Bedside tables

Bedside tables and side tables from IKEA, right where you need them

Bedside tables and side tables are made to take a few things off your hands in quiet moments or at the end of a long day – from instance books, phones and tablets to tissues, jewellery and more. And because an IKEA bedside table or side table usually sits in the rooms where calm, well-designed interiors matter most, it should look right at home too. So if you’ve found a style you’d love to repeat from room to room, you can start building your look around it. It helps that our affordable bedside tables and side tables work with lots of IKEA furniture for the living room, dining room and bedroom.

Key features and benefits of our bedside tables and side tables at a glance (depending on the model):

• Practical surfaces: Made for everything you want within easy reach, or want on display.
• Versatile designs: Made to suit different furniture and interior styles, from simple Scandi-style bedside tables to side tables with a more boho look.
• Different options: Available as bedside tables, side tables, bedside cabinets or small chests of drawers, with open shelves or drawers for extra storage.
• Materials and colours: Choose from wood or metal, in colours like black, white or natural wood, to mix and match easily.
• Compact sizes: Slim and small bedside tables are ideal for tight spaces and compact rooms.
• Wall-mounted options: Wall-mounted bedside tables can feel lighter and make cleaning the floor easier.
• Round side tables: Easy to place and a flexible choice next to the sofa, in the living room or in the bedroom.

Need somewhere to put your book when your eyes start to droop at night? Or a little stand for your favourite plant? Take a look at IKEA bedside tables, side tables and small chests of drawers and give your rooms a practical boost.

What’s the difference between a bedside table and a side table?

A classic bedside table stands next to your bed in the bedroom. A side table is more flexible and can stand in the living room next to the sofa, in a reading corner, or even in the dining area. In practice, both often do the same job: they give you a handy surface and often some extra storage, too. Design and height can vary, though.

What size (width and height) should a bedside table or side table be?

The ideal size depends on your room and your bed. As a rule of thumb, 40 to 60 cm wide gives you enough surface space, while 30 to 40 cm can work well in smaller rooms. The height should suit your bed height so you can reach everything comfortably. For a side table next to the sofa or an armchair, match the table height to the seat height instead.

Should a bedside table be higher or lower than the bed?

Ideally, the top should be level with the top of your mattress or slightly below. That makes it easy to reach things while you’re lying down. Too high is awkward for putting things down; too low can mean stretching. If you can comfortably reach your charger, alarm clock or book, and switch your bedside lamp on and off from bed, you’ve got it right. Your comfort and preferences matter most.

How high should a bedside table be for a box-spring bed?

Divan beds are higher than many standard beds, often around 55 to 70 cm in total height. So a bedside table around 50 to 70 cm high is usually a good match. The key is that the tabletop sits roughly in line with the top of your mattress, so everything is easy to reach. Wall-mounted options can also give you a bit more flexibility.

How much space should there be between the bed and the bedside table?

Around 5 to 10 cm between the bed and the bedside table is a helpful guide. That way it won’t get in the way when you’re making the bed or cleaning the floor, but it’s still close enough to reach your everyday essentials easily. Too much space can make grabbing things awkward. If you can, try it out in an IKEA store and see what feels right for you.

What are alternatives to a classic bedside table or side table?

Looking for something different? A bedside cabinet or small chest of drawers gives you more storage than a simple small table. Wall shelves or floating consoles are also a great alternative. They look light and modern, and can help save floor space. Small chests of drawers work well next to the bed, too. Stools or stackable boxes are also flexible, minimalist options for shaping your own calm, cosy space.