Timber Bedside Tables

A timber bedside table uses solid wood or a wood veneer as its main material, and the species you pick determines weight, grain and how the piece wears over time. Pine works well for light, easy-to-move pieces in smaller rooms. Acacia, however, offers a denser structure with richer colour variation, so it suits rooms with heavier daily use. Messmate goes further still, as a straight-grained Australian hardwood built to hold its shape under years of knocks. Dark timber and blackwood finishes, meanwhile, ground a lighter colour palette rather than adding warmth.

Construction also matters. Solid timber pieces feel heavier and often arrive fully assembled, while veneer pieces weigh less and may need flat-pack assembly on delivery.

• Drink rings: Use a coaster under glasses and mugs, since timber absorbs moisture faster than painted or laminate finishes.
• Spills: Wipe promptly with a dry or lightly damp cloth. Otherwise, standing liquid softens the finish over time.
• Sunlight: Keep the piece out of direct sun for long stretches, as UV exposure fades timber unevenly across the surface.
• Humidity: Allow airflow around the piece in rooms with changing humidity, because timber expands and contracts with moisture.
• Construction: Solid timber pieces arrive heavier and often fully assembled, while veneer pieces weigh less and may need flat-pack assembly. Either way, check the product page for handling notes before delivery.