The right bedside table transforms a bedroom from inconvenient to effortless, yet many buyers prioritise looks over fit. This guide walks through the practical sizing, material trade-offs, and style families available from Irish retailers, so you can pick a piece that fits both your space and your habits.

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Average price range: €50–€200 ·
Most common material: Wood (solid or engineered) ·
Standard width range: 40–60 cm ·
Typical height: 50–65 cm ·
Number of major brands in Ireland: At least 5 (IKEA, JYSK, Laura James, Woodesign, Corcorans)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Whether bedside lockers are significantly more secure than open tables
  • The exact impact of bedside table style on sleep quality
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Expect more hybrid designs combining drawers and open shelves
  • Second-hand markets like DoneDeal and Adverts.ie remain strong alternatives for budget buyers

Irish retailers consistently cluster around a narrow height band that matches standard mattress depths, as the table below shows.

Five key specs, one pattern: bedside tables in Ireland cluster around a narrow height band that matches standard mattress depths.
Specification Value
Average price €50–€200
Most popular material Solid wood
Most common width 50-60 cm
Top brand in Ireland IKEA
Typical height range 50-65 cm

What are the standard sizes for bedside tables?

Common width ranges (40–60 cm)

  • Most Irish retailers stock widths between 50 cm and 60 cm, which fits beside a standard double or king bed without crowding the room (Michael Murphy Home Furnishing, Irish furniture specialist).
  • Narrower models (40–45 cm) suit small bedrooms or single beds, while wider pieces (60 cm+) work in larger master suites.

Height guidelines relative to mattress top

  • The ideal bedside table height matches the top of your mattress — typically 50–65 cm — so you don’t have to reach up or down for items (PouffeLOVE, Irish home-interior guide).
  • If your bed frame is unusually high or low, measure from the floor to the mattress top before shopping.

Depth considerations for small bedrooms

  • Depth rarely exceeds 45 cm in Irish retail stock, which prevents the table from protruding too far into walking space (Meubles, Irish furniture retailer).
  • A depth of 35–40 cm is common for compact rooms, leaving enough clearance for a bedside lamp and a book.
Bottom line: Standard bedside tables in Ireland are not one-size-fits-all. For tight spaces: choose a 40 cm wide, 35 cm deep model. For master bedrooms: 60 cm wide gives you room for a lamp, phone, and a cup of tea without clutter.
The trade-off

A table that’s too tall forces you to lift your arm awkwardly; one that’s too low means bending down. Irish buyers who measure mattress height first save themselves years of minor irritation.

The implication: getting height right matters more than any other dimension.

How do I choose the best bedside table?

Assess your storage needs

  • If you keep books, glasses, and a phone charger bedside, a single drawer hides the clutter. If you prefer quick access to a tablet or magazine, an open shelf works better (JYSK Ireland, Scandinavian furniture chain).
  • Hybrid designs — one drawer plus one shelf — offer balanced storage for most people.

Consider room size and layout

  • Measure the gap between your bed and the wall or wardrobe. A table that’s too wide will block access or feel cramped.
  • In a small room, a wall-mounted shelf can serve as a bedside table without taking floor space.

Match style to existing bedroom furniture

Budget planning

  • IKEA offers flat-pack options from around €30, while solid-wood pieces from Woodesign or Corcorans can exceed €200.
  • Second-hand listings on DoneDeal and Adverts.ie often have discounted pieces — about 1,000 listings were active recently (Adverts.ie, Irish peer-to-peer marketplace).
Bottom line: The best bedside table is the one that fits your bed height, your storage habits, and your room’s dimensions — in that order. Style comes fourth, not first.

The pattern: practical constraints should drive the decision, not aesthetics.

What materials are commonly used for bedside tables?

Solid wood (oak, pine, walnut)

  • Solid wood is the most durable and expensive option, with oak and walnut pieces lasting decades (Murphy Furniture, Irish furniture maker).
  • Pine is lighter and more affordable, but softer and prone to dents.

Engineered wood (MDF, particleboard)

  • MDF is budget-friendly and widely used by IKEA and JYSK. It resists warping but can chip if moved repeatedly (IKEA Ireland, major flat-pack retailer).
  • Particleboard is cheaper still, but less durable — avoid it for tables that will hold heavy lamps or devices.

Metal and glass

  • Metal frames (often steel or aluminium) are lightweight and suit modern or industrial bedrooms. Glass shelves add a sleek look but show dust and fingerprints.
  • Wayfair Ireland markets several metal-and-glass designs online (Wayfair Ireland, online furniture marketplace).

Eco-friendly options

  • Some Irish retailers now offer tables made from reclaimed wood or FSC-certified timber. These tend to cost more but appeal to environmentally conscious buyers.
  • Bamboo is a fast-growing alternative that’s naturally moisture-resistant.
Why this matters

Material choice directly affects longevity and maintenance. A solid-oak table costs three times an MDF one but will outlast it by decades — a real consideration for anyone furnishing a long-term home.

What this means: your budget and expected lifespan together determine the right material choice.

Are bedside tables with drawers better than open shelves?

Pros and cons of drawers

  • Drawers hide clutter — chargers, medications, and notebooks stay out of sight. But they require more vertical space and can be harder to access if the table is low (PouffeLOVE, Irish home-interior guide).
  • Drawers also collect dust and need occasional cleaning inside.

