Quick answer: A bedside table should sit level with the top of your mattress, or up to about 5cm above or below it. For most UK beds that means a bedside of 50–65cm high. Aim for at least 40cm wide so there is room for a lamp, a book and a glass of water.
The mattress-height rule
Measure from the floor to the top of your mattress, including any topper. Your bedside should land within about 5cm of that number. Too low and you reach down awkwardly in the dark; too high and the table dominates the bed.
- Low platform or Japandi beds (mattress top around 40–50cm): choose a bedside of 45–52cm, such as The Newton Walnut Bedside at 50cm high.
- Standard divan and frame beds (mattress top around 50–60cm): choose 55–62cm, such as The Reed Fluted Oak 3-Drawer Bedside at 58cm high.
- Tall or ottoman beds (mattress top 60cm and above): look for 60–65cm, or a slim table such as The Bellis Marble Top Side Table at 60cm.
How wide should a bedside table be?
Around 40–50cm wide works for most bedrooms. Below 40cm you will struggle to fit a lamp and a book side by side. If you have a king or super king bed, a wider bedside of 50–60cm keeps the proportions balanced.
Leave at least 5–10cm between the bedside and the bed frame so bedding can drape and the bed can be made easily.
Drawers or open shelves?
- Drawers hide chargers, glasses and the everyday clutter that disturbs a calm room. Three drawers, as on the Reed Fluted bedside, suit anyone who likes things out of sight.
- A drawer and an open shelf, like the Newton, gives you somewhere for a stack of books while keeping the small things tidy.
- A single surface is the most minimal, Japandi-leaning choice, best if you keep very little by the bed.
Do bedside tables need to match?
No, but they should relate. Matching pairs bring symmetry and calm, which is why they remain the classic choice. If you mix, keep one thing consistent: the same height, the same wood tone or the same material. Two different pieces at the same height still look intentional.
Choosing a finish
- Washed oak and reeded fronts keep a bedroom light and restful, the essence of Japandi.
- California walnut adds depth and a mid-century warmth against pale bedding.
- Marble tops introduce a cool, tactile contrast and handle a glass of water without fuss.
Stylist's note
Keep the lamp shade bottom roughly at eye level when you are sitting up in bed. With a 55–60cm bedside, a lamp of around 45–55cm tall usually gets this right.
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard height of a bedside table in the UK?
Most bedside tables are between 50cm and 65cm tall. The right height for you depends on the height of your mattress.
Should a bedside table be taller than the bed?
Ideally it should be level with the top of the mattress, or within about 5cm either way.
How much space do I need for a bedside table?
Allow the width of the bedside plus 5–10cm between it and the bed, and make sure drawers can open without hitting a wall or wardrobe.
Can I use a side table as a bedside table?
Yes. A side table of the right height works well in smaller bedrooms, though you lose drawer storage.
What height lamp suits a bedside table?
As a guide, a lamp of 45–55cm on a 55–60cm bedside keeps the light at a comfortable reading height.
Explore our bedroom collection of solid wood bedsides, crafted to bring calm to the end of the day.