The essentials: choosing the right bedside table
- Recommended height: 45 to 55 cm, approximately the height of the mattress.
- Recommended depth: 35 to 45 cm, so it does not obstruct access to the bed.
- Rectangular or square shape for a functional bedside table, free-form shape for a decorative bedside table.
- Three dominant materials: wood, metal and glass, chosen according to the bedroom style.
- To repaint a bedside table: organic, alkyd or acrylic paint, never solvent-based paint.
How do you choose the right bedside table?
When choosing a bedside table, keep four guidelines in mind: a height of 45 to 55 cm, close to that of the mattress; a depth of 35 to 45 cm so it does not obstruct access to the bed; a rectangular or square shape if you need storage; and a material that matches the bedroom style: wood, metal or glass.
A bedside table is the little table that watches over you while you sleep. It is the companion of your nights and the keeper of your days. The bedside table literally takes care of you; "being at someone’s bedside", "a bedside table"—these are very evocative expressions: they originated in the 19th century and use the term "bedside" in the sense of "head of the bed" to evoke the image of someone watching over another person by staying close to them and caring for them.
Choosing a bedside table means treating yourself while respecting the constraints of your bedroom. As you will have understood, it also means taking a little care of yourself while you sleep! Above all, it is a decorative object, but also a small, practical and reassuring piece of furniture where everyone can place photos, a lamp, an alarm clock, magazines, books and so much more!
To choose the bedside table best suited to your lifestyle, follow the advice of our decorating experts! Here are all the criteria to consider when creating a bedroom space that reflects your personality.
What dimensions should you choose for your bedside table?
The dimensions of a bedside table are determined by the space available between the bed and the wall. Allow for a height of 45 to 55 cm for a standard bed and a depth of 35 to 45 cm. The width is flexible: it depends on the available space and what you would like to keep within reach.
Depending on the size of your bedroom and your bed, you need to determine the available space in order to choose the ideal size and ensure that your bedside table fits perfectly.
What is the ideal height?
We recommend choosing a bedside table that is the same height as your mattress, so it will be level with your head when you are lying down. For a 15 cm bed base with 15 cm legs and a 20 cm-high mattress, your bedside table should be between 45 and 55 cm high for ideal comfort. However, depending on your habits, you can certainly opt for a bedside table lower than your mattress, making it easier to reach the items placed on it.
What is the right width?
The space available between the walls and your bed will help you select the bedside table best suited to your bedroom. It will also depend on what you want to keep within reach. If your bedroom is very spacious, do not hesitate to choose a fairly wide model.
What depth should you choose?
While the height and width of your bedside table can easily vary according to your preferences, its depth is an important criterion: it must not obstruct access to your bed. We therefore recommend a table approximately 35 to 45 cm deep.
What shape should your bedside table be?
The shape of a bedside table depends on how it will be used. For a decorative bedside table, any shape is suitable: round, square or half-moon. For a functional bedside table intended to hold books, an alarm clock, a photo frame and a lamp, a rectangular or square shape remains the most practical.
The shape of your bedside table obviously depends on your needs and the style of your bedroom. If you are looking for a table that is more decorative than functional, feel free to choose the one you like according to your preferences. Any shape—round, square or even half-moon—can work, as long as it matches the atmosphere of your bedroom.
On the other hand, if you need a functional bedside table, meaning one that can hold a number of items (books, an alarm clock, a photo frame, a lamp, etc.), we suggest a rectangular or square table, which is more practical for efficient storage.
Which materials should you choose for your bedside table?
Bedside tables are mainly available in wood, metal and glass. Wood offers the widest choice and suits every style. Metal is ideal for an industrial style and adds delicacy. Glass, with its very streamlined look, suits minimalist bedrooms.
The choice of material largely depends on the style of your room: wood, metal or glass can all suit your preferences. The widest choice of bedside tables is available in wood. It suits every style, whether your bedroom is modern, classic, on-trend "coastal" or mountain chalet-inspired... You are spoilt for choice.
Here are a few tips for choosing the right material:
| Material | What you need to know |
|---|---|
| Wood | Because wood is a natural material, make sure you choose painted wood to avoid leaving water marks if you are in the habit of drinking during the night. To learn more about choosing and caring for a wooden bedside table, see our article on wood care and maintenance. |
| Metal | A metal bedside table is perfect for an industrial and modern style, bringing delicacy and lightness to your bedroom. A word of warning for sensitive ears: an object placed on a metal surface tends to make more noise than on a wooden surface. |
| Glass | Glass bedside tables are often very streamlined and suited to a minimalist style. They are often offered with a single shelf and a wrought-iron frame for greater strength. To care for them easily, see our article on looking after glass furniture. |
Should you choose matching bedside tables?
Two identical bedside tables remain the choice recommended by interior designers for the bedroom’s visual balance. However, there is no obligation to match them: a bedside table is a personal object, and mismatched models on either side of the bed are perfectly possible.
