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10 best bedside tables

Desire for traditional bedside chests and tables is on the wane, as more of us live in compact spaces and need multi-functional pieces that can work around the home. If you have limited bedside essentials and can live with them being on show, an open and versatile side table could be an option for you. If you prefer to hide away your personal belongings, there’s a good range of one- and two-drawer chests that are compact and remain affordable by using parts of real wood rather than a solid piece. All the options on this list were chosen for looks and versatility, as well as quality of design and materials for the price.

1. Marks and Spencer Hastings Dark bedside chest: £129, Marks and Spencer

The compact Hastings 58 x 47.5 x 43cm – is designed for small spaces, but with two drawers it still offers more storage than most on our list. The black-painted finish gives its traditional style a contemporary look, and the chest is made from sustainably-sourced wood.

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2. Swoon Editions Scott bedside cabinet: £169, Swoon Editions

Made in mango wood, Swoon Editions’ Scott bedside cabinet has a robust feel and character. The cabinet front has a simple chevron pattern of inlaid wood, and the angled legs are made in lacquered metal. Inside the cabinet, there is one fixed shelf.

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3. Ikea SELJE charging bedside table: £50, Ikea

The real innovation of IKEA’s bedside table is its wireless phone charger – place your phone on the built-in disc and it charges as you sleep. If your phone doesn’t have wireless charging, a separate cover is available, just check compatibility before purchasing. The table itself is simple and compact, with a triangular cutout as a drawer handle.

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4. John Lewis Helston bedside table: from £199, John Lewis

This traditional-looking bedside table from John Lewis combines MDF panels with solid wood, a common way for retailers to keep furniture durable yet affordable. The top surface is painted oak and the plinths are made from birch. Metal cup handles give it an antique feel. There are also ivory and grey versions with an exposed top, if you like the look of wood.

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5. Linea Hoxton bedside chest: £199, House of Fraser

Mid-century style furniture is as popular as ever. And with original pieces in short supply, ranges like House of Fraser’s Hoxton furniture are stepping in to fill the breach. This elegant, round one drawer chest combines oak veneers and solid oak legs, and has a self-closing drawer.

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6. Normann Copenhagen Stay table: £145, Skandium

This modern-looking steel table by the Danish design company is a versatile piece that can be used as a bedside table or around the house as demand arises. It has one fixed shelf but no drawer for hiding things away, so it’s best suited to those who can keep control of their clutter. Comes in two sizes, and in grey or green.

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7. Habitat Bumble side table: £65, Habitat

We think the cute-looking Bumble table from Habitat would suit the kids’ room or nursery best. The round top is hollowed out to make a shelf for books and magazines, although storing smaller items in here could make them hard to reach. The table comes in white, green, grey, black and yellow.

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8. La Redoute Locker bedside table: £99, La Redoute

Another good one for the kids’ bedroom, or even better, the sport-obsessed teen, this locker-style bedside cabinet from French favourite La Redoute is made of perforated metal. Inside there is one fixed shelf. The table is available in white, grey, black and vivid green.

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9. Damien square side table: £135, Clippings

This by London-based Wireworks has a removable top that can be used as a tray – great for breakfast in bed. Less a dedicated beside table, this piece is more of a useful item to have around the house. The black tray is oak topped and contrasts with the slim, natural wood legs. Also comes with a white tray.

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10. Gillmore Space Cordoba small bedside table: £339, Design 55

This modern, two-drawer chest has a dark black finish, enhancing its linear design. The two drawers are fitted within a frame, and each has sculpted side handles. It’s the most expensive of our selection, but as the Cordoba table is made of solid oak, it should be a wise investment.

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Verdict

The Hastings chest from Marks and Spencer is a handsome piece that offers two drawers of storage with good value, compact dimensions, and is made from sustainably-sourced wood. IKEA’s charging table is good value and shows a future for furniture that integrates technology.