By Claire WhitakerUpdated November 2026
A contemporary bed side table has to do a few jobs at once: hold a lamp, a phone and a glass of water, offer somewhere to stash chargers or books, and look right next to a modern bed without crowding it. This list compares five contemporary bed side table options by design, footprint, material and storage so you can match one to your room. Selection was based on product specifications, brand reputation and the patterns owners commonly report, with attention to clean lines, practical drawer and shelf layouts, and sizes that suit bedrooms of different widths.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallEnd Table with Storage Drawers and Shelf Side Table with Curved DesignView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for small bedroomsCurved Profile, 1 Open Top Shelf, 2 Drawer, Recessed Pulls, Bedside TaView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for bedroom-office combos23" Wide Fluted Nightstands Set of 2 with Charging Station, Wood BedsiView on Amazon - 4
Best for a light, airy lookGlass Nightstand,Side Table,S-Shaped End Table for Living Room,BedsideView on Amazon - 5
Best budget pickAcrylic Nightstand Bedside Side Table, 39 x 30 x 45cm, GreenView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| End Table with Storage Drawers and Shelf Side Table with Curved Design | Bedrooms that need storage and a softer look | Drawers plus an open shelf in a curved silhouette |
| Curved Profile 22″ Nightstand with Charging Station | Small bedrooms with heavy phone use | Built-in charging station with a compact 22-inch width |
| 23″ Wide Fluted Nightstands Set of 2 | Couples or bedroom-office setups | Matched pair with fluted fronts, drawer and open compartment |
| Glass Nightstand S-Shaped End Table | Rooms that feel visually crowded | Glass top and curved base that reduce visual weight |
| Acrylic Nightstand Bedside Side Table | Minimal budgets and light-filled rooms | Transparent-look acrylic construction in a compact footprint |
End Table with Storage Drawers and Shelf Side Table with Curved Design Bedside Table for Bedroom, Living Room Modern Curved Nightstands Set of 2
End Table with Storage Drawers and Shelf Side Table with Curved Design Bedside Table for Bedroom,Living Room Modern Curved Nightstands Set of 2 with Open Shelf,Natural Oak
Best for: Bedrooms that need storage and a softer look
This set suits people who want drawer storage without the boxy feel of traditional nightstands. The curved front edges make the pair work well beside a platform bed or an upholstered headboard, and the included open shelf gives you room for books or a small basket.
Key specs
- Sold as a set of 2 nightstands
- Drawers plus an open top-level shelf
- Natural oak finish
- Designed for bedroom or living room use
Pros
- Drawer and shelf combination covers most everyday storage needs
- Curved design softens the look in modern bedrooms
- Set format makes it easy to match both sides of a bed
Cons
- Shelf depth may be limited for large hardcover books
- Natural oak tone may not match darker bed frames
Bottom line: A strong pick for someone who wants a matched pair with real storage and a gentle, rounded profile.
Curved Profile, 1 Open Top Shelf, 2 Drawer, Recessed Pulls, Bedside Table, Organic Modern 22″ Nightstand with Charging Station, Light Oak
Curved Profile, 1 Open Top Shelf, 2 Drawer, Recessed Pulls, Bedside Table, End Table for Living Room, Bedroom, Side Table Organic Modern 22" Nightstand with Charging Station, Light Oak
Best for: Small bedrooms with heavy phone use
This nightstand is aimed at tighter rooms where floor space is limited. The 22-inch width leaves room for a lamp and a glass while the built-in charging station keeps cables out of sight. It also suits a bedside spot that doubles as a small living room end table.
Key specs
- 22-inch overall width
- One open top shelf and two drawers
- Recessed pulls for a clean front
- Integrated charging station
- Light oak finish
Pros
- Compact width suits narrow bedroom walls
- Charging station reduces cord clutter
- Recessed pulls keep the front surface flat
Cons
- Narrow top leaves less surface area for large lamps
- Charging hardware means checking outlet access before buying
Bottom line: Best for anyone who needs a slim, tech-friendly nightstand in a small room.
23″ Wide Fluted Nightstands Set of 2 with Charging Station, Wood Bedside Tables with Drawer and Open Compartment, Mid Century End Tables
23" Wide Fluted Nightstands Set of 2 with Charging Station, Wood Bedside Tables with Drawer and Open Compartment, Mid Century End Tables for Bedroom, Home Office
Best for: Couples or bedroom-office setups
A matched pair with fluted fronts gives a bedroom some texture without adding clutter. The drawer and open compartment combination works for a bedside stack of books on one side and a laptop or planner on the other, so it fits a home office corner as well as a bedroom.
Key specs
- Set of 2 nightstands
- 23-inch overall width
- Fluted front detailing
- Drawer and open compartment
- Charging station included
Pros
- Set format creates a balanced look on both sides of a bed
- Fluted fronts add texture in otherwise flat modern rooms
- Open compartment is useful for baskets or chargers
Cons
- Fluting can be harder to dust than flat fronts
- 23-inch width may be wide for very compact nightstand zones
Bottom line: A good match for couples who want two identical nightstands and a bit more visual interest than a plain box.
Glass Nightstand, Side Table, S-Shaped End Table for Living Room, Bedside Table for Bedroom (Brown)
Glass Nightstand,Side Table,S-Shaped End Table for Living Room,Bedside Table for Bedroom (Brown)
Best for: Rooms that feel visually crowded
Glass and open curves let light pass through, which helps a small bedroom feel less heavy. The S-shaped base makes it easy to slide beside a bed without blocking floor paths, and it works in a living room corner as an end table as well.
