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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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

Antique Early 19th Century English Hepplewhite Side Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Hepplewhite Mahogany Side Table with Lift Top

$1,695

Dreamy Creamy Maison Jansen Style Side Table

By Maison Jansen

Located in Hopewell, NJ

Elegant small creamy side table having a painted iron base adorned with brass swan heads and paw

Category

Vintage 1940s French Side Tables

Materials

Marble, Iron

Dreamy Creamy Maison Jansen Style Side Table

$1,650

Small Spanish Iron Drinks Table with Scrolled Legs

Located in Buchanan, NY

This unique small Spanish side or drinks table was recently hand crafted by skilled European

Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Iron

Small Spanish Iron Drinks Table with Scrolled Legs

$1,560

Small Spanish Iron Drinks Table with Scrolled Legs

Located in Buchanan, NY

This unique small Spanish side or drinks table was recently hand crafted by skilled European

Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Iron

Small Spanish Iron Drinks Table with Scrolled Legs

$1,344

1940s French Wooden Side Tables, a Pair

Located in High Point, NC

A pair of wooden side tables created in France, circa 1940. Stout and sturdy, these small but

Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Side Tables

Materials

Oak

1940s French Wooden Side Tables, a Pair

$1,995 / set

Small Spanish Iron Drinks Table with Scrolled Feet

Located in Buchanan, NY

This small Spanish iron drinks table was recently handcrafted by accomplished European artisans

Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Iron

Small Spanish Iron Drinks Table with Scrolled Feet

$1,480

Modernist Architectural Rod Base Low Side Table

By Paolo Piva, Rene Brancusi

Located in San Diego, CA

Simple and elegant modernist Mid-Century metal rod base side table or small coffee table with 25

Category

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

Modernist Architectural Rod Base Low Side Table

$2,400

Antique Burr Walnut Side Table by Hille

Located in London, GB

A lovely small antique side table in burr walnut and carved walnut. This was made in England by Ray

Category

Vintage 1930s English Side Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique Burr Walnut Side Table by Hille

$516

Small Spanish Iron Drinks Table with Twisted Stem

Located in Buchanan, NY

This small Spanish end table was recently created by accomplished European artisans using

Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Iron

Small Spanish Iron Drinks Table with Twisted Stem

$1,184

Pine Side Table from the Interwar Period

Located in Opole, PL

We present you a small, simple side table with a shelf and a drawer under the top. It is made in

Category

Early 20th Century European Side Tables

Materials

Pine

Pine Side Table from the Interwar Period

$600

1920s Czech Wood and Metal Side Table

Located in High Point, NC

A wooden round table with metal top from Czechia, produced circa 1920. A small round side table

Category

Vintage 1920s Czech Side Tables

Materials

Metal

1920s Czech Wood and Metal Side Table

$1,395

19th Century Louis XVI Style Side Table

Located in Winter Park, FL

An early 19th century French Louis XVI style small gueridon or circular side table with a single

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Louis XVI Side Tables

19th Century Louis XVI Style Side Table

$1,650

Cannes Small Iron Drink Table in Brass Finish

By Bloom Home Inc

Located in Old Town Orange, CA

Cannes small iron drink table in brass finish. Inspired by the antique version, this small drink

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Side Tables

Materials

Iron

Cannes Small Iron Drink Table in Brass Finish

$599 / item

Small 19th Century Swedish Pine Folk Art Table

Located in Kramfors, SE

Northern Swedish small folk art table from around 1820 to 1840. The table is made pine and has

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Side Tables

Materials

Pine

Small 19th Century Swedish Pine Folk Art Table

$1,741

Small Circular Table with Nickel Horn Form Base

Located in New York, NY

Small circular glass top table with nickel horn form base.

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Nickel

Small Circular Table with Nickel Horn Form Base

$2,800

Small cube table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

Located in Dallas, TX

A small walnut cube table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.

Category

Vintage 1950s Side Tables

Small cube table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

$700

Medium Tribos Side Table in Imbuia Wood

By Maria Fernanda Paes de Barros

Located in Jundiaí, SP

coffee table, as a bedside table or together with the small Tribos side table which matches it perfectly

Category

2010s Brazilian Side Tables

Materials

Wood, Imbuia

Medium Tribos Side Table in Imbuia Wood

$2,180

Antique Pine Side Table with Drawer Nightstand

Located in Round Top, TX

This delightful small pine side table with turned legs reveals generations of use in every scratch

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Danish Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Antique Pine Side Table with Drawer Nightstand

$300

19th Century Small French Butcher or Pastry Table

Located in Wichita, KS

charming table was found in a small village of Provence. The French table du boucher, or butcher table

Category

Antique 19th Century French Side Tables

19th Century Small French Butcher or Pastry Table

$4,800

Small Maple Occasional Table with Inset Leather Top

Located in Dallas, TX

A small maple ocasional table with inset leather top. Very reminiscent of a Edward Wormley design

Category

Vintage 1960s Side Tables

Small Maple Occasional Table with Inset Leather Top

$495

Small Decorative Brass Finish Table with Glass Top

Located in Dallas, TX

Small decorative brass finish table with glass top. Glass is detailed with etched racer stripes

Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Metal

Small Decorative Brass Finish Table with Glass Top

$450

Pair of small brass tables by Pepe Mendoza

Located in Dallas, TX

A matching pair of small drink tables designed by Mexican artist Pepe Mendoza in the mid 1950s

Category

Vintage 1950s Side Tables

Pair of small brass tables by Pepe Mendoza

$3,200

Small Rectangular Table, Louis XVI, Rosewood and Rosewood

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Small rectangular table, Louis XVI, rosewood and rosewood, boxwood nets, 1 drawer, gilt bronze

Category

Antique 1740s French Louis XVI Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Small Rectangular Table, Louis XVI, Rosewood and Rosewood

$3,843

Late 18th Century Small Swedish Rococo Country Table

Located in Kramfors, SE

Small unusual rococo table from northern Sweden made around 1780 to 1790. The table is a country

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Rococo Side Tables

Materials

Pine

Late 18th Century Small Swedish Rococo Country Table

$5,404

Small Round Louis Philippe Style Bleached Gueridon Table

Located in Troy, MI

Turn of the century small Louis Philippe style bleached oak pedestal / gueridon table. Table top is

Category

Early 20th Century French Side Tables

Materials

Oak

Small Round Louis Philippe Style Bleached Gueridon Table

$1,895

Small 18th Century Ducth Kingwood Baluster Leg Table

Located in Lincolnshire, GB

An early 18th century kingwood table, with finely turned balaster legs and banded top. Two small

Category

Antique Early 18th Century European Side Tables

Materials

Kingwood

Small 18th Century Ducth Kingwood Baluster Leg Table

$3,098

Small 18th Century George II Mahogany Tea Table

Located in Folkestone, GB

An extremely pretty, 18th Century English George II period mahogany tea table of delightfully small

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century European George II Side Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Small 18th Century George II Mahogany Tea Table

$2,272

19th Century French Louis-Philippe Side Table

Located in Winter Park, FL

An early 19th century French Louis-Philippe side table or small étagère, made of mahogany with one

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis Philippe Side Tables

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century French Louis-Philippe Side Table

$1,200

19th Century Louis XV Style Painted Small Table

Located in Charleston, SC

A charming 19th century French Louis XV style painted side table with beautifully carved apron with

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Side Tables

19th Century Louis XV Style Painted Small Table

$1,700

Small Gilt Iron Drinks Table With Tripod Base

Located in Buchanan, NY

This lovely recently fabricated Spanish iron side table features a distinctive design with a

Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Metal, Iron

Small Gilt Iron Drinks Table With Tripod Base

$1,480

Small Spanish Gilt Drinks Table with Pointed Stem

Located in Buchanan, NY

11 inches in diameter, this perfectly scaled table has a hand-applied gold finish and is small enough

Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Iron

Small Spanish Gilt Drinks Table with Pointed Stem

$1,480

Les Necessaires d Hermès Simple Table, Small Model

By Hermès

Located in New York, NY

An understated masterpiece of luxurious minimalism, this small "Simple Table" from the exclusive

Category

2010s French Modern Side Tables

Materials

Leather, Oak

Les Necessaires d Hermès Simple Table, Small Model

$3,000

Small Gilt Spanish Drinks Table with Painted Base

Located in Buchanan, NY

This attractive iron and metal side table from Spain was recently crafted by skilled artisans using

Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Metal, Iron

Small Gilt Spanish Drinks Table with Painted Base

$1,480

Small Art Deco Birds Eye Maple Table c1930

Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB

A small table in birds eye maple produced in the 1930’s fully restored and polished it is in

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Side Tables

Materials

Birdseye Maple

Small Art Deco Birds Eye Maple Table c1930

$619

19th Century Louis XV Style Painted Small Table

Located in Charleston, SC

A charming 19th century French Louis XV style painted side table with beautifully carved apron and

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Side Tables

Materials

Oak

19th Century Louis XV Style Painted Small Table

$1,950

Small Spanish Drinks Table with Curved Tripod Base

Located in Buchanan, NY

and 11 inches in diameter, this lovely side table will compliment a variety of interiors, and can be

Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Iron

Small Spanish Drinks Table with Curved Tripod Base

$1,480

Small Spanish Iron Drinks Table with Pointed Stem

Located in Buchanan, NY

This lovely Spanish iron side table was recently hand crafted by skilled artisans and features a

Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Iron

Small Spanish Iron Drinks Table with Pointed Stem

$1,480

Small Black Spanish Drinks Table with Gold Highlights

Located in Buchanan, NY

enhancing the table's functionality. This beautiful side table is part of 145 Antiques' vintage-inspired

Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Iron

Small Black Spanish Drinks Table with Gold Highlights

$1,480

Small Spanish Drinks Table on a Tripod Base

Located in Buchanan, NY

This elegant Spanish drinks table, recently handcrafted by skilled European artisans using

Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Metal, Iron

Small Spanish Drinks Table on a Tripod Base

$1,480

Small Spanish Drinks Table on a Tripod Base

Located in Buchanan, NY

This recently crafted iron and metal end table, handmade in Spain using traditional iron-working

Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Iron

Small Spanish Drinks Table on a Tripod Base

$1,480

Small Spanish Iron Drinks Table with Hammered Top

Located in Buchanan, NY

This exquisite Spanish drinks table has been meticulously hand-crafted by skilled European artisans

Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Iron

Small Spanish Iron Drinks Table with Hammered Top

$1,480

Gilt Iron Martini or Side Table

Located in Buchanan, NY

. This small side table has the original hand applied gold finish with black and Venetian red undertones

Category

Vintage 1960s Spanish End Tables

Materials

Metal, Iron

Gilt Iron Martini or Side Table

$980

Small 18th Century Swedish Table in the Rococo Style

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

attractive old blue paint. This little table would make the perfect side table, small desk or dressing table

Category

Antique 18th Century Side Tables

Materials

Wood, Paint

Small 18th Century Swedish Table in the Rococo Style

$4,626

Lovely Antique Chinoiserie Side Table or Night Table with Three Drawers

Located in Hopewell, NJ

Fine Louis XVI French hand-painted chinoiserie nightstand/ side table/ small chest of drawers

Category

Antique 19th Century French Chinoiserie Side Tables

Lovely Antique Chinoiserie Side Table or Night Table with Three Drawers

$3,600

19th Century French Empire Period Mahogany Somneau Drum Table Side Table

Located in Fayetteville, AR

interior includes a marble shelf and provides the perfect place to keep small treasures. An ideal side

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Side Tables

Materials

Marble

19th Century French Empire Period Mahogany Somneau Drum Table Side Table

$1,795

Adrian Pearsall Slate and Walnut Side/Cocktail Table

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in Oklahoma City, OK

Unique slate top with walnut wood base side table or smaller cocktail table designed by Adrian

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Slate

Adrian Pearsall Slate and Walnut Side/Cocktail Table

$750

1970s Pair of Italian Designed Brass Side Tables

Located in Marbella, ES

1970s pair of Italian design brass side tables. Measures: Small table 50 high x 60 x 60cm

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Side Tables

Materials

Bronze

1970s Pair of Italian Designed Brass Side Tables

$5,404

Side Tables by Ejnar Larsen Aksel Bender Madsen

By Ejner Larsen and Aksel Bender Madsen

Located in Copenhagen, DK

Two small teak side tables. Rare version. Maker Willy Beck.

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Teak

Side Tables by Ejnar Larsen Aksel Bender Madsen

$7,203 / item

Petite Stewart MacDougall/Kip Stewart Walnut Side Table

Located in Miami, FL

, this small scale circular side table is from the popular Declaration Line designed by Stewart

Category

Vintage 1950s American Side Tables

Petite Stewart MacDougall/Kip Stewart Walnut Side Table

$525

Triangle Shaped Glass and Brass Cocktail / Side Table

Located in New York, NY

Two tier glass and brass pair small cocktail / side tables Can be split for next to chair, or

Category

Vintage 1940s French Side Tables

Materials

Brass

Triangle Shaped Glass and Brass Cocktail / Side Table

$2,400

Vintage Danish Rosewood Side Table by Heltborg 1960s

By Heltborg Møbler, Erling Torvits

Located in Asaa, DK

Vintage Danish rosewood side table by Heltborg 1960s Small Danish Mid-Century Modern side table

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Vintage Danish Rosewood Side Table by Heltborg 1960s

$237

Art Deco Style Pair of Goatskin Side Tables

By (after) Jean Michel Frank

Located in Miami, FL

A pair of small parchment side tables, in the manner of Jean-Michel Frank. Made in France.

Category

20th Century French Art Deco Side Tables

Materials

Goatskin

Art Deco Style Pair of Goatskin Side Tables

$6,000

Biedermeier Side Table with one Drawer, circa 1830

Located in Greding, DE

Small Biedermeier side table with one drawer and a quatrefoil intermediate board and curved legs

Category

Antique 1830s German Biedermeier Side Tables

Materials

Wood, Mahogany

Biedermeier Side Table with one Drawer, circa 1830

$3,362

Teak Side Table by Albert Larsson, Sweden 1950s

By Alberts Tibro, Albert Larsson

Located in London, GB

Small teak side table by Albert Larsson, Sweden, 1950s. Three-legged round side table by Albert

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Copper

Teak Side Table by Albert Larsson, Sweden 1950s

$1,032

19th Century French Louis XV Style Side Table

Located in Charleston, SC

19th century French LXV style painted side table/small desk with elegant slender tapering cabriole

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Side Tables

19th Century French Louis XV Style Side Table

$2,400

21st Century French Modern Style Chrome Side Table

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A small, round modern style French side table made of hand crafted chrome, in good condition. Wear

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Metal, Chrome

21st Century French Modern Style Chrome Side Table

$1,250

Vintage Distressed Oxblood Leather Side Table Extending Top Great Games Table

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to this lovely small Bevan Funnell vintage mahogany side table with extending

Category

20th Century English Victorian Side Tables

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Vintage Distressed Oxblood Leather Side Table Extending Top Great Games Table

$413

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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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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