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 or modern nightstand that suits your space, storage needs and design style.
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
There are a wide variety of modern bedside tables and nightstands available, in a range of styles and designs. Depending on what you choose, they can blend in with your decor or become a focal point of any bedroom. Here are some of the popular options available.
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 Bedside Tables
Mid-century modern 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. For modern luxury bedside tables, pair a gold or chrome-legged table with a simple lamp and plush bedding for a sleek, high-end look or opt for the subtle elegance of a modern white nightstand.
Floating or Wall-Mounted Nightstands
One of the most practical modern options, floating bedside tables create the illusion of more space. They’re an excellent addition for smaller bedrooms or flats and make cleaning easier too. Choose streamlined designs in lacquer, wood or matt finishes for a contemporary, fuss-free style.
Modern Bedside Tables for Small Bedrooms
When space is at a premium — whether you’re in a cosy London flat or a snug New York apartment — choosing the right bedside table isn’t just a styling choice, it’s a smart space decision. Small bedrooms call for thoughtful solutions that balance practicality with the clean, modern look you’re aiming for.
Think Slim, Not Stuffed
In compact rooms, bulk is the enemy. Look for narrow nightstands and small modern bedside tables with narrow widths and sleek profiles that give you just enough surface without eating into precious floor space. Tables that are 15–30cm wide can feel far more elegant than oversized pieces that overpower the bed.
Tips:
- Tables with single drawers or open shelving keep the design airy.
- Choose glass or light-wood finishes to visually open up the space.
- In very tight layouts, consider placing the table slightly off-centre rather than squeezing it flush against the bed frame — it can feel less cramped.
Floating and Wall-Mounted Nightstands
One of the smartest modern moves in a small bedroom is to ditch a floor-standing table altogether and opt for a floating bedside table. These wall-mounted wonders give you:
- More visible floor space – making the room feel bigger.
- Cleaner lines – perfect for modern minimal interiors.
- Easier cleaning – no awkward legs to dust around.
They’re great in UK city flats and small US bedrooms alike — just be sure the wall you choose is solid enough for mounting, especially if you plan to rest a lamp or ceramic pieces on top.
Multifunctional Pieces That Pull Double Duty
Small bedrooms benefit from furniture that works harder than one job. Look for modern bedside tables and small nightstands that can also act as:
- Side tables for seating areas
- Mini desks for work-from-bed moments
- Storage hubs with baskets or cubbies for books, tech or linen
- A bedside end table for coffee in the morning or hot chocolate before bed.
In the UK, where bedrooms are often deeper rather than wider, a multifunctional piece can slot neatly into a corner and serve as both bedside table and dressing table. In US homes with narrow rooms, multifunctional tables help reduce overall furniture count — less is more.
Open Shelves and Light Materials
Large, closed cabinets in tiny rooms can feel heavy. Instead, choose modern bedroom nightstands with open shelving or light, raised legs, which lets your eye travel beneath the piece and makes the floor feel more spacious. Materials like lacquered MDF, pale oak or clear glass make the whole room feel brighter too. Just be careful to keep the surface clutter-free.
Scale With Your Bed and Bedding
The right modern bedside table should look in proportion to your bed. If your mattress sits high, aim for a table that doesn’t look dainty beside it. That feeling of balance is especially important in small bedrooms — it keeps the space from looking awkward or lopsided.
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. Look for soft-close drawers that won’t make a noise when opened and shut during the night.
- Open Shelves: Offer space for books or baskets and make smaller rooms feel lighter.
- Built-in Charging Ports: A growing trend in contemporary furniture, built-in charging ports are 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 For Your Nightstand
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.
To find the ideal bedside table height, 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.
Matching vs Mismatched Bedside Tables
One of the most common questions when styling a bedroom is whether bedside tables have to match. The short answer? Not at all. Both matching and mismatched bedside tables can look beautifully modern — it all comes down to the mood you want to create and how your space functions day to day.
