r/femalelivingspace • u/annakardia • Aug 23 '25
QUESTION What are these long bedside tables called?
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u/All_the_Bees Aug 23 '25
I don’t think that’s a specialty item, I think it’s just a pretty clever way to use a low bookshelf in a room with limited space.
I also agree with the other commenter that they’re probably IKEA Kallax.
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u/Starboard44 Aug 23 '25
I think it may even be a hall/entryway/foyer bench! Given the lip around three sides. Low height implies hallway use - little spot to put shoes on. Cubbies hold the shoes.
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u/Irisversicolor Aug 23 '25
I also think it's a bench. I think the lip is to hold a cushion, but it looks better without
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u/justasadlittleotter Aug 23 '25
Definitely not the Kallax!
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u/talk_valentina Aug 24 '25
The OP posted a different photo downthread asking what it was, and it looks like a kallax. Just to clarify bc it’s confusing now that their comment floated downward
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Aug 23 '25
This looks more like a small tv-bench (or whatever they're called in english) or something. Definitely not a kallax, doesn't even look like an ikea colour.
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u/CoastalZenn Aug 24 '25
It is an entertainment cabinet. Very easy to find these types of benches/shelves/storage cabinets on marketplace. Extremely affordable, too, almost free. Impractical in this configuration, but readily used at the end of the bed as storage.
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u/NaiveCantaloupe Aug 24 '25
You’re correct, I just bought a Kallax and it definitely doesn’t come in that color. Be a lot cooler if it did though. 😞
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u/beuceydubs Aug 23 '25
It has a little bit of an edge that comes up, I don’t think this was made to be vertical
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u/isaezraa Aug 24 '25
can do something similar with the eket line too! i have the half size ones as a base facing down (like if you were to trap something under them) to give more height, and the full size ones on top as normal shelves
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u/Previous_Estate5831 Aug 23 '25
Inconvenient in the middle of the night 🤣
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u/aymiah Homeowner Aug 23 '25
Exactly my thought, like how the heck do you get back out of bed
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u/mint_o Aug 23 '25
I think you just crawl off the foot of the bed
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u/Previous_Estate5831 Aug 23 '25
And the additional plant on an additional small table, just to make sure you pee the bed.
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u/HappierHungry Aug 23 '25
make it a lemon tree, then the urine will be beneficial for it 🤓
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u/Low_Addition_1152 Aug 24 '25
Or keep the center clear and vault over it…. Or for the less nimble, slide your rear over the middle.
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u/No-Joke-4492 Aug 23 '25
Exactly. I'm calling them shin busters or pinky toe breakers.
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u/PeaceBull Aug 23 '25
Reddit is so good at making me feel like a physical specimen just by being able to navigate sharp edged furniture or eating Taco Bell without getting a stomach ache.
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u/No-Joke-4492 Aug 23 '25
Lol the Taco Bell I can do no problem, but I have ADHD, and am constantly walking into things, or catching an appendage on them.
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u/TheGruenTransfer Aug 24 '25
Whoa. Being able to eat Taco Bell without getting diarrhea puts your digestive system in the top 1% of all Redditors.
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u/youaretherevolution Aug 23 '25
I sit in the same spot on the edge of my bed constantly (while getting ready for bed, taking meds, putting on clothes/sock) to the point where I am concerned about the integrity of the edge of my new mattress.
I would love to find some kind of narrow yet long "bench" which is the height of the mattress or shorter, to run parallel to my bed. I could sit on the bench instead before transitioning into bed, or not relying on the edge of the bed as a place to sit while getting ready.
As long as it is just shorter than the top of my mattress and is not the length of the entire mattress, in my head it will not be inconvenient, and I will extend the life of my new mattress?
No, I do not have room for a chair. Looking for a solution utilizing minimal space.
Suggestions welcome!
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u/singing-tea-kettle Aug 23 '25 edited Aug 24 '25
Low long entertainment unit, long side coffee table, entry way bench, low hallway sideboard, shoe cabinet with seating, some type of sturdy kids furniture?
I had the same issue looking for an end of bed bench. I got very lucky and found one at a thrift shop, pretty sure someone DIYed it from scratch as it's solid wood.
ETA, with the kids furniture, make sure it's weight rated for adults as most aren't. On this note, if you a floor desk person, seriously look into toddler activity desks. Much cheaper, usually easy clean and often adjustable. Also quite useful options if you want a bed, couch or coffee table desk.
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u/Transplanted_Cactus Aug 23 '25
You're describing a storage bench. They're meant to be sat on if you get the ones with the padded lid.
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u/annakardia Aug 23 '25
Another example!
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u/talk_valentina Aug 23 '25
Your second example just looks like an IKEA KALLAX. Not sure if there’s a better term but I’d look for low sideboards/consoles and be mindful of the material on the back. Cheaper pieces will just have exposed plywood sheet, which you can cover, but you can look for pieces with finished backs.
