Bedside tables are often bought as an afterthought — something functional to put the lamp on — but they're one of the most visible pieces in a bedroom. Getting the height, size and style right makes a real difference to how polished the room looks and how practical it is to use.

The most important dimension is height. A bedside table should sit level with or slightly above the top of your mattress when in use. For a standard mattress on a low bed frame, that's typically 500-560mm. With a taller platform bed or thicker mattress, 600mm or higher suits better. Check your mattress-plus-frame height before selecting.

Drawers are the most important functional feature. A single drawer holds daily essentials — phone charger, remote control, reading glasses, small notebook. Two drawers give additional storage for medications, journals or charging cables. Open shelf designs offer easy access to books and water bottles but require more discipline to keep looking tidy.

Width matters too in proportion to the rest of the room. A queen or king bed looks balanced with bedside tables of 450-600mm width. For a single or double, 400-500mm works well. In tight bedrooms, narrower 350mm options are available.

Timber finishes — natural oak, walnut or pine — add warmth and suit the natural material trend that's been prominent in Australian interior design over the past several years. White and white gloss finishes remain popular for smaller rooms because they reflect light and make the space feel larger. Two-tone combinations with a white body and timber drawer fronts offer a contemporary middle ground.

Browse our bedside table range online with fast delivery across Melbourne and Australia.