Complete Guide to Modern Bedside Tables: Styles, Storage and Buying Tips

Bedside tables – called nightstands in the USA – are small pieces of furniture that can make a big difference to the look and feel of a room. A good bedside table is one of those small details that can completely change how your bedroom looks and feels. They bring balance to your space, provide that essential spot for a lamp or morning cuppa, and can quietly set the tone for your whole room. Whether you’re drawn to sleek minimalism, mid-century warmth or bold metallic finishes, the right bedside table can transform your bedroom from basic to beautifully styled.

Here’s your complete guide to choosing a modern bedside table that suits your space, storage needs and design personality.

Why Modern Bedside Tables Make a Difference

Modern design is all about clean lines, simplicity and thoughtful detail, and that applies perfectly to bedside tables. They help ground your room, provide practical storage, and add a visual anchor on either side of the bed. A well-chosen table doesn’t just hold your essentials; it enhances your lighting, highlights your headboard and completes the look of your modern bedroom.

In today’s smaller UK homes, functionality matters more than ever. That’s why modern bedside tables often come with clever design touches, such as hidden drawers, slim silhouettes, or wall-mounted options that make the most of limited floor space.

Popular Modern Bedside Table Styles

Modern bedside tables come in a variety of designs and styles. Here are some of the popular options.

Scandinavian Simplicity

A go-to look for modern bedrooms, Scandinavian bedside tables pair pale woods, tapered legs and soft neutral colours. Think oak, white, or ash finishes — light, airy and uncluttered. They’re ideal for calm, restful spaces that still feel stylish and put-together.

Mid-Century Modern

Mid-century designs remain a staple in modern interiors. Look for rounded edges, angled legs and rich woods like walnut or teak. These timeless tables bring warmth to minimalist spaces, bridging comfort and sophistication beautifully.

Industrial Modern

If you prefer an urban edge, industrial-style tables made from metal, wood and glass are the way to go. Black frames, brass handles, and reclaimed materials work perfectly against neutral walls or textured bedding. They’re bold without feeling heavy.

Luxe Modern Glamour

Modern doesn’t have to mean minimal. Glossy finishes, marble tops and metallic accents can create a luxurious feel without overwhelming the room. Pair a gold or chrome-legged table with a simple lamp and plush bedding for a sleek, high-end look.

Floating or Wall-Mounted

One of the most practical modern options, floating bedside tables create the illusion of more space. They’re brilliant in smaller bedrooms or flats and make cleaning easier too. Choose streamlined designs in lacquer, wood or matt finishes for a contemporary, fuss-free style.

Smart Storage for Modern Living

Modern design champions function as much as form. Today’s bedside tables often include clever storage solutions that keep your bedroom clutter-free.

• Hidden Drawers: Perfect for tucking away personal items or charging cables while keeping your surface clear.
• Open Shelves: Offer space for books or baskets and make smaller rooms feel lighter.
• Built-in Charging Ports: A growing trend in contemporary furniture — ideal for keeping devices powered without messy cables.
• Slimline Profiles: Look for narrow tables or single-column designs that fit even the tightest corners.

If your bedroom doubles as a workspace or relaxation zone, consider a multifunctional bedside table — one that could also serve as a side table or mini desk when needed.

How to Choose the Right Size and Height

The best modern bedside tables are both practical and proportional. Ideally, the surface should sit level with, or just below, the top of your mattress so it’s easy to reach for a lamp or your phone.

Measure the available space on each side of your bed — you want to avoid overcrowding but still have enough room for a lamp, book, and your nightly essentials. For double beds, consider symmetry: two matching tables create a balanced, polished look. In smaller spaces, try mixing materials or using slightly different designs for an eclectic modern feel.

