Best bedside tables: stylish storage to suit every home

We’ve all dreamed of the perfect Insta-ready bedroom but there’s often a lot more to consider than just aesthetics, especially if you’re a busy parent, are short on space, or are looking to redecorate your whole bedroom. It’s important to weigh up all your options when it comes to buying a bedside table such as size, storage capacity, style, not to mention the all important price tag.

There’s a lot to think about and, when buying a piece of furniture, you want to be confident you're spending your money on something that will last. To make life easier, we’ve done the hard work for you and found the top bedside tables to invest in, whatever your style or budget.

How we chose our recommendations

We know that when it comes to shopping for larger purchases, now more than ever, it’s important to get it right. That’s why we’ve conducted in-depth research to find the best bedside tables you can this year. We’ve trawled through reviews and consulted numerous trusted resources until we finally decided on our top 10. Here’s how we did it.

Recommendations from real Mumsnet users

Our first priority was to get honest reviews from real people so we went straight to our Mumsnet forums. We looked at which bedside tables our users recommended and discarded the ones they didn’t rate. We then shortlisted their favourites and cross-referenced their top picks with other sources.

Expert opinions

After spending extensive time scouring our forums, our next step was to consult articles by interior design experts and best buy lists to ensure we suggested only the very best products and brands that are well regarded across the industry.

Authentic customer reviews

Finally, we thoroughly analysed each product which made our shortlist. We read through honest consumer reviews, including verified purchases, to check we really were bringing you the best, weighing up the merits and disadvantages of each table.

Here are the best bedside tables to buy.

1. Best overall bedside table: M&S Quinn Bedside Table

Price: £149.00 | Buy now from M&S

“M&S furniture is well made.” (Brand recommended by Mumsnet user BrumBirth)

 “I’d also second Marks & Spencer, their furniture is very high quality.” (Brand tried and tested by Mumsnet user Bluntness100)

The Quinn bedside table by M&S balances a sleek, minimal look with plentiful storage space thanks to its two deep drawers.

We particularly love the attention to detail with its tapered, steel legs and gold, rounded handles, which add a touch of luxury to the design. The versatile grey colour also means it will look great in any bedroom.

Mumsnet users were keen to praise the overall quality of M&S’s furniture and the added bonus of a 10-year guarantee means your bedside table should go the distance.

The table does come partially assembled but you will need to get out the screwdriver and do some of the work yourself!

Key specs

• Size: Height: 56 cm. Width: 45 cm. Depth: 40 cm

• Storage: Two large drawers

• Material: MDF, Wood

• Assembly required?: Yes (partial)

2. Best budget bedside table: Movian High Gloss 1 Drawer Bedside Cabinet

Price: £22.99 | Buy now from Amazon

We scrutinised customer reviews of this bedside cabinet and found it scored excellent ratings with regards to ease of assembly. While the cabinet isn’t preassembled, reviewers found the instructions easy to follow, but you will need a hammer and a screwdriver to finish your build.

The Movian’s high gloss finish and sleek metal handles give it a real clean and contemporary look and, at under £25, it’s a real bargain. It probably won't be as long-lasting as pricier models and may scratch with long-term use, but for an inexpensive buy that is relatively sturdy, you can’t go wrong. You can upgrade to a two or three-drawer model if your budget stretches further too.

Key specs

• Size: Height: 47 cm. Width: 40 cm. Depth: 36 cm

• Storage: One drawer, but two and three-drawer models are available too

• Material: ‎Engineered Wood

• Assembly required?: Yes

3. Best for understated glamour: John Lewis & Partners Bow 1 Drawer Bedside Table, Oak

Price: £199.99 | Buy now from John Lewis & Partners

The Bow bedside table from John Lewis is made from solid oak and oak veneers, making it particularly durable. It has a beautiful natural finish which gives it a fresh, clean look and its compact design means it will fit neatly alongside a bed. We think it would be a particularly great feature if you’re going for a Scandi style look in your room.

