Best Side Tables UK 2025: Perfect End Tables for Every Living Room

Side tables are the unsung heroes of functional living room design—holding lamps, drinks, books, and remote controls within arm's reach. Yet most people choose the wrong size, height, or style, creating awkward, unusable spaces. Based on interior designer recommendations, thousands of UK customer reviews, and 2025's furniture trends, here's how to choose side tables that combine perfect proportions with practical style.

Why Side Tables Matter

Side tables provide essential functionality that transforms living room usability:

Task lighting: Platform for table lamps (proper reading light)
Storage: Drawers and shelves organize clutter
Surface space: Convenient spot for drinks, phones, books
Room balance: Anchors seating arrangements visually
Style statement: Opportunity for texture, color, material contrast
Space definition: Marks conversation areas and reading corners

2025 Side Table Trends

Natural materials: Oak, walnut, marble, rattan Mixed materials: Wood + metal, marble + brass combinations Organic shapes: Round tops, curved legs, sculptural bases Warm wood tones: Oak and walnut replace grey-washed finishes Slim profiles: Space-saving designs for smaller living rooms Multifunctional: Built-in charging, storage, adjustable heights

The Golden Rules: Height, Size & Placement

The #1 mistake: Choosing side tables that are too small or wrong height.

Height: The Arm Rule

Perfect height: Level with sofa arm or 2-5cm lower

Measure: From floor to top of sofa arm Standard sofa arm height: 55-65cm Standard side table height: 50-60cm

Why height matters:

Too high: Awkward reaching, looks disproportionate
Too low: Uncomfortable bending, visually disconnected
Just right: Effortless use, cohesive appearance

Size: The Proportion Rule

Top diameter/width: 40-60cm ideal for most spaces

Too small (under 35cm):

Won't fit lamp + drink
Looks insignificant
Poor functionality

Too large (over 65cm):

Dominates space
Creates obstacle course
Overwhelming visually

Depth consideration: 30-45cm depth for space-saving

Placement: The Reach Rule

Distance from sofa: 5-15cm gap maximum

Close enough: Reach items without leaning forward Not touching: Allows sofa cushions to move freely Consistent: Match spacing both sides for symmetry

Best Side Tables UK 2025

1. IKEA Side Tables (Best Budget: £15-£90)

IKEA proves functional, stylish side tables don't require big budgets.

Why IKEA works:

Unbeatable prices
Scandi aesthetic
Easy assembly
Widely available
Replacement parts accessible
Compact space-saving designs

IKEA Side Table Highlights:

GLADOM: £15

Tray table design
Removable tray top
Ultra-portable and versatile
Perfect for: Tight budgets, temporary solutions, rental properties

LACK: £8-£15

Iconic simple design
Multiple colors
Square or round options
Perfect for: Minimalist living rooms, student accommodation

LUNNARP: £35-£45

Traditional style
Lower shelf storage
Stained brown-black or white
Perfect for: Classic aesthetics, extra storage needs

KRAGSTA: £70

Nesting tables (set of 2)
Modern round design
White or black
Perfect for: Flexible arrangements, small spaces

STOCKHOLM: £80-£90

Premium IKEA range
Walnut veneer
Modern organic design
Perfect for: Investment piece, contemporary living rooms

Shop IKEA Side Tables

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers, renters, first-time homeowners, or Scandinavian aesthetic lovers.

2. Dunelm Side Tables (Best for Variety: £30-£180)

Dunelm dominates the UK furniture market with exceptional range meeting every style and budget.

Why Dunelm wins:

Massive variety (traditional to ultra-modern)
Budget to premium options
Physical stores (see quality before buying)
Regular sales (20-30% off common)
Free Click & Collect
Easy returns

Popular Dunelm Side Table Styles:

Bali Lamp Table: £55

Rattan natural material
Coastal, boho aesthetic
Storage shelf included
Perfect for: Scandi, coastal, natural living rooms

Orla Kiely Side Table Collection: £80-£120

Designer collaboration
Retro mid-century style
Quality construction
Perfect for: Statement pieces, design enthusiasts

Corfe Oak Effect Side Table: £70

Traditional turned legs
Drawer storage
Classic British design
Perfect for: Country, traditional, cottage styles

Finn Round Side Table: £35-£45

Modern clean lines
Oak effect or white
Compact design
Perfect for: Contemporary, minimalist spaces

Shop Dunelm Side Tables

Best for: UK buyers wanting variety and physical stores, mid-range budgets, or anyone seeking proven quality.

