Great bedside styling doesn't just happen, there's generally some well-considered ideas, a little planning and a lot of inspiration behind it. Your bedside table can be a lot more than just a place to rest your phone, alarm clock or a pile of unread books. Let's dive into the 15 best side table ideas and must know styling tips for your side tables.

1. Let There Be Light

Unless you have hanging pendants above or wall lights near your bed, a lamp is an essential functional bedside piece. It can also be a simple way to add some serious design flair to your bedside table. Look for a lamp that corresponds with your interior style without taking up too much space. When styling your bedside table, place your lamp before anything else, and position the rest of your items around it, this way it will act as your anchoring point.

2. Pretty Blooms

Whether it is just a stem or a whole bunch, fresh flowers provide a nice organic touch to the bedroom, as well as a great injection of colour and fragrance. For a more permanent addition opt for a delicate plant such as an orchid or fern, or perhaps a more hardy sculptural succulent like a “string of pearls". To solidify the style try putting your flowers into a matching vase to compliment your other beside pieces.

3. Art that Makes you Smile

With just a few styling tricks, that little table can be instantly transformed into a styled-to-perfection focal point that reflects your design aesthetic. Try some art pieces or framed photographs lent up against the wall that work together with similar colours or styles to makeover your bedside table for an instant luxe look.

4. Decorative Items

Pieces you've collected from your travels, trinket boxes (good for doubling as a jewellery boxes) op-shop finds or latest decor pieces you just had to have. These pieces are a great way to inject personality into your bedside, but remember, less is more so avoid cluttering your table.

5. Colour Code

A vital tip for a great bedside table is to create cohesion with the rest of your room. Coordinate all your displayed items on your bedside with the main colour scheme of your bedroom decor and bedding. A continuous colour palette is key when decorating your bedside table, however you can still have fun adding a surprise pop of colour here and there with a trinket or floral arrangement.

6. Book Lovers Table

If books are an ever-present feature on your bedside table, why not make them the star of the show? Pile up a few gorgeous books and use them to create height and interest to your table. Layer with a vase on top, and maybe a ring dish to the side so the space of your table is utilised.