From an aesthetic point of view, all interior designers will advise you to choose two identical bedside tables. However, depending on your habits and lifestyle, you are free to treat yourself by choosing the model that suits you best—and why not mismatched models? A bedside table is above all a personal object, entrusted with your private moments before you fall asleep, so please yourself: nothing prevents you from having a different bedside table from the person who shares your nights!
Why choose a suspended or wall-mounted bedside table?
A suspended bedside table, also called a wall-mounted bedside table, is chosen to save space in a small bedroom. Installed like a shelf, it frees up the floor and creates a streamlined look. Often equipped with a shelf, it keeps books, tissues and a lamp within easy reach.
If you have a small bedroom, a suspended bedside table installed like a shelf adds a subtle and elegant touch of style. It saves considerable space and gives your room a streamlined look.
If you read a lot, a bedside table with a shelf will be very useful, and wall-mounted bedside tables often include this feature. It keeps everything within reach (books, tissues, lamp, etc.) and provides a very attractive storage solution.
What colour should you choose for a bedside table?
A bedside table should complement the bedroom’s colour scheme. White is a classic that works with every decorative style. Dark shades such as blue, grey or black add a modern touch. Bright colours such as yellow, red or green draw attention to the bedside table and the objects placed on it.
Your bedside table should of course match the rest of your bedroom: to maintain a harmonious room, it is important to keep a colour scheme and tones that work well together.
For your bedside table, a few rules can help you choose the right colour:
- White is a very classic shade that preserves the fresh and soothing feel of your bedroom. It also suits any bedside table and can easily fit into every decorative style.
- Dark colours such as blue, grey and even black add a modern touch.
- Bright colours such as yellow, red and green add originality and vitality. They can also draw attention to the bedside table if it has a striking shape, or highlight what you place on it, such as a beautiful ornament or designer lamp, or if you choose to hang a lovely mirror above your bedside table.
Which paint should you use to paint a bedside table: black, white or coloured?
When painting a bedside table, choose healthy paints: organic, alkyd or acrylic paint. Solvent-based paint, made with solvents, releases high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and is not suitable for furniture placed near the bed.
Want to add a little decorative twist to your bedside table? Paint is an option worth considering! Since the bedside table will be in your home and bedroom, you should choose healthy paints.
- Organic paint: organic paint is perfect for your bedside tables. It is safe for your health and the environment thanks to its 100% natural composition, and this formula offers beautiful colours. Its drying time is slightly longer than that of conventional paints.
- Alkyd paint: alkyd paint is a resin-based mixture. It is a healthy formula that offers excellent adhesion and optimal coverage.
- Acrylic paint: acrylic paint is the most common option. This water-based, odourless paint dries quickly and releases very low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Acrylic paint is available in every colour and finish.
- Good to know—avoid solvent-based paint: solvent-based paint is not recommended for a bedside table. Its formula is solvent-based and releases high levels of VOCs. Since a bedside table is placed near the bed, solvent-based paint is not suitable for customising it.
Which bedside table goes with a rattan headboard?
With a rattan headboard, pair your bedside table with a natural material and artisanal craftsmanship: caning, weaving or a rattan bedside table in the same style. Together, they create a bohemian-chic atmosphere in the bedroom.
Rattan headboards are particularly popular at the moment. We recommend choosing a natural material and artisanal craftsmanship, such as caning or weaving, to complement your rattan furniture. You could also choose a rattan bedside table in the same style for a harmonious look with your headboard. Together, they will create a bohemian-chic atmosphere in your bedroom.
In conclusion, to ensure peaceful nights, your bedside table should keep everything you might need before falling asleep close at hand. However, be careful not to clutter it too much: a peaceful space is an organised space. If you like keeping ornaments and sentimental items near you (a drawing, a kind note, a photo, etc.), a bedside table with a drawer will be ideal. Some tables are even available with a door, providing a more discreet place for your little secrets!
To help you make your choice, be sure to discover our bedside table collection
FAQ: choosing your bedside table
What height should a bedside table be?
A bedside table should ideally be between 45 and 55 cm high, roughly the height of the mattress, for a 15 cm bed base, 15 cm legs and a 20 cm mattress. A bedside table lower than the mattress is also possible: it makes it easier to reach the objects placed on it.
How deep should a bedside table be?
Allow for a depth of 35 to 45 cm for a bedside table. This is the most restrictive of the three criteria: the bedside table must never obstruct access to the bed. The width can simply be adjusted according to the space available between the bed and the wall.
Do you need two identical bedside tables on either side of the bed?
Interior designers recommend two identical bedside tables for visual harmony in the bedroom. Mismatched models are also perfectly possible: a bedside table is a personal piece of furniture, and everyone can choose the model that suits their habits.
Which bedside table should you choose for a small bedroom?
In a small bedroom, a suspended or wall-mounted bedside table is the most effective solution. Installed like a shelf, it frees up the floor, saves considerable space and creates a streamlined look, while keeping books and a lamp within reach.
Which material should you choose for a bedside table?
Wood offers the widest choice of bedside tables and suits every style; choose painted wood to prevent water marks. Metal works well with an industrial style. Streamlined glass is suitable for minimalist bedrooms.
