Side Tables

The side table is arguably one of the most functional little pieces of furniture in the home, often used as that perfect perch for a drink or magazine, and as a place to display items of interest. While they’re not generally the focal point of a living room, side tables are an important part of the overall design, adding both beauty and function.

How to choose the perfect side table

The perfect side table, whether for occasional or everyday use, will contribute greatly to a relaxing social space. You can’t look past a side table for ease of access to drinks and nibbles, books, phone or to place those beautiful flowers. Incredibly functional, there is no need to compromise on style - with a wide selection of materials, shapes, sizes and designs to suit individual preference.

Whether for a living room, bedroom, bathroom or hallway, the options in terms of style and materials are endless. From crisp glass, to noble marble, classic wood or metal for an industrial look, or the more modern acrylic or Lucite, a side table can blend into the existing furniture mix – or become a talking point in its own right.

Consider a mirrored side table for an elegant space to place that special vase adding light to the surroundings and offering a classic, unimposing yet striking appeal. A tall side table may be the best option for the entranceway, bathroom or hallway, as a striking alternative to a more imposing sideboard.

The timeless beauty of nesting side tables

A highly popular piece since the 19th Century, the inventor of nesting tables clearly had an eye on future apartment living, as they are an exceptionally useful addition to small space living – but also valuable in any size home or office.

These timeless, versatile and space saving sets of two, three or four small tables fit neatly together until the need arises for additional table space. Surviving every design trend since they were first conceived in the late 1700s, nesting side tables can now provide a layer of flair and style disproportionate to their size.

Styling a side table

Side tables can bring a pop of colour to a room, or inject a unique design feature. Antique side tables or those handcrafted on an individual basis can help to impart a person’s sense of style and add a beautiful object to a space that complements the other pieces.

Whether it’s a contemporary, angular and minimalist table or an ornately carved detailed piece, choosing the best side table for space can be a fun and interesting process. For the more colourful spaces, mismatched side tables can create a more rustic and relaxed feel. Depending on the materials chosen, sidetables can help to create an overall sense of texture and depth to space. Considering distinct textures and finishes or brighter hues can add strong contrasts and colours to a room that may not be suitable for larger pieces of furniture. 

Nesting side tables

Nesting side tables are a popular choice in contemporary homes, often being used together to create a layered look in place of a singular coffee table.

Choosing nesting tables also allows for versatility and movement within a room to cater for changing uses and occasions. Incorporating a group of nesting tables of different heights can add to the visual appeal of a room and create a heightened sense of space.

Asymmetrical or aligned?

Selecting two or more of the same side tables will bring a sense of symmetry to a room, but conversely, choosing asymmetrical pieces can create a sense of contrast and bring together the various colours or textures present in the rest of the decor.

How do I choose the best side tables?

Choosing the right side tables for your home will depend on the overall interior scheme and design aims. Considering factors such as shape - round side tables will soften a space, while narrow can accentuate verticality and give an illusion of height in a small area - and texture is important to ensure the style you choose works seamlessly in the setting.

Function vs. form

Height is an important consideration when choosing side tables, especially if they are to be used at the end of sofas or as coffee tables. An effective way to choose tables that aren’t too high and aren’t too low is to measure the height of the sofa from the floor to the top of the arm. Then, select side tables that are a few centimetres lower than this to allow for easy reaching when sitting on the sofas or chairs in your living area.

Adding texture to a room

Texture can be a dynamic way to add points of interest, and the side table is often a favoured place to inject textural elements into an interior setting within the confines of the generally small stature of the side table.

For example mirrored, industrial-look, metal, wood or glass can all introduce different textures into space, adding points of interest that may not be suitable to be introduced into the decor with larger pieces.

Where to find the latest side tables

Browse New Zealand’s best selection of side tables and save your favourites to your design board to share with friends, family and design professionals.