What is a small table called?

What a small table is called depends largely on where it's located. A small table placed beside a bed is a bedside table or a nightstand. Small tables in seating areas positioned between sofas, loveseats and accent chairs are end tables or side tables. Shop a wide range of tables on 1stDibs.

What are side tables used for?

Side tables are used next to furniture like beds and couches to provide an accessible place for keeping essential items at hand. In the living room, side tables are often used to display flower arrangements, photos or books as well as to set down a drink. In the bedroom, a side table is typically populated with items like a lamp, bedtime reading material, and a charging device for a phone. Shop a collection of vintage and contemporary side tables from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

What are nesting side tables?

A nesting table is a set of tables designed to be stored one inside or under the other, giving them a layered or stacked appearance. A side table is a table that’s placed beside a piece of furniture. A nesting side table would be a series of side tables in graduated heights that can be stacked or nested together. Shop a collection of nesting tables from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

What size should a side table be?

A side table should stand one to three inches below the arm of the sofa or chair it is placed next to.

What are side tables called?

Side tables are often simply called side tables. If positioned on either end of a sofa or loveseat, you might refer to them as end tables. General terms for side tables and other tables commonly used in seating areas include occasional tables and accent tables. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of side tables.

What is the small table next to a bed?

The small table next to a bed is called either a nightstand or bedside table. These tables serve as storage as well as a surface for important bedside items, such as your book, your phone or a small pitcher of water. Shop antique, vintage and modern bedside tables on 1stDibs.

Is there a difference between an end table and a side table?

There are two differences between end tables and side tables: function and size. Typically, end tables go beside a chair or at opposite ends of a sofa and have smaller tabletops, while side tables go toward the sides of seating areas or against walls and feature a larger surface area. However, many people use the words side and end tables interchangeably, so these differences may not always apply. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of end and side tables.

What is the difference between a side table and a coffee table?

The difference between a side table and a coffee table is mainly in the size and shape. Coffee tables usually feature larger tops but shorter legs. People typically place them in front of a sofa or a loveseat to rest books, drinks, remote controls and other items. Side tables also store items, but they are usually positioned beside an accent chair or at the ends of a sofa or loveseat. Shop a diverse assortment of side tables and coffee tables on 1stDibs.

What is a small dining table called?

A small dining table is also called a dinette. A table and two to four seats are frequently included. Designed for small spaces, dinettes are most often used in kitchens and breakfast nooks. On 1stDibs, find a variety of vintage and antique dinettes.

How can you tell if a side table is antique?

To determine whether a side table is an antique, closely examine its details. Older pieces will typically have telltale features like wood pegs, hand-cut dovetails with some slight imperfections and mortise-and-tenon construction. Tables that are a consistent color throughout or have machine-cut moldings or carvings are unlikely to be antiques. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer can be a helpful resource when dating tables. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and modern side tables on 1stDibs.

What are tiny side tables called?

What tiny side tables are called varies. Some people may simply refer to them as side tables. Others describe them as end tables if they're placed on either end of a sofa or loveseat. When used elsewhere in a room, small side tables are often called accent tables. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of antique, vintage and contemporary side tables.

What is a tall side table called?

A tall side table may also be called a console table. While these furnishings are not as common in today’s interiors as their coffee-table and side-table counterparts, console tables are stylish home accents and have become more prevalent over the years. The popularity of wood console tables took shape during the 17th and 18th centuries in French and Italian culture, and were exclusively featured in the palatial homes of the upper class. Find console tables today on 1stDibs.

Should a side table be lower than a sofa?

No, a side table shouldn't always be lower than a sofa. To make it easy to access items on a table, a sofa's arms should generally be no more than 2 to 3 inches above or below the tabletop. This rule of thumb differs from the one for coffee tables, which should be as tall or 1 to 2 inches shorter than the seat height of the sofa to ensure a balanced look. Explore a large selection of side tables on 1stDibs.

Is a glass table better for small spaces?

Whether a glass table is better for small spaces is largely a matter of personal opinion. However, many people find that a transparent glass table creates the illusion of a larger room and makes a compact area feel more spacious. Shop a variety of glass tables on 1stDibs.

What is the small table in the living room called?

The small table in the living room is often called a side table. The name comes from the fact that these small yet tall tables typically go beside seating. Small side tables positioned on either end of a sofa or loveseat are sometimes referred to as end tables. A low table in front of a sofa is usually called a coffee table. Shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary side tables on 1stDibs.