Key specs
- Glass top
- S-shaped base
- Brown finish
- Suitable for bedroom or living room
Pros
- Glass top reduces the visual weight of the piece
- Curved base is easy to fit beside a bed or sofa
- Works in more than one room
Cons
- Glass shows fingerprints and needs regular wiping
- Limited storage compared with drawer models
Bottom line: Ideal for someone who wants a light-looking side table and does not need drawers.
Acrylic Nightstand Bedside Side Table, 39 x 30 x 45cm, Green
Acrylic Nightstand Bedside Side Table, 39 x 30 x 45cm, Green
Best for: Minimal budgets and light-filled rooms
This acrylic piece is a budget-friendly way to add a bedside surface in a compact room. Its listed dimensions of 39 x 30 x 45 cm make it a practical height for a standard bed, and the material can look airy beside a window or a pale wall.
Key specs
- Dimensions: 39 x 30 x 45 cm
- Acrylic construction
- Green color
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to move for cleaning
- Compact footprint for narrow spaces
- Budget-friendly entry point for a contemporary look
Cons
- Acrylic can scratch and may show wear over time
- Limited storage and load capacity compared with solid wood
Bottom line: A sensible choice for a low-cost, space-saving nightstand that does not need drawers.
Buying Guide
Size and fit
Measure the height of your mattress from the floor and aim for a nightstand top that sits within a few inches of that level, so you can reach a lamp or phone without stretching. Leave at least 24 inches of clear floor space between the bed and nearby walls where possible, and check the footprint against your bedroom layout before ordering.
Good picks for this: Curved Profile 22″ Nightstand with Charging Station, Acrylic Nightstand Bedside Side Table
Storage type
Decide whether you need drawers, an open shelf, or both. Drawers hide chargers and small items, while open shelves suit books and baskets. Consider how much you actually keep at bedside before paying for storage you will not use.
Good picks for this: End Table with Storage Drawers and Shelf Side Table with Curved Design, 23″ Wide Fluted Nightstands Set of 2
Material and finish
Wood gives warmth and tends to be sturdier for heavier items. Glass and acrylic lighten a room visually but need more frequent cleaning and can show scratches or fingerprints. Match the finish to your bed frame and flooring tones rather than choosing in isolation.
Good picks for this: Glass Nightstand S-Shaped End Table, End Table with Storage Drawers and Shelf Side Table
Charging and cable management
If you charge devices at night, check whether the table has an integrated charging station or whether you will need an outlet nearby. Confirm outlet location and whether cords will reach comfortably without strain or tripping hazards. For electrical questions, consult a licensed electrician.
Good picks for this: Curved Profile 22″ Nightstand with Charging Station, 23″ Wide Fluted Nightstands Set of 2
Shape and visual weight
Curved silhouettes soften a room and suit modern or organic styling. Square profiles read more structured. In small rooms, slimmer or see-through pieces reduce visual crowding.
Good picks for this: Glass Nightstand S-Shaped End Table, End Table with Storage Drawers and Shelf Side Table with Curved Design
Durability and care
Solid and engineered wood tolerate daily use well when kept dry. Acrylic is light but scratches more easily, so use coasters and soft cloths. Check manufacturer care instructions for cleaning products before use.
Good picks for this: End Table with Storage Drawers and Shelf Side Table with Curved Design, Acrylic Nightstand Bedside Side Table
FAQ
What height should a bedside table be?
A common guideline is for the table top to sit close to the height of the mattress top, usually within about 2 to 4 inches, so you can reach items while lying down or sitting up.
How wide should a nightstand be?
Many contemporary nightstands fall between roughly 18 and 24 inches wide. Choose a width that leaves comfortable walkway space and holds your lamp and everyday items.
Are glass nightstands practical for everyday use?
They can be, but glass shows fingerprints and dust more readily than wood. Owners often recommend microfiber cloths and a gentle glass cleaner to keep the surface clear.
Can a contemporary bedside table work in a living room?
Yes. Many nightstands double as small end tables. Check the height and size against your sofa arm height for a comfortable fit.
Do I need a set of two nightstands?
Not necessarily. Matched sets create symmetry, but a single table can work if your bed is against a wall or you use the other side differently.
Is acrylic safe to use next to a bed?
Acrylic is widely used in furniture. Keep heavy objects centered and avoid placing very hot items directly on the surface. If you have specific safety concerns, consult the manufacturer or a qualified furniture professional.
Conclusion
For storage and a softer look, the drawer-and-shelf curved nightstands are the most versatile choice. The 22-inch charging-station model suits tight rooms and tech-heavy routines, while the fluted pair works well for couples or bedroom offices. The glass S-shaped table fits rooms that feel crowded, and the acrylic option is the most budget-friendly entry point. Match your pick to your floor space, storage needs and cleaning tolerance rather than appearance alone.
Sources
- Consumer safety guidance on furniture stability and tip-over prevention (cpsc.gov)
- Information on safe home electrical use and charging equipment (energy.gov)
- Fire safety guidance for bedroom furnishings and electrical equipment (nfpa.org)
Related reading
- Wooden Bed Side Table (2026): Which Should You Choose?
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- Side Table Marble Top vs Wood Top: Which Should You Choose?
- Pairing a Glass Coffee Table with Side Tables
- Mid Century Side Coffee Table vs Round Pedestal: Which Should You Choose? (2026)
- C Table Side Table (2026): Which Should You Choose?
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.