3. Wayfair UK Side Tables (Best for Specific Needs: £40-£300)

Wayfair's detailed filtering and vast selection make finding exact requirements effortless.

Why Wayfair excels:

Thousands of options
Precise filtering (height, width, style, color)
Detailed specifications
Customer photos in reviews
Regular sales
Free returns on most items

Wayfair Shopping Strategy:

Filter by exact height needed
Use material filters (wood, metal, glass)
Check weight capacity for stability
Read reviews mentioning quality and assembly
Look for "ships from UK" for faster delivery

Popular Wayfair Side Table Types:

Modern Round Side Tables: £50-£150

Metal legs + wood/marble tops
Contemporary aesthetic
Space-efficient
Perfect for: Modern, industrial, minimalist living rooms

C-Shaped Side Tables: £40-£100

Slides under sofa
Perfect for laptops, snacks
Space-saving design
Perfect for: Small living rooms, modern functionality

Nested Side Tables: £60-£180

Set of 2-3 tables
Flexible configurations
Modern aesthetics
Perfect for: Entertaining, flexible spaces

Traditional Wood Side Tables: £80-£250

Solid wood or quality veneer
Drawers and shelves
Classic designs
Perfect for: Traditional, country, transitional styles

Shop Wayfair Side Tables

Best for: Specific dimension requirements, unusual styles, or anyone wanting detailed specifications and customer feedback.

4. Amazon UK Side Tables (Best for Fast Delivery: £30-£150)

Amazon's Prime delivery means new side tables tomorrow with surprising quality in mid-range options.

Why Amazon:

Next-day Prime delivery
Easy returns
Huge variety
Real customer photos
Competitive pricing
Trend-focused styles

Amazon Side Table Shopping Tips:

Filter by Prime for fast delivery
Read reviews mentioning stability and quality
Check dimensions carefully (photos mislead)
Look for "Amazon's Choice" badges
Verify weight capacity
Compare similar items before buying

Popular Amazon Side Table Styles:

Industrial Pipe Side Tables: £40-£80

Metal pipe legs + wood top
Urban, rustic aesthetic
Sturdy construction
Perfect for: Industrial, loft, urban living rooms

Marble-Effect Side Tables: £50-£100

Gold/brass legs + marble-look top
Glamorous aesthetic
Easy-care surfaces
Perfect for: Contemporary, glam, sophisticated spaces

Rattan/Wicker Side Tables: £35-£70

Natural materials
Boho, coastal vibes
Lightweight and portable
Perfect for: Relaxed, natural, coastal aesthetics

Glass Side Tables: £30-£90

Tempered glass tops
Chrome or gold frames
Modern, airy look
Perfect for: Small spaces (visually light), contemporary styles

Shop Side Tables on Amazon UK

Best for: Urgent furniture needs, next-day delivery requirements, or buyers prioritizing customer reviews and easy returns.

5. John Lewis Side Tables (Best Quality: £80-£400)

John Lewis side tables justify their premium with exceptional materials and construction.

Why John Lewis excels:

Premium materials (solid wood, real marble)
2-year guarantee
Expert customer service
Timeless designs
Excellent construction
Curated selection

John Lewis Side Table Strengths:

Solid wood options: Oak, walnut, mango wood Quality hardware: Smooth drawers, sturdy shelves Design collaborations: Exclusive collections Longevity: 10-15+ year lifespan

Shop John Lewis Side Tables

Best for: Quality-focused buyers, forever homes, or anyone wanting guaranteed longevity and premium materials.

