The bed is the bedroom’s focal point, but it is not the be-all and end-all. Other pieces of furniture are essential to make a bedroom complete. Among them is the bedside table. It is traditionally placed next to the bed and is used to place things that need to be picked up without getting out of the bed. It is one of the staple functional pieces of furniture that is needed for every bedroom. When it comes to choices, there are many on websites like Wakefit, but picking the right one becomes difficult. Here’s a buyer’s guide to making things easy for you.
Height of the Bedside Table
Selecting the right height for a bedside table is important not just from the point of view of aesthetics but in terms of functionality. It should not be too high or too low. If it is too low, you will fall out of the bed trying to retrieve something or turn on/off the bedside lamp. You also don’t want it to be high so that it interrupts the flow and cohesion of the interiors. Additionally, you do not wish to get out of bed to get a glass of water. So what is the right height for a bedside table, the one that is at the same level as your mattress? That essentially means that whether you are lounging on the bed or sleeping, it becomes easy to reach for things.
Choose between Shelves, Drawers, or Cabinets
Once you have started your hunt for bedside tables, you will come across many storage options. The traditional bedside tables come with drawers and are the most popular, but there are other choices too. A drawer may be a practical choice as you can categorise and put them into different drawers. On the other hand, Shelves are for showy items, so if you have things to hide, avoid this. Finally, there is the cabinet style, but it is taller, which means having to get out of bed to get things. Work out your storage needs while also considering other bedroom furniture for storage.
Types of Bedside Tables
There are various types of bedside tables that you can buy for your room. Wooden bedside tables are considered the best choice of material as they are durable, stylish, and sturdy. Some of the types available currently in the market are:
- Side tables with storage: This is a traditional bedside table with drawers. It has a flat top where you can place a lamp and is more like a chest of drawers. Depending on your storage needs, you can choose to have a single drawer or multiple where you can store your small daily items or newspapers, magazines, books, etc.
- A simple table with legs: These are minimalistic bedside table designs where there is no storage option. It is used to place bedside items like an alarm or a table lamp. These are ideal for smaller bedrooms as they occupy lesser space.
- Cabinets: These are also bedside tables but come with many doors and drawers. They are suited for larger bedrooms and offer enough storage to keep the space clutter-free. Since it comes with doors, it can safely hold your valuables like watches, wallets, etc.
- Shelves: These are other simple but modern designs of bedside tables that come with shelves. The shelf is a space-saving design that is a practical choice for modern bedrooms.
Choose the Right Colours
When choosing the bedside table, it is important to choose the right colours. If you choose the same colour as that of your walls, it is not visible. Instead, opt for something that will add a pop of colour. Choose ones that blend with the space, grab the view, and elevate the bedroom without overwhelming it. One way to choose a colour is to pair it with the colour of the blinds or the wood colour to add pop. When selecting the material for the bedside table, choose the material that complements the other furniture to add style.
Are Two Bedside Tables Needed?
The common perception is that bedside tables come in pairs, which is wrong. You can have only one bedside table if that is your choice. However, it is thought that having two side tables on either side of the bed makes it look chic and appealing as it adds to the symmetry. However, if you have a smaller space or need just one, you can go for a solo too. But when you do that, make sure that it is big enough to store all your bedside needs.
Should my Bedside Tables Match?
There is no rule that the tables on either side of the bed should match. It is up to you if you want to choose different styles. But when choosing different styles, they should be of the same size, colour, or shape to make them work together. For instance, one side may be smaller than the other but should have the same finish.
The main function of a bedside table is to have a surface where you can place night essentials accessible. Placing a table by the bed ensures you dont get into accidents in a sleepy stupor. Ensure functionality over style when selecting. Follow the above guide and select a bedside table that suits your needs.