Side Tables: All You Need To Know Before Buying Your New Table

 End tables are an important part of any living spaces! They are useful and come in handy and add a great deal of beauty and interest to our rooms. Here is lots of information and ideas and more about fabulous end tables!

                                                       

End tables are a way to enhance a living room or family room. It’s essential to keep an end table’s function in mind but it’s just as important to choose an end table for its beauty and the way it exhibits your personal style.

Today, let’s talk about using end tables next to sofas and chairs.

The humble side table is ever so much more than just a decorative piece of living room furniture, it plays an important role in providing both aesthetic style and functionality within your life and home interior. However, it seems that most of us are in the dark when it comes to this beautiful and most useful little table. In order to answer some of our most frequently asked questions regarding the side table, we asked a few of industry experts to give us an insight into some need to know side table facts and information.

 

                                               

HOW TO CHOOSE A SIDE TABLE?

There are so many different styles of side tables available on the market that selecting just one can become a rather daunting task. To ensure that you end up with a side table that you adore and that is also sure to last you for many years to come it is vital that you follow a few steadfast guidelines.

Firstly it is best to mock up with some paper a cut out of the ideal floor shape of your dream side table to ensure that the proportions work with your existing furniture and that you have a realistic concept of the shape and size that will actually work in your living space.

 

WHAT SIZE SHOULD A SIDE TABLE BE?

When sizing up your side table there are a few measurements that do need to be taken into consideration. Side tables should always sit height wise within a 5CM range either side of the height of your sofa or chairs arm. Depth-wise, a side table should always roughly be either the same depth or within 5cm range either side of your sofas or chairs depth. Regarding the length of your side table, this is a personal preference, however, you never want it to be any wider than the width of one seated section of your sofa or chair as a general rule of thumb.

CAN A SIDE TABLE BE HIGHER THAN A SOFA?

Yes! Sofa heights are so varied with many having high backs and lower arms or no arms at all, making this a hard “rule” to equate. The broad rule of thumb that we follow here at interiors online is that your side table height should always sit within a 5cm either side range of the arm height of your sofa or within 5cm either side range of the seated cushion height if your sofa has no arms. So yes, your side table can be higher than your sofas arm height but never the back height!

 

                                      

                   

 

HOW TALL ARE SIDE TABLES?

Side tables are available in a myriad of different heights and when it comes to selecting the right height of one for you it really comes down to the desired usage of the side table in your living space. Ideally, side tables should sit around the same height as the arm of your sofa. (see above question for the height formula) This will ensure you can place drinks, food, and life necessities at the right height to comfortably reach them when seated on your sofa. Shorter side tables are perfectly fine style-wise but are better suited to a more decorative function such as displaying treasured possessions.

WHAT SHAPE DO SIDE TABLES COME IN?

Side table designs are innovative and endless in the modern-day and there are oh so many varieties to choose from on the market. Traditionally side tables are either round or square in shape however the trend toward nesting options has seen curved shaped tables rise in popularity. Oval and rounder shaped styles are better suited to smaller spaces as they take up less precious ground footprint and are also a more preferable choice if you have small children in your home as they do not pose such a safety risk! Rectangular and square shapes are fabulous for use if you have a larger scale lounge or room as they allow you to anchor the visual flow of the space, like a full stop for your sofa. 

WHAT SIDE TABLES ARE TRENDY?

For the year ahead there are many exciting side table trends to take note of. Glass is emerging as a front runner in terms of popularity. Even though they may seem fragile and not as easy to maintain glass tables are a beauty to have. Their transparent nature allows them to work well with multiple different colours as well as numerous different decor options. We are seeing an incredibly strong trend moving towards the use of contemporary metals. 

                                                

A WORD ABOUT COST

The cost of a side table can be thousands and thousands of Rupees or as little as one hundred .buy what you love and what looks good in your home. It does not have to be the best. It just has to be the best for you! If you remember one thing from this post SPEND ONLY AS MANY DOLLARS AS YEARS YOU ARE WILLING TO HAVE A PIECE OF FURNITURE IN YOUR HOME should be it!!!!

Really, any table can be deemed a side table if it follows some simple rules. Let’s talk about some general rules first…

HIGHT MATTERS

see more about this lovely table here Yes, height does matters.

                                 

An end table works best if it is about an inch or two or three below the arm of a sofa or chair. Easy-peasy to get the height right. Just measure from the floor to the top of the arm of a sofa or chair and subtract one to three inches for your perfect side table height. This rule is not a must, but it will make your space more comfortable to live in.

I break this rule more than follow it. However, do as I say and not as I do! You will be happier!

END TABLE IDEAS AND WIDTH

Consider width when thinking about an end table. When you think about the width of an end table think about the space a side table will fit in. If space is tight, it’s very important to measure and have a little breathing room on each side of the side table. A couple inches on each side will be fine. If space is not a problem then you have a lot more options. Remember you don’t have to fill up the entire space on the side of a sofa or chair. Choose a side table that balances well with the rest of the room.

Also, consider what the surface of your table will house. Will it hold a lamp?  For a standard-size lamp, you will probably need a side table that is at least  22″ wide.  

Having a general idea of how you will use a side table before you buy one makes the selection easier!

OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER

Here are a few other things to consider to choose the perfect end table for your room.

Are you planning on storing things in or on a side table? Then it might need a drawer.

Will you use it to stack books or other things? How about choosing a side table with a shelf.

If you will be using it to hold drinks and food, glass, marble, or other stone would be a good choice.

Is the area for a side table small. Stacking tables are a great way to expand the usable area.

DESIGNER TIPS THAT WILL MAKE YOUR END TABLES SHINE

Do you want to add an element of metal to your room? Side tables are perfect for bringing the beauty of metal to a space. Just remember if you need two side tables keep them the same metal. However, you can mix them with other metals in the room.

If you have lots of squares and rectangle-shaped furnishings in the room round side tables will soften the look.

Do mix wood and glass though. Just make sure the tables are the same height if you are using two. This will give a room a lovely warm and organic feel that is very pleasing to the eye.

Mix shapes too. Try pairing a round table with a rectangle table made from the same material. Just make sure they are the same height. 

End tables are a way to add fun, an unexpected element to your room and originality!  Show off your style with some interesting side tables!

                                                

NON TRADITIONAL END TABLES

I love non-traditional end tables. Think about using a bar card as an end table. If you turn it with the short side showing you have a great space with a shelf! And if you have room, try adding a small table to the side of a sofa instead of a traditional end table. Or choose a big basket as an end table to add a big dose of texture to a room.

                                                

Be creative! Follow good interior design rules but don’t be afraid to break them to add your personality and functionality to your room!