Best Bedside Tables for Australian Homes: Style & Functionality Guide
The humble bedside table plays a crucial role in your bedroom's functionality and style. More than just a surface for your morning cuppa or evening read, these versatile pieces anchor your bedroom's aesthetic while providing essential storage for everyday items. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the best bedside tables for Australian homes, helping you find the perfect balance of style, functionality, and quality to complement your unique space.
Popular Bedside Table Categories
Finding the right bedside table starts with understanding the different styles available. Each category offers unique benefits to suit various bedroom aesthetics and practical needs.
Minimalist Bedside Tables
Clean lines and simple designs make minimalist bedside tables perfect for contemporary Australian homes. These space-saving options typically feature one drawer or shelf, ideal for smaller bedrooms or those seeking an uncluttered aesthetic.
Storage-Focused Bedside Tables
Maximise functionality with storage-rich bedside tables featuring multiple drawers. These practical options help keep your bedroom tidy while providing ample space for books, devices, and personal items—perfect for Australian homes where space efficiency matters.
Floating Bedside Tables
Wall-mounted floating bedside tables are increasingly popular in Australian homes, offering a contemporary look while freeing up floor space. These innovative designs create an illusion of more room—ideal for compact urban apartments and modern interiors.
Shop Local Alternatives
Supporting Australian craftsmanship not only ensures quality but also reduces environmental impact through shorter shipping distances. Australian-made bedside tables often feature native timbers and designs that complement our unique lifestyle and climate.
Discover Australian-Crafted Quality
Explore Shopica's curated collection of locally made bedside tables featuring sustainable materials and expert craftsmanship that stands the test of time.
Browse Australian-Made Options
Tasmanian Oak
Celebrated for its warm honey tones and distinctive grain, Tasmanian oak bedside tables bring natural beauty to any bedroom. This sustainable Australian timber ages gracefully and pairs well with most interior styles.
Jarrah
Known for its rich red tones and exceptional durability, Jarrah bedside tables make a striking statement in Australian bedrooms. This premium native timber develops a beautiful patina over time, becoming a lasting heirloom piece.
Blackwood
Australian Blackwood offers golden to rich brown coloration that darkens beautifully with age. Bedside tables made from this versatile timber feature distinctive grain patterns that add character to any bedroom setting.
Styling Your Bedside Table
The perfect bedside table isn't just about functionality—it's also an opportunity to express your personal style. Here are expert tips for styling your bedside tables to create a cohesive and inviting bedroom atmosphere.
Balance and Proportion
When styling your bedside table, consider the height and scale of your bed. Ideally, your table should be approximately the same height as your mattress top or slightly higher for easy access. For visual balance, choose tables that are proportional to your bed—wider beds pair well with larger bedside tables.
For Australian homes with limited space, consider compact designs that still offer functionality without overwhelming the room. Remember that matching tables on either side of the bed creates a harmonious, symmetrical look that brings calm to your space.
Layering and Accessories
Create visual interest by layering items of different heights on your bedside table. Start with a statement lamp or pendant light that provides both functionality and style. Australian-inspired ceramic bases or natural materials like timber and rattan complement our relaxed lifestyle.
Add personal touches with carefully selected accessories—a small stack of books, a delicate vase with native flowers, or a special trinket dish for jewellery. Consider incorporating elements that reflect Australia's natural beauty, such as eucalyptus sprigs or coastal-inspired decor for a distinctly local feel.
Keep practicality in mind by ensuring you have space for essentials like a water glass, reading glasses, or your mobile phone. A small tray can help corral these items while adding an extra layer of style to your bedside vignette.
Essential Functionality Features
When selecting the perfect bedside table for your Australian home, consider these key functional features that enhance both practicality and enjoyment.
Smart Storage Solutions
Modern bedside tables often feature innovative storage options like hidden compartments, cable management systems, and integrated charging stations. These smart features help reduce clutter while keeping essential devices powered and ready for use.
Look for designs with soft-close drawers to prevent noise disturbance—especially valuable in shared bedrooms or apartments with thin walls common in Australian urban living.
Adaptable Designs
Versatility is key in Australian homes where space may be at a premium. Consider bedside tables with adjustable features like extendable surfaces or modular components that can be reconfigured as your needs change.
Some innovative designs offer pull-out trays for additional surface area when needed, perfect for those who enjoy breakfast in bed or working from the comfort of their bedroom.
Durability Factors
Australia's climate can be demanding on furniture, with humidity fluctuations and intense sunlight in many regions. Choose bedside tables with durable finishes that resist moisture, heat marks, and UV damage.
Quality construction features like dovetail joints, solid timber frames, and proper sealing ensure your bedside tables will withstand daily use and environmental conditions for years to come.
Bedside Table Size Guide
Choosing the right dimensions for your bedside table is crucial for both functionality and visual harmony in your bedroom. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you select the perfect size.
| Bedroom Size | Recommended Width | Recommended Depth | Ideal Height | Best Features |
| Small (under 10m²) | 30-40cm | 30-35cm | 5-10cm above mattress | Wall-mounted or slim profile with minimal storage |
| Medium (10-16m²) | 40-50cm | 35-45cm | Even with mattress | 1-2 drawers or combination of drawer and shelf |
| Large (16m²+) | 50-60cm+ | 45-50cm | Even with or slightly above mattress | Multiple drawers or specialized storage options |
Pro Tip: For optimal functionality, ensure at least 7-10cm of clearance between your bedside table and the edge of your mattress. This provides comfortable access while maintaining a cohesive look.
