Sofa side tables, also called corner or end tables, are a practical solution that can be used for drinks, positioning a lamp or storing devices and books. They come in numerous styles, including round tables and the c-table, which fits over your lap when sitting on the sofa!
Whether you're looking for an oak side table or a modern tea table in grey or white, our buying guide will help you pick the best one. There are lots of points to consider from material to size, so to get you started, we've ranked the top 10 best sofa side tables in the UK. Including picks from Ikea, Habitat and West Elm, they're all available to buy from Amazon, Argos and John Lewis.
Quick List - Top Sofa Side Tables
John Lewis & Partners
A Great Selection of Colours to Brighten Your Space
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Round side tables are best for small rooms because they aren't as bulky. The no-corner design will free up space so you can move around the room with ease, and they often come in many different designs with unique legs and bases to give them a modern look.
Round tables sometimes come in a tripod (or teapoy) design, with three legs instead of four. These are better for rooms with uneven floors. The table won't wobble because all three points are always on the same plane. Some round tables have a tray instead of a standard table top for extra security, so drinks or trinkets are less likely to fall off. They sometimes even come with another tray underneath for extra storage!
Looking for more furniture to complete your home? Browse our best coffee tables here.
S-shape and c-shape tables have many benefits. If you're looking for a table with extra storage space, pick an s-shape. Not only does it look stylish, but it offers two storage compartments underneath for small items like books or trinkets.
S-shape tables have a base and top, but only one side. This allows you to slide it over your lap or slot it in between the sofa seats. These tables are convenient for eating and drinking, and can even be used for holding your laptop or tablet device!
Pick a rectangular or square table if you have a large living room. The surface area will often be much bigger, so you can fit larger items such as lamps. If you're planning on using it as a drinks table, the sturdy design means it'll be harder to knock them off. After all, accidents happen - especially if you have kids!
Rectangular tables often have a drawer or bottom shelf for extra storage. As we often read, draw or watch TV while sitting on the sofa, you can neatly store books, stationery or even the remote within easy reach for when you need them.
Whilst many side tables offer some form of storage, you might want to consider a dedicated storage table if you need the extra space. Underneath the table top, there's a large basket or trunk to help keep your living room looking neat.
Some storage tables come with other convenient features, like a tidy for your charging cable. This allows you to hide messy cables whilst charging your devices, as well as letting you comfortably use your phone or tablet from the sofa, even when it's plugged in.
Engineered woods like MDF, particle board and fibreboard are often used to make affordable side tables. These are man-made using reconstituted wood fibres or chips. Engineered wood is often more stable and durable than solid wood, making it a good choice for families.
Solid wood tables tend to look nicer due to the natural grain pattern of woods like oak or pine. Each solid wood table is a unique piece, and it ages much better. The only downsides are that it's heavier and can be expensive.
Bamboo is another a great material for a side table. Although it has a similar appearance to wood, bamboo is technically classified as grass. It's less expensive than solid wood, and is sourced in an environmentally-friendly way. Plus, it's two to three times stronger than timber!
If you often have guests over, check out our selection of extendable dining tables so that you always have enough space to accommodate everyone.
Wooden tabletop are often supported by a metal or steel frame, although some side tables are made solely out of metal. Iron and aluminium are common metals used to make side tables as iron is much stronger than wood, whilst aluminium is lightweight and easy to care for.
Aluminium can also be combined with other elements to produce an alloy. This process gives aluminium additional benefits, such as increased strength. This is particularly useful when creating a stable frame or reinforcing a table.
Alternatively, tables can have a steel or stainless steel frame. Steel is an alloy made from iron, carbon and other elements. It's strong and less expensive than many other options. Plus, some steel is made with a higher chromium percentage to stop it from staining.
It's time to get out the tool kit because most sofa side tables require self-assembly. Some will be easy to fit together, and the work can be done quickly by one person. Although, others will require more people and time to construct.
Before buying a side table, check to see if the assembly instructions are available online. Taking a look at the instructions ahead of time will give you a good idea of how complex the assembly will be, and should list any tools you'll need.
If you're not keen on D.I.Y., you can buy a fully-assembled table. You won't have to put it together yourself, which will save time and effort. The only drawback is that there are fewer options available, so you'll be limited to certain designs.