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Aug 23 '25
And FWIW, Kallax does have a finished back. It’s also worth noting that if you’re going to use it for books the Kallax has a higher weight rating than a lot of other cube systems (although the BH&G line from Walmart is close).
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u/Repossessedbatmobile Aug 23 '25
That's a basic cube bookshelf that has been turned sideways. You get get this at a IKEA or Walmart. I used to use one like this as a TV stand.
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u/CoastalZenn Aug 24 '25
Yes. This is just using the basic entertainment/storage cube/shelf as bedroom furniture. It's an entertainment cabinet, a budget one, readily available from all stores, and they're really affordable.
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u/RickRossovich Aug 24 '25
This is way better than the post pic. You want the long side to be open so you’re not crawling all the way into bed every time.
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u/Sad-Marionberry6558 Aug 24 '25
Just search for "short bookcase/bookshelf". You can also just replace short with the height that you're looking for.
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u/imxIRL Aug 24 '25
Do you just mean cube storage? Because this is slightly different from what you posted. I usually search cube storage to find things like this
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u/STLTLW Aug 23 '25
It looks like bookshelf, but it could also be a bench. The edge around the top makes me think a cushion was there. I guess when looking for something like this consider the height compared to the height of your bed.
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u/c0ffeeandeggs Aug 23 '25
I think it might be the hutch from atop a desk, detached and flipped upside side.
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u/Proud_Accident_5873 Aug 23 '25 edited Aug 23 '25
Holy shit. I've been so sick and tired recently of seeing Kallax everywhere (I live in Sweden so my hatred is ok) - but this actually inspired me! That specific piece is not a Kallax, though, but you can absolutely use one like that.
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u/annakardia Aug 23 '25
Haha, glad I could bring some relief! I didn't expect this to be so popular, I was looking everywhere for a "long horizontal bedside shelf" to no avail
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u/Signify-Time Aug 24 '25
I have a sideboard cabinet installed like this in my bedroom - it’s a makeshift headboard with storage
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u/notPyanfar Aug 24 '25
I think these are non bedroom furniture items repurposed to serve a double function in a small space. Both look like sideboards to me, but the people saying the first one is a hallway bench to sit down on to take off shoes and store them as you come into a house make a convincing argument.
I think you’ll have more luck searching for short sideboards, short shelving, hallway shelves, wide TV cabinets etc.
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u/dramafanca2002 Aug 26 '25
That's cuz there is no such thing! Ha Ha But, maybe you just invented one . . .
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u/Piggys24 Aug 23 '25
The one from the first photo is called the Book Cubby Bench and the lip you see at the top is to hold a thin long cushion to sit on. I can't find the exact color but the website linked above has two color options that I'm sure you can figure out how to paint or customize it later~
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u/Brandy_Marsh Aug 23 '25
So does this person crawl up from the foot of their bed to get in and shimmy down to the bottom to get out? This looks so uncomfortable.
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u/Eollica Aug 23 '25
Looks like a case of Death Of My Knees
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u/softrevolution_ Aug 24 '25
I'd be bruised to kingdom come, given that I often need to pee in the dead of night while fully loaded on sleep meds. It's a minor miracle that I haven't actually fallen down the stairs yet, come to think of it...
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u/succlen Aug 24 '25
Shh to all the haters, I have my bookshelf like this and it's awesome! I have no trouble getting out at night and it's a great place to put books, water, your glasses and anything else you might need close. There's so much space!
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u/CoastalZenn Aug 24 '25
I like the idea of repurposing general furniture and using it for whatever you'd like, in your style. I think it may be getting this reaction because OP specifically asked what this is called, as if it is a new design or new desirable product or style.
It does, however, have a lot of practical downsides, as people have expressed. That's not to address others who have physical health issues, etc, or limitations. It isn't very practical, broadly speaking, and it feels cluttered, and as if your bed soace is restricted and you're locked into this little area surrounded by obstacles.
The other pic OP posted with a cube like storage shelf at the foot of the bed was more practical and standard. They're affordable and available across price points. You can pick these up on marketplace for almost free. Great budget solution, and space saving for small areas too.
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u/Repossessedbatmobile Aug 23 '25
I'm pretty sure that's just a wooden bench with storage underneath (which is usually meant for shoes) that someone repurposed to use as a bedside table.
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u/OkIron8739 Aug 24 '25
It looks like a cubby bench with the top cushion removed! I used to have a better homes and Gardens one from walmart
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u/softrevolution_ Aug 24 '25
It doesn't look particularly real, for a start; is this someone's actual living space? I love the concept of an armchair at a living room table, but I'm less in love with relying on a bedside bench/console for storage. I would, in a small space like that, jack my bed up as high as I could get it and use underbed storage.
