What Are the Rules for Bedside Tables?

Bedside tables are essential parts of a bedroom, holding your nightly items and sitting next to your bed. Is there a best way to choose and place these useful pieces of furniture? Whether you're setting up a new room or updating your current one, knowing some basic rules for bedside tables can really improve your space. We'll look at things like height, width, style, and storage—all important factors in picking the right bedside table. These guidelines will help you choose tables that work well and look good in your bedroom.

Height Considerations for Bedside Tables

The height of your bedside table plays a key role in both comfort and style. A well-chosen height enhances your bedroom's functionality and appearance.

Matching Table Height to Your Mattress

When choosing a bedside table, compare its height to your mattress. The table's top should be about even with or slightly higher than your mattress. This makes it easy to reach your things.

For most standard beds, tables between 24 to 28 inches tall work well. However, this can vary based on your specific bed.

Comfortable Reaching Distance

Your bedside table should allow you to grab items easily, even when you're sleepy. A well-chosen height lets you reach for things without awkward stretching.

Consider how you sleep. Side sleepers might prefer a slightly taller table, while back sleepers might like a lower one. The goal is to reach your stuff comfortably.

Adjusting for Bed Height Differences

Beds come in various heights. Some are low to the ground, while others are quite tall. Your bedside table should match your bed's height.

For low beds, look for shorter tables. High beds might need taller tables. You can also use risers under a regular table's legs to increase its height if needed.

These are general guidelines. The most important thing is that your bedside table feels right for you and fits well in your room. Try different heights to find what works best.

Width and Depth Guidelines for Bedside Tables

The size of your bedside table affects both its usefulness and how it looks in your room. Choosing the right width and depth ensures your table fits well and provides enough space for your needs.

20-24 Inches Wide, 16-18 Inches Deep

A bedside table typically works best when it's about two-thirds the width of your mattress. For a queen-size bed, this means a table around 20 to 24 inches wide. Depth-wise, 16 to 18 inches usually provides enough surface area without taking up too much floor space.

These dimensions offer a balanced look next to your bed. They also give you enough room for essentials like a lamp, book, and maybe a small decorative item.

24 Inches of Walking Space

Your bedside table should fit comfortably in your bedroom without making it feel cramped. In larger rooms, you might choose a wider or deeper table. Smaller rooms often benefit from more compact tables.

Consider the space between your bed and the nearest wall or door. Make sure you have enough room to walk around comfortably. A good rule is to leave at least 24 inches of walking space around your bed.

12-Inch Deep Tables or Wall-Mounted Options

In tight spaces, creative solutions can help. Narrow tables, perhaps 12 inches deep, can work well. You might also consider wall-mounted shelves or floating nightstands to save floor space.

Some small bedrooms benefit from using just one bedside table instead of two. This approach can make the room feel less crowded while still providing necessary storage.

Placement Rules for Bedside Tables

The precise location of your bedside table affects both convenience and room aesthetics. Proper placement ensures easy access and maintains a balanced look in your bedroom.

2-3 Inches from the Bed

Your bedside table should sit close to your bed for easy reach. A gap of about 2-3 inches between the table and the bed frame is ideal. This distance allows you to access your belongings comfortably without creating an awkward space that collects dust or dropped items.

If your bed has a large headboard or footboard, you might need to adjust this distance slightly to keep the table aligned with the edge of your mattress.

Equal Distance on Both Sides

In rooms with two bedside tables, place them at equal distances from the bed. This symmetry creates a balanced, harmonious look. For asymmetrical setups, try to maintain visual balance by using tables of similar height or visual weight.

Aligned with Bed Frame or Window

Position your bedside table in line with other key elements in your room. Typically, it should align with the edge of your bed frame. If there's a window nearby, consider lining up the table with the window frame for a cohesive look.

In rooms with asymmetrical layouts, you might need to get creative. Try to balance the visual weight of your bedside table with other pieces of furniture to maintain harmony in the space.

Storage and Organization for Bedside Tables

An effective bedside table not only looks good but also helps keep your essentials organized and within easy reach. The right storage solutions can make a big difference in your daily routine.

Drawers for Privacy, Open Shelves for Display

Bedside tables come in two main storage designs: those with drawers and those with open shelves. Drawers offer privacy and hide clutter, making them ideal for storing personal items like medications or journals. Open shelves, on the other hand, allow for easy access and can display decorative items or frequently used books.

Consider a combination design with both a drawer and an open shelf for the best of both worlds. This setup lets you hide some items while keeping others visible and within quick reach.

