Nicola O'Sullivan

Nicola O'Sullivan holds the position of PR Manager and Interior Design Writer at Corcoran's Furniture, where she applies her sharp eye for interior design. She is in the process of earning a diploma from the globally recognised Interior Design Institute, further enhancing her expertise in the field.

Nicola O'Sullivan

Nicola O'Sullivan holds the position of PR Manager and Interior Design Writer at Corcoran's Furniture, where she applies her sharp eye for interior design. She is in the process of earning a diploma from the globally recognised Interior Design Institute, further enhancing her expertise in the field.

Olive green bedside wooden locker with reading lamp.

The Essential Guide: How to Choose Your Bedside Lockers for Maximum Functionality & Style

Bedside lockers are fashionable and functional. They are one of the most practical pieces of furniture you can have in your bedroom, and they provide an ease and comfort to your living space.

A bedside locker will complement the overall organisation and design aesthetic of a room, and as they are placed alongside your bed, they provide an ideal prop for a reading lamp and other essential items.

Also known as a bedside table or a nightstand, a great bedside locker will be practical and stylish, and the type you choose will be down to your personal taste and design preference. In this blog, we will discuss how to select a bedside locker for maximum functionality and style, so that you can choose the perfect one to suit your space.

Importance of bedside storage

When it comes to buying bedroom furniture, the importance of the humble bedside locker is not to be underestimated. It provides excellent storage and keeps key items close to hand for easy access, such as books, reading glasses, lamps, lotions and potions, medication, water bottles, notepads, and much more.

Wooden bedside locker with open sliding drawer, candle and books.

As many bedside lockers have drawers, they promote excellent sleep hygiene. You can store your phone and electronic items safely away from your eye level as you settle down for a great night’s sleep.

A bedside locker is also very convenient, after all, nobody wants to get out of a warm, cosy bed to turn off a light switch at the opposite side of the room! It is ideal to have everything close to hand and if you stop to think about it, this one small furniture item significantly enhances your nightly routine.

Styles and materials of bedside lockers

There are a huge variety of types of bedside lockers to choose from, and you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to selecting the perfect one that matches your individual style and décor. Whether your style is classical, modern, retro, or rustic, you will be sure to find the ideal one to suit your space.

Silver mirrored bedside locker.

Whether you’re looking for a bedside table, locker, or nightstand–and yes there is a difference–consider your design style prior to selecting your ideal pair so that it will complement the overall look and feel of your bedroom. If you prefer a more traditional or rustic design aesthetic, then solid woods such as pine, walnut, and oak will work well in the space. Alternatively, if you prefer a more sleek or minimalist look,  you may opt for materials like glass or high-gloss lacquer.

Metals such as steel and iron will create an industrial aura, and a sleek mirrored bedside locker will add a touch of glamour to any room. Mirrored lockers will also work well in smaller spaces, as mirrors reflect light, and therefore give the sense of a larger area.

Tips for matching a bedside locker to your bed

There are a few key things to consider when choosing the ideal bedside locker for your space to maximise its functionality.

Taupe bedside locker with green plant.
  • Colour: Your bedside locker doesn’t have to match perfectly, but it should tie in with the overall design of your bedroom. If you have a bed with a bold coloured headboard, then you may opt for a more neutral bedside locker so that you don’t overpower the space. Alternatively, if you have a minimalist décor style, you may opt for a locker to serve as a main design feature.
  • Height: The height of your bedside locker is one of the key factors to consider. It should ideally be the same height as the top of your mattress, so that you can easily reach items while lying down.
  • Width: Depending on the size of the space available to you, you may opt for a narrow or wider bedside locker. Also consider the size of the top of the locker itself, as this will affect the overall look of the room. If you are tight on space, a narrow locker will be the best option, and if you have a large room,  you may opt for a larger design.
  • Size: It’s all about balance! Consider the proportion of your bed when selecting a bedside table. A small bed will be suited to a neater locker and a larger bed will work well with a variety of bigger and broader options.
Contemporary bedside locker with brown drawer and white surface, photo frame and candles.
  • Style: A locker that’s designed with sleek lines and minimalist features will suit a more contemporary style, and designs made with warmer materials, such as wood or copper, will work well in more traditional settings.You can also dress up your bedside locker by adding personal touches, such as a picture frame or a soft battery-operated candle. A locker can also work to complement the colour scheme of the room so that everything flows seamlessly. For example, you may paint your locker a shade that matches the overall colour palette of the bedroom.
  • Spacing: The ideal spacing between bedside lockers and a bed will be determined by its function. If you want to have items within arm’s reach, then it is recommended that you place the locker approximately one to two inches away from the bed. On the other hand, if your locker is purely for aesthetic purposes, it can be placed further away.
  • Functionality: If you require a lot of storage space, then you may opt for a bedside locker with shelves and drawers, or if you want a sleek look and don’t require a lot of storage, then a simpler bedside locker without doors and shelves will work best.
  • Lighting: If you like to read a lot or if you simply like the comfort of a soft lamp in the evenings, then consider how a lamp will look on your bedside locker. Aim to choose a lamp that will blend in well with the colour and style of the locker as well as the other furnishings in the room.
  • Comfort: One of the main functions of a bedside locker is to provide additional comfort to your sleeping space. It should help to make your bedtime routine easy and everything you need should be within reach. Aim to keep the placement of items on your locker to a minimum so that it doesn’t interrupt the flow of the space.
  • Quantity: The number of bedside lockers you choose will be down to your personal choice; however, two bedside lockers will be more symmetrical and give a sense of balance. If you are tight on space, you may have no choice but to opt for a single locker, but the most important thing is to consider what works best for the area available to you.

Bedside lockers are far more than just a prop when it comes to the overall look and feel of your bedroom. They add value through their functionality and style, and, most importantly, they help to make your day-to-day living more comfortable.They provide a luxurious statement piece, and they complement a bedroom of any size. Consider your overall needs when seeking the ideal bedside locker to maximize the functionality and style of this gorgeous piece of furniture in your home. Happy shopping! 

Nicola O'Sullivan

Nicola O'Sullivan holds the position of PR Manager and Interior Design Writer at Corcoran's Furniture, where she applies her sharp eye for interior design. She is in the process of earning a diploma from the globally recognised Interior Design Institute, further enhancing her expertise in the field.

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