Storage wise, the table comes with a shelf, ideal for storing books and magazines, and a drawer underneath. We love that it also features a cable tidy at the back so you can keep any untidy wires hidden, a unique detail that really keeps your bedroom space feeling much more organised.

Key specs

• Size: Height: 52cm. Width: 46 cm. Depth: 40 cm

• Storage: One drawer, shelf, cable tidy

• Material: Solid oak, oak veneers

• Assembly required?: No

4. Best boho bedside table: BTFY Rattan Bedside Table

Price: £89.99 | Buy now from Amazon

Boho is back and it’s not just about maxi dresses and gladiator sandals this time around. If  you’re a boho fan and you’d like your bedroom furniture to be as on-trend as what’s in your wardrobe, the BTFY Rattan Bedside Table is for you. You won't be wasting money on a fleeting fad, however, as rattan will provide a timeless look for your home.

The compact style makes it a great choice for a smaller room but you won’t be denied too much storage space as the table comes with two sizeable drawers. The rattan detailing, vintage style wooden legs and luxury gold handles will certainly add a touch of glamour to any bedroom.

Key specs

• Size: Height: 56cm. Width: 48 cm. Depth: 41.5 cm

• Storage: Two drawers

• Material: Wood

• Assembly required?:  Yes

5. Best minimalist bedside table: Dunelm Maurice Grey Bedside Table

Price £83.30 | Buy now from Dunelm

We love the rather glamorous look of the Maurice Bedside Table. The added diagonal design gives it an art deco feel and the addition of the tapered, gunmetal legs and sleek handles give it a real designer look which belies its cheaper price tag.

There’s plenty of storage too in the form of two large drawers and it even comes in three other colours so you can pick exactly the right fit for your bedroom space.

Key specs

• Size: Height: 53cm. Width: 40 cm. Depth: 35cm

• Storage: Two drawers

• Material: Particle Board, MDF, Metal

• Assembly required?: Yes

6. Best bedside table for space-saving: MALM Chest of 2 Drawers

Price: £45 | Buy now from IKEA

“Good big drawers - DS2 has one in his room. Not solid wood but they look quite smart.”  (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Ponders)

Is there anyone who hasn’t, at some point, had a piece of IKEA’s MALM range in their home? A quick survey at Mumsnet HQ would suggest probably not.

The MALM drawers have consistently excellent customer reviews and with ample storage space, a sturdy design and fantastic value for money, it’s easy to see why this is such a popular range.

The MALM bedside drawers aren’t the most glamorous or dainty to look at, but they’re certainly functional. We think, if teamed with the right colour palette and accessories, it’s possible to get a rather chic look, particularly if you opt for the black or grey finish.

Key specs

• Size: Height: 55cm. Width: 40 cm. Depth: 48 cm

• Storage: Two large drawers

• Material: Particleboard, ash veneer

• Assembly required?: Yes

7. Best bedside table for children: Junior Vida Neptune 2 Drawer Bedside Table

Price £36.99 | Buy now from Amazon

Furniture designed specifically for children can often come adorned with garish cartoon characters or colour palettes, meaning it won’t last long due to ever-changing tastes. That’s why we love the timeless design of the Junior Vida Neptune Bedside Table.

The cute design not only looks good but the manufacturers have created the cabinet with little ones in mind too, with easy glide open drawers and no sticky out bits to minimise the risk of bumped heads and stubbed toes. The cabinet is also quite low to the ground too, so it’s less likely to topple over.

The Neptune cabinet is compact, but with two sizeable drawers there’s plenty of room for toys and books. It also comes in three different colours.

