Side Tables, Are You Thinking About Yours?
Humble but mighty.
The side table is like the supporting act for the star of the show: the sofa. They don't quite get the credit they deserve, but they're vital in their own humble way. As well as being the obvious resting spot for lamps and perch for beverages, they can transform the look of a room and give your space a coherent feel.
Shopping for Side Tables: Things to Consider
Size & Space
Be sure to measure the space where you plan to put your shiny new side table. It's worth also measuring the furnishings that it'll sit beside your side table to ensure that the heights work together. The general rule is that a side table should be equal to or just below the arm of a sofa (or equivalent piece of furniture). Thinking about armless sofas? Don't worry, we've got the answer for that too. Opt for tables that sit where the arms would be or low designs that are level with the seat - it all depends on your preference.
Weight
Are you prone to a serious spring clean or do you love moving your furniture around to change the aesthetic of a room? If so, select a style that's lightweight and can cater to your redesign whims. Obviously if you don't plan to move it this is not a factor, but it's worth considering that heavy pieces can leave indents on carpets and wooden floors - protective fabric adhesives are your best friends here.
Function
What do you have in mind for your lovely new side table? Select a style that will suit your needs. Those with plenty of drawers or cubby holes are perfect for de-cluttering a room - ;you'll always be able to find the TV remote control with one of these! If you're prioritising style over practicality, contemporary or art deco-style pieces are great for making a statement. Simply looking for a pedestal for your favourite blooms or family snaps? Designs with smooth surfaces and clean lines ensure your accents take centre stage.
How to Style a Side Table
Square, circular, rectangular - we could go on forever. There are as many shapes of side table out there as there are colours and materials. The easiest way to tackle this is to decide whether you want it to blend into your decor or make a statement - contemporary designs are the perfect match for style-led interiors but also stand out when paired with more traditional designs.
Traditional Side Tables
These tend to have an antique-like quality and are mostly made from wood. Think dark tones such as walnut and mahogany with intricate carvings and details.
Modern & Contemporary Side Tables
Contemporary pieces are a nice middle ground between super-modern and traditional designs; they often have smooth surfaces and clean lines, perfect for making a feature of accents.
Retro Side Tables
Imagine incorporating a sense of your favourite decade into your decor. Shop side tables in styles from 70s', 80s' and even more.
Acrylic/Plastic Side Tables
Plastic side tables are great for offering a sleek and polished look, so work well in a more modern space. They also have the added bonus of being easy to clean - ideal for resting cups of tea!
Glass Side Tables
Those with glass tops can make a room appear larger due to their transparency, creating a sleek and streamlined look. They're also easy to clean - a spritz of glass cleaner and a quick wipe will sort out any smudges.
Metal Side Tables
Metal side tables are very versatile, coming in lots of different shapes and finishes. Opt for a weathered design for an industrial-inspired look or favour sleek and shiny styles for a more modern feel.
Wooden Side Tables
Depending on the style you go for, wooden side tables can really complement all interiors. From reclaimed teak to mahogany in a variety of colours, textures and finishes, they make it easy to achieve a cohesive look in your home.
