How Tall Should a Bedside Table Be?

Bedside tables are more than just a piece of furniture, they're a constant from night til morning. Choosing the right piece is essential, it should complement your space, never overpower it and allow the room to feel considered, calm, and uncluttered. 

Imagine settling into bed, ready to unwind and simply reaching for your phone, only to stretch too far, knock your head and send your phone and your glass of water off the edge. A mini, highly inconvenient, disaster. This is why choosing the right bedside table deserves careful consideration.

Before investing in a solid wood bedside table

Our recommendation is to buy the matching bedside tables to your bed, as they are thoughtfully designed to align perfectly with your bed frame's height. If you plan to buy bedside tables separately, wait until your bed frame and mattress are in place. This allows you to visualise the space accurately and take precise measurements. Whether you're buying a matching set or mixing styles, having the key measurements of your bed frame on hand before purchasing is key. 

Key Measurements:

1. Measure from your bedroom floor to the top of your mattress. This establishes the baseline for your bedside table height. For instance, a low-profile bed frame calls for a lower bedside to maintain balance and harmony.
2. Measure from the edge of your bed to the wall or nearest piece of furniture. This determines the ideal width for your bedside table, ensuring it feels comfortable in your space.
3. Measure the 'bedhead' - this is the distance the bedside comes from the wall alongside your bedframe. Essentially, this measurement tells you the general depth that your bedside table should be. If you have a bed frame with a chunky headboard, you may need a bedside with a greater depth so your essentials remain within arms reach.

How high should a bedside table be?

As a general guideline, your bedside height should sit roughly level with the top of your mattress. In the UK, the average bedside table stands between 50-70cm (20-30 inches), giving you flexibility when choosing the right height.

Should bedside tables be higher than the bed?

A bedside table can be slightly higher or lower than the top of your mattress, around 12-15cm each way. This will ensure your essentials stay within an easy, comfortable reach.

Our Extra Bedside Table Tips 

• When choosing your bedside tables, scale matters. An imposing super king sized bed calls for a proportionate bedside table to create a balanced look. The Derwent Bedside Table is an ideal choice to pair with a king sized bed with its sturdy and taller design.

• Consider your comfort and storage needs, ensuring everything you reach for is convenient yet uncluttered. With a storage drawer, shelf and generous tabletop, The Morpeth Bedside Table is a perfect choice to provide a little more storage at a comfortable, and slightly lower, height.

• Think about your lamp placement too. The ideal height positions the lampshade at eye level when sitting up in bed, providing both functional light and a calm ambiance. This aspect is easily customised with The Wansbeck Floating Bedside Table, its wall-mounted and floating design allows you to position it at the height which suits you best.

Explore our collection of solid wood bedside tables to discover the piece that feels right for your space. A beautifully handcrafted bedside, perfectly proportioned to fit your space and built to last. The ideal height, fit and vibe for your space. With a range of heights, finishes, and styles, there's a bedside to complement every bed and every room.