Top Drawer for Daily Items, Bottom for Less-Used Objects

Organize your bedside table efficiently by dedicating the top drawer (or surface) to daily essentials like your phone, glasses, or a book you're currently reading. Use lower drawers or shelves for items you use less frequently, such as extra chargers or seasonal items.

Use small organizers or dividers within drawers to keep things tidy and easy to find. This approach prevents your drawers from becoming a jumbled mess of miscellaneous items.

Built-in USB Ports and Cable Holes

Modern bedside tables often come with built-in USB ports or wireless charging pads, eliminating the need for visible cords. If your table doesn't have these features, look for one with a small hole in the back for cable management.

Use adhesive cable clips or cord organizers to keep wires tidy and prevent them from tangling. This not only looks neater but also makes it easier to access your devices when needed.

Lighting Integration for Bedside Tables

Proper lighting at your bedside enhances both the functionality and ambiance of your bedroom. The right lighting solution can make reading easier, create a cozy atmosphere, and complement your room's décor.

Table Lamps: 24-27 Inches Tall

Table lamps are a popular choice for bedside lighting. Aim for a lamp that's 24-27 inches tall, including the shade. This height provides good illumination for reading while sitting up in bed.

Choose a lampshade with a diameter of about 12-14 inches. This size offers a good balance between providing enough light and not overwhelming your bedside table.

Wall-Mounted Sconces: 60-66 Inches from Floor

If you prefer a cleaner tabletop or have limited space, consider wall-mounted sconces. Install them about 60-66 inches from the floor and 6-12 inches to the side of your headboard. This placement puts the light at an ideal height for reading in bed.

Sconces with adjustable arms offer flexibility, allowing you to direct light where you need it most.

Built-in LEDs: Dimmable and Color-Changing

For a modern, space-saving option, look for bedside tables with built-in LED lighting. Many of these come with dimmable features and color-changing capabilities, allowing you to adjust the brightness and warmth of the light to suit your mood or time of day.

Some tables incorporate LED strips under the surface or along the edges, providing a subtle, ambient glow that's perfect for nighttime navigation.

Symmetry vs. Asymmetry in Bedside Table Arrangements

How you arrange your bedside tables can change how your bedroom looks. You can choose a symmetrical or asymmetrical setup based on what you like and how your room is laid out.

Matching Pairs: Same Height and Style

For a tidy look, use matching bedside tables on both sides of the bed. These should be the same height (usually 24-28 inches) and look similar. This makes the room feel calm and organized.

Use similar lamps on both tables to keep things looking even. The tables don't have to be exactly the same - small differences in what you put on them can make things interesting.

Mismatched Tables: Close in Height, Go Well Together

If you like a more mixed look, try different bedside tables. Keep them close to the same height (within 2-3 inches). Choose tables that look good together in style, color, or material.

For example, you could use a wooden table on one side and a metal one on the other, as long as they're about the same size.

Single Table: In the Middle or to One Side

In small bedrooms or for single beds, one table can be enough. Put it in the middle behind the headboard, or slightly to one side. If it's to one side, you could put a lamp or plant on the other side to balance things out.

When using just one table, make sure it's big enough to look right next to the bed. A table 24-30 inches wide usually works well.

Special Considerations for Bedside Tables

Sometimes, your bedroom might need a different approach to bedside tables. Here are some tips for special situations.

Single Beds: One Table, 15-20 Inches Wide

For single beds, one bedside table is often enough. Choose a table that's 15-20 inches wide. This size gives you enough space for essentials without taking up too much room.

If there's space, you can use a narrow table on each side, about 12-15 inches wide.

King Beds: Larger Tables, 24-28 Inches Wide

King-size beds look best with bigger bedside tables. Pick tables that are 24-28 inches wide. This size balances well with the large bed.

Make sure to leave at least 30 inches of walking space around the bed, even with larger tables.

L-Shaped Rooms: Corner Table Solution

In L-shaped rooms, try a corner bedside table. This can save space and fit well in the room's shape. Look for tables designed to fit in corners, or use a small round table.

If using regular tables, place them to follow the room's shape, even if they're not exactly beside the bed.

Shared Bedrooms: Personal Space for Each Person

In shared rooms, give each person their own bedside table. If space is tight, use small tables or wall-mounted shelves.

Try to match the style of the tables, even if they're not exactly the same. This helps the room look put-together.

Make Your Bedroom Better with Great Bedside Tables!

These guidelines can help you choose the right bedside tables for your room. You can change these rules to fit your space and what you need. Good bedside tables should be useful and look nice next to your bed. They should make your daily activities easier and your room look better. Try different heights, styles, or storage types until you find what you like best. The right bedside tables can make your bedroom more organized, comfortable, and nice to look at.