Choosing the right bedside table for a single-bed mattress is about more than just filling a space next to your bed. It’s about ensuring functionality and balance while complementing the room’s design. Whether you need extra storage or a sleek spot for a lamp, picking the right size, style and features can make a big difference. This guide will cover key tips to help you select a bedside table perfectly suited to your single bed, ensuring a functional and cohesive setup.
1. Consider Proportions First
The size of your bedside table must complement your single bed. A table that is too large overwhelms the space, while one too small might look insignificant. The bedside table must be in line with or a little above the top of your mattress. Ideally, the tables should be 2-4 inches higher from the bed top. It ensures you can stretch out and access any of it lying in bed. The width should be one-third of the bed in your room. It will give you a balanced look in the room.
2. Focus on Functionality
Bedside tables are more than just decor—they are functional pieces of furniture that should meet your specific needs. Consider what you like to keep nearby at night. Do you need a bedside table to hold your lamp and books, or maybe just have a charging station for your gadgets? If you wish for more storage, get the tables with drawers and shelves to keep some essentials away. Go for small tables, especially if your spaces are small. Such tables will not waste any space while avoiding overcrowded space.
3. Style Matters
The style of your bedside table should reflect your bedroom’s overall aesthetic. Modern and simple rooms call for stylish side tables with straight lines and neutral colours like white, black or grey. For a more classic look, go for wooden furniture pieces like wood-made tables, perhaps with carvings or a distressed texture to give it more character. If you have a bit of an eclectic style, mixing and matching different shapes, materials and finishes is perfectly fine, but it should be balanced so there isn’t visual chaos. To balance things out, harmony between the bed and the table must be harmonious.
4. Prioritise Storage Needs
When selecting a bedside table, think about your storage needs. If you prefer a minimalist style, you can go for the ones without any drawers to keep a lamp and a book on the surface. But if you need more space to store your glasses, medications or electronics, a table with drawers is convenient to hide the clutter. In such cases, you can use the open shelves for decor. If you’re tight on space, consider a table with multiple storage options, like drawers and a lower shelf, to keep the room tidy.
5. Don’t Overlook Practical Features
Modern bedside tables offer built-in features like USB ports, wireless charging pads and even LED lighting to make your night routine easier. These tech-friendly options reduce the use of multiple wires from under the bed and make your space neater and work-friendly.
6. Select Complementary Materials
Matching the material of your bedside table with your bed can enhance the overall look of your room. Wooden beds coordinate well with similar coloured wooden tables, creating a classic and ageless look. Metal or upholstered beds match well with glass or metal tables for a more modern style. If you are feeling adventurous, don’t be afraid to mix materials. For example, combine a wooden bed with a metal side table. However, make sure that at least one element of consistency is offered, such as colour or texture, that ties together the disparate pieces.
7. Mind the Layout
The layout of your room plays a significant role in the bedside table you choose. For a small room, you can use a narrower, more streamlined table so that it does not overcrowd the space. A large room allows you to be more generous in selecting a table because you can get bigger and have more elaborate or statement pieces for the space. Consider the room’s flow to ensure your bedside table does not hinder movement or crowding in the area.
8. Lighting Considerations
Lighting is an essential element when it comes to bedside tables. A lamp that’s too large for the table can overwhelm the surface, while one that’s too small may not provide enough light for reading. The base of the lampshade should ideally be at eye level when sitting in bed. In smaller spaces, wall-mounted lights or sconces are great alternatives to free up table space while providing ample lighting.
9. Balance Between Symmetry and Function
You don’t always have to go for a symmetrical bedside table, but it does help in lifting the visual appeal of a bedroom. If two spaces do not fit in your bedroom, a single table will work as long as it is functional and meets your needs. Therefore, even if you don’t have space for two, you can still have one table when it’s practical and serves all your needs. They don’t have to be the same even if you choose two tables. Mixing different styles or sizes creates a unique, personalised look as long as there’s a visual connection between the two, like a shared colour palette or material.
10. Experiment with Colour
Finally, don’t be afraid to play with colour. While neutral tones work in almost any bedroom, adding a pop of colour can make the room interesting. Pull a colour from your bedding, artwork or other decor in the room for a cohesive look.
So, when pairing the bedside table with a single-bed mattress, you must balance proportion, functionality and style. Considering these factors, you can create a well-balanced setting that looks great and meets your practical needs, making your bedroom more comfortable and organised.
