A remote control, a stack of magazines, your cup of coffee, and your phone. Everyday items have a tendency to pile up in the living room. A side table is practical, but without storage, it can quickly become cluttered. A side table with storage is a smart solution that combines style and functionality.
This article will help you choose a model that fits your interior and lifestyle. We'll cover some practical buying tips and highlight a few popular choices based on their specifications and design.
Before you make a choice, it's helpful to consider a few key factors. This will help you find a model that is not only beautiful but also truly practical for your home.
A side table's materials largely determine its look and feel. For instance, a wood and metal side table can instantly create a bold, industrial aesthetic. Wood provides warmth, while the metal frame adds a sleek, modern accent. Looking for something lighter? A table with a white top and a fabric basket can create a soft, Scandinavian vibe. Consider the existing furniture in your living room and choose materials that complement them.
How will you use the table? If you're looking for a compact solution for next to the sofa, a small coffee table or a taller model is ideal. Measure the height of your sofa's armrest—or the top of your mattress if you're looking for an industrial nightstand. The table should be within easy reach. A round side table can break up a room with many square furnishings and often feels more spacious. A larger model can even serve as a compact coffee table with storage in a smaller living room.
Storage comes in various forms. Open shelves are ideal for displaying your favourite books or decorative items. The downside is that they can quickly look cluttered. A basket or drawer, on the other hand, is perfect for keeping items out of sight, creating a tidy appearance. Think about what you need to store and choose the option that best suits your needs.
Below is a selection of side tables with storage that stand out for their design and functionality.
Why It Stands Out This model from Tribesigns combines an industrial look with ample vertical storage. The three shelves provide plenty of space for books, plants, or other essentials without taking up much floor space.
Key Features
Who It's For For those seeking maximum storage in a small footprint. Its versatility makes it suitable as a side table in the living room or as a robust industrial nightstand in the bedroom.
Why It Stands Out This round side table stands out for its minimalist design and convenient fabric storage basket. It's a clever way to keep clutter like chargers or remote controls neatly out of sight.
Key Features
Who It's For Ideal for those looking for a stylish, compact solution with hidden storage. This round side table fits well in a modern or Scandinavian interior, for example, next to an armchair or in a reading nook.
Why It Stands Out With a diameter of 80 cm, this model is more of a full-fledged coffee table with storage than a small side table. The two-tier design offers a large tabletop for drinks and snacks, and a lower shelf for books and magazines.
Key Features
Who It's For Suitable for those looking for a central coffee table that serves as a focal point in the living room. It offers the functionality of a coffee table with the added storage of a tiered design.
The search for the perfect piece of furniture is highly personal. If these models aren't quite what you're looking for, many more styles, sizes, and materials are available.
? Explore more options in our Living Room Side Tables category
The main difference is usually size and placement. A coffee table is larger and lower, and is placed centrally in the seating area. A side table is smaller and taller, and typically stands next to a sofa or chair. However, the lines are blurring; a larger side table can easily serve as a coffee table in a small space.
A good rule of thumb is to choose a side table that is about the same height as your sofa's armrest, or slightly lower. This ensures you can easily place items on it or retrieve them without having to reach awkwardly.
Generally, no. The metal frame can be easily dusted with a dry cloth. For the wooden top (often particleboard with a veneer finish), a slightly damp cloth is usually sufficient. Avoid harsh cleaning agents to protect the finish.