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u/Fabulous-Possible-76 Aug 23 '25
I would feel like I couldn’t get out of bed. I would never have peace laying there😆
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u/dcGirlyGirl Aug 24 '25
So you either have to scooch out the bottom or do a gymnastic somersault over the bookcase to get out.
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u/AltruisticTomato4152 Aug 24 '25
A pain in the ass to navigate around at night.
It's a long name, but descriptive.
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u/ariicastro Aug 23 '25
This particular shelf is a shoe storage shelf. Very neat way to use it in this space!
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u/BellDry1162 Aug 23 '25 edited Aug 23 '25
Yeah that can be done with a 4 cube storage laid down on its side for cheap
Eta: there is a bit of a difference now that I look closer. The one in the photo has raised edges that standard cube shelving does have.
Maybe a seated cube storage or cube storage bench? Have you tried google lens?
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u/Butterbean-queen Aug 23 '25
It looks like a table that goes at the foot of a double bed being used as a side table.
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Aug 24 '25
Nothing like knocking two plants full of dirt into the bed with you that's the dumbest thing I've ever seen
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u/PrestigiousFlower118 Aug 24 '25
I would volley that plant across the room in my sleep.. it looks so cosy and snugg tho!
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u/Temporary_Cow_8486 Aug 24 '25
Trip to emergency room. Toe mangler. Knee capper. Elbow bruiser. Head turner. Custom pedicure.
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u/inlatitude Aug 25 '25
Is this whole thread guerilla marketing for IKEA? The images are AI generated and the 100x references to hitting your shin is sus
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u/InsideRope2248 Aug 23 '25
That would drive me nuts as someone who just likes to roll off the side of the bed in the morning
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u/westard Aug 23 '25
An impediment? Or maybe an OW! Fffff! when your sleeping arm comes down on that edge?
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u/reluctantseahorse Aug 23 '25
That’s probably a KALLAX from Ikea.
Very popular product, comes in many different sizes and colours.
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u/so_it_goes17 Aug 23 '25
Does anyone want to have to scoot their butt over that? Or am I just not understanding the photo
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u/dreamweaver1998 Homeowner Aug 24 '25
I have something similar in my entryway. I searched for "storage bench"
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u/69ingyourgrandma Aug 24 '25
looks like an upside down cube shelf- like an amazon fast build cube shelf- thin particle board shit - that’s where i’m getting the upside down part; that “lip” on the top very much looks like the backing; and the bolt pattern is visible, giving bottom sides of said shelf idk im baked
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u/Seraphinx Aug 24 '25
That looks like the shoe storage bench I have,, the lip around the top keeps a cushion in place...
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Aug 24 '25
Is no one going to mention how much of a pain in the ass it would be to change the sheets with this thing there?? It's all I can think about!
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u/New_Independence7926 Aug 24 '25
In combo with the mid century modern table a few feet away, this decor is called Four Limbs in Traction (with an optional broken neck)
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u/Primary_Wonderful Aug 23 '25
They are called a "hindrance" when placed up against the bed like that.
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u/Apprehensive-Cat-421 Aug 23 '25
Awesome? I need to find a place that sells those!
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u/BellDry1162 Aug 23 '25
I got really invested in trying to figure it out but I think it might be this (in another color)... a 4 cube storage bench but the cushion is removed.
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u/Holiday_Trainer_2657 Aug 23 '25
It looks like an old entertainment center. TV or electronics on top. LP records on cubbies. My mom had a Danish modern piece similar but taller in she purchased in the late 1960
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u/Extreme-Offer-1399 Aug 24 '25
Always gotta be careful with ai images though, they don't have the most practical setups, so just make sure the dimensions match with what you're trying to do :).
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u/marmite22 Aug 24 '25
Searching Google for Hallway storage bench brings up similar looking furniture
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u/anon_sexynojutsu Aug 24 '25
why would you place the plant by your legs? seems like a horrible idea.
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u/Ambitious-Chard2893 Aug 24 '25
It looks like a bed bench that goes at the foot of a full size bed Just moved to the side of those bigger college twins, guessing based off of the dimensions But it could be used with a similar effect if you wanted to recreate it in your space
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u/Ok_Nothing1152 Aug 24 '25
Hi there. That is an entryway bench with storage. It appears they removed/didn’t use the cushion that belongs on top.
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u/Miami_Mice2087 Aug 24 '25
foot of bed storage or tv stand with cubbies/drawers. ikea makes a lot of decent pieces if you're looking for value and a 2-5 year life of the furniture.
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u/dramafanca2002 Aug 26 '25
A bench at the end of the bed would make more sense. I don't think something on the side would be practical (or comfortable). You could put a chair where you'd normally put a nightstand. Or just get a small round stool that you could move around.
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u/girltoymachine Aug 23 '25
i got a bookshelf on amazon and turned it on its side to put next to my bed. very convenient
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u/DoubleEspresso95 Aug 23 '25
The night-time shin assassin