Side Table Materials Explained

Solid Wood

Types: Oak, walnut, mango, pine Pros: Durable, ages beautifully, repairable, premium feel Cons: Expensive (£100-400), heavy, requires maintenance Best for: Long-term investment, traditional and quality-focused buyers Lifespan: 15-25+ years

Veneer

What it is: Thin real wood layer over engineered wood Pros: Affordable wood look, lightweight, stable Cons: Can't be refinished, cheaper appearance Best for: Budget-conscious buyers wanting wood aesthetic Lifespan: 7-12 years

Metal

Types: Steel, iron, brass, aluminum Pros: Durable, modern aesthetic, easy cleaning Cons: Can scratch floors, industrial look not universal Best for: Industrial, modern, minimalist living rooms Lifespan: 10-20 years

Glass

Types: Tempered safety glass Pros: Visually light, modern, easy to clean Cons: Shows fingerprints, requires regular cleaning, can chip Best for: Small spaces, contemporary aesthetics Lifespan: 10-15 years (unless broken)

Marble

Types: Natural or composite Pros: Luxurious, durable, heat-resistant, unique veining Cons: Heavy, expensive, can stain, cold feel Best for: Elegant, sophisticated, high-end living rooms Lifespan: 20+ years

Rattan/Wicker

Types: Natural or synthetic Pros: Lightweight, natural aesthetic, textural interest Cons: Less durable, can snag fabrics Best for: Coastal, boho, relaxed living rooms Lifespan: 5-10 years

Side Table Styles by Living Room Aesthetic

Modern Minimalist

Best tables: Round metal + wood, slim profiles, neutral colors Materials: Steel, oak, white finishes Shapes: Round, simple geometric Avoid: Ornate details, dark heavy woods

Traditional/Classic

Best tables: Wood with drawers, turned legs, rich finishes Materials: Oak, walnut, mahogany Shapes: Square, rectangular with detail Avoid: Glass, ultra-modern metals

Industrial

Best tables: Metal pipe legs, reclaimed wood, raw finishes Materials: Iron, steel, distressed wood Shapes: Geometric, functional Avoid: Glossy finishes, delicate designs

Scandi/Nordic

Best tables: Light wood, clean lines, functional Materials: Oak, ash, white finishes Shapes: Round, organic, simple Avoid: Dark woods, ornate carvings

Coastal

Best tables: Rattan, whitewashed wood, light materials Materials: Rattan, light oak, white painted Shapes: Round, organic, relaxed Avoid: Heavy dark woods, industrial metals

Mid-Century Modern

Best tables: Tapered legs, walnut, geometric shapes Materials: Walnut, teak, brass accents Shapes: Kidney, angular, retro Avoid: Ultra-contemporary, rustic distressed

Functional Features to Consider

Storage

Drawers: Hide remotes, chargers, clutter Shelves: Display books, plants, baskets Closed cabinets: Conceal essentials completely

Best for families: Drawers prevent visible clutter Best for minimalists: Open shelves with curated items

Mobility

Casters (wheels): Easy repositioning for cleaning, rearranging Lightweight materials: Rattan, aluminum for easy moving

Best for: Frequent furniture movers, cleaners, flexible spaces

Nested Tables

Advantages: Multiple tables when entertaining, compact storage Configurations: 2-3 tables of graduating sizes

Best for: Small spaces, entertaining, flexible living rooms

C-Shaped/Sofa Tables

Design: Slides base under sofa, top overhangs Perfect for: Laptops, snacks while lounging Requires: Clearance under sofa (10cm+ minimum)

Best for: Modern living, working from sofa, small spaces

Sizing for Different Sofa Types

Standard 3-Seater Sofa

Ideal side table: 50-55cm height, 45-55cm diameter Quantity: 1-2 tables (one or both ends) Style: Symmetrical matching or intentionally varied

2-Seater Sofa

Ideal side table: 50-60cm height, 40-50cm diameter Quantity: 1 table (at main seating end) Style: Proportional to smaller sofa scale

Corner/Sectional Sofa

Ideal side table: 50-60cm height, 45-60cm diameter Quantity: 2-3 tables (corner and ends) Placement: Corner section and outside arms

Armchair/Reading Chair

Ideal side table: 55-65cm height (level with arm) Size: 35-45cm diameter (smaller scale) Purpose: Lamp, book, drink within easy reach

Common Side Table Mistakes

❌ Too low: 10cm+ below sofa arm looks disconnected and functions poorly

❌ Too small: 30cm table can't fit lamp + drink—go 45cm minimum

❌ Wrong placement: More than 15cm from sofa requires awkward reaching

❌ No lamp consideration: Table too small for lamp base looks cramped

❌ Ignoring storage: Missed opportunity for functional organization

❌ Mismatched heights: Different heights both sides looks accidental (unless intentional eclectic style)

