x D40cm | Ash wood, MDF with walnut veneer, marble, metal | Legs require assembly | Walnut finish, marble top, soft-close drawer |
| Dusk Evie 2 Drawer Bedside Table | H63.5 x W40 x D52cm | MDF, steel, metal handles | Full assembly required | Matte painted finish, gold-effect legs, two roomy drawers |
| Dunelm Ottilie 2 Door Bedside Table | H66.5 x W47.5 x D37.5cm | MDF, rubber wood, metal | Full assembly required | Pull-out coffee shelf, Gustavian-style detailing, adjustable internal shelf |
| Soho Home Basil Bedside Table | H61 x W55 x D50cm | Oak wood, oak veneer, marble, steel | Fully assembled | Napoli green marble, scalloped brass handles, curved open base |
| Habitat Adeje 2 Drawer Bedside Table | H45 x W40 x D36cm | MDF, oak veneer | Self-assembly required | Mid-century curves, cut-out handles, compact shape |
| Atkin & Thyme Flute Marble Bedside Table - Vintage | H51.5 x W48 x D37cm | Acacia wood, grey sanwar marble | Legs require assembly | Dark stained finish, veined marble top, brass-capped legs |
| Mustard The Shorty | H72 x W35 x D46cm | Metal | Full assembly required | Adjustable shelves, magnetic finish, lockable door |
| Anthropologie Daybreak Bedside Table | H61 x W56 x D41cm | Tropical hardwood, iron, brass, resin, bone inlay | Fully assembled | Sunburst front, demi-lune handle, hidden cord escape |
| The White Company Larton Marble Side Table | H42 x W37 x D37cm | Marble, MDF | Fully assembled | Cross-shaped base, minimalist silhouette, matching range available |
Should your bedside tables be higher than the bed?
Having your tabletop align roughly with the top of your mattress is generally considered the sweet spot. After all, when you wake up half-asleep in the middle of the night and reach for a glass of water, it is far easier if everything is sitting at arm’s reach rather than miles below you.
Kris Manalo, head of design at Atkin and Thyme, agrees. “For practical purposes, try to keep the height of your tables in line with the top of your mattress. If you have matching bedside cabinets at either side of the bed, leave the same amount of space between the table and the wall on both sides.”
It is not just about practicality either. Lining up your bedside tables with the mattress helps everything feel more balanced visually, especially if you have matching tables either side of the bed. That said, there are exceptions. Taller, slimmer styles like locker-inspired designs or open side tables can still work brilliantly, even if they sit a little higher or lower.
How much storage do you really need?
“One of the main things to consider when choosing a bedside table is how you need it to function within your bedroom,” says Kris. “A bedside table is a useful piece of furniture, so be realistic about whether you need it to work as a storage piece or simply as a surface to place a lamp and a few books.”
If storage is top of the list, a two or three drawer bedside table is usually your best bet, especially if you like to keep chargers, books and all the random bedside bits hidden away. Kris notes that more storage often means a chunkier piece of furniture, which can work beautifully in a larger room but may feel too heavy in a smaller bedroom.
In tighter spaces, a lighter frame, slimmer legs or an open shelf can stop the room from feeling crowded. This is where side-table styles and compact nightstands can come into their own, offering enough room for the essentials without taking over the whole corner.
What's the best way to style a bedside table?
As well as being nice to look at, a properly styled bedside table is far less likely to become a dumping ground for receipts, lip balm and tangled charging cables. According to Sophie Clemson, director and co-founder of The Living House, stacking a couple of aesthetic books is a simple way to add height, while a framed print placed behind accessories can help create more of a styled moment.
If you have plenty of surface space to work with, Sophie recommends going bigger with lighting too. “Lighting can really make or break a room, and layers of lighting are really important in a bedroom to create a relaxing and cosy atmosphere,” she explains. A large table lamp with a more sculptural base or bold shade can make a bedside feel far more considered.
Kris also suggests leaning into texture and personality when styling. “This year, we’re embracing the lived-in look, with carefully curated furniture pieces that reflect our personality. Textured front furniture is very popular at the moment; think fluted wood panelling, 3D patterns and retro inspired designs that sit stylishly next to the bed.”
Mixing materials such as marble, wood, metal and woven finishes can help your bedside set-up feel more layered and interesting too, especially if you want the room to feel collected rather than too matchy-matchy.
Want more interiors content? Check out our round-ups of the best dressing tables, best bed frames and best wardrobes.
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