Most people pick a bedside table based on how it looks online. Then it arrives and does not quite fit the space. The drawers are too shallow to fit what they need, or the height feels slightly off. A bedside table is one of the most used pieces of furniture in your home. But most people spend less than five minutes choosing it.
Here's how to choose the perfect bedside table that fits your bedroom, your routine, and your space.
Step 1: Measure Your Space First
Before you look at a single product, measure the gap beside your bed. In most Singapore HDB bedrooms this gap is between 40cm and 60cm wide. It should fit that gap without blocking movement or crowding the room.
Next, measure the height of your mattress from the floor to the top of the sleeping surface. Aim for a table within 5cm of that height so everything is easy to reach. Too low and you are hanging your arm off the bed. Too high and you are propping yourself up every time you reach for your water.
Write both numbers down before you start shopping.
Step 2: Work Out What You Actually Need to Store
Think about what you reach for every single night. Your phone. A glass of water. Skincare. A book. Reading glasses. Lip balm.
If your list has three items or fewer, a slim table with an open shelf or a single small drawer is enough. If your list is longer, look for a table with deeper drawers or multiple shelves. The goal is to keep everything within reach without cluttering the surface.
Step 3: Choose Your Style and Vibe
Your bedside table should feel like it belongs, not out of place. Think about the overall feel you are going for before you start looking.
- Japandi or minimalist: Go for clean lines, natural wood, and a slim profile. Oak, walnut, and rubber wood all work well. Keep the surface clear with one or two items on display.
- Modern or contemporary: Look for sleeker finishes, handleless drawers, and neutral tones. White, light grey, or matte wood work well in most modern Singapore bedrooms.
- Warm and cosy: Choose a table with a warmer wood tone, rounded edges, and a softer silhouette. Pair it with a small lamp on the surface to add warmth to that corner of the room.
Step 4: Pick the Right Material
The material affects how the table looks and how long it lasts with daily use. Here is a quick breakdown:
- Solid oak: Strong, warm looking, and durable. Holds up well over time and suits most interior styles from Japandi to modern. A good long-term investment.
- Solid walnut: Richer and darker than oak. Works well in warmer, more toned interiors. Also very durable and holds its finish well.
- Rubber wood: Eco-friendly and stable. A good option if you want natural wood look at a more accessible price point.
- MDF or engineered wood: Works well for a clean, painted or laminate finish. Less durable over time but suits modern aesthetics and costs less.
Step 5: Think About Vertical Space
In small Singapore bedrooms, floor space becomes the biggest concern. That's when vertical space can be efficiently utilised. A taller table with stacked shelves gives you more storage without taking up floor space. This is especially useful if the gap beside your bed is narrow.
If floor space is not a concern, a wider table with deeper drawers might suit your routine better. It comes down to what your bedroom has more of, floor space or wall height.
Step 6: Check the Details That Matter
The small details make a bigger difference than most people expect. Here is what to look for:
- Rounded corners: Safer and more comfortable in a bedroom where you move around in the dark.
- Smooth drawer runners: A drawer that glides quietly matters more than you think
- Recessed handles: Clean and minimal with no edges that catch on things
- Elevated legs: Make it easier to clean underneath and give the room a lighter, more open feel.
- Ground clearance: If you use a robot vacuum, check that the legs are high enough for it to pass underneath.
Step 7: Match It to Your Bedroom
A bedside table does not need to match your bed frame exactly. But it should feel like it belongs in the same room. Consider the tone and finish of your other furniture. A warm oak table pairs well with a natural wood bed frame. A white or matte table works well in a cooler, more minimal room. For beds with two sides, matching tables create a more formal look. Mixing sizes or materials creates a more relaxed and personal feel.
Things to take note of
- Fits within your bedside gap without blocking movement
- Height matches your mattress level within 5cm
- Storage suits what you actually reach for at night
- Material suits your style and will hold up over time
- Vertical design if floor space is limited
- Rounded corners, smooth drawers, and elevated legs
- Tone and finish that works with your existing furniture
Where to Buy in Singapore
In Store
Visit IUIGA's showroom to see bedside table options in person, check the drawer depth, and compare finishes and sizes before you buy.
Online
Shop on IUIGA's website for full specifications, size options, and islandwide delivery to your home.
Conclusion
A bedside table is not just a surface to put things on. It is the first thing you reach for in the morning and the last thing you interact with at night. Always measure first and think about what you actually need. Pick a style and material that suits your bedroom, and pay attention to the details. Get those right and the rest of the bedroom falls into place.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know what height bedside table to get?
Measure from the floor to the top of your mattress. Your bedside table should sit within 5cm of that height so everything is easy to reach without straining.
How wide should a bedside table be?
It depends on the gap beside your bed. Measure the space first and choose a table that fits comfortably within it without blocking movement around the room.
Is solid wood worth the investment for a bedside table?
Yes, if you want something that holds up well with daily use over time. Solid oak and walnut are both durable and warm looking. Rubber wood is a good mid-range option. MDF works for a clean modern look but is less durable over years of daily use.
What if my bedroom is very small?
Look for a table with a vertical design that builds storage upward rather than outward. A slim footprint with stacked shelves or drawers gives you more without spreading across the floor.
How much storage do I actually need?
Think about what you reach for every night and use that as your guide. Most people need enough room for a phone, water, and one or two small items. A single drawer and an open shelf is enough for most routines.
