Every home should have key pieces of furniture to match its aesthetic and complete each room. And one of the most essential pieces of furniture that every home needs is a functional side table. Side tables or end tables as they are also called, are small tables that are usually placed next to larger pieces of furniture.

As you can imagine, the purpose of having a functional side table for any room is to have a convenient platform on which to place your things. Also since they are supposed to be easy to reach, they must be kept at a comfortable distance from other furniture like your chairs and sofas. You may notice that the ideal end table design are those that are of similar height as the armrests of the furniture it’s placed next to.

End tables are important for any room in your house that could use a small table, especially near the places you hang around the most like your living room and bedroom.

Types of End Tables

Before we get to decide on the best solid wood side tables for your home, we first need to be familiar with the different types and styles out there. These types of furniture can take on many shapes and forms. Some are bigger or smaller than others, while some have an irregular shape or are made out of special materials. When it comes to end table design, anything can work as long as it fits with your overall room aesthetic and visual goal.

Here are some examples of different end table design options that you can choose from.

Classic Style

The classic style has very simple and recognizable features which any other type can have as well. These are features like having either four legs for sturdy support, usually seen on medium or larger-sized side tables. You can also see some designs having only a single leg to support the entire tabletop.

This style is often made out of wood and gives off a homely vibe. That’s why rustic wooden end tables are the best side tables if you’re going for a classic furniture aesthetic.

C-Shaped

Just as the name implies, this type is defined by its C-shaped design. The intent of this design is to have an open space where you can put your feet or use it as an open storage area underneath.

C-shaped types are designed to be versatile, they can even double as a small desk if needed. They can be made out of any material that suits your taste, from wood and granite material to full marble end tables, the C-shaped is an allrounder for your home.

Trunk Type

The trunk type is an iconic and highly functional side table. Trunk style tables may come in various sizes but are more commonly known to be on the larger side compared to other types. The distinguishing feature of the trunk type is the large storage space it has. You may see some designs come with drawers or have an openable top similar to a chest. These are the best side tables for efficiency, storage, and maximizing space.

Sculptural End Table

A sculpture is a piece of art, so it is only natural for a sculptural end table to have a unique design. A sculptural end table needs to look great while still being a fully functional side table. Each sculptural end table is one of a kind just like any crafted sculpture. So if you’re looking to impress your guests with a piece of interactive artwork and furniture, then these sculptural types are the best side tables for you.

5 Keys to Find the Perfect Side Tables

Now that you are familiar with end table design and the different styles that exist, the question is “How do you pick the best side tables for your home?” The answers to that are these key aspects you need to consider when buying a side table.

Style

As you know now, there are many types of side tables to choose from. Each end table design brings different kinds of value to your home. You have the freedom to pick any side table that you think looks good for the room you want it in, but one important thing to keep in mind when looking at style is how a piece fits with the rest of the furniture.

Have a theme in mind when designing your home interior and be sure that the pieces of furniture you choose go well with the image you want to create. Think of end tables as accent pieces, supporting roles for the focus of the room, which is the other furniture. The centerpiece of the room is usually the sofa or bed, but the end table’s style is what makes everything else pop.

Size

Size is a huge factor when it comes to furniture. The height, width, length, and surface area are what you need to take into account when deciding on a piece. Everything needs to fit in place and be able to accommodate your needs.

The general idea is that they should be 2-3 inches lower than the height of your sofa’s armrest, but this isn’t a rule you need to follow. Whichever one you find comfortable is what’s best. Just make sure it’s not too deep or too high for you when you’re sitting on your couch or when you’re on the bed.

Shape

Like size, the shape is important for spacing, especially for smaller and more compact houses. End tables can range from your classic rectangular or oval-shaped design to irregular shapes and unusual forms. Designs like the sculptural types are what you normally see to have unique shapes. In the end, as long it fits and has decent spacing from your other furniture, then there shouldn’t be any problem with the shape.

Function

When you buy an end table, you need to make sure that it actually does the job you want it to do. Whether it’s for your bedside, living room, or outside your house, it needs to meet the purpose of its placement. For example, a trunk end table is great for storage and might be best placed in your bedroom for easy access. Be sure that it isn’t just for show and that your functional side table does the job.

Balance

When it comes to home decor, balance is everything and that’s no exception for any type of furniture. Just like when considering the style and size of a piece, you need to open your eyes to the bigger picture.

“How does everything in the room look after it’s in place?”

“Does each piece of furniture complement each other and create the atmosphere you want?”

“Or do they conflict because of contrasting styles and differences in aesthetics?”

These are the questions you need to ask to choose the best side tables for your home.

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To conclude everything, you need to keep a keen eye on the end table design and keep in mind the keys to picking the perfect side table. Have a vision of what you want your home to be like and build around that idea for stunning decor.