What is a small table next to your bed called?

The small table next to the bed is called a nightstand or bedside table. These tables usually have a bedside lamp which is useful for reading. Modern nightstands are small tables with one or two drawers. It’s a space to hold a lamp, your book, your phone, a flashlight and more. On 1stDibs, shop vintage and antique bedside tables.

What shape table is best for a small space?

The best shape table for a small space is a square shaped table. Because they can have multiple functions and easily push into the corner of the room, they are said to better as they'll take up less space in a dining room or kitchen. Find a range of tables today on 1stDibs.

What is the best shape table for a small dining room?

The best shape for a table in a small dining room can be a round table. A round table works well in small rooms and smaller square-shaped rooms. It creates a cozy setting, so it is the best shape for a small group of people. Visually, it seems to occupy less space than a rectangle because of the rounded corners, and this also means that it has less surface area. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage round dining tables.

Is a round dining table better in a small space?

Whether a round dining table is better in a small space is largely a matter of personal preference. Working with a tighter space may mean that a round or oval dining room table, a design that references the festive meals of the medieval era, may be a better fit. Round dining room tables, particularly those that originated in the Art Deco period, still endure as a popular contemporary substitute for traditional rectangular dining tables. Both round and oval tables take up less space than rectangular and square tables of similar size because they lack corners. Find a variety of round tables on 1stDibs.

Does a coffee table make a small living room look smaller or bigger?

Whether a coffee table makes a small living room look smaller or larger depends on the design. Tables with glass or open, airy designs can create the illusion of a larger space. Round and oval tables can also increase the feeling of openness in a room. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of coffee tables.

Small Side Tables

Chen Furong

Fashion Flow

Plant Stool

Porcelain Plant Stand

Chinese Garden Stool Blue And White

Brass Cast Table

Mexican Marble Table

Reza Feiz

Category

2010s Polish Modern Side Tables

Materials

Other

Small, Modern Side Table with Cast Glass Top and Veneered Sides, Customizable

$3,723 / item

Small Queen Anne Period Painted Side Table, circa 1710

Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire

This is a very attractive ?early 18th century small Queen Anne period painted side table of very

Category

Antique 1710s English Queen Anne Side Tables

Materials

Brass

Small Queen Anne Period Painted Side Table, circa 1710

$4,850

Mies Side Table, Small in Brass by Michael Dawkins

Located in New York, NY

Gorgeous Mies side table, small in brass by Michael Dawkins Dimensions: 13.75" x 13.75" x 16

Category

2010s Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Brass

Mies Side Table, Small in Brass by Michael Dawkins

$3,750 / item

Nymph Wood Side Table Small Version, Walnut Contemporary Accent Drink Table

By Alexander Purcell Rodrigues

Located in West Hollywood, CA

The long legs of the Nymph side tables allow the large and small versions to dainty nest together

Category

2010s American Modern Side Tables

Materials

Walnut

Nymph Wood Side Table Small Version, Walnut Contemporary Accent Drink Table

$2,494 / item

Small Rustic Gate Leg Table

Located in Santa Rosa, CA

Charming small side table with gate legs and the table top turns into an oval shape with a max

Category

20th Century End Tables

Materials

Oak

Small Rustic Gate Leg Table

$1,650

Holom Side Table Small by Maria Dolores Abe Vettoretti

By MARIA DOLORES ABE VETTORETTI

Located in Ciudad De México, MX

13.7W x 13.7D x 25.6Hin CURRENTLY IN STOCK Abe Vettoretti and Maria Dolores, have a passion that brought them together: the amazement for their Latin maestros’ artisanal hand, as we...

Category

2010s Mexican Organic Modern Side Tables

Materials

Bronze

Holom Side Table Small by Maria Dolores Abe Vettoretti

$5,000

Salvatori Small Square Dritto Side Table by Piero Lissoni

By Piero Lissoni, Salvatori

Located in Querceta, IT

Designed by Piero Lissoni exclusively for Salvatori, Dritto combines elegant lines of Classic natural stone with a bold geometric frame crafted from iron. Its defining characteristic...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Tables

Salvatori Small Square Dritto Side Table by Piero Lissoni

$1,350 / item

+ 2 more

Quinde Side Table, Small, Cerused Oak with Patinated Brass

By Javier Robles

Located in NEW YORK, NY

The Quinde collection was originally designed for the Chan Chan Ruins Tourist Station in Peru. Quinde means "hummingbird" in Quechua, the language of the Incas. Inspired by the humm...

