Written by Feather & Black

How to Style a Bedside Table

Last Modified 22 December 2025  |  
First Added 26 April 2024

As one of the last corners of your home that you see before drifting off to sleep, your bedside table holds quiet significance. It’s more than a surface; it’s the altar of your nightly rituals. Thoughtfully styling a bedside table transforms it into a subtle contributor to the serenity of your bedroom.  

Six principles for bedside stable styling  

Styling a bedside table is a delicate interplay of proportion, texture, light and personality. Our experts' six guiding principles will help you curate a space that feels refined and restful.

1. Proportions 

Before you embark on your styling journey, consider the basics: scale and proportion. Your bedside table should sit comfortably beside your bed, not too tall to feel imposing, nor too low to be impractical. Consider the width too; a table that’s too large can crowd the room, while one too small may feel lost. 

For small spaces, the Sienna Bedside Table offers a slim, elegant profile that fits effortlessly into more French-inspired, intimate bedroom layouts. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted, meaning no two are ever quite the same, a celebration of individuality that brings a truly unique and characterful addition to your sleep sanctuary. 

2. Lighting  

Lighting is key to bedside table styling, serving as both a practical necessity and an elegant design feature. A well-chosen lamp casts a warm, inviting glow, guiding you gently into bedtime relaxation.  

Choose lighting that flatters the space and soothes the senses. For example, linen light shades diffuse the light, where frosted glass glows with a subtle warmth, and amber-toned bulbs can mimic candlelight.  In smaller rooms, wall-mounted sconces offer a refined solution, freeing up surface space for decorative layering while adding architectural interest.  

Read our dedicated lighting guide for more expert insights on creating mood and atmosphere through bedroom lighting. 

3. ORGANISATION 

A beautifully styled bedside table uses the rule of three: one lamp, two accessories create balance and rhythm, allowing each piece to breathe. 

Choose accessories that blend purpose with beauty. A stack of leather-bound books adds quiet gravitas, a ceramic dish for jewellery, and a petite vase of fresh blooms or dried botanicals bring life and texture to the scene.

Jensen Bedside Table is a timeless choice for those who value discretion and order. Its clean lines and rattan-fronted soft-close drawers allow you to tuck away everyday essentials, keeping your bedside table free of clutter.

4. Contrast  

Contrast is the cornerstone of bedside table styling. Pair the cool smoothness of marble with the organic warmth of rattan for a refined combination. The Jacob Bedside Table, with its curved slatted wood base and exquisite marble top, exemplifies this harmony.

It’s a piece that invites touch and elevates the space, turning a simple surface into a curated composition that celebrates texture, tone and timeless craftsmanship.

5. Personality  

While the guiding principles lean towards a clutter-free arrangement, this does not mean your bedside table should be devoid of personality and charm. On the contrary, introducing unique personal touches can add warmth and character.

Within the rule of three, display framed photographs of loved ones, treasured keepsakes from your travels or gifted accessories that hold sentimental value, evoking quiet comfort as you wind down for the evening.

6. PRACTICALITY 

A well-designed bedside table should elevate your space visually and support your nightly rituals. Look for pieces with drawers or shelves that allow essentials to be tucked out of sight, preserving a sense of calm. The Salcombe Bedside Table is a perfect example of this balance. Its generously sized drawer and open shelf offer ample space for books or decorative boxes, while its tactile rattan front and rich wood grain add warmth and texture.

Styling ideas and inspiration  

Minimalist luxe 

Clean lines, soft textures and restrained elegance define a minimalist bedroom. Style the Aubrey Bedside Table with a glass lamp, a single ceramic diffuser and a smooth stoneware vase. Keep colours neutral, incorporating warming tones such as ivory, taupe, soft grey, and let negative space speak. 

Modern chic 

Modern chic is a look that feels effortlessly stylish yet deeply considered. The Saunders Bedside Table, crafted from solid acacia wood with a lightly distressed finish, brings warmth and texture to contemporary interiors. Its angled peg legs and unique diagonal panelling add sculptural interest, while the soft-close, felt-lined drawer and open shelf offer both elegance and practicality. Style with accessories that complement its natural tones and clean silhouette to create a bedside that feels curated and tactile. 

Monochrome elegance 

Make a statement with your bedside tables by embracing the striking opulence of our Casterton collection. Inspired by Gustavian styling, it features delicate, carved flowers, a beautiful, fluted border, a plinth top, and distinctive turned legs. The slim drawer with its darkened metal handle and subtle scallop detail offers discreet storage for your personal items. Style with simple, monochromatic accessories that complement the clean and understated aesthetic.  

Discover the perfect bedside companion  

For more inspiration on selecting the perfect furniture pieces for your bedroom, explore our extensive collection of meticulously designed solid oak and rattan bedside tables. Whether you’re seeking a statement piece for a larger bedroom or a small bedside table for a more intimate space, our range offers timeless beauty, exquisite craftsmanship and outstanding versatility.  

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