Are bedside tables just a place to keep your phone and lamp? Think again.
In this blog, we reveal 10 surprising facts about bedside tables – from design secrets to practical styling tips – that every Australian home decorator should know.
Whether you’re refreshing your bedroom decor or shopping for a new side table, these insights will help you choose the perfect piece and style it like a pro.
✅ Quick Answer: Why are bedside tables important in bedroom design?
Bedside tables offer both function and form – they provide storage, balance the bed visually, and help establish your bedroom style. From minimalist to coastal to Hamptons looks, a well-chosen bedside table can tie the whole space together.
- Not Just For Storage – They Frame Your Bed
Bedside tables serve as visual anchors for your bed, bringing symmetry and balance. Interior designers often say:
“A bed without bedside tables looks incomplete.”
Tip: In Hamptons or coastal-style interiors (popular across Australia), matching bedside tables with clean lines and light finishes are a must-have.
- They Don’t Have to Match
Gone are the days when both bedside tables had to be identical. Mixing two different styles can add character – just make sure they’re similar in height and visual weight.
📌 Example: Pair a natural timber side table with a painted white one for a relaxed, beachside feel.
- Bedside Tables Come in Unusual Materials
Think beyond wood. Rattan, metal, marble, and even recycled materials are used in modern bedside tables. Each brings a different texture to your space.
✔️Tip: Australian consumers love sustainable or reclaimed timber options – great for eco-conscious design lovers.
- The Ideal Height Matters More Than You Think
Surprising fact: Your bedside table should be roughly level with the top of your mattress, give or take 5cm. This makes it easy to reach items and keeps your space looking intentional.
👉 Helpful Tip: Measure your bed’s height before shopping online.
- Drawers or No Drawers? It Depends on Your Lifestyle
Do you like clutter-free surfaces? Opt for bedside tables with drawers or doors. Want an open, breezy feel? Go for open-shelf designs.
🛒 Shop Tip: Our online store offers both types, with coastal and modern farmhouse finishes.
- Bedside Tables Can Double as Mini Dressers
Some larger bedside tables include 3 drawers, making them ideal for extra clothing storage in small bedrooms or apartments – a clever solution for compact Australian homes.
- They’re a Great Spot for Personal Decor Statements
Your bedside table is the perfect place to show your personality. Try styling with:
- A small ceramic lamp
- Framed photos
- A stack of books
- Dried native flowers or eucalyptus in a small vase
🌿 Design Note: Neutral and nature-inspired tones work beautifully in Aussie bedrooms.
- Round Bedside Tables Are Trending
Tired of sharp lines? Round or oval bedside tables are gaining popularity in 2025, especially in softer bedroom styles. They’re ideal for tight corners and add a gentle, flowing energy to the room.
- Bedside Tables Can Increase Your Home’s Value
It may sound surprising, but homes staged with matching or styled bedside tables tend to look more polished in listings – helping real estate photos pop and boosting perceived value.
🏠 Property styling tip: Choose clean, bright, and neutral pieces to appeal to a broad audience.
- You Can Custom-Style Bedside Tables by Season
Update your bedside table every few months with small swaps:
- Summer: add a coastal candle, coral decor
- Autumn: use dried leaves, amber tones
- Winter: add soft lighting and a textured coaster
- Spring: fresh flowers and pastel accents
📸 Want ideas? Check out our seasonal styling gallery on each product page.
🛒 Shop Bedside Tables Online Across Australia
At Ele Living, we offer a curated collection of bedside tables perfect for Australian homes:
✅ Natural wood, rattan, and white finishes
✅ Fast shipping across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and beyond
✅ Perfect for Hamptons, coastal, and minimalist bedrooms
[👉 Browse our Bedside Table Collection Now]
📌 Final Thoughts: A Small Piece, A Big Impact
Your bedside table does more than hold your phone – it defines your bedroom’s look, function, and feel.
By choosing the right piece and styling it thoughtfully, you can completely transform your space.
FAQs About Bedside Tables
Q: What is the standard size for a bedside table in Australia?
A: Most are between 55–70cm high and 40–60cm wide, but always check your bed height first.
Q: Can I use a small cabinet or stool as a bedside table?
A: Absolutely. Many people repurpose vintage furniture or stools to add personality and save space.
Q: What colour bedside table goes with a white bed?
A: Light oak, natural rattan, or soft grey work beautifully. For a Hamptons look, go with white-on-white.
