Joybuy Insights

Buying a Side Table in 2026: Practical Choices for Every Living Space

A side table may seem like a simple purchase—until you discover that it wobbles, does not fit beside the sofa or barely has room for a glass and a book. Focusing only on colour or price can therefore quickly lead to an impractical piece of furniture.

For a living room, bedroom or home office, three pitfalls are particularly important:

  • Incorrect dimensions: a table that is too deep can obstruct the walkway. A model that is too low is inconvenient beside a sofa or armchair.
  • Storage that adds little value: a shelf or basket may look useful, but could be too small for remote controls, magazines or chargers.
  • Insufficient stability: slender legs, an uneven floor surface or missing adjustable feet can cause wobbling and scratches on the floor.

The right choice therefore depends on the location, intended use and construction. Below, you will find practical considerations and several popular choices for 2026.

Which dimensions suit your needs?

First, measure the space beside the sofa, chair or bed. Also allow for doors, drawers and the walking route.

For beside the sofa

A table beside the sofa is generally most practical when its tabletop is approximately level with the armrest. This makes it easy to reach a cup of coffee, lamp or remote control. A round side table often takes up less visual space and has no sharp corners in a narrow passage.

For larger living rooms, a small coffee table may be more suitable. A model measuring 100 × 50 × 40 cm provides more surface area, but also requires more clear floor space than a compact side table of approximately 45 × 50 cm.

For the bedroom

A side table used as a bedside table should fit beside the bed without narrowing the walkway. Check its height in relation to the mattress and make sure there is room for a lamp, phone and book. A side table with storage can be useful if you want to keep loose items out of sight.

For bed or laptop use

A foldable bed table is designed for temporary use on the bed or lap. Pay attention to the dimensions of the work surface and the way the legs fold away. A bed table is not the same as a fixed side table and is not designed to be sat or stood on.

Three specifications to check beforehand

1. Material and load capacity

Many compact tables combine chipboard or MDF with a metal frame. This can provide an affordable, low-maintenance construction, but always check the stated maximum load capacity.

One example is the 5five Coffee Table Tasso. This model weighs 19.7 kg, has a stated maximum load capacity of 40 kg and uses materials including steel, zinc, bamboo, MDF and chipboard. The manufacturer states that it is FSC-certified. Distribute heavy items evenly and do not use the table as a seat or step.

2. Stability on the floor

Adjustable feet are useful on older wooden floors, tiled surfaces or floors with minor level differences. They can reduce wobbling and help prevent scratches. Also check that the frame is securely attached to the tabletop.

With tables featuring multiple shelves, weight distribution is especially important. Place heavier items on the lower levels and avoid making a narrow model top-heavy.

3. Maintenance and everyday use

A laminated or coated surface is generally easy to wipe clean, but that does not mean every material is resistant to heat or moisture. Use coasters for hot drinks and do not place a wet plant pot directly on the tabletop.

According to the product information for the 5five Coffee Table Tasso, self-assembly is required and assembly takes approximately 60 minutes for one person. The round JOYFURNOS table, by contrast, is listed as taking approximately 5 to 10 minutes to assemble. Be sure to check the assembly instructions before ordering.

Choosing a side table for your situation

A MATCH FOR: First-time buyers on a limited budget
JOYFURNOS round side table with fabric basket

JOYFURNOS Side Table, Round End Table with Fabric Basket

Why it fits: This compact round table is suitable for a small living room, student accommodation or bedroom, combining a tabletop with a fabric basket.

How it avoids the pitfall

The stated diameter of 45 cm makes the size easy to verify. The adjustable feet are designed to provide additional stability and protect the floor.

Key advantage

The model is 50 cm high, has a tabletop with a stated load capacity of 35 kg and includes a double-layer polyester basket.

A MATCH FOR: Quality-focused buyers
5five Coffee Table Tasso wooden coffee table

5five Coffee Table Tasso - 100 x 50 x 40 cm

Why it fits: This wooden side table in coffee-table proportions is suited to anyone looking for a larger surface and multiple storage options for books, magazines and décor.

How it avoids the pitfall

The dimensions, materials and maximum load are specified, allowing you to compare the model with the available space and your intended use.

Key advantage

The model features a top surface, lower shelf and drawer. According to the product information, self-assembly takes approximately 60 minutes.

A MATCH FOR: Specialised use and ample storage
Tribesigns industrial side table with three shelves

Tribesigns Coffee Side Tables, 3-Tier End Table

Why it fits: This model is designed for anyone looking for an industrial-style side table for the living room, bedroom or home office, or as a bedside table.

How it avoids the pitfall

The product description specifies three shelves, a metal frame and adjustable foot pads. The stated maximum load capacity is 13.6 kg.

Key advantage

The three tiers provide space for books, a lamp and accessories. According to the product description, the wooden shelves are 1.5 cm thick.

A MATCH FOR: Mobile working and breakfast in bed
5five foldable bed table made of bamboo and MDF

5five Foldable Bed Table - Bamboo & MDF

Why it fits: This lightweight bed table is designed for temporary use on the bed or lap—for breakfast, reading or using a laptop, for example.

How it avoids the pitfall

The legs fold away and the product weighs 970 grams. This means you can store it after use rather than keeping permanent floor space clear.

Key advantage

The work surface measures 50 × 30 cm and features handles. The materials are bamboo and MDF; the product information states that it is FSC-certified.

Looking for more options?

Browse a current selection of natural-style side tables in a range of sizes, materials and storage configurations.

Frequently asked questions about side tables

How high should a side table beside the sofa be?

Measure the height of the armrest and, ideally, choose a tabletop that is approximately level with or slightly lower than it. Also check that you can reach the surface comfortably without leaning forward.

Is a round side table suitable for small spaces?

Often, yes. A round table has no protruding corners, making it well suited beside a chair, sofa or bed. Be sure to measure the diameter and leave enough room to walk around the table.

What is the difference between a bed table and a bedside table?

A bedside table is a fixed table positioned next to the bed. A bed table, such as a foldable model, is generally used temporarily on the bed or lap. Choose a bed table for flexibility, and a bedside table when you need permanent storage beside the bed.