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These design-led pieces can work wonders in enhancing a room's aesthetic
An often overlooked piece of living room furniture, side tables can work wonders in enhancing a room's aesthetic. These design-led pieces offer an opportunity to showcase personality and style without having to switch up larger furniture items.
Let's not forget the practicality of a small side table, either. With many compact enough to fit in tight spaces, such as corners and tucked up next to sofas, they offer added surface space for your morning mug of coffee or a few of your favourite reads. If you're short on storage in your living area, some even come with extra shelves and drawers.
'When choosing a statement piece of furniture such as a side table, consider a bold colour or material to help create a focal point in the room. Metal finishes like bronze and brass add interest and texture to a scheme, whereas fluted finishes and tactile tops like stone and marble provide a contemporary touch and work well alongside neutral soft furnishings,' says Kris Manolo, head of product design at Atkin & Thyme.
'It's all about considering what works well with the rest of your scheme: when styling an Art Deco-inspired space, glass tops and mirrored materials pair well with dramatic colours and effects, such as stained wood and lacquer, to create an extravagant yet elegant look.'
On that note, shop the best side tables for your living room below.
In muted green, this retro-style locker doubles as a chic side table. Compact and functional, it offers two adjustable shelves, a hook, and a rear cable hole –perfect for tidy storage in small spaces. Built-in slots make wall securing simple and safe.
| Size | H: 72cm x W: 35cm x D: 46cm |
|---|---|
| Materials | Metal |
| Colour Available | Sage |
With its simple curves and rich terracotta colourway, Habitat's Cohen side table is guaranteed to make a statement in your living room. Crafted from powder-coated steel with a high-gloss finish, this showstopping piece will look the part in maximalist schemes.
| Size | H49.5 x W40 x D40cm |
|---|---|
| Material | Powder-coated steel |
| Colours available | Terracotta, teal |
Looking to add an extra pop of colour to your living room? Barker and Stonehouse's ochre side table will do just that. Whether nestled amongst earthy neutrals or balanced alongside a vibrant scheme, this statement piece will instantly add energy and personality to your space.
| Size | H46 x W30 x D30cm |
|---|---|
| Material | Iron |
| Colours available | Yellow |
Looking for something unique? Add a playful touch to your home with George Home at Asda's flower-shaped side table. In blush pink, it has an all-over resin finish.
| Size | 35 x 35 x 40cm |
|---|---|
| Material | Resin |
Featuring an interesting cut-out design, this oak-effect side table from Next is the ideal complementing piece to minimalist or Scandi-inspired schemes.
| Size | H56.5 x W38 x D38cm |
|---|---|
| Material | MDF oak effect |
| Colours available | Natural |
We're really intrigued by this unique piece from Perch and Parrow. With a hand-beaten aluminium base and a subtly textured top, the Jamila has a slightly Moroccan feel to bring some old-world charm to your living room. Style with a jute rug for a bohemian look.
| Size | H51 x W45 x D45cm |
|---|---|
| Material | Aluminium |
| Colours available | Metallic brown |
We love Jonathan Adler's bold, mod-influenced designs, so we felt it was only right to include this daring turquoise number. In a 70s-inspired solid celadon acrylic with thick, curved legs, the Pompidou side table is a statement piece that's definitely worth the splurge.
| Size | H45.72 x D50.8cm |
|---|---|
| Material | Acrylic |
| Colours available | Turquoise |
With a rustic wood-effect top and black metal legs, the Charlie side table offers a simple, functional addition to smaller spaces. Its base slides under a sofa or armchair to create a surface for a laptop, book, or meal. Easy to assemble and well-suited for flexible use around the home.
| Size | H 62.5cm x W 43cm x D 38cm Leg Height: 59.5cm |
|---|---|
| Material | MDF with Reach PVC veneer, metal legs |
First seen in Soho’s Electric cinemas, the Soho Cinema Side Table brings refined charm home. A crisp glass top and slim antique brass frame lend understated elegance, while its layered circular base adds a sculptural touch and subtle depth.
| Size | H70 x W45 x D32cm / H27.2 x W13 x D18.1" |
|---|---|
| Material | Glass mirror, Stainless steel and Cast brass |
This studio-designed side table from John Lewis sees a sweet scalloped-edge design in an understated blue colourway. Playful and practical in equal measure, this piece will look great when paired with bobbin accessories in your living space.
| Size | H52 x W36 x D36cm |
|---|---|
| Material | Bamboo, MDF |
| Colours available | Blue |
Handcrafted from acacia wood with a black iron frame, this table pairs natural texture with a simple, refined shape. Made in small batches, no two are quite the same – grain patterns and knots vary naturally, giving each piece its own character.
| Size | Large: H 66cm x D 46cm Medium: H 61cm x D 40cm Small: H 55cm x D 35cm |
|---|
With its dark wood frame and woven rattan detail, this bedside table brings natural texture and warmth to the room. A single drawer offers discreet storage, while brass-toned accents add a refined finish.
| Size | D40 cm x W51 cm x H58cm |
|---|---|
| Material | Pine, Rattan, Medium Density Fibreboard |
This square side table pairs vintage character with a playful twist. Featuring a bronze, rustic-effect frame and curved legs, it's topped with a glossy black-and-white chequerboard surface – an actual chessboard, ready for a game.
| Size | W 45.5cm x H 65cm x D 45.5cm |
|---|---|
| Materials | Iron & Glass |
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