Key specs

• Size: Height: 40cm. Width: 40 cm. Depth: 46 cm

• Storage: Two drawers

• Material: Engineered  wood

• Assembly required?: Yes

8. Best bedside table for teenagers: Elfordson LED Bedside Cabinet

Price: £79.95 | Buy now from Amazon

The cool, almost space age design of the Elfordson Bedside Cabinet will surely tempt a smile from even the surliest of teenagers. While features such as plenty of storage and easy wipe clean surfaces will appeal to parents, teenagers will love the 16 LED light colours that are controlled through a remote.

The table not only comes with two sliding drawers but also has a lift-up drawer on the top. This is a nifty storage trick, but it does make displaying items on top of the cabinet a bit of an inconvenience. A few reviewers did say that the Eldfordson wasn’t the most well-built cabinet around, so it’s definitely more of a style statement than a piece of furniture that will last a long time, but it gets top marks for the fun factor.

Key specs

• Size: Height: 52cm. Width: 45 cm. Depth: 35 cm

• Storage: Two sliding drawers and one lift-up drawer

• Material: Engineered wood, polyurethane

• Assembly required?: Yes

9. Best handmade bedside table: Taurus Beds Kyoto 3 Drawer Bedside Cabinet

Price: £274.55 | Buy now from Taurus Beds

“If you want wooden furniture made to last, try Taurus Beds. They only make wooden beds plus accompanying bedroom furniture. Really solid, nice, British-made furniture.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user MyCatHatesWhiskas)

There’s something rather lovely about knowing that, instead of being mass produced in a factory, your furniture has been handmade in a workshop in the UK, by real, talented furniture makers. Such is the case with the Kyoto Bedside Cabinet by Taurus Beds.

This bedside cabinet certainly doesn’t come cheap, but if you’re after something that is made to last then this may be the one for you. When researching bedside tables, we found many Mumsnetters felt that a lot of modern furniture wasn't particularly durable or hardwearing but the Kyoto unit, handmade from real pine wood, will definitely prove an exception to this rule.

The drawers are neat and compact but also offer ample storage. It comes in eleven different finishes and, for an additional charge, the company can also paint it for you.

Key specs

• Size: Height: 58cm. Width: 50 cm. Depth: 44 cm

• Storage: Three drawers

• Material: Pine wood

• Assembly required?: No

10. Best oak bedside table: Oak Furnitureland Highgate Rustic Solid Oak 3 Drawer Bedside Table

Price: £199.99 | Buy now from Oak Furnitureland

“I got mine from Oak Furnitureland over five years ago and it’s all still going well and survived moving house with no problems.” (Vetted by Mumsnet user altiara)

Real wood doesn’t have to mean chunky and clunky, and the Highate Bedside Table from Oak furnitureland proves just this. The table is made from 100% real wood and is finished with classic carpentry joints, meaning it’s likely to last a very long time.

Style wise, its copper coloured handles, grooved pillars and dovetailed joints give this cabinet a real classic elegance.

It may seem pricey, but finding a real wood cabinet for under £200 is no mean feat so the Highgate an absolute bargain.

Key specs

• Size: Height: 65cm. Width: 50 cm. Depth: 44 cm

• Storage: Three drawers

• Material: 100%  hard wood

• Assembly required?: No

What makes a good bedside table?

There are many different styles and sizes of bedside tables so all tastes, needs and budgets can be catered for. It’s likely that your table will see a lot of use so try and get something hard-wearing with sturdy drawer and hinge mechanisms. A good bedside table will also serve as a lovely statement piece, while at the same time offering a solution for storing additional clutter.

What to consider when buying a bedside table

Functionality versus style

We’ve all seen the pictures in the glossy interior design magazines; a beautiful bedside table with a carefully placed vase of flowers, a black and white framed photo and a scented candle. If this is you, then style and style alone may be your main consideration.

However, if you’re like many of us at Mumsnet HQ, it’s more likely you’ll find a packet of baby wipes, teething toys and a sippy cup adorning your table top. If this is the case, think about something that offers a little more storage. Drawers rather than shelves will allow you to quickly tidy things away when you need to turn your bedroom into a bit more of an oasis of calm before you go to sleep.