Category

2010s American Modern Side Tables

Materials

Brass

Quinde Side Table, Small, Cerused Oak with Patinated Brass

$5,225

Small Burlwood Cube Side Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Dorchester, MA

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Glass, Burl

Small Burlwood Cube Side Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

$1,800

Small 19th Century Edwardian Mahogany Antique Work Box, Side Table

Located in Link 59 Business Park, Clitheroe

Small Edwardian mahogany antique work box / side table This small Edwardian antique work box

Category

Antique Early 1900s European Side Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Small 19th Century Edwardian Mahogany Antique Work Box, Side Table

$2,063

Aegialia Stone Side Small Table, Modern Marble and Bronzer Patina Drink Table

By Alexander Purcell Rodrigues

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Like its namesake beetle, the Aegialia side table is surrounded by a tactile shell accentuated by

Category

2010s American Modern Side Tables

Materials

Fabric

Aegialia Stone Side Small Table, Modern Marble and Bronzer Patina Drink Table

$3,619 / item

Clover Solid Cork Contemporary Sculptural Carved Side Table Small Mix

By Grain

Located in Bainbridge Island, WA

resilient to touch. Built on Bainbridge Island, WA from solid Portuguese cork. Use as a side table or bench

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Tables

Materials

Cork

Clover Solid Cork Contemporary Sculptural Carved Side Table Small Mix

$4,150 / item

Aegialia Walnut Small Modern Side Table, Contemporary Accent Stainless Steel

By Alexander Purcell Rodrigues

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Like its namesake beetle, the Aegialia side table is surrounded by a tactile shell accentuated by

Category

2010s American Modern Side Tables

Materials

Fabric

Aegialia Walnut Small Modern Side Table, Contemporary Accent Stainless Steel

$3,619 / item

Confetti, Small Contemporary Indoor/Outdoor Terrazzo Side Table by Laun

By LAUN

Located in Los Angeles, CA

The Confetti renders the classic shapes of midcentury poolside furniture in an unexpected material. This product is suitable for indoor or outdoor use and is handmade in Los Angeles....

Category

2010s American Modern Side Tables

Materials

Brass

Confetti, Small Contemporary Indoor/Outdoor Terrazzo Side Table by Laun

$7,000 / item

1970s French Small Square Brushed Nickel Side Table by Guy Lefevre

By Guy Lefevre

Located in New York, NY

Small square brushed nickel side table by Guy Lefevre. France, 1970s.

Category

Vintage 1970s French Side Tables

Materials

Nickel

1970s French Small Square Brushed Nickel Side Table by Guy Lefevre

$950

21st Century Small Moss Side Table in Metal by Gianfranco Ferré Home

By Gianfranco Ferre Home

Located in Cantù, Lombardia

. Moss side tables with structure in metal with bronzed brass finishing.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Bronze, Metal, Brass

21st Century Small Moss Side Table in Metal by Gianfranco Ferré Home

$8,660 / item

Marcela small table

Located in ALMAZÁN, ES

The Marcela coffee tables are a clear example of the possibilities that wood can have when seeking

Category

2010s Spanish Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Marcela small table

$996 / item

Margarita small table

Located in ALMAZÁN, ES

Bring a little piece of the Prado Museum to your home with these little tables inspired by the work

Category

2010s Spanish Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Margarita small table

$876 / item

Marcela small table

Located in ALMAZÁN, ES

The Marcela coffee tables are a clear example of the possibilities that wood can have when seeking

Category

2010s Spanish Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Marcela small table

$1,068

Marcela small table

Located in ALMAZÁN, ES

The Marcela coffee tables are a clear example of the possibilities that wood can have when seeking

Category

2010s Spanish Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Marcela small table

$1,068

A Small Geometric Side Table with Fitted Antique Black Gold Glass Top

Located in New York, NY

A Small Geometric Side Table with Fitted Antique Black & Gold Glass Top. France c. 1970

Category

Vintage 1970s French Side Tables

Materials

Brass

A Small Geometric Side Table with Fitted Antique Black Gold Glass Top

$2,800

Louis XV Style Small Walnut Side Table with Curved Legs, 18th Century

Located in New York, NY

DETAILS - Louis XV style small walnut side table - Single drawer, slight scalloped apron and

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Side Tables

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Louis XV Style Small Walnut Side Table with Curved Legs, 18th Century