Current Australian Bedside Table Trends
Stay up-to-date with the latest bedside table trends that are shaping Australian bedroom design in 2023.
Organic Forms
Curved edges and organic shapes are replacing sharp angles in contemporary Australian bedrooms. These softer silhouettes create a more relaxed, welcoming atmosphere while adding visual interest through unexpected forms.
Look for bedside tables with rounded corners, scalloped details, or asymmetrical designs that serve as artistic statements while maintaining functionality.
Sustainable Materials
Eco-conscious Australians are increasingly choosing bedside tables crafted from sustainable materials like FSC-certified timber, bamboo, rattan, and recycled elements.
These environmentally friendly options not only reduce your carbon footprint but also introduce beautiful natural textures and patterns that connect your bedroom to the Australian landscape.
Mixed Materials
The trend of combining different materials in a single piece creates visually dynamic bedside tables with unique character. Popular combinations include timber with rattan, metal with stone, or glass with concrete.
These multi-material designs add depth and texture to your bedroom while offering opportunities to tie together various elements of your existing decor.
Discover On-Trend Australian Designs
Explore Shopica's collection of contemporary bedside tables featuring the latest Australian design trends, crafted with quality materials and attention to detail.
Shop Trending StylesChoosing the Right Materials
The materials of your bedside table significantly impact its durability, maintenance requirements, and how it complements your bedroom's aesthetic. Here's a guide to popular materials available in Australian bedside tables.
Solid Timber
- Exceptional durability and longevity
- Develops character and patina over time
- Available in various Australian species with unique grain patterns
- Requires occasional maintenance with wood oil or polish
- Naturally regulates humidity in Australian climates
Metal and Glass
- Sleek, contemporary aesthetic
- Highly durable and resistant to moisture
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Creates visual lightness in smaller spaces
- Available in various finishes from brass to matte black
Rattan and Woven Materials
- Brings natural texture and coastal Australian style
- Lightweight and easy to reposition
- Creates visual interest through pattern and texture
- Sustainable and eco-friendly option
- Perfect for creating relaxed, bohemian aesthetics
Bedside Tables for Different Bedroom Styles
Your bedside table should complement your overall bedroom aesthetic. Here's how to choose the perfect match for popular Australian interior styles.
Coastal Australian
For that relaxed beachside feel popular in Australian homes, choose bedside tables in light timber tones or whitewashed finishes. Look for details like rattan elements, rope accents, or weathered surfaces that evoke our stunning coastline.
Style with natural accessories like coral, shells, or blue glass to complete the coastal aesthetic that celebrates Australia's beach lifestyle.
Contemporary Australian
Modern Australian homes often feature clean lines and a sophisticated palette. Choose bedside tables with sleek profiles in materials like blackened timber, concrete, or powder-coated metal that create a refined look.
Minimalist styling with carefully selected Australian art pieces or native plants completes this contemporary aesthetic that balances form and function.
Australian Bush Retreat
Celebrate Australia's unique landscape with bedside tables in rich, earthy tones and natural materials. Look for pieces featuring native timbers with pronounced grain patterns or rustic finishes that tell a story.
Accessorize with indigenous-inspired art, native flowers, or objects in terracotta and ochre tones to create a bedroom that connects to Australia's natural heritage.
Finding Your Perfect Bedside Table
The ideal bedside table balances form and function while complementing your unique Australian lifestyle. Whether you prefer minimalist designs that maximize small urban spaces or statement pieces that showcase local craftsmanship, the perfect bedside table enhances both your bedroom's aesthetic and your daily routine.
Consider how you use your bedside space—do you need ample storage for books and devices, or is a simple surface for a lamp and water glass sufficient? Think about the materials that will withstand your local climate and complement your existing furniture. Most importantly, choose pieces that bring you joy each morning and evening.
Discover Your Perfect Australian Bedside Table
Explore Shopica's curated collection of quality bedside tables designed for Australian homes. From coastal-inspired designs to contemporary urban styles, find the perfect piece to complete your bedroom.
Different Type of Bedside Tables:
- Bamboo bedside tables
- Beige bedside tables
- Birch bedside tables
- Black bedside tables
- Blue bedside tables
- Brown bedside tables
- Green bedside tables
- Grey bedside tables
- Low bedside tables
- Metal bedside tables
- Narrow bedside tables
- Oak bedside tables
- Pine bedside tables
- Pink bedside tables
- Rectangular bedside tables
- Round bedside tables
- Small bedside tables
- Square bedside tables
- Turquoise bedside tables
- White bedside tables
- With doors bedside tables
- With drawer bedside tables
- With legs bedside tables
- With shelves bedside tables
- With storage bedside tables
- Wood (including board) bedside tables
- Yellow bedside tables