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Handcrafted End Tables, made to order in solid wood.
Blooming Magnolia Branch Silhouette Accent Side Table in Handcrafted Solid Wood
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Choosing between a bedside table vs bedside shelf comes down to storage, floor space and how permanent you want the setup to be. This guide compares the two and shows where each one works best.
Quick answer:
- Choose a bedside table if you want drawers to hide clutter, can't drill into walls, or like to rearrange the room.
- Choose a bedside shelf if floor space is tight, you prefer a light, minimalist look and only need room for a phone, book, lamp and water.
Bedside Table vs Bedside Shelf at a Glance
| Factor | Bedside table | Bedside shelf |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | Drawers and shelves hide clutter | Open surface only, so items stay visible |
| Floor space | Takes up floor space and needs cleaning around the legs | None. The floor stays clear. |
| Installation | None. Place it and use it. | Wall mounting with a stud finder, drill and level |
| Flexibility | Easy to move and take with you | Fixed once mounted |
| Load | Stands on the floor, so weight is rarely a worry | Limited by the bracket, the studs and the wall |
| Look | Traditional, solid and grounded | Light, modern and minimal |
| Ashdeco price | $1,235 to $1,980 for our solid wood nightstands | From $167 for a floating shelf, from $391 for a bedside-depth shelf |
Bedside Table: Pros and Cons
A bedside table (or nightstand) is a freestanding piece beside the bed. Standard nightstands are typically 24 to 28 inches tall, 18 to 24 inches wide and 16 to 20 inches deep, which puts the top roughly level with the mattress.
Pros
- Drawers hide chargers, medication and personal items.
- No tools or drilling.
- Easy to move, rearrange or take to your next home.
- A stable surface for a heavier lamp or a stack of books.
Cons
- Uses floor space, which can crowd a small bedroom.
- Harder to clean around and underneath.
- Fixed height, so it may not match your bed perfectly.
- A solid wood piece costs more than a basic shelf.
Bedside Shelf: Pros and Cons
A bedside shelf (or floating nightstand) is mounted to the wall beside the bed, so nothing touches the floor. Ashdeco's smaller floating shelves (about 10 to 24 inches wide) suit bedside use, and our bedside-depth shelf (from $391) is 20 to 48 inches wide and 18 inches deep, enough to act as a true nightstand.
Pros
- Uses no floor space, so a small room feels larger.
- Easy to vacuum or mop underneath.
- You choose the height, so it can sit exactly where you can reach it.
- Clean, minimalist look.
Cons
- Open storage only, so clutter shows.
- Needs drilling, ideally into studs.
- Load capacity depends on the bracket, the studs and the wall.
- Hard to move once it is up.
How High and How Deep Should a Bedside Shelf Be?
- Height beside the bed: mount the top surface about level with your mattress, usually 24 to 28 inches from the floor. Sit on the bed and reach out to test it before you drill.
- Height above the bed: if you want a shelf above the bed rather than beside it, see our floating shelf above bed guide for heights, widths and safety rules.
- Depth: 6 inches holds a phone, glasses and a book. For a lamp and a glass of water, go deeper, around 8 to 10 inches or more.
- Width: 12 inches is the minimum for the essentials. 18 to 24 inches gives you room for a lamp and a book.
Mounting a Bedside Shelf Safely
- Find the studs with a stud finder and mark them.
- Use studs for anything heavy. A lamp or a stack of books should always sit on a shelf screwed into studs. Drywall anchors are only for very light items.
- Level it and mark the drill points, then drill pilot holes.
- Attach the bracket to the wall and slide the shelf on.
- Test it with a firm tug before loading it, and re-check it every few months.
Ashdeco's floating shelves use concealed mounting hardware. Ask for the rated capacity of the exact size you order. For a full walkthrough, see our guide to mounting floating shelves.
When to Choose Each
A bedside table makes sense if you:
- need drawers for medication, chargers or personal items
- rent and cannot drill into the walls
- have a large bedroom and like a traditional look
- keep a heavier lamp or equipment at the bedside
A bedside shelf makes sense if you:
- have a small bedroom and want the floor kept clear
- like a minimalist, Scandinavian or Japandi look
- only keep a few essentials within reach
- own your home or are happy to patch a few screw holes later
Can you use both?
Yes. A table with a drawer plus a shelf above or beside it gives you hidden storage and an open display spot. Two matching shelves, one on each side of the bed, create a clean symmetrical look. For more ideas, see our bedroom floating shelf ideas and our mushroom nightstand guide.
FAQ: Bedside Table vs Bedside Shelf
Can a floating shelf replace a nightstand?
Yes, if you mainly need a surface for a phone, book, water and a small lamp. If you want to hide chargers, medication or other clutter, a table with a drawer is the better fit.
How high should a bedside shelf be?
For a shelf beside the bed, mount it so the top surface is about level with your mattress, usually 24 to 28 inches from the floor. If you plan to put a shelf above the bed instead, the usual guidance is 18 to 24 inches above the mattress if you want to reach it from bed. See our floating shelf above bed guide.
Do bedside shelves need to be mounted into studs?
For anything that carries a lamp or other heavy items, yes. Drywall anchors are only suitable for very light items such as a photo frame or a candle. If a stud is not where you want the shelf, adjust the position or the shelf length rather than relying on anchors.
How much weight can a floating bedside shelf hold?
It depends on the shelf's size, bracket, mounting method and wall. Ask the maker for the rated capacity of the exact size you are buying, mount into studs, and keep what you place on it light, especially above a bed.
Is a bedside table or shelf better for a small bedroom?
A shelf uses no floor space, so it usually suits a small bedroom better and makes cleaning under it easy. A compact table still works if you need drawer storage.
Can I use a bedside shelf in a rental?
Often yes. A floating shelf needs a few screw holes, which can be patched when you move out, but check your lease first. If you cannot drill at all, choose a freestanding table.
Can I use both a table and a shelf?
Yes. A table with a drawer for daily essentials plus a shelf above or beside it for books and decor is a common combination. Two matching shelves, one on each side, also create a clean, symmetrical look.
Can Ashdeco make a bedside shelf to a custom size?
Yes. Ashdeco includes custom sizing and a design consultation with every order, so you can specify the length, depth and wood for your bed and wall. Book a free consultation to get started.
Find the Right Bedside Piece for Your Bedroom
Browse handcrafted solid wood floating shelves for the bedroom, or talk to our team about a custom size for your bed and wall.
