Claire WhitakerBy Claire Whitaker

Updated November 2026

A bedroom side table from IKEA can give you a bedside surface, storage and a flexible height for much less effort than a custom piece. This guide walks through how to measure your bed, decide between a drawer or open shelf, and check the details that make a bedroom side table IKEA offers fit your room. By the end, you will have a short list of sizes and styles to compare.

Measure Your Bed and Wall Space First

Most people start by picking a style, then discover the table is too tall or too wide. Measure before you browse. Manufacturers often recommend a bedside surface that sits within a few inches of your mattress top, so the table is easy to reach from the bed without stretching.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 6 Best Side Tables for Bedroom (2026): Expert Picks.

  • Measure the height from the floor to the top of your mattress.
  • Measure the open floor space between the bed frame and the wall or dresser.
  • Note whether you have a headboard, since a deep one changes how far the table can sit from the pillows.
  • Check the doorway and hall width if you plan to carry flat boxes upstairs.

Choose Between Drawer, Shelf and Open Designs

The right storage type depends on what you keep by the bed. A drawer hides a phone charger, glasses and a book. An open shelf suits a lamp, a glass of water and a few decorative items. Many IKEA bedroom side tables combine both, with one drawer above an open lower shelf.

If you are comparing a nightstand with an end table, the main difference is usually height and storage depth. For a deeper look at that choice, see Nightstand or End Table (2026): Which Is Better for Your Bedroom?.

Match Finish, Height and Size to the Room

Small bedrooms benefit from slim profiles and legs that leave floor visible under the table. Light finishes make a compact room feel more open, while darker wood or metal can anchor a larger space. Keep the top surface no wider than the gap you want to leave beside the bed for walking room.

Factor What to look for
Height Roughly level with or slightly below the mattress top
Width Leaves comfortable walking space on the open side of the bed
Storage Drawer for small items, shelf for lamps and books
Finish Matches your headboard, dresser or room tone

For more on sizing a bedside surface against your bed, read Side Bed Table Size: How to Pick the Right Dimensions for Your Bed.

Plan Assembly and Placement

  1. Clear a workspace and lay down a blanket to protect the finish.
  2. Sort hardware and check the parts list before starting.
  3. Assemble the frame first, then attach drawers or shelves.
  4. Place the table, then test the drawer glide and tabletop stability.
  5. Position a lamp or charger and confirm the cord reaches a nearby outlet.

If you want a sturdier, more personal option, compare with Bedroom Side Table Plans: A Step-by-Step Build Guide.

A few basic tools make flat-pack assembly faster and reduce wobbly joints.

  • Cordless drill with a hex bit set speeds up fastening and helps keep screws straight. View on Amazon
  • Rubber furniture pads protect floors and help a table sit level on uneven boards. View on Amazon
  • Felt drawer liners quiet drawer bottoms and keep small items from sliding. View on Amazon

Tips and Common Mistakes

  • Do not buy by photo alone. Check the listed dimensions against your bed measurements.
  • Avoid a table taller than the mattress, which makes reaching items awkward.
  • Check whether the drawer opens fully against a headboard or wall.
  • Anchor tall, narrow units to the wall if your household includes young children or pets.
  • Compare finishes in daylight, since warm bedroom lighting can change how a color looks.

FAQ

How high should a bedroom side table be?

Aim for a top surface close to your mattress height, usually within a few inches. This keeps items within easy reach from bed.

Is a drawer or open shelf better for a bedside table?

A drawer works best for hiding small items, while an open shelf suits lamps and frequently used objects. Choose based on your daily habits.

Can I fit a bedroom side table into a small room?

Yes, if you choose a slim width and leave enough floor space for walking. Measure the gap between your bed and the wall before buying.

Conclusion

Measure your bed, decide what you need to store, and check the table’s height and width against your room. A bedroom side table IKEA sells can work well once those basics are settled. Confirm current dimensions and availability on the official IKEA site before ordering.

Ready to choose one?

Claire Whitaker

About Claire Whitaker

Claire Whitaker is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our living-room tables guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.