10 Side Tables We'd Put in Any Room
Living room furniture falls into three groups: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary pieces include sofas, lounge chairs, coffee tables, and lighting. In other words, those are the necessities. Secondary includes some forms of lighting, shelves, credenzas, and other pieces that may not be necessary for your space, but are still large enough to dictate and enhance the room’s layout. Tertiary are the fun pieces, the odds and ends that build out the space, act as accents to the primary furniture, color palette, and flow. For us, a tertiary piece that needs to be pulled further into the limelight is the side table. These tables can be large or small, but they are almost always an asset. Every living room will, in all likelihood, benefit from a side table, but we’d argue that they shouldn’t be reserved for living rooms alone. Instead, we’d like to offer up some tips on how to incorporate a side table into almost any room (and recommend our favorites).
The Benefits of Side Tables
The most obvious benefit of a side table is an extra flat surface. But there are a few things they bring to your spaces that make them a must for any room.
- Small side tables. Side tables are often small and can be fantastic space-savers in compact apartments and rooms. In bathrooms, they become a great place to put a light or set a candle or plant. They can fill in small gaps that feel too empty without overwhelming the composition or getting in the way.
- Complementary side tables. Here is a where a side table’s silhouette and style can be its most valuable offering. Where the rest of your furniture may conform to a more subdued color palette, your side table will pop. Or if you need another material to round out the design, a side table is a great place to bring in something a little different for depth.
- Side tables for lights and mugs. Finally, a side table is a great place to put a small table lamp. Snug in a corner or strategically positioned near a favorite cozy chair, the side table easily enhances the experience of the room and becomes a functional necessity.
Do I Need a Side Table in Every Room?
The short answer is no. You may not need a side table in every room, but there are definitely great reasons to add one.
In your living room, a side table is a great alternative, as well as addition, to your coffee table. With more seating, it becomes harder to reach the coffee table and a side table can be that extra level of convenience and comfort for you and guests.
In the bedroom, a side table can sit by a window with a plant, or beside the vanity for a light or as a place for your coffee cup or glass of water. Or maybe you use a side table instead of a traditional nightstand for a more minimalist look. But one of our favorite places for the bedroom side table is next to a lounge chair in the corner, completing a luxurious lounge feel.
A side table in your office serves a similar purpose to those in your bedroom; it’s an additional surface for plants, lights, cups, or even décor. The side table fills in a gap and completes the overall composition of the room.
No matter how you use the side table, or where you place it, this compact piece of furniture becomes a gentle accent, a soft companion, and a way to add extra functionality to rooms central to your daily routine.
10 Side Tables We'd Put in Any Room
We love the versatility of these tables and everything they offer modern homes, offices, and commercial spaces. Use these tables to introduce depth and material variety to your rooms, or as just an accent that you love.
Dit Table
We love the Dit Table because it’s where Brutalism meets Scandinavian design excellence. It’s three-pillar pedestal base supports a smooth, round stone tabletop in a masterful mix of materials that really makes this table stand out. Pull this table into modern spaces where color isn’t feared and character is desired above all.
Lift Side Table
The tripod base of the Lift Side Table is seemingly caught in the middle of a Yoga stretch as it gives the table its name and the composition an intriguing sense of movement. We love the simplicity of this monochrome table that seamlessly blends MDF and steel for a cohesive and modern side table that fits in a contemporary living room as well as it does a more traditional bathroom or office.
Stock Table
If you’re looking for a splash of metal to round out your space, then the Stock Table is the perfect choice. This all-metal side table has a unique leg arrangement and a thin, round metal tabletop that brings functionality to this well-balanced and minimalist design. Place this table next to sofas and lounge chairs in small apartments and rooms.
Arc Side Table
One of our favorite multi-purpose furniture pieces, the Arc Side Table doubles as storage cabinet making it ideal for living rooms, entryways, bedrooms, and bathrooms. The matte lacquered walnut is beautifully centered while the deep top, hidden door, and overall sculptural presence make it an eye-catching addition to any modern room or Scandinavian home.
T877 Side Table
Designed by Pierre Paulin in 1968, the T877 Side Table is delightfully retro and irresistibly chic. Its fluid contours are created with molded HiREK polymer that gives it a smooth finish and high durability. Available in a number of fun, retro, and earthy colors the T877 Side Table with slip effortlessly into your modern room and be the perfect wow-factor.
Leaf-3 Side Table
The Leaf 3 Side Table is our top choice for busy living rooms and commercial lounge areas. Place between chairs and sofas and utilize the pivoting movement of each leaf tabletop layer to ensure drinks are within reach. The modest form of the table means it takes up little space, chairs can still be close, and the oak or walnut tables shine.
Petit Palais Side Table
Designers Anya Sebton and Eva Lilja Löwenhielm pulled inspiration from a Palais Royal installation of Daniel Buren’s work for the Petit Palais Side Table. This is seen in the quaint form, soft shapes, fluted oak or ash outer cover which is paired with a marble tabletop. The whole composition screams Paris chic and sculptural appreciation, which is why we love it for bright lobbies, tiled bathrooms, and creative studio spaces.
Kreten Side Table – Gray
The Kreten Side Table from Souda is art and furniture all in one. Sculpted from fiberglass reinformed concrete, there is a rustic, hewn look to it that is balanced by the intentionality behind the flow and keyhole details. Definitely a piece that makes a statement, the Kreten Side Table looks fantastic in modern living rooms and spaces where Brutalist and heavier piece are welcome.
On The Move Side Table – Large
A favorite of ours from Cane Line, the On The Move Side Table makes this list thanks to its versatility. A beautiful, simple piece to look at, it’s just as much fun to use. Easily move it using the handle, enjoy its aluminum construction which makes it outdoor-friendly, and take advantage of its open silhouette in spaces where you want something that feels lighter.
Cluster Tables
We couldn’t talk about side tables without mentioning nesting tables. The Cluster Tables from Ferm Living are some of our favorite minimalist tables that immediately add depth to a room. Place the tables in tiers to offer layered tabletop options or pull them apart and spread them throughout the room so everyone has a spot to place their drink.
The Best Modern Side Tables
The best modern side table offers more than just a surface. Through intentional details, thoughtful materials, and a love for contemporary and Scandinavian design principles, side tables bring character, color, and comfort to modern homes. Because of their size and versatility, you can easily use side tables in almost every room of the house, relying on them to fill in small gaps and hold table lights and décor. However you use the side table, we know you’ll find the best modern side tables at HORNE. Shop our full collection of tables to select a table that enhances your home in every way.
Explore related collections, including Wall Sconces, Wall Lights, and Lighting, and visit our design guides for a broader point of view.
