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Black walnut is the darkest of the major furniture hardwoods, and a walnut bedside table is the easiest way to bring it into a bedroom without committing to a whole suite. Every piece in this collection is solid American black walnut, FAS-graded, 40–50cm wide, with and without a drawer. Walnut-colour pieces in stained oak or other timbers are kept in our main bedside tables range, so what you see here is the real timber all the way through.
What Makes Black Walnut Different
American black walnut (Juglans nigra) has a chocolate-brown heartwood with purple and grey undertones and a straight, open grain. It is not stained to get that colour. Over years in a sunny room it mellows to a warmer, slightly lighter brown — the opposite of oak, which deepens towards honey. Walnut is a little softer than oak, so it takes a dent from a dropped glass more easily, but it is very stable and resists the seasonal movement that makes drawers stick.
What FAS-Graded Means
FAS (Firsts and Seconds) is the top grade in the hardwood lumber grading rules used for American timber. Boards must be long, wide and mostly free of knots and defects on the show face. It costs more than common grades, and it is why the drawer fronts and tops on these tables show long, even grain rather than patched or knotty sections.
Getting the Height Right
A bedside table should sit level with, or a few centimetres below, the top of your mattress — for most Australian beds that is 48–55cm. Most of the tables here are 48–53cm tall. If you sleep on a low platform or a floor-level bed, the low-profile Asher at 29cm high is made for exactly that. Allow at least 35cm depth if you want a lamp, a phone and a glass of water on top at the same time.
Pairing Walnut With the Rest of the Room
Walnut bedside tables work against a light oak or ash bed frame as a deliberate contrast, or alongside a black walnut bed for a darker, more tonal room. Avoid pairing with a stained "walnut finish" piece side by side — the real timber and the stain will never quite match. For the living room, see our solid walnut TV units in the same timber.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these bedside tables solid walnut or walnut veneer?
Every table in this collection is solid American black walnut, FAS-graded. Walnut-colour pieces made from stained oak or other timbers are listed in our main bedside tables range instead.
Does black walnut get darker over time?
No - walnut slowly lightens and warms to a golden-brown with sunlight over several years. Oak does the opposite and deepens. Keeping the table out of direct afternoon sun slows the change.
What height should a bedside table be?
Level with or slightly below the top of your mattress, which is 48-55cm for most beds. For low platform or floor beds, choose a low-profile table around 30cm high.
Is walnut harder or softer than oak?
Black walnut is somewhat softer than American oak, so it marks a little more easily, but it is very stable and moves less with humidity. A coaster under glasses is all most bedside tables need.
Do walnut bedside tables need assembly?
Some arrive fully assembled and some need simple assembly with instructions included. Each product page states which, along with the exact dimensions.
Can I mix a walnut bedside table with an oak bed?
Yes - a walnut bedside next to a light oak or ash bed is a deliberate contrast that works well. What does not work is real walnut next to a walnut-stained piece, because the colours never quite match.
More for the bedroom: All bedside tables · Bedroom furniture · Black walnut furniture
Delivery, Showrooms & White-Glove Setup
We ship Australia-wide from our Silverwater (Sydney), Melbourne and Brisbane warehouses. Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane metro receive free delivery on orders over $600; $50 flat rate under $600. Adelaide, Perth, Hobart and Darwin ship via Direct Freight Express with a live rate quoted at checkout — most orders arrive within 5–10 business days.
Prefer to see the timber first? Visit our showrooms at Silverwater NSW, Melbourne VIC, or Brisbane QLD seven days a week (Sydney closed Saturdays for pickup). Room placement, packaging removal and upstairs carries can be arranged as a paid extra, quoted on the day based on access and stairs.
Ready to Furnish Your Home?
Every Oak & Walnut piece is backed by a 10-year structural warranty and a 30-day change-of-mind return window (return freight and a 20% restocking fee apply). If you would like timber samples posted before you buy, or you have a custom sizing enquiry, our team replies within one business day. Contact us here or email info@oakwalnut.com.au — we’re happy to help you plan the room.