Modern Side Tables & End Tables
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Why We Love Side Tables and End Tables
Modern side tables offer convenience as well as an aesthetic touch of symmetry for your most lived-in spaces. Whether it's a place to set the remote or your steaming cup of coffee while you watch the morning news, end tables provide a handy surface at arm's reach. Contemporary side tables are a far cry from the wooden chunks of decades past, now sporting styles that speak to the aesthetics of the current era. Whether you want them for storage or simply to tie together the look of your room, side tables can do it all with grace and sophistication.
Where a Side Table or End Table Works Best
In most homes you will find end tables flanking the couch or loveseat. Tables work well in this placement so that people sitting on either side of the sofa can enjoy the convenience of the tables. This arrangement also provides suitable placement for table lamps, allowing for proper lighting in the room. Family rooms and living rooms often work well with this layout, but modern side tables can also work nicely in a finished basement, den, media room or other recreational space. Breaking away from the symmetrical aspect, you can also enhance the décor of your home by using a single unique wooden or a dramatic metal side table as an accent table.
A Side Table for Every Style
Contemporary side tables are so different from the end tables we grew up with in our homes. Today's table styles cover everything from bright hues to bowl shapes and wild arrangements of metal and glass. If you're looking for modern side tables, the selection designed by BDI Furniture embrace the idea of unique table shapes manifested by twin tiers of glass or a combination of glass and wood
How to Choose the Best Side Table or End Table
A few factors help to determine the best end tables for your home. First, decide where you will place the end tables and consider the look of the existing color scheme and décor elements. Next, take some measurements to ensure you choose the right tables for your space. If you are flanking your sofa with modern side tables, you'll want to make sure you have enough room across the width of the room, but also bearing mind the height of the tables and if it is equal or near enough to the height of the arms of your sofa. Lastly, check out all of the beautiful designs and choose one that resonates with your ideal sense of beauty. If you have any questions about the side tables featured here, please call our furniture experts at 877.445.4486.
Other Considerations
If you like these contemporary side tables, you may also enjoy the benefits of adding other unique tables to your home. As another option, look into modern living room ottomans and stools, useful as a surface while doubling as a place to rest your feet. Also consider the assortment of modern living room tables for a selection of coffee tables, benches, stools and accent tables in a fine array of colors and styles. And finally, as another accent piece you can add to your rooms, give your floors a bit of personality with a contemporary area rug.
Side TablesFrequently Asked Questions
What is another name for a side table?
Side tables are often called end tables or accent tables, depending on their placement and function. Although the terms are frequently interchangeable, accent tables typically focus more on decorative appeal, while end tables are primarily positioned at the ends of sofas or chairs.
Expert Tip: The terminology often reflects regional design traditions - what Americans call "end tables," the British may refer to as "occasional tables." True connoisseurs look for tables with proportions that create visual rhythm - a table slightly lower than the adjacent seat's armrest (about 1-2 inches) creates perfect harmony.
What is the difference between an end table and a side table?
While often used interchangeably, an end table specifically refers to a small table placed beside seating, such as at the end of a sofa or next to an armchair. A side table is a broader term, encompassing any small table that can be positioned anywhere within a room. Accent tables similarly provide decorative appeal and may or may not be placed beside seating.
Expert Tip: Placement defines function. End tables should be within easy reach (no more than 4 inches from seating arms), while side tables can be more flexible. The most versatile designs feature slightly weighted bases that allow them to serve both purposes beautifully while resisting accidental bumps.
How tall should an accent table be?
An accent table typically ranges from 18 to 24 inches in height, making it suitable for use next to sofas, chairs, or beds. Ideally, the height should closely match or slightly fall below the arm height of adjacent seating for comfortable access and aesthetic harmony.
Expert Tip: The golden rule: the tabletop should intersect with the sightline when seated. For most sofas (seat height 18-20"), this means 22-24" tables. In bedrooms, bedside tables should be level with or up to 2" below the mattress height for effortless nighttime reach.
How tall is an outdoor side table?
Outdoor side tables usually range between 17 and 24 inches tall, depending on their intended use. Lower side tables, around 17 to 19 inches, pair well with lounge chairs and chaise lounges, whereas taller outdoor side tables (around 20 to 24 inches) complement standard patio chairs and sofas.
Expert Tip: Outdoor tables demand different considerations - opt for heights at the lower end of the range (18-20") in windy areas to prevent tipping. In poolside settings, choose materials like teak or powder-coated aluminum that won't overheat in direct sunlight while maintaining stability.
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