The 9 best bedside tables that are both practical and pretty

Invest in the best bedside table to complete your haven of oasis that you use to snooze, dress yourself and to store the copious amount of clothes that you own. Not only is a bedside table there to fill the gaps on either side of your bed, but they are undeniably handy for hiding – and housing – bedside must-haves. From your reading material to a glass of water, a bedside lamp, your glasses or even the baby's bottle – all for easy reaching.

Having a bedside table to place your paraphernalia is a minor convenience that we may take for granted. Yet it's those little things – that when we get them right – make all the difference to the day (or even our ability to wind down at night). 

But which bedside table to choose? Simply enough, there's no one size fits all. Some may want a bedside table with heaps of storage whilst others might be happy enough with something that offers just one shelf. In terms of material, the majority of bedside tables are wooden but you can find metal options and more out there. If bedroom floorspace is a premium, then you could opt for something space-savvy and slim, or there are wall-mounted bedside tables on offer, too.

In short: there's something for everyone, no matter the style of your home and the size of your budget. Here are our top bedside table picks across the web, so that you can buy online rest assured your money is being spent on something stylish. Once you're done, and if you're in the market, see our best sofa beds guide for our recommendations for your spare bedroom, living room or the kids' room, to sleep more heads.

The best bedside tables – for style, functionality and durability

This handsome bedside table from John Lewis boasts a marble top for housing a lamp, your reading material, a coaster and perhaps a tray for your jewellery to live in. Other than that, you can use its two drawers for storage purposes, one of which is deeper than the other. This piece of functional furniture boasts a luxury look thanks to its nod to Art Deco furniture, with a tessellated pattern carved into its Acacia wood drawers. Circular gold handles are screwed on to make a statement, and it stands proud on matching gold slim feet.

This curved beauty from Urban Outfitters gets all of the praise from us when it comes to looks. Practicality, not so much, since it doesn't offer any hidden space. Though it does have a spacious shelf to store your reading material, glasses plus more. For those who are living the waste-not-want-not lifestyle, it's great. It's also made from eucalyptus wood and it would pair perfectly if you have white walls and dark wooden floors to complete the look.

Crafted from solid mango wood, this bedside table would undoubtedly make a statement in your bedroom. Plus, thanks to its two drawers, it can carry clutter and hide it from wandering eyes and inquisitive small hands. Its drawers boast a unique grooved design with brass-finished handles to complement. It also sits on angled brass feet, with an antique finish. We think that it looks triple its price tag... don't you agree?

Make it old school with help from this Habitat bedside table. Yes, it's a locker. Yes, it's unique. Perhaps not one for your bedroom, but it could be great for a spare bedroom or for a teenagers' room. It offers plenty of space for hidden storage with three shelves inside, plus it comes in your choice of grey or a striking yellow. Don't fret: it's made from steel so chances are it'll last for years of use with proper care.

Crafted from solid oak and veneers, this piece features traditional dovetail and finger joints for extra strength. Subtle yet effective, this piece boasts two drawer compartments, plus it boasts a stylish matte finish. Designed exclusively for John Lewis, you can match this bedside table with the rest of the matching range for the full effect.

This Habitat bedside table ought to stand striking in your home. With a blue finish and gold-plated metal legs, it's even rounded for a softer – yet wow-worthy – look. Although it only boasts one drawer, said drawer is pretty spacious plus it has a statement-worthy gold handle for easy opening. Add a pop of colour to your bedroom, or use this bedside table to add a luxe look (for less).

Made from oiled oak, this multi-functional piece looks great as a bedside table and is sturdy enough to step on if the need arises. Though it doesn't have anywhere to hide anything (like wires or medication, receipts), it does offer two shelves – one for a drink and your phone to live whilst you snooze, the other for your current reading material, a tablet and perhaps your reading glasses to sit atop. This is an eco-friendly design and it's made from solid oak with an oiled finish.

Simple, stylish and tall, this piece will ensure your book, drink and anything else is within easy reach. With a leather handle for an understated look, its Scandinavian design is what won us over. Plus, it offers a drawer and a shelf. It's made from birch wood. With reasonable proportions, it should fit inside and work well inside any bedroom – big or small.

This elegantly curved table will fit into a number of nooks, including beside the bed. It has a solid top to add elegance, otherwise, it will fit in splendid inside any traditional style home. It's handmade by skilled artisans in Ningbo, China, with the finishing touch of a brass rounded handle to access its small drawer.

What to consider when buying a bedside table?

Do you want a cupboard and drawers where you can put everything neatly away, or are you happy with an open shelf or two?

Height is another factor to take into account. Is your bed on a raised base or do you have a low profile or platform bed? Either way, you'll likely want your bedside table at a similar height, so that it not only looks cohesive but that it's comfortable too.

Once the practicalities and ergonomics have been considered, it's on to the fun stuff. What style are you going for? Our edit covers a number of different looks from understated luxe with the Harlosh at Pinch and the Amphora at Maxalto to a touch of glamour from the Serra at Soho Home.

Where to buy a bedside table?

Should you still be searching for the perfect buy for your room size and budget, see below for where else to peruse for your new bedside table.

• Argos bedside tables
• Atkin & Thyme bedside tables
• Dunelm bedside tables
• Furniture123 bedside tables
• Graham & Green bedside tables
• Habitat bedside tables
• Heal's bedside tables
• IKEA bedside tables
• John Lewis bedside tables
• Loaf bedside tables
• MADE.com bedside tables
• Raft bedside tables
• Wayfair bedside tables
• Westelm bedside tables