Side + End Tables

Side tables are the unsung heroes of the living room, standing at the ready to hold a magazine, remote control, or phone. They do a lot of work, but living room end tables must also look good while doing it and contribute to the harmony of the decor. That’s why sometimes they’re called designer end tables. Many from Design Within Reach have been created by some of the greatest designers in the world.  

How to choose an end table   

Choosing the right end tables will depend on the rest of your furniture. A sofa with tall arms, for instance, calls for a tall side table to make it easier to reach the tabletop over the sofa arms. A low-arm sofa, on the other hand, should be paired with a sofa side table that is the same height or slightly lower than the sofa arms. Side table dimensions are important. The availability of matching sofa and end tables is a rare thing these days with modern furniture, but with the wide range of both sofas and modern end tables available at DWR, it’s easy to blend the two and achieve a pleasing match. When they’re offered together in collections, end tables and modern coffee tables typically feature unified design motifs. So by pairing a collection of tables with a well-chosen sofa and lounge chairs, a very harmonious ensemble can be achieved.  

Types of end tables 

End tables come in wide variety of sizes, shapes, and functions. End tables with storage are a popular choice, offering a handy place to stash the clutter of the living room. Round end tables are plentiful and come in wood, metal, and other materials, often fitted with a contrasting tabletop of glass or stone. Narrow end tables can be a welcome solution in smaller living rooms, a way to enjoy the convenience of an extra surface with a modest use of floor space. A glass side table – that is, one with a glass top – can provide an accent in a room with warm textures and also offer a surface that’s easy to clean.