Side Table with Drawers: The Complete Buying Guide
Everything you need to know about choosing the perfect side table with drawers for your bedroom, living room, or home office. Expert tips on size, materials, and style.
SHOP TOP PICKSWhy a Side Table with Drawers? A side table with drawers offers the perfect combination of surface space and concealed storage. Unlike open shelves, drawers keep clutter hidden while providing easy access to essentials like reading glasses, remote controls, or bedside necessities. Whether you need a bedside table with drawer for your bedroom or a small side table for your living room, this guide will help you make the right choice.
Best Side Tables with Drawers
⚠️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: This website contains affiliate links. As an affiliate Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If you make a purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Read our full affiliate policy.
Lazzanto Nightstand with Rear Charging Station, LED Light, 2 Drawers, Black | Industrial Nightstand, 2 USB-A Ports & AC Outlets, Raised Back Guard, Fabric Storage Drawers, Bedside Table for Bedroom, Dorm
Check price on Amazon
Yoobure Nightstand with Charging Station, Small Night Stand with Fabric Drawers and Storage Shelf for Bedrooms, Small Spaces, Bedside Table with USB Ports & Outlets
Check price on Amazon
Furologee Night Stand with Charging Station, 2 Fabric Drawers, White | Night Stand with USB & Outlets, Side Table with Storage & Hooks, Industrial End Table for Living Room/Bedroom
Check price on Amazon
Smoproper Nightstand with Charging Station, Bedside End Table with 2 Fabric Drawers for Bedroom, Side Table with USB Ports and Outlets (Brown Black)
Check price on Amazon
HOOBRO End Table with Charging Station, Narrow Side Table, Nightstand with 2 Non-Woven Drawers, Slim Sofa Side Table, for Small Spaces, Living Room, Bedroom, Rustic Brown and Black BF486UBZ01
Check price on Amazon
SONGMICS Nightstand with 2 Fabric Drawers, Bedside Table, Side End Table | Small Dresser for Bedroom, Living Room, Modern, Ink Black and Ebony Black, BELLAH Collection ULGS312B01S
Check price on Amazon
VAFEKOL End Tables Bedroom, Night Stand with Drawers, Industrial nightstand, Nightstand with Fabric Bins, Bedside Table End Table for Bedroom, Closet, Entryway, College Dorm, Rustic Brown LNT0061BR
Check price on Amazon
Lerliuo Rattan Nightstand, Boho Side Table with Drawer Open Shelf | Cane Accent Bedside End Table with Solid Wood Legs for Bedroom, Dorm and Small Spaces (Natural)
Check price on AmazonWhat to Look for in a Side Table with Drawers
Choosing the right side table with drawers involves more than just picking a design you like. Consider these key factors to ensure you get a piece that's both functional and beautiful:
📐 Size & Proportions
Measure your available space first. A small nightstand with drawers works well in tight bedrooms, while a wide nightstand suits larger rooms. Standard side tables range from 18 to 30 inches in height and 16 to 24 inches in width. For bedside use, the table top should be roughly level with your mattress.
🪵 Material & Durability
Solid wood options like natural wood nightstands offer lasting beauty, while engineered wood provides affordability. A marble top nightstand adds luxury and is easy to clean. Consider your lifestyle: homes with pets or children may benefit from scratch-resistant finishes.
🗄️ Drawer Configuration
A 2-drawer nightstand offers generous storage, while a single-drawer design keeps things simple. Look for soft-close glides and dovetail joints for quality. A tall nightstand with drawers maximizes vertical space in small rooms.
🎨 Style & Finish
From modern nightstands to farmhouse nightstands, your choice should complement your existing decor. Popular finishes include white nightstand with drawers, black modern nightstand, and grey nightstand.
