The Magic Pixels guide

How to choose useful bedside storage

The right bedside piece puts everyday things within easy reach without crowding the bed. Start with what you actually keep there: a lamp, water, glasses, a book or a charging cable.

Use your bed as the reference

Measure from the floor to the top of your mattress, then compare that with the height of the furniture. There is no single height that suits every bed or person. Test the reach from your usual sleeping position using a stable surface before choosing.

Check the available width beside the bed, including sockets and skirting boards. Allow room to walk, change the sheets and open any drawers. Handles can catch clothing in a tight gap, so include them in the footprint.

Open shelf or closed drawer?

An open shelf keeps a book close by and makes the piece feel less enclosed. It also leaves cables and small items on show. A drawer suits things you want out of sight, but check its internal dimensions rather than assuming it uses the full width of the cabinet.

A stool can work as a simple surface when storage is unnecessary. Check its top size and stability for your intended use, and leave enough space for a glass to sit securely away from the edge.

Make the two sides work separately

Matching tables can look tidy, but the two sides of a bed may have different space and storage needs. You can compare height, finish and visual weight without insisting on identical pieces.

For a guest room, a clear surface and accessible charging point can be more useful than extra decoration. Check the shop’s finish and care guidance, especially where drinks might leave marks.

The finds below are selected for browsing and comparison. We have not physically tested them; verify measurements, care requirements and delivery details with the merchant.