Bedside tables are a must-have bedroom staple, yet it seems when it comes to selecting the perfect one for your space it is easy to become more than a little bamboozled. Achieving bedside table nirvana needn't be all that difficult. At RJ Living we've got you covered with our expert answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding bedside tables. Follow our easy buyers guide to ensure that your bedroom is styled to chic perfection in every way.

1. CAN A BEDSIDE TABLE BE LOWER OR HIGHER THAN THE BED?

When selecting the right height for a bedside table it is vital to consider the visual lines of your interior. Whilst you don’t want a bedside table so low you fall out of bed trying to turn your lamp on you also don’t want one so high that it interrupts the cohesion and flow of your bedroom interior. The best height for a bedside table is one that sits at the same height as the top of your mattress thus meaning your lamp and bedside table ephemera sits at easy reach when you are lounging in bed and also that your visual aesthetic flow remains intact.

2. CAN YOU ONLY HAVE ONE BEDSIDE TABLE?

This is one of the most common misconceptions about bedside tables, that they need to come in pairs! You are more than welcome to only have one bedside table, in fact, the choice is entirely yours. Stylistically bedrooms do tend to look chicer and more visually pleasing when they are styled symmetrically, however, if you have a smaller space or the need for only one bedside then choosing to go solo is more than fine. If you are only selecting one bedside table, do ensure that it is big enough to cater for all your bedside needs plus hold any extra ephemera you may want to stow beside your bed. Why not make a style statement and use your solo bedside to your full advantage by choosing something a little left of centre, whether it be a hanging bedside bench or a vintage mirrored treasure.

3. WHAT STYLE OF BEDSIDE TABLE SHOULD I BUY?

The interiors world is seeing a real move towards natural finishes and materials, and the bedside table is the perfect way to add this trend into the bedroom. Think wooden stumps, cane, rattan, or plywood bedsides that are sure to suit a scandi, minimal, modern rustic, or boho bedroom interior style. Currently, we are seeing a shift towards open plan bedsides rather than ones with many cupboards and drawers, this is fabulous news as it signifies the need for a less is more, streamlined, no clutter approach to the bedroom… We have Marie Kondo to thank for this!!

In this vein of thought, considering the use of side tables as an alternative or addition to traditional bedside tables can further enhance this trend in your space. Side tables, with their diverse range of designs and materials, offer a fresh perspective on how we think about bedroom furniture.

Whatever style bedside you select, always keep in mind any pre-existing interior style you have in your bedroom and also any dominant colour schemes or furnishings so as not to create confusion or visual jarring in your space.

4. HOW TO CHOOSE LAMPS FOR YOUR BEDSIDE TABLE?

Who doesn't love to read in bed by the soft glow of a lamp before dozing off for the night and what better way to do it than with a beautiful, practical and ever so stylish bedside table lamp. How do you choose the right lamp for your bedside? Firstly you need to consider the style you are furnishing your space in..are you a modern minimalist with a lust for chrome or matt black Japanese steel or an eclectic bohemian with a penchant for rattan and coloured glass? This will determine the general style of finish and look of your lamp.