What Is a Modern Side Table? Sizes, Shapes and How to Choose One
A modern side table is a small table — usually 40 to 60 cm wide and 50 to 60 cm high — that sits beside a sofa, armchair or bed, with clean lines, a slim frame and little or no ornament. The "modern" part describes the design language rather than the date: straight or gently curved edges, open shelves instead of drawers, and finishes such as oak, anthracite or white rather than polished wood and brass.
What size should a side table be?
- Height: level with, or up to 5 cm below, the arm of your sofa. Most UK sofa arms sit between 55 and 65 cm, which is why our side tables are 55–60 cm high.
- Width: 30–60 cm. Narrower than 30 cm is a plant stand; wider than 60 cm starts to behave like a coffee table.
- Depth: 20–40 cm. Shallow tables (around 20 cm) sit flush against a sofa arm without sticking out into the room.
The four common shapes
- Lazena Coffee Table (W 60 cm × D 21.2 cm × H 55.4 cm) — Two-shelf, Z-frame: an open upright with two shelves for books and a cup; only 21 cm deep
- Simpi Side Table with Magazine Rack (W 55.2 cm × D 20 cm × H 60 cm) — Side table with a rack: a top surface plus a magazine rack in the frame; 20 cm deep
- Muju Modern C Shape Table Multipurpose H 57cm (W 30 cm × D 40 cm × H 57 cm) — C-shape: the base slides under the sofa so the top sits over your lap — the laptop-and-coffee table
- Homemania Modern Side Table with 4 Open Shelves (W 60 cm × D 19.6 cm × H 59.4 cm) — Open-shelf tower: four shelves in a 60 cm wide, 19.6 cm deep frame
Side table or coffee table?
A coffee table sits in front of the sofa and is 35–45 cm high; a side table sits beside it and is 55–60 cm high. In small living rooms a pair of side tables often works better than one coffee table, because the floor in the middle stays clear. Our Sable and Melina oval tables are the coffee-table alternative if you have the room.
What are they made of?
Ours are engineered wood with a melamine finish — the same material as most modern European furniture. It does not warp, wipes clean, and the finishes (oak, walnut, anthracite, white, sandstone and others) are consistent across our range, so a side table matches a sideboard bought later. Each piece is flat-packed and assembles with the fittings supplied, usually in 15–20 minutes.
Where to buy a modern side table in the UK
You can buy directly from us at decortie.co.uk — we design and make our furniture in our own factory, founded in 2009 — with free delivery across mainland Great Britain and dispatch in 1–2 working days. The same designs are also stocked by UK marketplaces such as B&Q and Wayfair. Browse the full range in End & Side Tables.
Frequently asked questions
How high should a side table be next to a sofa?
Level with the arm or slightly below it; for most sofas that is 55–60 cm.
Can a side table be used as a bedside table?
Yes, if its height matches the top of your mattress (usually 50–60 cm). Our bedside tables add a drawer for the things you do not want on show.
Do you deliver side tables for free?
Yes — delivery is free on every order to mainland Great Britain, including a single side table.
Delivery, returns and the showroom
Everything we sell is designed and made in our own factory, which we founded in 2009. Delivery is free across mainland Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland); we do not currently deliver to Northern Ireland or offshore islands. Orders are dispatched within 1–2 working days, you have 30 days to return anything you change your mind about, and every piece carries a 2-year warranty. If you would like to see finishes in person, our factory showroom in Risley, Warrington (WA3 6QU) is open Monday to Friday 8:30–16:30 and Saturday 9:30–15:30 — showroom details.