How to Choose the Perfect Side Table for Your Space

Furnishing a small living room, a narrow balcony, or a bedroom where every inch counts can be a real challenge. Often underestimated, the side table is the perfect solution—as versatile as it is stylish. Whether you're looking for a spot for your morning coffee, discreet storage, or a small piece of outdoor furniture, there's a model out there for you.

This guide is here to help you make a clear choice. We've broken down the essential criteria and selected models that get straight to the point, focusing on what truly matters.

How to Choose the Right Side Table

Before you settle on a model, review a few key points. This will ensure you make a purchase that fits seamlessly into your daily life and your home's decor.

1. Define Its Use and Location

The first question to ask is simple: what will you use it for? Is it an end table meant to hold a lamp, a remote control, and your current book? In that case, a stable small table with a sufficient surface area will be perfect. If you're looking for a table for a small space like an entryway, a model with built-in storage will be a much smarter choice. For the outdoors, opt for a balcony table or a garden table made from weather-resistant materials.

2. Prioritise Functionality for Tight Spaces

In a home where every square foot counts, versatility is king. A table with storage, such as a fabric basket or a lower shelf, helps declutter your living space in an instant. For seasonal or occasional use, a folding garden table is a brilliant option. It can be set up for an outdoor meal and then tucked away and forgotten once winter arrives.

3. Match Materials and Shape to Your Style

The materials influence not only the look but also the durability of your furniture. Wood, like FSC-certified acacia, brings a warm, natural touch, ideal for an outdoor setting or a Scandinavian-inspired interior. Metal and particleboard, on the other hand, offer a more modern, industrial style. The shape also matters: a round table improves flow in narrow spaces, while a square table can be tucked more easily into a corner or against a wall.

Our Top Side Table Picks

Here are a few models that caught our eye for their smart design and versatility.

1. Ochama Modern Round Side Table with Basket

Why it stands out: This model combines a minimalist design with clever functionality. The integrated fabric basket provides discreet storage for throws, magazines, or toys, making it an excellent two-in-one solution for the living room.

Key Features:

• Integrated storage: The double-layer polyester basket is as stylish as it is practical.
• Sturdy design: The particleboard top and U-shaped steel legs ensure excellent stability, supporting up to 35?kg.
• Simple assembly: The structure is designed for quick setup, taking less than 10 minutes.
• Adjustable feet: 4 adjustable feet allow you to level the table on uneven floors and protect your flooring from scratches.

Best for: Those looking for a modern end table or a stylish nightstand with a smart storage solution to keep their space impeccably tidy.

2. PROLOISIRS Sophie Folding Round Side Table, 80 cm

Why it stands out: Designed for the outdoors, this table combines the authenticity of acacia wood with outstanding practicality. Its folding mechanism makes it perfect for balconies and patios where space needs to be flexible.

Key Features:

• Optimal space-saving: When folded, it's no more than 6?cm thick, making it incredibly easy to store.
• Durable and responsible material: Made from FSC-certified acacia wood from sustainably managed forests. The wood is naturally resistant to weather and insects.
• Perfectly sized for company: Its 80?cm diameter comfortably accommodates two people for a meal or drinks.

Best for: Anyone with a balcony, patio, or small garden looking for a folding garden table that is stylish, durable, and easy to store.

3. PROLOISIRS Sophie Folding Square Side Table, 70 cm

Why it stands out: This square version of the Sophie model offers the same benefits of durability and practicality, but with a shape that optimises even the most confined spaces.

Key Features:

• Compact format: Its 70 x 70?cm dimensions make it an ideal square table for the narrowest of balconies.
• Ultra-slim folding: Like its round counterpart, it folds down to a thickness of 6?cm for effortless storage.
• FSC-certified wood: It is also made from responsibly managed acacia wood, finished with a weathered look.
• Sturdy and functional: Designed for two people, it is stable and durable enough for daily outdoor use.

Best for: A smart choice for those who need a balcony table for two but have very limited space and prefer the efficiency of a square shape.

Looking for Other Styles?

Our selection focuses on versatility for small indoor and outdoor spaces. If you're specifically looking for a nightstand with different features or other side table models, the possibilities are endless.

Explore our full collection to find the perfect piece for you >

Frequently Asked Questions About Side Tables

What is the right height for an end table?

For optimal comfort, the height of your end table should be equal to or slightly lower than your sofa's armrests. This allows you to easily reach items on it without having to get up or lean over. A standard height is typically between 45 and 55?cm.

How do I care for an outdoor wooden side table?

Even when treated, outdoor wooden furniture requires some maintenance to preserve its appearance and longevity. It's advisable to apply a specific treatment product (oil, sealer, or stain) once a year. After a rain shower, wipe the surface to prevent water from pooling. During winter or long periods of non-use, using a protective cover is highly recommended.

Can a side table be used as a nightstand?

Absolutely. Many side table models make excellent nightstands, especially those that include a table with storage like a shelf or drawer. Their often compact size makes them an ideal solution for bedrooms where space around the bed is limited.