The importance of a side table in a space is often overlooked and we’re not sure why. Not only are they the perfect surface for your lighting needs but they can act as a shelf for drinks and remote controls when placed next to or in front of the sofa in the living room. However, these handy tables can be used for so much more than that, next to a bed they are the perfect nightstand and in a kitchen where space is limited, a small side table could be the ideal place for additional appliances. Because these tables are incredibly useful, there are many styles and designs to choose from, which is what also makes choosing one extremely difficult. Luckily, EZ Living Furniture is here to help. We have put together this guide with various names, designs, materials, and sizes to make your decision a lot easier. Keep reading to discover the ideal side table for you!
What Small Table Should I Choose?
There are so many small tables to choose from and they are known by various names. We will go through each one to distinguish between them all, but bear in mind that a lot of these are used interchangeably in conversation.
Side Tables: Firstly, side tables. These are small tables placed next to a piece of furniture that a person would sit on, such as a couch or bed. Its main purpose is to ensure that essential items are within easy reach. These tables typically have a larger surface area than end tables.
Sofa Tables: Sofa tables are long, narrow tables whereby the interconnected leg is designed to slide under a sofa or armchair. The top of this table is supposed to tower over the arm of the piece thus creating a surface on which to place something.
End Tables: As the name suggests, an end table is a table that is placed at the end of a piece of furniture. An end table is typically smaller than a side table and is designed to fit into tight spaces.
Lamp Tables: You might sometimes hear of a lamp table but this is simply an end table or side table that supports a lamp.
As mentioned, these names are often used interchangeably, so don’t get too bogged down by the terminology. All you really need to know is that these are small tables that really can be used to suit a whole range of purposes, you just need to be open to the idea.
What Size Table Should I Choose?
The size you choose is heavily influenced by the size of the room you plan on placing it in. Surrounding furniture will also impact your decision. While a lot of these can be personally overruled by preference, there are a few rules you must follow when thinking about the size of your table and this includes height and width.
Side Table or End Table Height: The standard height for a side table or end table is between 60cm and 80cm. The table height you choose should always be in proportion to what is placed next to it. For instance, if you put it next to a sofa or armchair, your table should be within 5cm of that accompanying item’s height. If you plan on using your table beside your bed, its height should be the same as the top of your mattress, give or take 5cm to 10cm.
Sofa Table Height: Sofa tables are unique in that they are designed to slot over the arm of a sofa or armchair. This usually means that they are higher than a standard side table or end table. Sofa tables will typically measure between 75cm and 90cm.
Lamp Table Height: When purchasing a lamp table it’s important to take both the height of the lamp and table into consideration. Together, they should be between 147cm to 162cm. This rule helps to create a cohesive and proportional look in the space. This same height guide applies to floor lamps.
Does The Width Of A Side Table Really Matter?
This matters a lot more than you think. In order to prevent your furniture from looking out-of-place or cramped, you must leave at least a few centimetres of clearance between them. If you don’t consider the width when measuring your table against your space and surrounding furniture, then your space can feel tight and out of proportion.
Side Table & End Table Width: The average width of a small table is typically between 40cm and 55cm. If it’s for your bedroom, let the size of your bed guide you to make sure everything looks in proportion. For instance, you’ll likely want a wider piece if you have a king-size bed.
Sofa Table & Lamp Table Width: Sofa tables and Lamp tables tend to be narrower because they have been solely created to fulfil their one purpose, to accommodate a lamp or mug of tea. The average sofa table and lamp table width is between 30cm and 38cm.
It’s incredibly important to think about what’s going to be placed on your side table. If you plan to only keep a big statement lamp on your table, then a lamp table is the ideal choice, however, if you need more surface space, then a side table or end table might be the best decision for you.
What About Depth?
Side Table Depth:
There isn’t an average small table depth because these can vary drastically from one another depending on style. This is more of a visual consideration because your table will look best if it matches the depth of your surrounding furniture such as a sofa. Anything shorter or longer could make a room feel unbalanced.
What Shape & Style of Side Table Is Best?
Now that you have a good idea of what size you require, it’s about time you start thinking about shape. The shape you choose is directly related to the size of your space, it can significantly impact a room’s proportions and overall look if chosen incorrectly, so it is definitely something important to consider.
Rectangular & Square Side Tables: Rectangular and square are perfect for small corners. Their clean lines fit naturally against walls and they can make an awkward space look functional. The only thing you need to understand though is that this shape will typically take up more floor space than a round alternative.
Circular & Oval Side Tables: If you’re someone who is tight on space, a circular or oval side table would be the best option for you. A curvaceous table consumes less space than a square or rectangular design and is visually softer overall. This shape is great for homes with smaller children too because their soft edges aren’t a hazard like sharp edges could be.
Nesting Tables: Nesting tables are multiple tables placed in a group of one, two, three, or even four. Each table is graduated in size and stacked to emphasise their varying heights. Nesting tables are perfect for small rooms because they provide extra tables when needed but don’t consume any extra space when stacked neatly back together.
Drum Side Tables: A drum side table has the same silhouette as a drum - hence the name. Usually circular and solid in shape, it won’t have any storage capabilities because it tends to prioritise design over function. On its own, a drum side table can create a fabulous statement piece in any room.
What Side Table Material Should I Choose?
The answer to this question all depends on your lifestyle. I have listed some of the most common materials below and their benefits, but ultimately you will need to decide on which one best fits your individual requirements.
Wood: Wood is probably the most popular material because it is strong and will last a lifetime if cared for correctly. Still, it isn’t without its disadvantages. If you plan on regularly switching up your interior decor, wood might not be the most practical choice because it can be heavy and will be more difficult to move from place to place than alternative materials. Don’t forget to use coasters too because wood can be susceptible to staining and burn marks depending on the wood type.
Glass: Glass side tables are incredibly modern in their design. Their contemporary look is perfect for small sitting rooms because their transparency helps to give the illusion of more space. Practically, this table requires more maintenance than other materials because dust tends to gather easily on the surface of glass. Still, this can be easily removed using a lint-free cloth and glass spray.
Metal: Choose metal if you want the ultimate statement piece. Metal side tables usually come in unique and unusual shapes, some even with cut-out designs which helps to create a more modern and industrial look. Metal tables can be crafted from aluminium, steel, or iron, so it’s important to assess the metal type before choosing because each one will have its own individual care instructions.
Now that you’ve identified your perfect side table you can start to browse larger like coffee tables. To learn more about these larger tables, read our Ultimate Guide To Coffee Tables here.
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