Furniture Types
End Table
An end table (or side table) is a small table placed at the end of a sofa or beside a chair, providing a surface for lamps, drinks, books, and remote controls. Though simple in purpose, end tables significantly impact both function and aesthetics of seating arrangements.
End table selection involves coordinating height with seating arm levels, ensuring proportions work with the larger furniture, and choosing styles that complement (though don't necessarily match) other pieces. Thoughtful end table choices complete seating vignettes and make spaces genuinely usable.
Key Characteristics
- ✓Positioned beside seating
- ✓Surface for lamp and essentials
- ✓Height relates to seat arm level
- ✓Small footprint
- ✓May include drawers or shelves
- ✓Often sold in pairs
Types & Variations
Drawer end table (concealed storage)
Shelf end table (open storage below)
Drum end table (cylindrical shape)
C-table (slides under sofa/chair)
Pedestal end table (single base)
Works Well With These Styles
Placement & Usage Tips
End table height should allow comfortable reaching from seated position—typically within a few inches of the sofa arm height. Leave a couple inches between the table and seating. Consider lamp height when selecting end table height.
💡 Pro Tip
End tables don't need to match each other exactly. Different but coordinating tables (varying shapes, heights, or finishes that share an element) create a collected, designed look that feels more personal than matching sets.