They don't need to match exactly, but they should feel related. The most effective approach is to choose pieces in the same material family, both oak, or both marble-topped, without necessarily buying an identical pair. Slight variation in size or form between the two sides adds interest and avoids the room looking too dressed.

Yes, a bedside table works well as a side table in a living room, an accent table in a hallway, or a small surface in a home office. The scale and material of many bedside tables suits multiple contexts, which makes them versatile investments.

Yes, many of our side tables work equally well as bedside tables. The dimensions are often similar, and the material options: oak, marble and ceramic suit a bedroom context as well as a living room. Check the height relative to your mattress: the ideal bedside table sits level with or slightly below the top of the mattress.

Our bedside tables include single drawer, double drawer, open shelf and combination configurations. A drawer is most useful for items you'd prefer to keep out of sight, chargers, medication, reading glasses. A lower shelf is better for books or a small basket. The specific configuration is shown in each product listing.

A width of 40–50cm is sufficient for most purposes, enough for a lamp, a book and a glass of water. If your bedroom is generous in scale, a larger piece in the 50–60cm range can look more considered and proportionate. Width matters less than height in terms of practical function.

A bedside table should sit level with, or slightly below, the top of your mattress, typically 55–65cm high. This makes it easy to reach your phone, lamp or glass of water without having to sit up fully. If you have an unusually high or low mattress, measure before you buy.