Material and Finish Options

Modern bedside tables embrace contrast and texture. Some of the most popular material combinations include:

• Wood and Metal: Adds structure and warmth — perfect for Scandi or industrial-inspired rooms.
• Glass and Chrome: Sleek and reflective, great for brightening smaller spaces.
• Lacquered MDF: A glossy modern finish that’s easy to clean and available in plenty of colours.
• Marble and Brass: Adds instant sophistication for a boutique hotel vibe.
• Rattan or Cane Details: A softer, natural twist that still fits a modern scheme when paired with clean lines.

The key is balance — pair statement materials with understated styling so your room doesn’t feel overdesigned.

Styling a Modern Bedside Table

A modern bedside table should look intentional but not cluttered. Aim for a balance between practicality and design:

• Add a lamp with a sculptural base or minimalist silhouette for soft, flattering light.
• Keep decor to three or four key pieces — perhaps a small vase, a candle, and a favourite book.
• Layer textures (glass, wood, fabric) rather than colour for subtle depth.
• Incorporate greenery — a small plant or succulent instantly freshens the look.

If you prefer a cleaner aesthetic, wall lights are a great alternative to table lamps, freeing up the surface and enhancing that sleek, modern feel.

Modern Bedside Tables: Top Picks

We’ve chosen our favourite bedside tables to enhance a contemporary bedroom, with sleek, contemporary lines.

1. Rafael two-drawer bedside table, £249 from Cult Furniture. To declutter and organise in style, the two ribbed drawers of this sleek unit are finished in a high gloss neutral taupe. It’s suitable for use in the bedroom and as a side table in your living room.
2. Jasper bedside table, £550 from Industrious Decor. Featuring a sleek glass top and a convenient glass shelf, this bedside table offers both style and practicality.
3. Thalia concave one-drawer bedside table (also shown in main image), £139 from daals. Featuring distinctive curved design, this Thalia bedside table is crafted from solid ash veneer in a subtly lime washed finish. The gently concave drawer front is complemented with the aged brass clove metal handle. Also available in a three drawer version.
4. Byron side table in muted oak, £299 from Atkin & Thyme. Neat and compact, this mid-century stylem wooden bedside table comes in a light oak finish and features a marble top and storage area hidden behind two tambour slatted doors.
5. Pair of three-drawer bedside tables, £199.95 from Melody Maison. From the Elle Stone range, this neat pair of tables is a great storage addition to any bedroom. In a stone pale taupe finish with contrasting gold handles, they offer a great value solution for contemporary rooms.
6. Maude two-drawer bedside table, £159.99 from daals. This bedside table features a rounded ash frame veneer and legs. It’s paired with antique brass effect metal handles and has washed white water-based paint to expose the natural grain of ash wood. The two good-sized drawers offer handy storage.
7. Wansbeck floating bedside table, £234.95 from Funky Chunky Furniture Co. This Wansbeck bedside table is made from solid wood and is a beautifully simple addition to your bedroom which will help make the most of smaller rooms. Installed onto the wall next to your bed, this solid wood bedside table floats effortlessly, creating the illusion of space in your bedroom.
8. Dalton one drawer side table, £49.99 from VonHaus. Bring modern style into your home with neat little table, featuring chevron detailing on a wood-effect body, contrasted with a black metal frame for an industrial edge. The drawer allows belongings to be kept neatly tucked away, and the surface is perfect for displaying decorations such as plants, lamps and more.
9. Portland small one-door one-drawer bedside table, £405 from The Painted Furniture Company. Handmade in the UK with a choice of colours and handles styles, this classic bedside table is an ideal 48cm wide, plenty of space for a lamp and your current bedtime book. This version features both a cupboard and a trinket drawer for versatile storage options.
10. Kendal single bedside one-drawer table, £49.99 from Sue Ryder. Upgrade your bedroom furniture with this classy slate blue one-drawer bedside table. This smart bedside table will suit any classic or contemporary interior scheme. Also available in white, it has a smart thick oak-effect bevelled top offering plenty of space.

From sleek Scandinavian silhouettes to luxurious metallic finishes, the right table can pull your whole look together. Focus on proportion, practicality and materials that suit your space, and you’ll end up with a bedroom that feels calm, contemporary and unmistakably you.

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