We don't realise the significance of a side table until we're faced without one. While reaching slightly further for our phone, drink or magazine than we feel necessary is not a huge issue, there's a lot to be said for the convenience of side tables.
We most often place side tables beside our beds or sofas but they can go wherever you fancy - by the door can work well if you're sick of misplacing keys. To help you find a side table that works for your home, we've gathered 9 lovely designs, for all style preferences and budgets. You'll find a range of colourful, contemporary and C-shaped side tables in our list. Take a browse below and find a suitable fit for your home, and always have your belongings within easy reach.
The best side tables at a glance
- Best for value Metal tray side table
- Best practical design John Lewis Calia sofa side table
- Best bedroom side table One drawer bedside table
- Best for a designer look Batna ceramic side table
- Best for eclectic style Parker bobbin pink acacia wood side table
- Best for a unique design Daisy side table
- Best retro side table Starburst round side table
- Best side tables for hosting Nest of three tables
- Best for a contemporary space Georgi one drawer bedside table
Head to our buyer's guide for more on how to choose the best side table, and for more table inspiration, check out the best trunk coffee table designs.
Best side tables for 2024
Metal Tray Side Table
Best for value
Metal side tables are great if you're looking for a light design you can move around the living room. This neat Noa and Nani design weighs just 1.5kg, and won't take up too much room. Available in a range of soft, muted colours, this side table is perfect for a laid-back, boho feel. We love the dusky pink, but the olive green is another favourite of ours.
Another bonus to this design is the great value. Why not treat yourself to a couple and decorate your living room and bedroom on a budget at the same time?
John Lewis Calia Sofa Side Table
Best practical design
- Buy now from John Lewis (£159.00)
C-shaped coffee tables are useful for setting up a stylish and ergonomic home office, especially if you don't have space for a desk. The base of a C-shape table slots under a bed or sofa, allowing the surface to hang over. This means the table comes to you essentially, making it great for laptops, or messy snacking. This John Lewis design offers a solid structure and timeless look, and it'll do just the trick if you're after a cup of tea in bed.
You can also find lots of C-shaped side table designs on Amazon. This marble and gold side table caught our eye.
If you're after matching furniture, take a look at other pieces in the John Lewis Calia furniture range. You'll find lovely bookcases and dining benches, as well as desks and coffee tables.
One Drawer Bedside Table
Best bedroom side table
- Buy now from Dunelm (£69.00)
A side table with additional storage always comes in handy - an easy way to keep chargers and creams etc close but out of sight. Well-suited to a bedroom, this Dunelm design features a drawer and handy lower shelf. The sage green colour is a great choice for a soothing, calming feel, and it'll slot into a range of bedroom interiors, particularly if you've opted for a country-chic vibe, or a japandi inspired feel.
Batna Ceramic Side Table
Best for a designer look
- Buy now from Urban Outfitters (
£120.00£102.00)
This Urban Outfitters' design is a standout room accessory and a real treat for monochrome fans. Nice and dinky at just 38cm tall, this chic side table will slot into the most compact of spaces. Made of ceramic, this side table is a little bit different so a top choice if you're after a unique home accessory.
Parker Bobbin Pink Acacia Wood Side Table
Best for eclectic style
- Buy now from Oliver Bonas (£295.00)
You'll likely have noticed the bobbin furniture craze at the moment, and we're here for it. With its spherical detail and slightly kooky appearance, bobbin furniture is great for creating a fun and eclectic vibe. Oliver Bonas has lots of lovely bobbin finds, and John Lewis is well worth a browse too.
Add this cute side table to your bedroom for a pop of pink. An easy way to add colour to your space, and with a drawer and shelf for your bits and bobs, it's a practical storage solution too.
Explore our favourite pink kitchen accessories and brighten up your kitchen!
Daisy Side Table
Best for a unique design
- Buy now from Graham & Green (£125.00)
How charming is this cute daisy side table? This Graham & Green design is made of recycled aluminium, and a natural patina may develop over time which will only add to this table's delightful appearance.
Remember to add a selection of vibrant coasters on top to keep your table mark-free!
Starburst Round Side Table
Best retro side table
This starburst round side table oozes just the style, elegance and glamour we expect from Anthropologie home décor. The marble against the dark rosewood makes for quite the sophisticated room accessory.
Place next to your favourite sofa - it'll go with all colour schemes - for a stylish final touch to your space.
Looking for a larger design? Browse our favourite coffee tables.
Nest of Three Tables
Best side tables for hosting
A nest of tables is ideal for compact spaces as they conveniently slot on top of each other. They're super for hosting fans too as you can provide guests with their own personal table for their coffee and cake, or cocktail, and free up precious living room space when you're free of visitors.
Made from oak and pine, and finished with a soothing cream colour - calling all cottagecore enthusiasts - this set of three side tables is a great investment.
The tables arrive fully assembled, so there's no DIY involved, so you can pop the kettle on and enjoy a place for your cuppa straight away.
Georgi One Drawer Bedside Table
Best for a contemporary space
Sleek, modern, and with a touch of glam, this contemporary bedside table from Dunelm ticks plenty of boxes. The open shelf can hold your books of the moment, and there's a drawer - with a stylish ribbed finish - to help you keep bedroom clutter at bay.
How to choose the best side table
Size
As beds and sofas take up so much floor space, there's often a small space left for the side table, so make sure to measure up precisely before ordering your side table. The opening of a door or an awkward bedroom alcove can often make your side table seem out of place so it's important to get an exact fit. Make sure your side table is the ideal height for your seating arrangement too.
Quality
As with most furniture, you get what you pay for, so if you're looking for a long term side table that'll see you through many visitors - and interior trends - a solid wooden option over the £100 mark could serve you well. You may find the MDF designs are more prone to damage, and they don't travel as well if you're moving, however there are plenty of sleek and affordable designs around made of hardwearing metal.
Style
We're spoilt for choice when it comes to side table styles, and opting for a side table with a certain aesthetic can help enhance a room's theme, say art deco or Barbiecore. An easy way to complete your room's look.
Functionality
Additional storage features such as drawers and shelves can improve a side table's functionality, especially if you're looking for a storage solution for unsightly clutter you'd rather have hidden away. Think about what you're going to use your side table for too, as a C-shape side table is ideal if you use your laptop whilst on the sofa, whereas if you're looking for a permanent side table for your bedroom, features such as cabinets and an easy access point for your chargers may be something to consider.
Price
You can pay anything from £20 to £400 for a side table, depending on the material, detail and size. If you're going to splash out, opting for a more timeless, neutral design that'll work with varying wall colours and interior styles could be a smart move.
Not found what you're looking for? Check out our retro bedside tables for a vintage effect.
