Bedside Table Ideas: More Than Just a Table Next to Your Bed
Kumar Bedside Table [Voice Controllable LED Lights]
A bedside table is one of those small pieces of furniture you might not think much about — until you have one that doesn't quite work.
Maybe there's nowhere to put your phone at night. Maybe your book keeps ending up on the floor. Or perhaps your bedside table has become a home for charging cables, water bottles, glasses and all the little things you don't know where else to put.
But here's the thing: a bedside table doesn't have to stay beside the bed.
A well-designed bedside table can be just as useful next to a sofa, in a reading corner, beside an armchair or even in a home office. With the right size and design, it can work as a compact side table, lamp table or occasional table throughout the home.
So, whether you're looking for a bedside cabinet for your bedroom or a small side table for your living room, here's what to consider.
Bedside Table or Side Table? Why Not Both?
In the UK, you'll often see terms such as bedside table, bedside cabinet, nightstand, side table and lamp table used when shopping for small occasional furniture.
There can be small differences between them, but in everyday use, the lines are becoming increasingly blurred.
A compact bedside table can make a great living room side table, particularly if you prefer furniture that is practical rather than oversized.
For example, place one beside the sofa and it can hold your:
- Cup of tea or coffee
- Phone
- Remote control
- Book or Kindle
- Table lamp
- Small plant
- Decorative accessories
In a smaller flat or apartment, having furniture that can work in more than one room can be particularly handy.
Choosing the Right Size
The ideal bedside table should be comfortable to use from your bed.
As a general rule, the tabletop should be around the same height as your mattress, or slightly lower. This makes it easier to reach your phone, glasses, books and other essentials without stretching.
Before buying, measure:
- The height of your mattress from the floor
- The available width beside the bed
- The maximum depth you can accommodate
- The space required to open drawers or doors
- The location of nearby sockets
This is particularly important in smaller UK bedrooms, where every centimetre of floor space can matter.
What About a Small Living Room?
If you're working with a smaller living room, a compact bedside table can be a clever alternative to a traditional coffee table or large side table.
It takes up less floor space while still giving you somewhere to put the essentials.
A narrow table can sit beside a sofa without getting in the way, while a model with storage can help keep remote controls, cables and other small items out of sight.
For renters or anyone living in a flat, a compact bedside table can be particularly useful because you can easily move it around as your needs change.
Storage: Open Shelves vs Drawers
There isn't necessarily a right or wrong answer here.
Drawers are better when you want to hide everyday clutter.
Open shelves are useful when you want quick access to books, magazines or decorative items.
And if you can't decide, a combination of the two is often the most versatile option.
A bedside table with one drawer and an open shelf can look neat without feeling too bulky.
Clara LED Bedside Table with Wireless Charging
Built-In LED Lighting: More Than Just Ambient Light
Built-in LED lighting can add a little more personality to a bedside table. Modern LED strips can switch between different colours and lighting effects, making it easy to create the right mood.
Some designs go a step further with voice-responsive lighting, allowing the LEDs to react to your voice or music. The light becomes dynamic and visual, turning sound into an interactive lighting experience.
And it doesn't have to stay in the bedroom. Place the table beside a sofa or armchair to add a splash of colour and atmosphere to your living room too.
For something more playful than a traditional bedside lamp, an interactive LED bedside table brings furniture, lighting and technology together in one compact design.
Kumar Bedside Table with RGB Lighting & Charging [2 Drawers]
Wireless Charging: One Less Cable to Lose
Most of us have a phone within arm's reach for a good part of the day, so having somewhere convenient to charge it makes sense.
A bedside table with built-in wireless charging allows you to simply place a compatible phone on the charging area.
It can be particularly useful beside the bed, but there's nothing stopping you from using the same feature in the living room.
Imagine sitting down on the sofa and having a dedicated place to put your phone down and charge it, rather than hunting around for a spare cable.
Before buying, check that the wireless charger is compatible with your device and that it works with your phone case if you normally keep one on your phone.
Brookline White Smart Bedside Table
Built-In Sockets & USB Ports: Handy Around the House
Some multifunctional side tables also include a built-in UK power socket and USB ports, which can make a small side table considerably more practical.
A bedside table with a built-in sockets and USB ports allows you to charge devices without having to find a separate plug adapter.
In the bedroom, this could be your phone, smartwatch or e-reader.
In the living room, it could be your phone, tablet or headphones.
If you're comparing different models, check the charging output as well as the number of ports.
Kumar Bedside Table with RGB Lighting & Charging [3 Drawers]
Why Multifunctional Furniture Makes Sense
A small piece of furniture that can serve several purposes can be surprisingly useful.
Think about moving house, rearranging a room or simply changing your décor.
Today, your table might sit next to the bed.
Next year, it could become a sofa side table.
Or perhaps it ends up beside an armchair in a reading nook.
That's one reason simple, versatile furniture can be a better long-term choice than something designed for just one very specific purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a bedside table in the living room?
Absolutely. A compact bedside table can work well as a sofa side table, lamp table or occasional table. Its small footprint can make it particularly useful in smaller living rooms.
What can I use a bedside table for?
A bedside table can be used for much more than bedroom storage. Depending on its size and design, it can hold books, drinks, lamps, phones, remote controls, plants and decorative accessories.
Can a bedside table have a charging station?
Yes. Some modern bedside tables include wireless charging, USB-A, USB-C and UK power sockets, turning the table into a convenient charging station.
Is a bedside table with wireless charging worth it?
If you regularly charge your phone beside the bed or sofa, built-in wireless charging can be a convenient way to reduce cable clutter. It is particularly useful if the table also provides USB or mains charging.
What height should a bedside table be?
For a bedroom, a bedside table is generally most comfortable when the tabletop is around mattress height or slightly lower. When used beside a sofa, choose a height that is comfortable for reaching drinks, books and other everyday items.
What's the difference between a bedside table and a side table?
A bedside table is traditionally designed for use beside a bed, while a side table is a more general term for a small table placed beside a sofa, chair or other furniture. However, many modern compact tables can easily serve both purposes.
Final Thoughts
A good bedside table should make everyday life a little easier — with practical storage, a design that suits your space, and useful features such as built-in lighting, wireless charging, UK sockets and USB ports.
And there's no reason to keep it in the bedroom. The right compact design can work just as well beside a sofa or armchair.
Explore Clipop's bedside table collection to find a design that fits your bedroom, living room or any cosy corner of your home.
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