Flatpack versus pre-assembled

Flatpack furniture hasn’t always had the best reputation, but it definitely has its place. Of course, when given the choice, most of us would love to have all furniture pre-assembled and delivered to the door but for many reasons such as the overall cost and hefty delivery charges that’s not always possible.

While there’s no getting around the fact that flatpack furniture is less likely to be as sturdy as some of our other featured bedside tables, there are some great options on our list which will work out much cheaper and still look stylish when built.

Size

Design experts suggest that as a general rule of thumb, a bedside table should be level with your mattress. If you can’t make this work then it’s probably better to get something a little higher than lower. It’s easier to stretch up to get something than it is to reach down.

Stylistically speaking, you need to make sure that your table doesn’t swamp the room and make sure you’ve left enough space to open drawers or cupboard doors. It’s always a good idea to measure up before a shop too.

Is it child-friendly?

It’s all very well discussing this season's latest design trends, but we know that there’s a bit more to consider than the aesthetic appeal of furniture if you have little ones in the house.

With this in mind, be aware that the taller and narrower the table, the more likely it is to topple, so if you do decide to go for such a style you may wish to consider attaching it to the wall. Sharp, pointed edges aren’t the most practical of choice either.

If your table is at your little one’s head height, you may wish to consider an option that is lockable or can be childproofed.

What should I put on a bedside table?

This is totally down to personal preference; some people may prefer a clean and neat look with minimal clutter, whereas others will love the reassuring sight of a pile of books ready to be devoured. You may find it useful to have a lamp and an alarm clock within easy reach, or maybe a smart speaker, but this will largely be dictated by the surface space you have available.

How many nightstands should be in a bedroom?

This will firstly depend on how much space you have in the bedroom and where you’ve chosen to place your bed. If your bed is pushed against the wall then obviously you only need one. Not all rooms have the capacity to fit in two bedside tables but if you’re fortunate enough to have a larger room and your budget permits,  having two will give a nice sense of balance and symmetry to the room whilst giving you that extra bit of storage space.

Do bedside tables have to match?

Traditionally bedside tables have usually matched. But with ever-changing design trends, rules are made to be broken. Mixing heights and styles can not only look cool and quirky but may also offer a solution to unusual shaped rooms. It’s nice to try and keep some feel of cohesion to the room though, so maybe try and link the two tables with colour, material or style.

Where to buy a bedside table

If you’re looking for a new bedside table, we found Marks & Spencer and Dunelm had a great deal of choice when it came to different styles and sizes to suit all tastes. If you’re on a budget and don’t mind a bit of DIY, Amazon has some great deals on flatpack furniture, often with free delivery if you're a Prime member. If you’re able to pay a little extra and want something built to last, shops such as Oak Furnitureland and John Lewis have some great pre-assembled cabinets made from real wood which are guaranteed to last.

If you're trying to save money,  you could even try painting existing furniture or adding a couple of new drawer handles to add a new lease of life to your existing tables. When we were searching the Mumsnet forums for design inspiration we came across so many savvy Mumsnetters who had up-cycled furniture from eBay or charity shops which came in at a fraction of the cost.

What if you don’t have the room for a bedside table?

Again, Mumsnet users had some excellent tips if you’re in a bit of a tight squeeze with space. If you’re buying a new bed and don’t have a lot of space, think about buying one with built-in storage shelves or drawers. A floating shelf above the bed is also a simple and chic way to display treasured items.

Why you should trust us

Mumsnet has been helping parents make important lifestyle decisions since 2000 and, in those years, we’ve investigated, tried and reviewed thousands of products.

With the cost of living rising, investing our money on the right products has never been more important. That’s why we work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust and we spend hours scouring the Mumsnet forums and online bestseller lists to find products that real parents rate.

We're always upfront about where we find our recommendation and only include products that we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones that our users would recommend to their own friends and family.