Side tables and occasional tables are versatile pieces of furniture that can elevate your entire interior. Many of our side tables can also double as bedside tables, coffee tables, or pedestals. Some even serve as extra seating when you need it! Here are some tips on how to choose side tables or occasional tables for your home.
Which style suits you and your home?
Do you prefer classic lines or do you like more modern design? Consider the ambiance you want to create in your interior. We offer a wide range of elegant side tables with classic designs, but we also have exclusive side tables with exciting design elements. Since side tables don’t necessarily need to be as functional as dining tables or coffee tables, you have a chance to get creative. Take a look at tables like the Colorado Log and Root, which are made of wood and draw inspiration from the organic forms of the material itself. Tables like Ashi in concrete or Franco in brass and aluminum are other examples of exciting designs that can truly elevate a room. They are perfect for areas where you want the side table to be the centerpiece!
Some people choose to match their furniture by allowing colors or materials to run as a common thread throughout the decor. However, you can also opt for the opposite approach. Contrasts and style clashes can add a delightful dynamic to your interior.
Consider the context in which the side table will be placed. Do you want to pair it with a suitable table lamp? Hang a beautiful mirror on the wall above it? Or complement it with matching cabinets or shelves?
How high should side tables and occasional tables be?
- As an accompaniment to an armchair or sofa, a height of 45-55 cm is usually appropriate. This is also a common height for coffee tables. A good rule of thumb is to choose an occasional table that is at least as high as the seating height of the sofa or armchair, perhaps even higher if the side table is positioned next to a high armrest.
- If you want to use multiple smaller side tables as a coffee table, you can place tables of varying heights close together. Nesting tables of different heights can be used individually or pushed together to form a single piece of furniture. It’s flexible and convenient!
- Taller side tables work well as surfaces for decoration, such as along a wall or behind a sofa. They also tend to function well as occasional tables for keys, mail, and other items in the hallway.
- Lower side tables are suitable next to a low lounge piece of furniture or in an interior where you want to create an airy impression.
Exciting materials – The finishing touch
Side tables made of glass or marble often create an elegant impression, while tables in dark metal and concrete can provide a more raw and modern feel. A side table in light wood often imparts a softer and more airy appearance, while dark wood adds weight to the ensemble. Different materials also have varying levels of durability and resilience, which is worth considering when making your choice.
In Artwood’s range, you can find side tables in marble, concrete, and wood types like teak, oak, elm, and birch. We also have side tables in exciting materials like rattan, aluminum, and bronze.
Here you can find care instructions for several of these materials, but always inquire about the specific care requirements for your particular piece at the time of purchase.
Wooden side tables
To clean wooden side tables, wipe the furniture with a lightly damp cloth, possibly with a little soap in the water. For wood with an irregular surface, you can use a soft brush to remove dust. Many of our wooden side tables benefit from regular waxing with Spray Wax, which helps prevent liquid and dirt from penetrating the wood surface.
Concrete side tables
To clean concrete side tables, wipe them with a lightly damp cloth, possibly with a little soap in the water. Never use abrasive materials or cleaning products that contain acid, bleach, or ammonia, as they can damage the concrete surface. Our concrete side tables are waxed as a basic protection against stains. For continued protection, it is advisable to wax the concrete table once in the first two months after purchase and then regularly every 2-4 times a year. Spray Wax provides good protection and is easy to use.
Marble side tables
Marble side tables are durable in many ways, but the porous stone can absorb liquids, so be careful with spills on the table surface. It’s a good practice to use coasters for vases, glasses, and cups, and to wipe up any spills immediately. When cleaning, you can wipe the marble side table with a lightly damp cloth, preferably with a little soap in the water. Never use abrasive materials or cleaning products that contain acid, bleach, or ammonia, as they can damage the marble surface.
Side tables in metal such as brass, bronze & aluminium
Our side tables in brass, bronze, and aluminum often have a thin layer of lacquer on top of the metal for protection, but the surface is still sensitive to spills. Therefore, it’s a good practice to use coasters for vases, glasses, and cups and to wipe up any spills immediately. Aluminum is also sensitive to heat, so be extra cautious with coasters under hot tea and coffee cups. Powder-coated aluminum tabletops are somewhat more durable than those electroplated with genuine brass and copper, but it’s a good general rule to be equally cautious – this way, the furniture will stay looking good for longer. Clean metal side tables with a lightly damp cloth, avoiding strong cleaning agents.
Rattan side tables
You can use a vacuum cleaner with a soft nozzle to clean rattan side tables. You can also wipe the table with a lightly damp cloth. Do not use strong cleaning agents. Be sure to wipe up any spills immediately to avoid permanent stains. Natural rattan can dry out over time, making it more brittle and sensitive to pressure. Therefore, gently moisturize the rattan from time to time, such as with the help of a spray bottle with water.
Would you like to take a closer look at Artwood’s side tables and occasional tables? You’re warmly welcome to visit one of our many resellers across the country.