Bedside Tables for Australian Bedrooms
The right bedside table fits both your habits and your space. Consider what you need it to do — whether drawers for keeping clutter hidden or open shelving for easy reach — and how it will sit alongside the bed frame in scale and material. A bedside table that is well-proportioned and quietly considered disappears into the bedroom routine while supporting it perfectly. Browse our full Bedroom Furniture collection to find pieces that work alongside your bedside tables.
Choosing the Right Height and Size
The surface of a bedside table should sit at roughly the same height as the top of the mattress — typically between 55cm and 65cm from the floor — so everyday items are within easy reach without stretching or bending. The width and depth should provide a comfortable surface for a lamp, phone and a glass of water without feeling too large for the space between the bed and the wall. Pairing two matching bedside tables on either side of the bed creates visual symmetry and balance within the bedroom layout.
Materials and Finishes
Timber bedside tables — particularly those in solid oak and natural wood tones — bring warmth and organic character to the bedroom, complementing timber bed frames and natural textiles particularly well. Metal and painted options introduce a more distinct personality and work naturally in interiors where contrast and texture are part of the design approach. Consider how the bedside table's material and finish interacts with the bed frame and surrounding furniture to create a cohesive bedroom setting.
Styling the Bedside Table
A bedside table does its best work when it is both functional and considered in its styling. Layer it with a lamp for warm evening light, a small tray to corral everyday items, and one or two personal objects — a plant, a framed photo or a stack of books — to give the space personality without clutter. When the bedside table holds what you need and reflects a little of who you are, it has done its job well.
Completing the Bedroom
Bedside tables work best as part of a considered overall bedroom layout. Explore our Bed Frames to find a complementary piece at the right scale and material, and browse our full Bedroom Furniture collection to complete the room.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start with your bed’s height. Ideally the table surface should sit close to your mattress top so you do not have to bend or stretch for essentials. Measure with space to move around and leave room for a lamp, book and glass. Ask yourself what fits your routine, whether you value surface space for styling or drawers for storage. Our catalog includes detailed measurements and our showroom lets you compare heights and shapes so you can be sure it fits just right.
Yes you can! Visit our Cheltenham showroom to see a rotating selection of our bedside tables and test how they feel beside your bed. You can check the look of colours in natural light, feel materials up close and see storage options in action. Our team is always happy to help you compare models, offer styling ideas or coordinate with your bed, lighting or bedding. We can also arrange delivery and assembly so your piece arrives ready to sit just right.
Bedside tables do not need to match, but they should feel considered together. Matching bedside tables create symmetry and visual calm — a popular approach in bedrooms where a clean and composed aesthetic is the goal. Mismatched bedside tables can add personality and interest, but work best when they share at least one common element — similar height, the same material tone or a shared finish — to maintain a sense of cohesion within the bedroom layout.
Whether a bedside table needs drawers depends on how you use the space beside the bed. Drawers are useful for keeping everyday items — phone charger, reading glasses, medication — neatly stored and out of sight, which helps maintain a calm and uncluttered bedroom surface. If you prefer a more minimal look or tend to keep very little beside the bed, an open shelf or simple surface-only design may suit the space better. Consider your actual bedside habits rather than an idealised version of them when making the decision.
A bedside table works best when it holds only what you genuinely use each night and morning — typically a lamp, your phone or charger, a glass of water and whatever you are currently reading. Beyond the functional layer, a small plant, a candle or a considered object adds personality without creating clutter. The goal is a surface that feels intentional and calm rather than a place where things accumulate by default.
We look for pieces made from high quality timber like solid American oak, treated to age gracefully and resist humidity. Metal frames in powder coat finishes bring clean lines and easy upkeep. Every option is chosen so finishes do not just look good, they stay looking good. We also factor in drawer run quality, edge treatment and joint strength so the table stays reliable for years of use. That way your bedside table can live well in your bedroom, night after night.