$2,950

Margarita small table

Located in ALMAZÁN, ES

Bring a little piece of the Prado Museum to your home with these little tables inspired by the work

Category

2010s Spanish Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Margarita small table

$948

Jason Table Small

Located in New York, NY

Beautiful Jason table Available in three sizes Dimensions: Small 17" diameter x 20"

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Side Tables

Materials

Metal

Jason Table Small

$950

Tower Small Table

Located in ALMAZÁN, ES

The Nasrid or Neo-Mudejar reminiscences stand out in the details of the Tower coffee table. The

Category

2010s Spanish Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Tower Small Table

$552 / item

Aegialia Stone Side Small Table, Modern Accent in Carbon Walnut and Bronze

By Alexander Purcell Rodrigues

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Like its namesake beetle, the Aegialia side table is surrounded by a tactile shell accentuated by

Category

2010s American Modern Side Tables

Materials

Fabric

Aegialia Stone Side Small Table, Modern Accent in Carbon Walnut and Bronze

$3,619 / item

T Small Table

Located in ALMAZÁN, ES

Letters as objects, words as tools. If language is a purely human construct, why not objectify it and give it corporality? At Lola Glamour we like to walk in no man's land, dilute bo...

Category

2010s Spanish Side Tables

Materials

Wood

T Small Table

$968 / item

O Small Table

Located in ALMAZÁN, ES

There are as many types of letters as there are people. Our O is cubic, with skewed corners and an empty square center that doubles its aesthetic possibilities. The use of glass as a...

Category

2010s Spanish Side Tables

Materials

Wood

O Small Table

$968 / item

Early 19th Century Empire Mahogany Black Marble French Side Table Small Locker

Located in Toledo, Castilla La Mancha

French Empire side table, early 19th century. Mahogany, Belgian black marble, bronze details

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Side Tables

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Bronze

Early 19th Century Empire Mahogany Black Marble French Side Table Small Locker

$1,345

French Side Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Lovely rustic Pine side table. Perfect size for a small coffee table or side table

Category

20th Century French Side Tables

Materials

Pine

French Side Table

$2,200

Elegant Pair of Small Square Side Tables Attributed to Maison Jansen 1940s-1950s

By Maison Jansen

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Elegant pair of small square side tables attributed to Maison Jansen, France, 1950s. They are

Category

Mid-20th Century French Side Tables

Materials

Brass

Elegant Pair of Small Square Side Tables Attributed to Maison Jansen 1940s-1950s

$3,603 / set

A Side Table

Located in San Francisco, CA

A small painted and decorated round side table

Category

20th Century Side Tables

Materials

Wood

A Side Table

$2,850

Walnut side table

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Small burl walnut side table on castors. Carved details on base.

Category

Antique 19th Century American Side Tables

Materials

Walnut

Walnut side table

$1,485

Queen Heart Small Table

By Royal Stranger

Located in Vila Nova De Gaia, PT

The sweet and romantic shape of the Queen Heart Side Table is inspired by the Wonderland Stories

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Queen Heart Small Table

$4,047

Contemporary Side Table, High Side Table in Brazilian Wood

By Ivan Rezende

Located in Colatina, ES

Small format high side table in Brazilian Ipê Wood and Louro Preto.

Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Contemporary Side Table, High Side Table in Brazilian Wood

$1,915 / item

Rare Late 17th Century Oak and Ash Gateleg Side Table of Small Proportions

Located in Suffolk, GB

An extremely rare late 17th century oak and ash gateleg side table of small proportions with superb

Category

Antique Late 17th Century English Side Tables

Materials

Ash, Oak

Rare Late 17th Century Oak and Ash Gateleg Side Table of Small Proportions

$10,662

Small D-End Table

Located in London, GB

A small D-end table with a scalloped frieze. Made to order to any finish. This size and finish

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Small D-End Table

$1,719

Small Barley Twist Table

Located in Bridgehampton, NY

Painted barley twist table.

