How to Choose Bedside Storage That Works for Both Partners

Storage That Suits Two Routines

Shared bedrooms ask more of bedside furniture than single ones. Two people, two routines and often two very different ideas of tidiness all meet at the cabinet beside the bed. Getting the storage right is less about compromise and more about being clear on what each partner needs, then choosing pieces that quietly support both. Here is how we suggest approaching it.

Start With Routines, Not Furniture

Before looking at any cabinet, think about what actually lives by the bed. One partner may want a charger, a book and reading glasses. The other may need a glass of water, a sleep mask and a journal. A few minutes of honest stocktaking saves buying a cabinet that is either too small or full of empty drawers.

Match the Cabinet to the Bed Height

Both partners should be able to reach the cabinet without leaning awkwardly. As a guide, the top of the cabinet should sit within 5cm of the top of the mattress. If one side of the bed has a taller stack of pillows, do not be tempted to raise that cabinet; the room looks calmer when both cabinets stay at the same height.

Decide Whether to Match or Mix

Matching cabinets create a settled, symmetrical feel. Mixing two related but different cabinets, perhaps one with drawers and one with an open shelf, can suit couples whose routines differ significantly. The trick is to keep the finish and width close. Our full bedside cabinets range includes options that pair comfortably even when not identical.

Think About Drawer Storage Per Side

A single open shelf rarely contains the small clutter of two people. Look for cabinets with at least one drawer per side. Two drawers per cabinet works well in larger bedrooms, particularly when one partner needs a quiet home for medication, chargers and small electronics. Soft close runners reduce the morning thud when one of you wakes earlier.

Consider Wider Cabinets for King Beds

A king or super king bed can look unbalanced beside narrow cabinets. A width of 45 to 55cm sits more comfortably alongside a wider headboard and gives both partners enough surface space for a lamp and a book without crowding the alarm clock.

Plan for Lighting

Independent lighting is one of the simplest ways to make a shared bedroom easier to live in. A small lamp on each cabinet allows one partner to read while the other sleeps. If surface space is tight, wall mounted reading lights free the cabinet top for everything else.

Build a Coordinated Bedroom

If you are setting up a new bedroom together, looking at bedroom furniture sets can save time and ensure pieces feel cohesive. A coordinated wardrobe, chest of drawers and bedside cabinets remove a lot of decisions in one go. Choose a finish you both like, and let smaller accessories carry your individual taste.

Address Overflow With a Chest of Drawers

Bedside cabinets are not the only solution. A shared chest of drawers within a few steps of the bed handles bulkier items such as pyjamas, socks and chargers in bulk. This keeps the bedside cabinets calm and lets each side hold only what is used daily.

Pick Materials You Both Live With

Finish is where preferences often differ. If one partner leans modern and the other leans classic, a piece from our wooden bedside cabinets selection offers a quiet middle ground. Solid timber finishes feel warm without being heavily traditional and sit happily in most schemes.

Care for the Shared Space

Once the cabinets are in place, a small weekly reset keeps things calm. Two minutes to empty stray receipts, charge cables and water glasses prevents the gradual creep that turns a tidy cabinet into a dumping ground.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do bedside cabinets need to match?

No, but they should feel related. Matching the height and overall finish creates a sense of order, even if the internal storage differs slightly.

What size cabinet suits a double bed?

A width of 40 to 45cm is a comfortable starting point. For king and super king beds, look at 45 to 55cm wide cabinets.

How many drawers do I need per side?

One drawer covers basic essentials. Two drawers are useful if one partner wants to keep small electronics, medication or a journal tucked away.

Where can I see a range of bedside cabinets?

You can browse our complete selection at Furniture in Fashion, with options for shared and single bedrooms in a variety of finishes.