Menu

Best Bedside Shelf

Corey Majeau

A nightstand has been a staple piece of furniture in a bedroom for hundreds of years but being able to use one assumes you have enough space on the side of your bed. That may not always be the case. So what do you do when the layout doesn’t allow you for a classic nightstand table? A bedside shelf could be the answer to your small bedroom or maybe in your tiny house, petite apartment, RV, dorm room or houseboat. Often times the biggest problem we face with a small bedroom is the lack of space around the bed.  That is where a bedside shelf comes in. Originally created for dorm rooms and bunk beds, these handy and compact shelves are making a splash in the even the most sophisticated bedrooms.  A bedside shelf attaches easily to the bedframe with the help of a sturdy clamp. Different designs have slightly different methods and requirements for attaching so make sure you read them carefully and measure your frame and mattress prior to your purchase

These shelves offer different maximum weight capacity but before you become bewitched by a high weight capacity, take stock on what you are really planning to use the shelf for.  This will give you a better idea of what weight capacity you really need. Do you have more needs aside from your computer, a book, a glass of water, perhaps some tissues and maybe a clock? So make a list of what you would use your table for, gather them together and weigh them en masse. Of course add a bit to the end result for the unknown and unexpected.

1. BedShelfie The Original Bedside Shelf – Editor's Choice

Check Price
  • Product Dimensions: 12.75 x 8.5 inches x 3 inches tall
  • Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds

2. Bedside Table Caddy, Clip-On Nightstand

Check Price
  • Product Dimensions: 15 x 9 x 3 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1 pound

3. HAOYPAIC Bamboo Bedside Shelf

Check Price
  • Product Dimensions: 16 x 11 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 3 pounds

4. Betoores Bedside Storage Organizer Caddy

Check Price
  • Size: 14.57 x 11.54 x 2.6 H
  • Weight: Weight: 11.7 ounces
  • Holds up to 20 pounds

5. CYK Studio Phone Bed/Bedside Shelf

Check Price
  • Size: 11.81 x 7.09 x 7.87
  • Weight: 1.43 pounds
  • Holds up to 2.2 pounds

Best Bedside Shelf

1. BedShelfie The Original Bedside Shelf – Editor's Choice

Highlights

  • Product Dimensions: 12.75 x 8.5 inches x 3 inches tall
  • Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds

Pros

  • 15lbs maximum weight limit
  • Eco-friendly bamboo built
  • Two-wire charging slots
  • Scandinavian minimalist design
  • No tools required

Cons

  • Smaller than many of the new products on market

Created by a former Disney Imagineer through a Kickstarter campaign, these eco-friendly shelves are crafted out of bamboo and really kicked off the bed shelf craze. Their minimalist style is inspired by Scandinavian design and what that means for you is this shelf will fit in with any decor. The shelf has an innovative no-tool assembly, which allows for easy and quick installations by using a simple tightening clamp. The tray has thoughtfully integrated dual wire slots for your mobile and electronic devices and the table safely holds up to 15 pounds of your most important bedside items, including computer devices. The original, of course, has given way to various additional options so if this version does not work for your bed, take a look at their slide trays and other products

Who should buy this bedside shelf:  

If you are the kind of person who wants to go right to the source, you should purchase your bedside tray from the inventor of the genre.

2. Runner Up: Bedside Table Caddy, Clip-On Nightstand

Highlights

  • Product Dimensions: 15 x 9 x 3 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1 pound

Pros

  • Sturdy construction
  • 50 Pounds maximum weight
  • Easy installation

Cons

  • Not large enough to accommodate some laptops

This is a really sturdy bed shelf, stable enough to support up to 50 pounds! So if you have stacks of books you want to get through, along with a few electronic devices, maybe your Bluetooth speakers, big alarm clock and more, this table will fit your needs. Even better, it has a very versatile attachment device that will fit any frame, headboard, and even bunk beds and loft beds.

Since it doesn’t need tools for installation, set up is a snap. It comes in stylish black or white that are easy to fit aesthetically in most settings, and the shelf has a specially designed slot for a cup holder, and additional sides slots for cable cord charging management.

Who should buy this bedside shelf:

This shelf will hold up to 50 pounds and has lots of extras built in which make it a perfect choice for any teenager or dorm room or other small space.

3. Best Tech: HAOYPAIC Bamboo Bedside Shelf

Highlights

  • Product Dimensions: 16 x 11 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 3 pounds

Pros

  • Large base
  • Quality bamboo construction
  • Built-in wireless charger
  • Easy to assemble

Cons

  • Charger could be of better quality

This bedside organizer is equipped with your electronics in mind. Not only does it include a built-in wireless charger for your phone but you can also keep cables (e.g. from your laptop charger) tucked away thanks to two groves on the sides of the shelf. Keep pesky charging cords to stay out of your way and make it easy to charge all of your devices. It can also be used in other places for a family charging station, and it will keep all the cords and devices organized through the charging process.

