Abstract: A height adjustable bedside table having a gas spring with a gas cylinder and reciprocating shaft and a locking mechanism that locks the shaft against movement with respect to the cylinder while maintaining a common longitudinal axis of the cylinder and shaft. The locking mechanism is mounted to the gas cylinder and includes a locking plate having an aperture which receives the reciprocating shaft to selectively lock the shaft with respect to the cylinder. The locking plate is mounted for selective movement to lock the shaft in one position and to free the shaft for longitudinal movement with respect to the locking plate in another position. A locking plate spring is mounted to the one frame member for biasing the locking plate to the one position.