When Matching Bedside Tables Work Best
Matching bedside tables or modern nightstands bring a sense of order and calm. They’re a natural choice if you love symmetry and want your bedroom to feel polished and intentional.
They work particularly well when:
- You’re styling a modern minimalist or hotel-inspired bedroom and want to create a perfect balance
- The bed is a strong focal point and you want a cohesive look and a touch of sophistication on either side
- You share the room and need equal storage and surface space
- The bedroom is on the smaller side and visual simplicity matters
Two identical tables frame the bed neatly, helping the room feel settled and cohesive. This approach is especially popular in UK homes where bedrooms can feel narrow — symmetry keeps everything looking tidy and uncluttered.
When Mismatched Bedside Tables Feel More Modern
Mismatched bedside tables can feel relaxed, layered and quietly confident — very much in keeping with modern interiors that prioritise personality over perfection.
This approach works well if:
- Your bedroom layout isn’t symmetrical
- One side of the bed needs more storage than the other
- You enjoy a more eclectic, lived-in look
- You want to mix materials or textures for visual interest
For example, pairing a floating bedside table on one side with a slim-legged table on the other can be both practical and stylish. In US homes with larger bedrooms, mismatching is often used to stop the space feeling overly formal. In UK homes, it’s a clever way to work around awkward alcoves or tight corners.
How to Mismatch Without It Looking Messy
The key to mismatched bedside tables is intentional contrast rather than random choice. A few guiding principles help keep things feeling modern and cohesive:
- Keep heights similar so both tables sit comfortably beside the mattress
- Repeat one element — colour, material, handle finish or leg style
- Balance visual weight – a chunky table on one side pairs well with a lighter design on the other
- Unify with lighting — matching bedside lamps or wall lights can tie everything together
You might mix a wood table with a metal-framed one, or pair a drawer unit with an open shelf design — as long as there’s a shared thread, the result feels curated rather than chaotic.
One Table, One Alternative
In very modern bedrooms, especially smaller ones, it’s also perfectly acceptable to use one bedside table and one alternative. A wall-mounted shelf, a small stool, console tables or even a low chest of drawers can replace a second table without compromising style. This approach works particularly well if only one side of the bed is used regularly or if space is limited.
Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong choice. Matching bedside tables offer calm and consistency, while mismatched designs add character and flexibility. The most modern bedrooms often strike a balance — thoughtfully styled, practical, and reflective of how you actually live.
Material and Finish Options
Modern bedside tables embrace contrast and texture. Some of the most popular material combinations include:
- Wood: Natural wood nightstands add warmth to a room and are perfect for Scandi style bedroom designs
- Metal: Metal, such as black nightstands or grey coated bedside tables, add structure and is ideal for using in 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: Woven bedside tables offer 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 design should look intentional but not cluttered and provide easy access. Aim for a balance between practicality and design when you style your night table:
- 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.
- Add a small tray and create a stylish bedside vignette with an arrangement of three pieces (like a vase, candle and decorative shell). A mirrored tray will reflect light, whilst a woven tray adds textural detail.
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 in a range of different styles to enhance a contemporary bedroom, a guest room or a bachelor pad with sleek, contemporary lines.
- 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 and the flat surface on top is perfect for a stack of books.
- Jasper bedside table, £550 from Industrious Decor. Featuring a sleek glass top and a convenient glass shelf, this minimalist nightstand offers both style and practicality.
- Thalia concave one-drawer bedside table, £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.
- Byron side table in muted oak, £299 from Atkin & Thyme. Neat and compact, this is a lovely example of how mid-century modern nightstands can enhance modern bedrooms. The wooden bedside table comes in a light oak finish and features a marble top and valuable storage space hidden behind two tambour slatted doors.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 table is the best nightstand for floating effortlessly, creating the illusion of space in your bedroom.
- 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 powder coated steel 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.
- 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.
- 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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