❌ Blocking traffic: Placed in walkways creates obstacles

Styling Side Tables

The Essential Formula

Reading corner side table:

Table lamp (40-60cm tall)
Small plant or decorative object
Coaster for drink
Current book

Functional family side table:

Lamp
Tray (corrals remotes, coasters)
Drawer/shelf storage (hidden clutter)

Decorative statement side table:

Sculptural lamp or no lamp
Coffee table book
Small plant or vase
Decorative object (candle, sculpture)

The Rule of Three

Design principle: Group items in threes for visual balance Vary heights: Tall lamp + medium plant + low object Odd numbers: 1, 3, or 5 items look intentional (avoid 2, 4)

Avoid Cluttering

Maximum items: 3-5 items including lamp Negative space: Leave 30-40% of surface empty Edit ruthlessly: Less is more for sophisticated look

Budget Breakdown

Under £50: Basic but Functional

Small sizes, basic materials
Veneer or basic metal
Limited storage
5-7 year lifespan
Best from: IKEA, Amazon basics, Dunelm sales

£50-£100: Sweet Spot

Good size range, quality materials
Real wood veneer or quality metal
Storage options available
8-12 year lifespan
Best from: IKEA premium, Dunelm, Amazon mid-range

£100-£200: Quality Investment

Solid wood or marble options
Premium construction
Drawers with good hardware
12-18 year lifespan
Best from: John Lewis, Wayfair quality range, Dunelm premium

£200+: Premium Territory

Solid hardwood, marble, designer pieces
Exceptional construction
Statement furniture
20+ year lifespan
Best from: John Lewis, Made.com, designer retailers

Maintenance & Care

Dust weekly: Microfiber cloth prevents buildup

Use coasters: Protects surfaces from water rings (even on glass)

Avoid direct sunlight: Prevents fading on wood and finishes

Tighten screws: Annually check and tighten (prevents wobbling)

Wood care: Oil or wax natural wood annually

Glass care: Glass cleaner weekly, buff to prevent streaks

Metal care: Wipe with damp cloth, dry immediately to prevent water marks

Space-Saving Alternatives

Nesting Tables

Advantage: Store smallest under largest when not entertaining Best for: Small living rooms, flexible spaces

Wall-Mounted Shelves

Advantage: Floor space freed, adjustable height Best for: Tiny living rooms, minimalist aesthetics Limitation: Less flexible, requires wall mounting

Poufs/Ottomans

Advantage: Doubles as seating, soft and safe Best for: Family rooms, multi-functional needs Limitation: Lower height, soft surface less stable

C-Shaped Tables

Advantage: Slides under sofa, saves floor space Best for: Small spaces, modern aesthetics

Final Recommendations

Best Overall Value: IKEA Side Tables (£15-£90) Unbeatable prices with Scandi style and surprising quality.

Best for Variety: Dunelm Side Tables (£30-£180) Physical stores, huge selection, and regular sales make Dunelm perfect for most UK buyers.

Best Quality: John Lewis Side Tables (£80-£400) Premium materials, 2-year guarantee, and timeless designs justify the investment.

Best for Fast Delivery: Amazon UK Side Tables (£30-£150) Next-day Prime delivery with huge variety and easy returns.

Best for Specific Needs: Wayfair UK Side Tables (£40-£300) Detailed filtering finds exact dimensions and styles.

The Bottom Line

The perfect side table:

✓ Matches sofa arm height (or 2-5cm lower) ✓ Is 45-55cm diameter (large enough for lamp + drink) ✓ Sits 5-15cm from sofa (easy reach) ✓ Provides storage if needed ✓ Complements room style

Start here:

Measure sofa arm height
Measure available floor space
Decide on storage needs
Set realistic budget (£60-120 is sweet spot)
Choose style matching living room aesthetic

Remember: side tables are functional first, decorative second. A beautiful table at the wrong height or wrong distance is useless. Prioritize proportions and placement, then choose style within those constraints.

Last updated: October 2025. Prices verified at major UK retailers. Always measure your space and check return policies. We may earn a commission from purchases made through affiliate links at no cost to you.