Category

Early 20th Century European Side Tables

Small Barley Twist Table

$1,030

Modern Dark Matter Custom Colors Side Table Small by Studio S II Cast Gypsum

Located in madrid, ES

Cast gypsum, custom pigment, sealant. Dark matter side table For sound to exist, vibrations of

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Side Tables

Materials

Plaster

Modern Dark Matter Custom Colors Side Table Small by Studio S II Cast Gypsum

$4,275

Pop small table with wheels

Located in ALMAZÁN, ES

As if it were a magic box, the Pop tables can change height and direction as desired. From an

Category

2010s Spanish Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Pop small table with wheels

$768

Victorian Mahogany Side Table

Located in Manchester, GB

An attractive Victorian mahogany side table of small proportions. Set with a classical backrail

Category

Antique 1870s English Victorian Side Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Victorian Mahogany Side Table

$1,368

Brass Side Table, 1960

Located in Brussels, Brussels

Very nice small brass side table designed circa 1960. The foot is brass and it is surmounted by a

Category

Mid-20th Century French Side Tables

Materials

Brass

Brass Side Table, 1960

$660

Art Deco Nickel and Glass Side Table or Small Cupboard with Double Door, 1930s

Located in Valencia, Valencia

Art Deco cupboard from the 1930s, made from solid plated-nickel structure with smoke glass top and wooden shelf with four original glass panels. Drawer is made of wood and embellishe...

Category

Vintage 1930s Spanish Art Deco Side Tables

Materials

Nickel

Art Deco Nickel and Glass Side Table or Small Cupboard with Double Door, 1930s

$3,002

Contemporary Couple of Small Tables

By Estemporaneo

Located in Firenze, IT

A visually striking black/white optical effect for these playful small tables embellished with gold

Category

2010s Italian Other Side Tables

Materials

Other

Contemporary Couple of Small Tables

$9,848 / item

Ben Soleimani Cicely Table - Small

By Ben Soleimani

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Our Cicely Table has an intriguing incised blackened wood top featuring a contemporary geometric

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Side Tables

Materials

Steel

Ben Soleimani Cicely Table - Small

$1,210 / item

Small Single-Leaf Gateleg Table

Located in Derbyshire, GB

Rare square top single gate leg table

Category

Antique Mid-17th Century British Side Tables

Small Single-Leaf Gateleg Table

$3,920

Louis XVI Small Occasional Table

Located in Natchez, MS

late 18th c. / early 19th c. oak Occasional table with one drawer

Category

20th Century French Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Louis XVI Small Occasional Table

$2,850

Small Bentwood Table Art Nouveau

Located in Vienna, AT

A very fine display of craftmanship in the details such as the spindle and the elegantly bent tablelegs. Newly polished surface. Manufacturer unknown.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Side Tables

Materials

Bentwood

Small Bentwood Table Art Nouveau

$3,573

Stacked Cut Glass Side Table by Fredeuc Zagajski

By Fredeuc Zagajski

Located in New York, NY

Stunning small side table. Created by artists Fredeuc Zagajski. Stacked glass squares with hand cut

Category

Vintage 1950s French End Tables

Materials

Glass

Stacked Cut Glass Side Table by Fredeuc Zagajski

$5,530

Batea S Tray Side Table

By Woodendot

Located in Madrid, Madrid

with its solid wooden tray, easy to remove and use. A practical side table that combines tradition and

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Batea S Tray Side Table

$479 / item

SKS Side Table in Mahogany

Located in Stockholm, SE

Star Side Table) is a sculptural showcase of classic craftsmanship. Precise angles and a silky-smooth

Category

2010s Swedish Side Tables

Materials

Mahogany

SKS Side Table in Mahogany

$7,386

Vintage Danish Teak Side Table

Located in Vancouver, BC

Wonderful small Danish teak side table with shelf. Made in Denmark.

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Teak

Vintage Danish Teak Side Table

$595

Vetro Dark Bronze Side Table

By Giacomo Tomazzi

Located in Sao Paulo, BR

46cm Side table Small (L) x (P) x (H) – 25 x 50 x 51cm.

Category

2010s Brazilian Minimalist Side Tables

Materials

Glass

Vetro Dark Bronze Side Table

$2,887 / set

Sprig Side Table by Brian Chaaban

By CHAABAN

Located in London, GB

and elegance. Featuring a compact 11” diameter and a height of 21.25”, this small round side table is

Category

2010s American Modern Side Tables

Materials

Bronze

Sprig Side Table by Brian Chaaban

$5,005 / item

Small Painted Table, American, 19th Century

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Small painted table, American, 19th century.

