13 innovative bedside table ideas for 2024

You don't need to be an interior designer to spot the perfect bedside tables for your home, but it's always easier to make the right choice when you’ve got some ideas to draw inspiration from. To help you do just this, we have meticulously curated a collection of distinctive bedside table ideas that transcend conventional design parameters.

Our suggestions highlight how these furniture pieces can serve as key design elements in a bedroom, all while maintaining their inherent functionality and practicality.

Wall-mounted bedside tables offer a sleek solution, particularly for tighter settings and smaller rooms. They eliminate the footprint of a conventional bedside table, keeping your floor clear and navigable. These floating pieces also introduce an element of visual intrigue, creating the impression of a roomer environment. Many wall-mounted bedside tables also have optional extras such as built-in USB ports or plug sockets for charging devices.

An ode to timeless beauty, hardwood bedside tables bridge the gap between a traditional classic side table and contemporary design. Known for their durability and rich grain patterns, they can bring warmth to any bedroom decor. Pair these with sleek, modern hardware or incorporate minimalist design elements to create a fusion of eras that's both enduring and forward-thinking.

The elegance of dual floating bedside tables lies not only in their efficient use of space but also in the balance they bring to the bedroom setting. These tables serve as twin accents, framing your bed symmetrically, which can make the room feel more harmonious and relaxing. Consider coordinating colours and accessories on each table for added symmetry.

Compact bedside tables prove that you don't need a large piece to make a big difference in a room. Select a design that smartly blends various storage solutions, both hidden and exposed. Such tables can accommodate a variety of items, from your best-loved books to important nightly necessities. Despite their minimal footprint, these diminutive tables offer an effective way to organise your belongings and keep them within easy reach, ensuring convenience as well as saving space.

Bedside tables with a new age design inject an element of surprise into your bedside arrangement, and can inspire you to think beyond the traditional box shape and explore abstract forms, integrated lighting, or touch-sensitive surfaces. These innovative tables reflect the dynamism of modern living, transforming the bedroom from a purely restful space to an area that fosters creativity, style and imagination.

While we've touched on storage earlier, it's worth noting that some bedside tables are explicitly designed with a heightened focus on storage capabilities. These pieces offer more than a simple surface for your lamp or book, presenting ample spaces and compartments to organise and accommodate items neatly. If you're after a table with adequate storage, consider one that combines the subtlety of hidden compartments with the accessibility of open shelves so that you can enjoy a valuable mix of utility and instant access to your essentials.

A blend of materials in your bedside table can add an eclectic, modern feel to your room. The juxtaposition of, for example, a warm wood with cool metal, or the rough texture of stone paired with sleek glass, creates a visually captivating piece. This approach to design adds depth to your space, providing an interesting focal point and will often compliment your other pieces of bedroom furniture, and may sometimes come as furniture set featuring other pieces such as a lamp or desk.

A bedside table that matches a bedroom's overall style helps give the space a cohesive look. Beyond just a visual enhancement, a well-integrated bedside table can contribute to a relaxing and soothing ambience, fostering comfort and peace.

As you can see below, by prioritising style and fit, you can find a bedside table that seamlessly fits the design of the headboard and bedding and pieces of artwork in a room. Such design continuity contributes to an overall feeling of serenity and highlights that even the most functional pieces of furniture contribute to the style appeal of a room.

Known for their casual elegance, Mediterranean bedside tables often feature earthy tones, distressed finishes, and a blend of textures, echoing the landscape's sun-bleached, windswept charm. It's an excellent choice of table for those who appreciate a blend of old-world charm and seaside simplicity in their personal spaces, and you can complement the setup with a ceramic lamp, vase, or pottery to heighten the feeling of tranquil coastal life.

Let your bedside table double as a nightstand for the ultimate in functionality. A table with a large surface area can comfortably hold a lamp, clock, and a stack of books, while drawers or shelves below provide additional storage. You might also look for features such as built-in lamps or charging ports to increase functionality, making your bedside area not just a spot for rest, but a practical hub for your nightly routine.

Multifunctional furniture is a smart choice for any space, and a bedside table that doubles as a stool or step stool is no exception. This dual-purpose piece conserves space while offering an extra seating solution when required, perfect for small rooms or for when unexpected guests arrive. 

Consider a sturdy design that can bear weight comfortably, while still providing the surface area you need for your essentials. It's an innovative approach that marries convenience with practicality, taking the humble bedside table to new levels of functionality, and a comfy spot to sit on after a long day.

Bedside tables made from luxury materials such as marble or stainless steel offer more than just style and utility; they bring a touch of grandeur to any bedroom setting. These are not ordinary bedroom accessories; they're constructed from premium materials like lustrous marble, robust hardwood, or even gilded metal, exuding an air of luxury and exceptional quality. 

The design spectrum of these tables is broad, ranging from sleek, modern styles characterised by clean lines and smooth surfaces to more traditional, ornate models boasting detailed carvings, inlays, or bevelled edges. These tables embody sophistication and can easily act as a focal point in a luxury bedroom.

Cross leg tray tables bring a rustic feel to your bedroom decor. Defined by their X-shaped legs and tray-like top, these tables are reminiscent of farmhouse style and countryside living. Their simple, yet distinctive structure offers a stable platform for your bedside needs, be it a book, a lamp, or a morning cup of coffee. The tray top's slightly raised edges add an extra layer of security for your items, preventing them from sliding off. This kind of table, often made from weathered wood or distressed metal, can add a relaxed, homely vibe to your space.

Related article: 14 coffee table designs: all the best options for your home

And there you have it – thirteen unique bedside table ideas, each offering distinctive design and storage possibilities to suit various bedroom styles. We hope this curated selection inspires you to think differently about bedside tables in your own space. After all, these humble items can also be stylish pieces of bedroom furniture in their own right.

Related article: 10 types of bedside table to consider for your home

Article updated 20th December 2023.