Side Table Size Guide: Finding the Perfect Fit
Getting the size right is crucial for both function and aesthetics. Use this quick reference table to determine what works best for your space:
| Room Type | Recommended Height | Recommended Width | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bedroom (Bedside) | 24–28 inches (level with mattress) | 18–24 inches | Bedside table with drawer, night stand with drawers |
| Small Bedroom | 20–24 inches | 12–18 inches | Skinny nightstand, narrow nightstand with drawers |
| Living Room (Sofa Side) | 20–24 inches | 16–22 inches | Small side tables for living room |
| Tall Bed / Adjustable Bed | 28–32 inches | 18–24 inches | 30-inch tall nightstand, tall bedside table |
| Wall-Mounted Option | Custom (mount at mattress height) | 16–20 inches | Floating nightstand with drawer, wall-mounted bedside table |
Popular Styles of Side Tables with Drawers
Your side table should reflect your personal style while meeting your storage needs. Here are the most sought-after designs:
Modern & Contemporary
Clean lines, minimalist hardware, and sleek finishes define modern bedside tables and contemporary nightstands. Look for fluted nightstands or acrylic nightstands for a bold statement.
Mid-Century Modern
Tapered legs, warm wood tones, and retro charm make mid-century modern side tables and mid-century bedside tables perennial favorites. A walnut nightstand set of 2 captures this look perfectly.
Rustic & Farmhouse
Natural textures and distressed finishes define rustic nightstands and farmhouse nightstands. A wicker nightstand or bamboo nightstand adds organic warmth.
Luxury & Statement
Elevate your space with a marble nightstand, gold nightstand, or silver nightstand. A burl wood nightstand or burl nightstand offers unique, artistic appeal.
Smart Features to Consider
Modern side tables with drawers offer more than just storage. Consider these convenient additions:
🔌 Built-in Charging
A side table with charging station or bedside table with charging station keeps your devices powered without clutter. Look for USB ports and AC outlets integrated into the design.
💡 Integrated Lighting
An LED nightstand provides ambient illumination, while a smart nightstand may include touch controls or app connectivity. Pair with a bedside reading light for the ultimate setup.
📚 Specialized Storage
A bookshelf nightstand combines open display with drawer storage. A CPAP nightstand offers dedicated space for medical equipment. An oversized nightstand provides ample room for all your essentials.
Creating a Cohesive Look with Matching Sets
For a polished, designer-inspired bedroom, consider coordinating your side tables with other furniture pieces:
- Nightstand set – perfect for symmetrical bedside arrangements
- Matching nightstands – create balance on both sides of the bed
- Set of two nightstands – convenient and cost-effective
- Nightstand dresser – coordinate storage across the room
- Matching dresser and nightstand – a unified bedroom aesthetic
- Bedroom dresser and nightstand set – complete furniture solutions
- Black dresser and nightstand set – bold, modern coordination
- White dresser and nightstand set – bright, airy cohesion
- 3-piece dresser and nightstand set – comprehensive bedroom makeover
- Night stand and dresser set – classic pairing for any bedroom
Color Options for Every Aesthetic
The color of your side table can dramatically affect the mood of your space. Here are the most popular options:
| Color | Best For | Popular Options |
|---|---|---|
| White | Bright, airy bedrooms; coastal and farmhouse styles | Small white nightstand, white modern nightstand, white nightstands set of 2 |
| Black | Modern, dramatic, and sophisticated interiors | Black nightstands set of 2, black wood nightstands |
| Grey/Gray | Versatile neutral that suits any palette | Gray nightstand, grey nightstand set of 2 |
| Blue/Navy | Calm, serene bedrooms; coastal and classic styles | Blue nightstands, Navy nightstand, Navy blue nightstand, Light blue nightstand |
| Wood Tones | Natural warmth and timeless appeal | Dark wood bedside table, Light oak nightstand, Cherry nightstand, Cherry wood nightstand, Dark brown nightstand, Brown nightstand |
| Statement Colors | Adding personality and visual interest | Green nightstand, Pink nightstand, Cream nightstand, Beige nightstand |
Unique Shapes & Special Designs
Beyond the standard rectangular side table, consider these distinctive options:
Round Side Tables
A round nightstand with drawer softens sharp angles and works beautifully in small spaces. Round designs are also safer for homes with children.
