There are numerous items that go great on the bedside tables of both men and women.
But there are ways to personalize both his and her bedside tables to make each unique. So, what should men and women have on their respective bedside tables? For your convenience, we brought you the answer.
Men should have the following on their bedside table:
- Masculine lamp
- Manly candle
- Gadget organizer
- Journal
Women should have the following on their bedside table:
- Flowers
- Sweet-scented candle
- Ladylike lamp
- Framed photo
If you still have questions about what should be on your bedside table, don’t worry.
In this guide, we’ll explore the topic in greater detail. We’ll also talk about the functionality of a bedside table and give you some tips for picking the right one. Without further ado, let’s get started!
We sometimes include affiliate links and curated AI content to highlight top design styles.
The Purpose Of A Bedside Table
While a bedside table is commonly viewed as a vital piece of bedroom decor (and it certainly is), it’s actually much more than that.
Bedside tables enhance the aesthetic of a bedroom and provide much-needed storage space for small everyday items.
Bedside Table Items For Men
For the men out there, you might not know it, but there are a few key items you should absolutely have on your bedside table.
Masculine Lamp
It should go without saying that a lamp is a necessity for any bedside table. A lamp not only serves a critical function, but it can also dress up your bedside table to make it reflect your masculinity.
A simple bedside lamp with a minimalist aesthetic is a perfect option for creating a masculine aesthetic while still providing lamp functionality.
Square Bedside Lamp
Manly Candle
If you thought candles were strictly feminine, think again. There’s a wide variety of candles tailored specifically for men with distinctly masculine scents.
A well-chosen candle can elevate your bedside table and make your room smell incredible.
Manly Candle
Gadget Organizer
Guys carry around a lot of stuff on a daily basis—a watch, keys, wallet, cell phone, and the list goes on.
A simple gadget stand is a simple yet effective way to organize all of a man’s daily essentials at the end of a long day. When you wake up, all of your daily necessities are neatly organized for your convenience.
Men’s Gadget Organizer
Journal
Do you ever have great ideas that pop into your mind during the night and vow to yourself that you’ll remember them in the morning? It happens to the best of us.
Keep a journal (and a pen!) on your bedside table to make sure your great ideas are written down right as you have them. Leather is a great choice for a masculine look.
Moonster Leather Journal
Bedside Table Items For Women
There is also a wide selection of items perfect for making a woman’s bedside table a uniquely feminine piece.
Flowers
It doesn’t get more feminine than flowers. Incorporating some fresh flowers onto your bedside table will enhance the aesthetic while freshening the room’s scent.
A small and dainty vase is perfect for bedside table flowers, as it won’t take up too much space.
Sweet-Scented Candle
Ladies should definitely have a candle on their bedside table. A dainty candle with a sweet scent will enhance your bedside table’s aesthetic, and when you light it, it will make your bedroom smell fantastic.
Feminine Lamp
As mentioned, a lamp is a critical item for any bedside table. For ladies, a lamp is a perfect way to spruce up your bedside table with some feminine flair.
Framed Photo
A framed photo is always an excellent statement piece for a bedside table. Frame a photo of your family or significant other to give your bedside table even more character and personality.
Since bedside tables have limited space, a small frame (such as a 5″ X 7″) is preferable.
Do You Need A Bedside Table?
There are many pieces of furniture that can be considered “optional,” but a bedside table isn’t one of them.
A bedside table is a necessary component of a well-thought-out bedroom. It completes the aesthetic of any bedroom and is the perfect place for phones, chargers, watches, and other gadgets.
Bedside tables are undeniably the most convenient place to store these kinds of items, so having one is essential.
And as mentioned, bedside tables are the perfect way to incorporate character and personality into a space. In fact, you can generally learn quite a bit from a person simply based on what they keep on their bedside table.
Should Bedside Tables Be Higher Than The Bed?
When choosing the right bedside table, the height is an important factor to consider. Generally speaking, a bedside table should be approximately the same height as the bed, if not shorter.
If a bedside table is taller than the bed, it should be no more than a few inches taller for a couple of reasons.
First, a bedside table that sits more than a few inches higher than the bed will look somewhat odd, as it will make the bed look too low to the ground.
A bedside table should merely be an aesthetic complement to the space, not the focal point.
From an aesthetic standpoint, it’s ideal for a bedside table to be the same height as the bed or slightly shorter than the bed. This ensures that the look is balanced and cohesive.
In terms of functionality, it’s much easier to reach over and grab something (such as a book or cell phone) from a bedside table that sits level with or lower than the bed; if the bedside table is too tall, it might be difficult to do so.
How Do You Choose A Bedside Table Lamp?
When it comes to choosing a bedside table lamp, style and functionality are the most important considerations.
In terms of style, a bedside table lamp is an important piece of decor that can serve as the focal point or the aesthetic anchor of the bedside table’s decorative arrangement.
As such, think about how to best reflect your style when choosing a lamp. If you are a minimalist, consider a bedside table lamp that doesn’t have too big of a footprint, like this one:
If your style is less modest and you aren’t afraid to make a statement, consider a larger bedside table lamp.
From a functionality standpoint, consider your needs for a bedside table lamp. For example, if you will often use the lamp for reading at night, you should get a lamp that is easy to turn on and off.
If you’re short on outlets to charge your devices, consider getting a bedside table lamp with auxiliary ports and other more modern features.
In Closing
We hope this guide has helped you appreciate the practicality of a bedside table and the essentials you should keep on yours. Before you go, don’t miss out on this other guide that might catch your interest:
Does Nightstand Have To Match Dresser? [Bedroom Furniture Coordination Tips]
