7 ways to use a side table in your interior design

A side table is a compact piece of furniture designed to serve a secondary function within a living space. It complements the main furniture by providing additional surface space, discreet storage or a decorative focal point. Although it is often considered a simple accessory, a side table deserves careful attention when designing an interior. In this article, we explore seven ways to use a side table to enhance and personalise your décor, while also sharing the key criteria for choosing the right model for your space and lifestyle.

Create a cosy reading corner

Imagine a quiet corner in your home dedicated entirely to reading. Place a comfortable armchair—whether sleek and contemporary or more traditional, depending on your interior style—near a source of natural light whenever possible. Complete the space with a reading lamp that provides warm, soft lighting for evenings or darker days. Beside it, position a side table chosen as much for its aesthetics as for its practicality. It can hold your current book, a steaming cup of tea or even a small houseplant to add a touch of greenery and improve the atmosphere. This reading corner will become your personal retreat, where every page allows you to escape everyday life.

For this type of setup, a wooden side table with clean lines is particularly suitable. Its natural warmth reinforces the cosy atmosphere without making the space feel heavy.

Create a personalised coffee or tea station

For many people, preparing coffee or tea is an important daily ritual. Why not celebrate it with a dedicated station on a side table in your kitchen or dining room? Choose a model with multiple levels or drawers to organise mugs, spoons, sugar and your favourite coffee or tea varieties. A compact espresso machine or electric kettle can sit on the top surface, making your morning routine both practical and enjoyable. Complete the arrangement with a small vase of fresh flowers or an aromatic plant such as mint or basil to awaken the senses. The result is both functional and inviting, while also becoming a welcoming feature when entertaining guests.

Display works of art and treasured objects

A side table can easily become a display pedestal for your favourite decorative objects or artistic finds. Choose pieces that tell a story, reflect your travels or showcase your personality. A minimalist sculpture, a handcrafted vase or a selection of framed family photographs can all bring this display to life. The key is to vary heights and textures to create a balanced composition that naturally draws attention. Carefully positioned lighting can further highlight the details and materials of your decorative objects.

For this decorative purpose, a marble side table creates a striking visual presence that enhances the objects displayed on it without requiring additional accessories.

Create a minimalist workspace

The rise of remote working has encouraged many people to rethink their interiors by incorporating dedicated work areas without sacrificing the harmony of their living spaces. Thanks to its compact footprint, a side table can easily become the foundation of a minimalist home office. Choose a clean-lined model and pair it with an ergonomic chair that can slide neatly underneath once the workday is over. A laptop, notebook and pen holder are all that's needed for a productive day. The real advantage lies in creating a clearly defined workspace that blends naturally into your home's décor while maintaining a visual separation between work and relaxation—without requiring a dedicated office.

Tip: for this type of use, choose a side table with a tabletop height of 70 to 75 cm, which provides comfortable working ergonomics. Height-adjustable or taller side tables are particularly well suited to this purpose.

Add extra storage

In modern homes, where every square metre counts, maximising storage space is essential. A side table is much more than a decorative accessory—it also provides practical storage without visually cluttering the room. Models with drawers are perfect for hiding remote controls, multimedia accessories and everyday items. Open-shelf designs offer an ideal place for books, magazines or decorative objects. In compact interiors, some side tables even feature hidden storage compartments beneath the tabletop, providing the perfect place to store throws or cushions.

Introduce a bold colour accent

In interiors dominated by neutral tones, a colourful side table can instantly transform the atmosphere of a room. This compact piece of furniture becomes a dynamic focal point, bringing freshness and personality into the space. Consider choosing a colour that contrasts with your existing palette while remaining harmonious with the overall décor. A side table in coral red or deep teal can visually connect different decorative elements and create a cohesive design. For a softer approach, pastel colours add subtle elegance and lightness.

Conversely, a black side table acts as a graphic anchor in bright interiors, structuring the space visually without introducing an additional colour.

Place it beside the sofa

The natural home for a side table is next to the sofa, where it serves as both a practical extension and a visual link within the living room layout. It provides an accessible surface for drinks, snacks, glasses, books or electronic devices. Beyond its practicality, choosing a side table that complements—or intentionally contrasts with—your sofa adds another layer of style to your interior.

For design enthusiasts, pairing a side table with a designer table lamp or a sculptural decorative object creates a captivating focal point. In multifunctional spaces, a side table fitted with castors can easily be moved around to serve different purposes, from an improvised bedside table to a temporary workstation.

When placed beside a sofa, height is the most important criterion. The tabletop should align with, or sit just below, the sofa's armrests to ensure effortless everyday use. Explore our collection of natural side tables for designs that pair beautifully with both fabric and velvet sofas.

How to choose the right side table: 3 essential criteria

Before buying a side table, there are three key factors to consider. Ignoring them may result in a piece that looks out of place or doesn't meet your practical needs.

Height

Height is the first thing to check. A side table placed beside a sofa or armchair should have a tabletop that is level with—or slightly lower than—the armrests. If it's too low, you'll constantly have to bend down. If it's too high, it creates an awkward visual imbalance and is less comfortable to use. For most contemporary sofas, the ideal height ranges from 55 to 70 cm.

Material

The material determines both the atmosphere and the durability of the piece. Wood brings warmth and timeless appeal. Metal, often lighter in appearance, is ideal for contemporary interiors and smaller spaces. Stone and marble create a strong visual statement but may feel overwhelming in a compact living room. The key is to ensure consistency with the other furniture in the room. Mixing materials works well—as long as it's intentional and contributes to a cohesive overall design.

Shape and dimensions

A round side table makes it easier to move around in high-traffic areas because it has no sharp corners. A rectangular or half-moon side table fits more naturally against a wall or beside the end of a narrow sofa. Size should ultimately depend on how you plan to use it. If you only need space for a drink and a table lamp, a 35 cm diameter tabletop is sufficient. If you want to display several decorative objects or create a coffee station, you'll need a larger tabletop measuring 50 cm or more.