Category

Antique 19th Century American Country Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Small Painted Table, American, 19th Century

$975

Small Danish Folding Table Teak, 1960s

By J.C. Andersen

Located in Berlin, DE

Manufactured with perfect details and best materials this small, portable table is equipped wit

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Teak

Small Danish Folding Table Teak, 1960s

$999

Small Plectron Shaped Coffee Table, 1960s

Located in Zbiroh, CZ

Completely restored coffee table from 1960, new refinishing, new varnish on the desk (grain of wood

Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Formica, Wood

Small Plectron Shaped Coffee Table, 1960s

$504

Tables Under $2,000

Antique and Vintage Tables

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Small Side Tables For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a range of small side tables for sale on 1stDibs. The range of distinct small side tables — often made from wood, metal and brass — can elevate any home. Find 3824 antique and vintage small side tables at 1stDibs now, or shop our selection of 792 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished furniture. There are all kinds of small side tables available, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. Small side tables made by mid-century modern designers — as well as those associated with modern — are very popular at 1stDibs. Many small side tables are appealing in their simplicity, but Andrea Barra, 8] and R Y Augousti produced popular small side tables that are worth a look.

How Much are Small Side Tables?

The average selling price for at 1stDibs is $2,197, while they’re typically $0 on the low end and $750,000 highest priced.

Finding the Right Tables for You

The right vintage, new or antique tables can help make any space in your home stand out.

Over the years, the variety of tables available to us, as well as our specific needs for said tables, has broadened. Today, with all manner of these must-have furnishings differing in shape, material and style, any dining room table can shine just as brightly as the guests who gather around it.

Remember, when shopping for a dining table, it must fit your dining area, and you need to account for space around the table too — think outside the box, as an oval dining table may work for tighter spaces. Alternatively, if you’ve got the room, a Regency-style dining table can elevate any formal occasion at mealtime.

Innovative furniture makers and designers have also redefined what a table can be. Whether it’s an unconventional Ping-Pong table, a brass side table to display your treasured collectibles or a Louis Vuitton steamer trunk to add an air of nostalgia to your loft, your table can say a lot about you.

The visionary work of French designer Xavier Lavergne, for example, includes tables that draw on the forms of celestial bodies as often as they do aquatic creatures or fossils. Elsewhere, Italian architect Gae Aulenti, who looked to Roman architecture in crafting her stately Jumbo coffee table, created clever glass-topped mobile coffee tables that move on bicycle tires or sculpted wood wheels for Fontana Arte.

Coffee and cocktail tables can serve as a room’s centerpiece with attention-grabbing details and colors. Glass varieties will keep your hardwood flooring and dazzling area rugs on display, while a marble or stone coffee table in a modern interior can showcase your prized art books and decorative objects. A unique vintage desk or writing table can bring sophistication and even a bit of spice to your work life.

No matter your desired form or function, a quality table for your living space is a sound investment. On 1stDibs, browse a collection of vintage, new and antique bedside tables, mid-century end tables and more .

