According to interior designer and CEO of Kathy Kuo Home, Kathy Kuo, there’s no one right way to go about buying a side or end table. “Choose a table that compliments your larger anchor pieces (sofas, arm chairs, and coffee tables). It can blend in or stand out,” she says. We researched the best side and end tables for your space, keeping in mind the shape, material, and size of each. The Furrion Just 3-Tier Turn-N-Tube End Table, our best overall pick, is easy to assemble, affordable, and comes in various colors and styles. Here, the best side and end tables. One of the best parts of this pick is the diversity of styles and colors. There are ten colors available, from classic black and white to various shades of wood grain. Consumers can also choose between plastic and stainless steel poles depending on their desired look and aesthetic. The small table works perfectly as a nightstand or end table in a living or family room. Also, most customers reassure that assembly took only 10 minutes or less. One thing to note is that it may not be very sturdy, but at such an affordable price, it’s a no-brainer for a universal side or end table for any space. There are four colors to choose from that all match easy with various design styles. Because they are so lightweight, you can easily move it around as your vision and design style changes. Plus, it’s compatible with other IKEA tables, so you can use a few as nesting tables to save space. While designed for the bedroom, the sleek design could easily accompany a couch or recliner in the living room as well. The curved corners add a modern touch and are constructed from traditional Japanese joint corner connections that eliminate the need for hardware. This means there’s no assembly required: Simply unbox your new side table and enjoy. The sleek table fits easily in small corners, so it’s perfect for small spaces. What’s more, the removable shelf adds additional storage for books or knick-knacks. While expensive, the high-quality construction resists wear over time, and the classic design adds personality to any space without overpowering other sofas or chairs. You don’t have to worry about piling cocktails, succulents, or sunscreen bottles on this table because it can support 250 pounds when fully constructed. What’s more, it’s easy to put together and fits easily in small spaces. This side table feels sturdy, while still being affordable and lightweight. While the height may not work for every couch and every person, this stays a reliable pick for small living rooms or bedrooms. Plus, it comes in six attractive colors to match your artistic vision. While advertised as a favorite for nurseries, this small table works perfectly for living rooms, teen bedrooms, and more. We love the whimsical design, ample storage space, and sturdy construction. This pick comes at an affordable price, is easy to put together, and comes in classic white or a cherry wood color. Inside, there’s plenty of space for toys, clothes, desk essentials and more. Everything stays organized with adjustable shelves, a hook, and a cable hole. You also don’t have to worry about this piece falling over, since it comes with a wall attachment built in. On the outside, there’s a lock to keep everything secure with a custom keyring just for you. Though very solid and sturdy, this pick maintains easy to put together. The simple design easily fits with any decor in a living room or bedroom, especially in classic black. However, we do wish it came in a few more colors. Because each table is handcrafted, each one may vary slightly in texture and color. Despite the tall, thin design, the table is sturdy and perfect for displaying books, plants, lamps, and more. While it comes at a high price, this eye-catching piece can easily tie a room together. The best part? This pick comes full assembled so you can start enjoying it right away. We love the lightweight feel that makes it easy to move and rave about its small size, perfect for fitting in corners and crevices. While it’s not as sturdy as some of the other options on this list, it’s a great find for the bedroom that will match existing decor and offer space for remotes, chords, self care items, and more. Each piece is handcrafted from earthenware with a semi-matte glaze, so they’re sturdy and long-lasting. We appreciate that you can choose from two different sizes to perfectly fit your space. Plus, these tables are suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Choose from classic white, terracotta orange, muted pink, or soft gray. The slim table is small space friendly and easy to clean with a damp cloth. While small, it can hold up to 200 pounds so it can easily operate as a nightstand or side table for drinks, flowers, and more. This would work perfectly in a dorm room because it’s lightweight and requires no assembly. It’s also important to check the height of your side or end table. Often, these tables look the best when they line up perfectly with the furniture around it. For a C-shaped table, you want to ensure it will easily slide under your couch with enough room for the table to rest comfortably above your seat. While side and end tables generally tend to be on the smaller side, bigger tables often include storage solutions. This could be a great reason to purchase a side table, according to Kuo. “Nesting tables are nice because you get additional table space when you need it. Some will feature bonus shelving, drawers, or cubbies below the surface,” she says.
Material
The material of your side or end table will change the look you are going for. Wood offers a rustic vibe, while acrylic is more playful. Simple practical board or glass often offer modern or minimalistic charm. The material will also affect how you clean your table. Most tables can be wiped down with a damp cloth, while others like, tile tables, can handle tough cleaners. Be sure to check the care instructions of your table to ensure its longevity and prevent damage.
Shape
Not all side or end tables come in squares or rectangles. While these might seem to fit the best in your space, you can explore end tables with rounded edges or tables that have more geometric features. Don’t think that your space should limit what shape you end up choosing.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Julia Fields, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, and the holidays. She’s also covered similar topics in other roles, including toy reviews, product round-ups, expert interviews, and more. Kuo also says it’s worth considering what you want to put on your end table when you think of height. If you plan to put a lamp on your side table, she says that the bottom of a lampshade shouldn’t be above eye level for a person seated on a chair or sofa. “Finally, for a truly balanced design, you’ll want the depth of the end table to be equal to or less than the depth of the sofa or chair its accompanying,” she adds. Expert advice was provided by interior designer and CEO of Kathy Kuo Home, Kathy Kuo.
