Do Bedside Tables Have to Be the Same Height? A Designer's Complete Guide
|
Time to read 6 min
Welcome to your complete guide to bedside table styling! As an interior designer with over 15 years of experience transforming bedrooms across London, I've noticed that one question keeps popping up in consultations: "Do my bedside tables need to match?"
Whether you're dealing with an awkward layout, mixing vintage finds, or simply fancy something a bit different, I'm here to share everything you need to know about choosing the perfect bedside table heights for your space.
So, grab a cuppa, and let's dive into the wonderful world of bedroom styling!
Table of Contents
The Truth About Matching Bedside Tables: A Designer's Perspective How to Pick the Right Bedside Table for Your Space The Essential Guide to Bedside Table Heights Feng Shui Wisdom for Bedside Table Placement The Golden Rules of Bedside Table Selection Our Most Popular BedsideTables The Spacing Secrets: Should Bedside Tables Touch the Bed? Do Your Bedside Tables Need to Match? Final Thoughts from a Designer Bedside Table Height Frequently Asked Questions Related Readings
The Truth About Matching Bedside Tables: A Designer's Perspective
Darling, let me tell you something that might just change your bedroom forever - your bedside tables don't actually have to be the same height!
After a long career of designing bedrooms for clients, I've learned that sometimes the most striking spaces embrace a touch of asymmetry.
Think of it rather like a contemporary art installation, where balance doesn't always mean identical pieces
Need Inspiration? View our Bedside Table Collection
How to Pick the Right Bedside Table for Your Space
The perfect bedside table is rather like finding the right partner - it needs to complement your lifestyle whilst serving a practical purpose.
When clients visit my studio in Chelsea, the first question I always ask is, "What do you keep on your bedside table?"
Because, darling, there's no point in choosing a delicate antique piece if you're planning to stack it with books, water bottles, and all your bedtime essentials.
The Essential Guide to Bedside Table Heights
Let's chat about measurements, shall rather we?
While there's no absolute rule carved in stone, there are some tried-and-tested guidelines that I've developed over my years in interior design:
| Bed Height | Ideal Bedside Table Height | Minimum Height | Maximum Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (60cm) | 55-65cm | 45cm | 75cm |
| Low Platform (45cm) | 40-50cm | 35cm | 60cm |
| High Luxury (65cm+) | 60-70cm | 50cm | 80cm |
The Low-Down on Minimal Heights for Bedside Tables
Now, you might be wondering just how low you can go with your bedside table height.
The simple answer is: as low as you'd like, provided it serves its purpose! I once had a client who insisted on using beautiful
Moroccan poufs as bedside tables - unconventional, yes, but absolutely stunning (and actually quite practical for their needs).
Feng Shui Wisdom for Bedside Table Placement
The ancient practice of feng shui offers some fascinating insights about bedside tables. Rather like a perfectly balanced orchestra, your bedroom should create harmony through symmetry - but that doesn't necessarily mean identical heights!
The key is creating a sense of balance while maintaining functionality.
The Golden Rules of Bedside Table Selection
When it comes to choosing the perfect bedside table, I've developed what I lovingly call my "reach and relax" principle. Here are my essential considerations:
- Measure your mattress height
- Add 2-5 inches for optimal reach
- Consider your storage needs
- Think about your bedtime routine
- Factor in room proportions
- Don't forget about drawer depths
- Account for lighting requirements
Our Most Popular BedsideTables
The Spacing Secrets: Should Bedside Tables Touch the Bed?
Let me tell you something that might surprise you - your bedside tables should never quite kiss the bed!
Think of it rather like personal space at a dinner party - you want enough room to move comfortably, but not so much that you're shouting across the table to pass the salt.
Do Your Bedside Tables Need to Match? Final Thoughts from a Designer
Remember, darling, while guidelines are wonderful (rather like a good recipe), they're meant to be adapted to your unique space and needs.
After years of designing bedrooms, I can tell you with absolute certainty that matching bedside table heights aren't a requirement for a beautiful, well-designed space.
In fact, some of my most striking bedroom designs have featured intentionally mismatched heights that perfectly suited my clients' individual needs.
Think of your bedside tables rather like a loving couple - they don't need to be identical to create harmony.
What matters most is how they function for you and complement your space. I've designed rooms where an antique writing desk pairs beautifully with a modern floating shelf on the opposite side, and others where a tall chest of drawers works perfectly alongside a more petite table.
The key is considering your practical needs first (storage, surface area, reachability) and then finding pieces that create visual balance, even if they're not the same height.
Different height bedside tables can create visual interest and personality in your bedroom, provided they maintain balance through complementary design elements like material, style, or colour
The ideal height of your bedside tables should be determined by your practical needs and comfort first - there's no rule saying they must match your bed height or each other
When mixing bedside table heights, try to keep them within 10-15cm of each other to maintain a sense of intentional design rather than looking like a temporary solution
Bedside Table Height Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard height for a bedside table?
The standard height for a bedside table typically ranges between 55-65cm. This measurement is based on the average bed height and provides optimal accessibility while lying down.
Can bedside tables be lower than the bed?
Bedside tables can absolutely be lower than the bed height. The key is ensuring they're no more than 7-10cm lower than your mattress top for comfortable reach.
Do bedside tables need to match in a bedroom?
Bedside tables don't need to match perfectly in a bedroom setting. The important factor is maintaining visual balance through complementary styles, sizes, or colours.
How much space should be between bedside tables and the bed?
A gap of 3-5cm between your bedside table and bed is ideal. This allows for easy bed making while keeping essentials within arm's reach.
What is the minimum width for a bedside table?
The minimum practical width for a bedside table is typically 30cm. This provides enough surface area for essential items like a lamp, book, and water glass.
Should bedside tables be against the wall?
Bedside tables should ideally be positioned against the wall for stability and to maximise floor space. However, floating arrangements can work in larger rooms.
Can I use different style bedside tables?
Different style bedside tables can absolutely work together. The key is maintaining some connecting element - whether that's height, colour, or material.
What's the ideal depth for a bedside table?
The ideal depth for a bedside table ranges from 35-45cm. This provides adequate surface area without protruding too far into the walking space.
How tall should a lamp be on a bedside table?
A bedside lamp should be approximately 60-70cm tall when placed on your table. This ensures the bottom of the lampshade sits at shoulder height when seated in bed.
What material is best for bedside tables?
The best material for bedside tables depends on your needs, but solid wood tends to be most popular. It offers durability, style versatility, and can match any bedroom furniture style.
Should bedside tables be higher or lower than the bed?
Bedside tables should ideally be within 5cm of your mattress height. This ensures comfortable reach while maintaining visual harmony in the room.
How wide should bedside tables be compared to the bed?
Bedside tables should typically be about one-third to one-half the width of your nightstand space. For a queen bed, this usually means 45-60cm wide tables.