Pros and cons of open shelves

  • Open shelves allow quick access to books, a tablet, or a decorative tray. They also make a small room feel less boxed in.
  • The downside: everything on display must be tidy, or the table looks messy.

Hybrid designs (drawer + shelf)

  • Many Irish retailers stock hybrid models — a small drawer on top for hidden items and an open shelf below for books or baskets (Meubles, Irish furniture retailer).
  • This is the most versatile option for most bedrooms.

Best use cases for each

  • Drawers: best for people who keep multiple small items (glasses, remotes, chargers) and want a clean look.
  • Open shelves: best for minimalists or anyone who reads in bed and wants books within arm’s reach.
  • Hybrid: best for families or shared bedrooms where one person needs storage and the other wants display space.
Bottom line: Drawers win on tidiness; open shelves win on convenience. Hybrid designs give you both — and that’s why they’re the most common choice in Irish retail.

The catch: there is no universal winner — your habits dictate the right storage configuration.

Where can I buy bedside tables in Ireland?

Online retailers (IKEA, JYSK, Laura James, Woodesign)

  • IKEA Ireland offers affordable flat-pack options with delivery across the island (IKEA Ireland, major flat-pack retailer).
  • JYSK provides Scandinavian designs at mid-range prices (JYSK Ireland, Scandinavian furniture chain).
  • Laura James specialises in Shaker and Art Deco styles with a focus on quality finishes (Laura James Ireland, specialist furniture retailer).
  • Woodesign offers solid-wood, Irish-made pieces for those prioritising craftsmanship.

High street stores (Harvey Norman, Woodie’s)

  • Harvey Norman stocks a wide range of bedside lockers and tables, often with in-store displays so you can test height and feel (Goldenpages.ie, Irish business directory).
  • Woodie’s carries budget-friendly options, especially in engineered wood.

Second-hand options (DoneDeal, Facebook Marketplace)

  • DoneDeal and Adverts.ie regularly list hundreds of used bedside tables, often at 40–60% below retail (Adverts.ie, Irish peer-to-peer marketplace).
  • Facebook Marketplace is another active channel, especially for solid-wood pieces from local sellers.

Comparing prices and delivery

  • IKEA and Wayfair offer free delivery over certain thresholds; smaller retailers may charge €10–€20 (Wayfair Ireland, online furniture marketplace).
  • Second-hand purchases require self-collection, but the savings often justify the trip.
The upshot

Irish buyers have more choice than ever — but the best deal isn’t always the cheapest. A €40 IKEA table may serve a student flat for three years; a €180 solid-wood piece from Woodesign will last a lifetime.

The pattern: the real cost of a bedside table includes how long you plan to keep it.

“Our bedside tables span minimalist Scandinavian designs and timeless classics — it’s about finding the right balance between form and function for your space.”

— JYSK Ireland product description (JYSK Ireland, Scandinavian furniture chain)

“We offer bedside tables in a range of finishes and sizes to fit your bedroom space and style — from Shaker simplicity to Art Deco glamour.”

— Laura James Ireland (Laura James Ireland, specialist furniture retailer)

For Irish shoppers, the bedside-table market is rich with options — but the sheer variety can be overwhelming. The pattern across all retailers is clear: height and width are the non-negotiable starting points. Everything else — material, drawer count, style — is a preference, not a requirement.

Related reading: Bedside Tables Ireland: A Complete Buying Guide · Bedside Tables at Michael Murphy Home Furnishing

Additional sources

paolomoschino.com, wildandrosie.ie, lagepunkt.de

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a nightstand and a bedside table?

In practice, the terms are interchangeable. “Nightstand” sometimes implies a smaller, lighter piece, while “bedside table” can refer to anything from a simple shelf to a large cabinet. Irish retailers use both labels for the same category.

Can I use a small desk as a bedside table?

Yes — a small desk (60–80 cm wide) can double as a bedside table and a workspace. Just ensure the height matches your mattress top, and leave enough room to open drawers or pull out a chair.

How to clean a wooden bedside table?

Dust weekly with a soft cloth. For spills, wipe immediately with a damp (not wet) cloth and dry. Avoid harsh chemicals — a mild soap-and-water solution is safest. Polish solid wood every 6–12 months with furniture wax or oil.

Do I need matching bedside tables on both sides of the bed?

Not necessarily. Matching tables create symmetry, which many find calming. But mismatched tables — one with drawers, one with a shelf — can work if they share a similar height and colour tone. The key is visual balance, not identicality.

Are bedside tables with USB ports useful?

Yes, if you charge your phone or tablet overnight. Built-in USB ports reduce cable clutter and eliminate the need for a separate adapter. However, they add cost and may become obsolete if charging standards change.

How do I prevent a bedside table from wobbling?

Check that all four feet sit flat on the floor — use furniture pads or a small shim if the floor is uneven. For flat-pack tables, tighten all screws and bolts. If the wobble persists, the frame may be warped; consider returning it.

What is the best height for a bedside table?

The best height is level with the top of your mattress — typically 50–65 cm. This allows you to reach items without stretching or bending. Measure your mattress height before buying, and bring a tape measure to the store.

For Irish buyers, the bedside-table decision comes down to one question: do you want a piece that disappears into the background, or one that makes a statement? The trade-off is clear: choose a table that fits your bed height and room dimensions first, then let style follow. A buyer who measures their mattress height before shopping avoids years of nightly frustration.