What is the ideal height for a bedside table?

The top of your bedside table should sit within 5 to 10 cm of your mattress height, making it easy to reach items from bed.

How do I choose between a bedside table with drawers or an open shelf?

Think about what you use nightly: a drawer hides clutter and medication, while an open shelf offers easy reach for books and electronics.

What materials are available for bedside tables and which is best for coastal homes?

We offer solid wood, engineered wood (MDF/veneer), and metal frames. For coastal homes, we recommend treated wood or powder-coated metal to resist humidity.

What practical features should I look for in a bedside table?

Look for a deep top surface (30-45 cm), soft-close drawer runners, cable cut-outs or USB ports, and leg style that matches your room.

Can I get bedside tables delivered and assembled through Bash?

Yes, check product pages for delivery fees and assembly service options. Many tables arrive flat-packed and take 10-45 minutes to assemble.

Choose the right bedside table for your bedroom

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Choose the right bedside table for your bedroom | Bash

Why the right bedside table matters

A bedside table is more than a decorative piece - it’s how we organise the things we use every evening and first thing in the morning. When we choose a bedside table well, it makes daily routines simpler: a place for your lamp, a phone to charge, and a tidy spot for essentials. The right choice saves space, looks cohesive with the room, and matches how we live.

Measure first: quick checklist

Measure floor-to-top-of-mattress height - ideal bedside table top sits within 5-10 cm of the mattress height.
Allow at least 40-50 cm between bed edge and any wall or furniture for easy access.
Note clearances for doors and drawers - measure swing/slide space.

If you’re unsure, a simple test with a stack of boxes where the table would go helps us see scale before buying.

Decide what you need: storage vs. surface

Think about what you use nightly. Do we need hidden storage for medication or clutter, or open shelves for books and a glass of water? Typical choices:

Single drawer: neat for minimal storage and quick access.
Two drawers: better for clothing or larger bedside kits.
Open shelf or cubby: easy reach for reading material and electronics.
Small table with no storage: useful in very small bedrooms or where a separate chest exists.

We show a wide range of bedside table styles and sizes if you want to browse options on Bash: Bedside Tables.

Materials and durability

Material affects look, weight and lifespan. Solid wood feels sturdy and repairs well; engineered wood (MDF/veneer) is lighter and usually more affordable. Metal frames are durable and give a modern edge. For coastal homes, we favour treated wood or powder-coated metal to resist humidity. Expect a price range estimate for bedside tables on the market in South Africa of roughly R600 to R4 000 depending on material, size and brand - these are typical estimates and will vary by product and collection.

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Practical features to look for

Small design details make everyday life easier. We pay attention to:

Top surface depth - deep tops (30-45 cm) hold larger lamps and trays.
Drawer runners and soft-close hinges - they last longer and feel better.
Cable cut-outs or built-in USB ports - handy for bedside charging.
Leg style - taller legs raise feel and create a lighter look; plinth bases give a solid presence.

Match the table to your bedroom style

We like to pair the bedside table with at least one other element in the room: the bed frame, a lamp finish, or a rug. For small bedrooms, choose slim profiles or a wall-mounted shelf to keep the floor visible. If you’re updating the bedroom together, explore coordinating pieces in our Bedroom and read design ideas at our Furniture articles.

Buying, delivery and assembly notes

When we buy bedside tables on Bash, check product dimensions, included fittings and assembly needs. Many bedside tables arrive flat-packed - assembly time ranges from 10-45 minutes depending on complexity. Where delivery is offered, we confirm delivery fees and any assembly service options on the product page.

If you’re pairing two tables either side of the bed, confirm symmetry for width and height so lamps and sightlines match. For single-sided rooms, a slightly larger table on the open side balances the bed visually.

How we recommend choosing in three steps

Measure mattress height and available floor space. Keep the 5-10 cm top-height rule in mind.
Decide primary function: surface-first (lamp/phone) or storage-first (drawers).
Pick a material and finish that complements your bed and room palette; test with swatches where possible.

Want a simpler way to start? Use our bedside table collection filters to sort by height, width, material and price so we find matches that fit your room quickly.

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Choose the right bedside table for your bedroom

Measure first

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Match function

Check details

Why the right bedside table matters

Measure first: quick checklist

Decide what you need: storage vs. surface

Materials and durability

Practical features to look for

Match the table to your bedroom style

Buying, delivery and assembly notes

How we recommend choosing in three steps

Sources

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