The bedroom is the place where you rest, relax, and rejuvenate after a tiring day. If the bed is the main character in the bedroom, the bedside table is the sidekick. It is a place to keep your nighttime essentials and an important element in your bedroom interior decor. It serves the dual purpose of being functional by keeping all the bedroom items in easy reach and tying the bedroom design with its aesthetics. With so much riding on a piece of furniture, you should make the right decision. Before you embark on the process of browsing online or visiting stores, start by understanding the space available, the style, and other factors. Here is a guide to help you select the best from the variety of available bedside tables.
What Are The Standard Dimensions Of Bedside Tables?
A bedside table is a small piece of furniture placed next to the bed. It is designed to house essential items needed at night within reach. Typically a bedside table is placed on either side however, if space is a constraint, you can also keep it on any side of the bed. The height of the table should be the same as the height of the mattress top. It becomes uncomfortable and inconvenient to use if it is too high or too low. Choose the depth and width of the space according to the bed size and available space. For instance, a smaller bedside table is better if you have a single bed, whereas a standard bedside table suits both king- and queen-size beds. To know what size suits the room, you need to:
- Measure the room’s height, length, and width, the space available on either side and the bed size.
- Check the door and window location so that the table does not block or obstruct the window or the entryway.
What Are The Bedside Table Types?
Bedside Chests
These are small tables with storage and contain two or three drawers. They are perfect if you want to have some additional storage in the bedroom. They can hold small things like TV remotes, books, jewelry, etc. Since they are closed storage, they help keep the room clean and prevent the items from catching dust.
Bedside Cabinets
These are small cabinets with shelves and shutters. They may also come with a drawer at the top for storage. They are ideal for compact spaces, and the shelves can be used for extra storage.
Nightstands
These are a combination of open and closed storage. The closed compartment can have shelves or drawers. Nightstands, too, are ideal for smaller rooms or compact spaces.
Choices Of Materials
Solid Wood
Solid wood is one of the most popular types of bedside tables and is known for its durability. It is a versatile material that can have a distressed finish, be carved, or be painted, giving great opportunities for design and craftsmanship. Since solid wood comes in many polishes and grains, it comes in many finishes. Finding a solid wood bedside table that complements the other furniture pieces is easy.
Engineered Wood
This is another popular choice of material for bedside tables. The tables made from this material are lightweight compared to solid wood and come in many designs. They are also available in many finishes and colors and are easy to maintain. Engineered wood also comes in many types, and bedside tables can be made from:
- Particle Board which is compact, lightweight, and the most economical option
- Plywood which is durable and strong
- MDF is a medium-density fiberboard that is easy to machine, flat, and sturdy.
Metal
The metal bedside tables are strong but lightweight. These cabinets are cost-effective and can be made in many finishes, colors, and designs. The most popular metals are carbon steel and stainless steel. The drawback of this material for a bedside is that it may not fit into all types of decor.
Bedside Table Styles
Modern
The modern bedside table is elegant, simple, and fuss-free. It has minimal ornamentation and clean lines and shape. These tables are functional, compact, and suit all types of interiors.
Contemporary
If you want a fresh, trending, and sleek bedside table, the contemporary style is for you. It comes in many interesting design elements, colors, and textures.
Mid-Century Modern
If you want to create an uncluttered, clean, and lightweight look, choose the mid-century modern style. This style’s main features are smooth finishes, interesting patterns, and tapering round legs.
Traditional
Take inspiration from the traditional arts and crafts or colonial period and opt for a traditional wooden bedside table. Traditional furniture has features like decorative trims, artistic inlays, and intricate detailing.
Transitional
Transitional furniture is a perfect blend of traditional and new furniture, including fabrics, materials, and finishes. It has traditional elements like artistic inlays, carvings, etc., interpreted with a modern twist.
Industrial
Earthy, raw, and unfinished, this style draws inspiration from loft-style and warehouse aesthetics. This furniture style is bold and celebrates contrast by using opposing features to create a cohesive look. It features a distressed finish, is rustic, and uses fabric, leather, wood, metal, etc.
Choosing The Right Bedside Table
Picking the best bedside table can be tricky as it has to complement the other bedroom furniture and decor, as well as be functional, practical, and stylish. But it can become easy when you consider the tips below:
- Consider the style and size of the bed: The table and the bed size should be in proportion. A small bedside table looks lost when placed next to a huge king-size bed, and a large bedside table can overwhelm a single bed. Then consider the bed style, whether modern, traditional, etc. and choose a table that matches it.
- Storage: A bedside table with shelves or drawers offers additional storage for your nighttime items like phone chargers, reading glasses, books, etc. Consider the storage needs before choosing the table.
- Budget: Set a budget before you shop, as it can prevent overspending and also filter out options.
With this handy guide, you are now armed with the information to choose the perfect bedside table that is functional and also complements your room decor. To find the perfect match check out Wakefit’s collection of bedside tables and elevate your bedroom decor.