Questions About Small Side Tables

What is a small table called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
What a small table is called depends largely on where it's located. A small table placed beside a bed is a bedside table or a nightstand. Small tables in seating areas positioned between sofas, loveseats and accent chairs are end tables or side tables. Shop a wide range of tables on 1stDibs.
What are side tables used for?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Side tables are used next to furniture like beds and couches to provide an accessible place for keeping essential items at hand. In the living room, side tables are often used to display flower arrangements, photos or books as well as to set down a drink. In the bedroom, a side table is typically populated with items like a lamp, bedtime reading material, and a charging device for a phone. Shop a collection of vintage and contemporary side tables from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What are nesting side tables?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A nesting table is a set of tables designed to be stored one inside or under the other, giving them a layered or stacked appearance. A side table is a table that’s placed beside a piece of furniture. A nesting side table would be a series of side tables in graduated heights that can be stacked or nested together. Shop a collection of nesting tables from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What size should a side table be?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
A side table should stand one to three inches below the arm of the sofa or chair it is placed next to.
What are side tables called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
Side tables are often simply called side tables. If positioned on either end of a sofa or loveseat, you might refer to them as end tables. General terms for side tables and other tables commonly used in seating areas include occasional tables and accent tables. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of side tables.
What is the small table next to a bed?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021
The small table next to a bed is called either a nightstand or bedside table. These tables serve as storage as well as a surface for important bedside items, such as your book, your phone or a small pitcher of water. Shop antique, vintage and modern bedside tables on 1stDibs.
Is there a difference between an end table and a side table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
There are two differences between end tables and side tables: function and size. Typically, end tables go beside a chair or at opposite ends of a sofa and have smaller tabletops, while side tables go toward the sides of seating areas or against walls and feature a larger surface area. However, many people use the words side and end tables interchangeably, so these differences may not always apply. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of end and side tables.
What is the difference between a side table and a coffee table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
The difference between a side table and a coffee table is mainly in the size and shape. Coffee tables usually feature larger tops but shorter legs. People typically place them in front of a sofa or a loveseat to rest books, drinks, remote controls and other items. Side tables also store items, but they are usually positioned beside an accent chair or at the ends of a sofa or loveseat. Shop a diverse assortment of side tables and coffee tables on 1stDibs.
What is a small dining table called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
A small dining table is also called a dinette. A table and two to four seats are frequently included. Designed for small spaces, dinettes are most often used in kitchens and breakfast nooks. On 1stDibs, find a variety of vintage and antique dinettes.
How can you tell if a side table is antique?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
To determine whether a side table is an antique, closely examine its details. Older pieces will typically have telltale features like wood pegs, hand-cut dovetails with some slight imperfections and mortise-and-tenon construction. Tables that are a consistent color throughout or have machine-cut moldings or carvings are unlikely to be antiques. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer can be a helpful resource when dating tables. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and modern side tables on 1stDibs.
What are tiny side tables called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
What tiny side tables are called varies. Some people may simply refer to them as side tables. Others describe them as end tables if they're placed on either end of a sofa or loveseat. When used elsewhere in a room, small side tables are often called accent tables. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of antique, vintage and contemporary side tables.
What is a tall side table called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021
A tall side table may also be called a console table. While these furnishings are not as common in today’s interiors as their coffee-table and side-table counterparts, console tables are stylish home accents and have become more prevalent over the years. The popularity of wood console tables took shape during the 17th and 18th centuries in French and Italian culture, and were exclusively featured in the palatial homes of the upper class. Find console tables today on 1stDibs.
Should a side table be lower than a sofa?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024
No, a side table shouldn't always be lower than a sofa. To make it easy to access items on a table, a sofa's arms should generally be no more than 2 to 3 inches above or below the tabletop. This rule of thumb differs from the one for coffee tables, which should be as tall or 1 to 2 inches shorter than the seat height of the sofa to ensure a balanced look. Explore a large selection of side tables on 1stDibs.
Is a glass table better for small spaces?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
Whether a glass table is better for small spaces is largely a matter of personal opinion. However, many people find that a transparent glass table creates the illusion of a larger room and makes a compact area feel more spacious. Shop a variety of glass tables on 1stDibs.
What is the small table in the living room called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 27, 2024
The small table in the living room is often called a side table. The name comes from the fact that these small yet tall tables typically go beside seating. Small side tables positioned on either end of a sofa or loveseat are sometimes referred to as end tables. A low table in front of a sofa is usually called a coffee table. Shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary side tables on 1stDibs.
What is a small table next to your bed called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
The small table next to the bed is called a nightstand or bedside table. These tables usually have a bedside lamp which is useful for reading. Modern nightstands are small tables with one or two drawers. It’s a space to hold a lamp, your book, your phone, a flashlight and more. On 1stDibs, shop vintage and antique bedside tables.
What shape table is best for a small space?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021
The best shape table for a small space is a square shaped table. Because they can have multiple functions and easily push into the corner of the room, they are said to better as they'll take up less space in a dining room or kitchen. Find a range of tables today on 1stDibs.
What is the best shape table for a small dining room?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
The best shape for a table in a small dining room can be a round table. A round table works well in small rooms and smaller square-shaped rooms. It creates a cozy setting, so it is the best shape for a small group of people. Visually, it seems to occupy less space than a rectangle because of the rounded corners, and this also means that it has less surface area. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage round dining tables.
Is a round dining table better in a small space?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
Whether a round dining table is better in a small space is largely a matter of personal preference. Working with a tighter space may mean that a round or oval dining room table, a design that references the festive meals of the medieval era, may be a better fit. Round dining room tables, particularly those that originated in the Art Deco period, still endure as a popular contemporary substitute for traditional rectangular dining tables. Both round and oval tables take up less space than rectangular and square tables of similar size because they lack corners. Find a variety of round tables on 1stDibs.
Does a coffee table make a small living room look smaller or bigger?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
Whether a coffee table makes a small living room look smaller or larger depends on the design. Tables with glass or open, airy designs can create the illusion of a larger space. Round and oval tables can also increase the feeling of openness in a room. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of coffee tables.

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