The shelf itself is 15.5 inches, and it’s constructed from heavy-duty bamboo with a maximum load capacity of 20 lbs. You can rest assured it is durable and made to last. The frame clamp includes silicone rubber stoppers that do something many bed shelves don’t: they wrap around the screws to avoid damaging your bed frame or post.

Who should buy this bedside shelf:

If you want to charge your phone without having to worry about cables, or want your bedside shelf to double as a media station right next to your bed, then this elegant bamboo bedside shelf with an integrated wireless charger and iPad holder is the way to go.

4. Best Multitasker: Betoores Bedside Storage Organizer Caddy

Highlights

  • Size: 14.57 x 11.54 x 2.6 H
  • Weight: Weight: 11.7 ounces
  • Holds up to 20 pounds

Pros

  • Multipurpose organization
  • Simple to install
  • Sturdy
  • Optimized accessibility
  • Highly recommended reviews

Cons

  • Could be considered costly

This versatile, multipurpose organizer caddy creates extra storage but won’t take up room on your bedside table or nightstand. It’s the perfect solution for storing magazines, books, remote controls. Comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Who should buy this bedside caddy

This is a great purchase for anyone who is currently spending a lot of time in bed. If you are recovering from a surgery or someone looking for a present for an elderly parent, the extra pocket organizer caddy provides all the space anyone would need at his or her bedside.

5. Best Compact: CYK Studio Phone Bed/Bedside Shelf

Highlights

  • Size: 11.81 x 7.09 x 7.87
  • Weight: 1.43 pounds
  • Holds up to 2.2 pounds

Pros

  • Special USB cable slots
  • Smallest footprint
  • Adjustable table height
  • Easy to install

Cons

  • Low weight capacity
  • Plastic construction
  • Does not work on all beds

This super compact bedside shelf is the answer if you have very limited space between your mattress and the wall.  Its full size being only 11.81 x 7.09 x 7.87 inches, it is the smallest we have seen on the market.  It also uses a clamp-less mechanism to attach to the bed so it’s a good choice if you are worried about damage to your bed frame or if you have round or a metal frame.  It is constructed out of plastic and includes a slot for charging cables and a phone stand. Due to its size and construction, it has a low weight capacity but it still makes a suitable addition to hold your remote, phone and a few accessorizes. Very easy to assemble but make sure you check the assembly sheet prior to buying that shows the size options for the table and make sure it is compatible for your use.

Who should buy this bedside shelf:

If you truly have limited space between your bed and the wall but are looking for something to put a few light items on this compact shelf will work for you.

You may be interested in: Best Bedside Organizers for the Bedroom

Things to Consider

When you are interested in finding the ultimate bedside shelf for your bed, here are some of the considerations to check out.

  • Construction: The bedside shelves for beds have been built from different materials like metal, wood, and plastic. Make sure you check for the perfect build that will serve you. The metallic units are known to be highly durable though may rust. On the other hand, you may also check for wooden units made from quality bamboo material as they serve longer and are also renewable.
  • Size: For the perfect size that will suit your items, you need to look out for the ultimate size. The units have been made in different sizes with smaller, medium, and larger sizes. The larger sizes are perfect for items including books, laptops, coffee mugs, and much more.
  • Weight Capacity: Be sure that you examine the maximum weight capacity of the unit before making the order. There are sturdy and stable shelves that can support up to 30 pounds, while others that are made for only lightweight items with less stability.
  • Design: As you are looking, you will notice that the designs are fairly similar.  You can also find them in various colors and shades of wood grain. Some of them have a larger wooden profile with side rails that look a bit more like furniture, while some are so streamlined they look like an airline tray table. For the most part they look like a shelf attached to your bedside – a bed shelf.
  • Warranty: Many of the manufacturers offer a satisfaction guarantee or a warranty.  If you have never used this product before and it may be something you want to have, they are extremely reasonable in price and are not a risky purchase.
  • Installation: Part of the beauty of the bedside shelf is the ease of installation, all done without tools.  Still, make sure the size of your mattress and type of frame is compatible with your purchase.

Last Words:

Most of us grew up with a nightstand beside our bed and are accustomed to having that space for things we may want to use throughout the night.  Nowadays with the expanded use of cell phones and other electronic devices, most people need a place to put them while they slumber.  But not all rooms have the luxury of space around the bed for a nightstand.

Bunk beds and dorm rooms have always struggled with this problem. However now a multitude of manufactures have begun making a bedside shelf. This is a much smaller version of a nightstand and takes up no additional floor space.  It solves the problem of where to put your phone, glass of water and some, even your computer or tablet. The bedside shelves have been designed in different sizes and finished in various colors from which to choose and are also easy and quick to install in minutes without the use of any tools.  They are made of different materials although the most commonly used is bamboo, which is an ecologically friendly form of wood.

Before you purchase, note the maximum weight requirements so you are sure to purchase the best product for your needs.  Some of these shelves have slots for your charging cords, pens and even cup holders.  If you have been trying to solve the problem of your missing beside table this is the answer you have been searching for.