Curved & Organic
A curved nightstand adds sculptural elegance. These flowing designs create a sense of movement and sophistication.
Thin & Space-Saving
A thin bedside table or skinny bedside table is ideal for narrow gaps between the bed and wall.
Glass & Acrylic
A glass nightstand creates an airy, open feel. Acrylic nightstands offer a modern, transparent aesthetic.
Side Table with Drawers Price Guide
Prices vary widely based on materials, craftsmanship, and brand. Here's what to expect:
| Price Range | What to Expect | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| $50–$150 | Engineered wood, basic hardware, simple designs | Cheap nightstands, first apartments, guest rooms |
| $150–$400 | Solid wood or quality veneers, soft-close drawers, better finishes | Primary bedrooms, living rooms, daily use |
| $400–$800 | Premium materials, dovetail joinery, designer styles | Luxury bedrooms, statement pieces |
| $800+ | Artisan craftsmanship, exotic woods, marble tops, custom hardware | High-end interiors, collector's pieces |
Expert Buying Tips
1. Measure Twice, Buy Once: Always measure your available space, including height clearance if placing next to a bed. Remember that drawer pulls need extra room to open.
2. Check Drawer Quality: Look for metal glides (not plastic), dovetail joints (not stapled), and soft-close mechanisms. These details determine longevity.
3. Consider Assembly: Some side tables arrive fully assembled, while others require assembly. Factor in the time and tools needed.
4. Think Long-Term: A well-made side table can last decades. Investing in quality materials often saves money over time.
5. Read Reviews: Customer reviews reveal real-world experiences with durability, assembly, and appearance. Look for consistent feedback about quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard height for a side table with drawers?
For bedside use, the standard height is 24–28 inches, which aligns with most mattress heights. For living room side tables, 20–24 inches is typical. Always measure your bed or sofa height and choose a table that's within 2 inches of that measurement for optimal ergonomics.
How wide should a side table with drawers be?
Width depends on your space and needs. A small side table might be 12–16 inches wide, while a standard bedside table is 18–24 inches. If you need more surface area for a lamp, books, and accessories, consider a wide nightstand (24–30 inches).
Are side tables with drawers worth it?
Absolutely. The drawer provides concealed storage that keeps surfaces clutter-free, which is especially valuable in bedrooms where relaxation is a priority. A night stand with drawers offers the best of both worlds: display space on top and hidden storage below.
What's the difference between a nightstand and a side table?
While the terms are often used interchangeably, a nightstand is specifically designed for bedside use, while a side table can be placed anywhere (living room, hallway, home office). However, many side tables with drawers work perfectly as nightstands and vice versa.
How do I style a side table with drawers?
Start with a lamp for ambient lighting, add a small tray for keys or jewelry, and include a decorative object like a vase or framed photo. Keep it uncluttered—the drawer is for hiding essentials, so the top surface should remain serene. A bedside reading light can free up surface space.
Can I use a side table with drawers in a small space?
Yes! Look for narrow nightstands with drawers or skinny nightstands that fit tight spaces. A floating nightstand with drawer or wall-mounted nightstand saves floor space entirely.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Side Table?
Browse our curated selection of top-rated side tables with drawers, handpicked for quality, style, and value.
VIEW TOP PICKSFinal Thoughts
A side table with drawers is one of the most versatile pieces of furniture you can own. It serves as a bedside companion, a living room accent, and a discreet storage solution all in one. By considering size, material, style, and your specific needs, you can find a piece that enhances both the function and beauty of your space.
Whether you're drawn to a vintage nightstand, a minimalist nightstand, or a unique nightstand that makes a statement, the right choice will serve you well for years to come. Use this guide as your reference, measure carefully, and choose quality—your future self will thank you.