Getting the bedside table height right

Measure from the floor to the top of your mattress while it sits on the bed frame, then pick a table at that height or slightly below, so a lamp, phone or glass is easy to reach while lying down. The lower tables in this range suit platform beds, and the taller ones suit thick mattresses on raised frames.

Tops are about 35 to 60 cm wide. On the wall side of a bed, a 35 to 40 cm table still leaves room to get in and out. One drawer is enough for chargers and glasses; two drawers give room for medicine, tissues and other small things you want out of sight.

Solid Malaysian Oak and acacia tops cope with daily knocks, but use a coaster under a cold glass, since condensation in humid Malaysian weather can leave rings on wood. Wipe veneer and lacquered finishes with a soft, well wrung cloth.