While you're here, explore our best bedside tables!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | John Lewis & Partners Calia Sofa Side Table | ![]() | The Perfect Shape for Work and Snacking | |
2 | Habitat Drew Low Side Table | ![]() | Hardwearing and Eco-Friendly Bamboo | |
3 | John Lewis & Partners ANYDAY Jax Small Side Table | ![]() | A Great Selection of Colours to Brighten Your Space | |
4 | Habitat Removable Tray Top Side Table | ![]() | A 2-in-1 Table With Removable Tabletop Tray | |
5 | Ikea LACK Side Table | ![]() | A Wide Table That’s Easy to Assemble | |
6 | Umbra Bellwood Storage Table | ![]() | Perfect for Storage and Organising Cables | |
7 | Yaheetech C-Shaped Side Table | ![]() | Beautiful Table With Water-Resistant Metalwork | |
8 | west elm Tripod Side Table | ![]() | Tripod Legs for Better Stability | |
9 | HOOBRO Narrow Side Table With Two Drawers | ![]() | A Vintage Design With a Rustic Feel | |
10 | YORKING LED Side Table | ![]() | Stylish Table With LED Lights and Extra Storage |
The c-shape is one of the most popular styles when choosing a sofa side table as you can position it in front of you as you eat or work on the sofa. Unlike other designs, it will fit over your lap, so you won't have to reach or hunch over to use it. If that hasn't sold you already, this is the only table on our list that comes fully assembled, winning it the top spot!
You get to choose between a dark lacquered wood finish, or solid oak. If you opt for the latter, it will require periodic oiling to keep it looking its best, but it's worth it for the rustic feel and unique grain pattern.
This beautiful side table is constructed from Bamboo. It has an attractive look to rival wood, but at a much lower price. Purchasing this table is also better for the environment, as bamboo is sourced in a more eco-friendly way.
The rounded shape will help create extra space in small rooms, with quirky interconnected legs for a modern look. It also has a pretty big surface for a round table, so you'll still be able to fit plenty of things on top.
The Jax side table from John Lewis comes in a selection of bright colours. You can choose between mustard, dusty green, grey and almond to liven up a neutral palette or to compliment a creative interior.
The tray design will help prevent things from getting knocked over, which is useful if you have kids, and there's an extra shelf underneath. Furthermore, it's lightweight enough to move around, whilst being strong and sturdy enough to hold a lamp or a plant.
One of the most interesting designs on this list, the tabletop can be removed for use as a tray. A fun addition that's useful for a variety of needs, this feature allows for easy cleaning too!
The design looks modern and stylish, with a trunk base and an attractive high-gloss finish. Plus, it'll add a pop of colour to your home. It has a decent load capacity, so you can safely put things on top without worrying about it breaking, and it doesn't take up much space.
You can fit many items on this IKEA side table, thanks to the wide tabletop. Quick and easy to assemble, you simply put it together by screwing in the legs. Plus, it's made from engineered wood which is strong and sturdy, so this side table is sure to last you a long time.
It comes in lots of different colours, including black, white, brown and oak effect, and the minimalist design will complement most living rooms. So you're sure to find one that'll match your home decor!
This table is the perfect sofa-side storage solution! Not only is there a deep basket at the base for storing books, magazines and much more, but it also features a hook for neatly organising cables, which is handy if you want to use your phone whilst it's charging.
This is a sturdy and durable table made from a mix of metal and wood that's lightweight enough to move around easily. It even has a convenient and sturdy handle on top to help you pick it up!
This table has an intricate leaf design on one side and supports that give the table a true c-shape. All the metalwork is iron, providing a strong and sturdy base. Plus, both the frame and tabletop have a water-resistant finish, so cups are less likely to leave marks.
Just be aware that this table can't support much weight, so don't put anything too heavy on there! Although, it should be strong enough to hold a plate of food or a couple of drinks, which is good news as the c-shape is ideal for mealtimes and snaking.
A great pick for small rooms, you can't deny that this table looks beautiful! With a brass finish that truly stands out from the crowd, this side table is sure to jazz up your living space.
If you're fed up of wobbly tables, this is the one for you. That's because it has three legs instead of four, which gives the table better stability on uneven surfaces. That said, you'll want to make sure you put coasters under your drinks, as spills or drips are likely to result in a stain.
If your home has a rustic country cottage feel, this table will fit in perfectly. The mottled finish adds character and gives the table a vintage look, and unlike some others, it can support heavier loads up to 20 kg - that's handy if you own a particularly large lamp!
Unfortunately, the instructions can be tricky to follow and the tools included are not up to scratch. It might not be the best choice for a DIY novice, but if you feel up to the challenge, it has a lovely slim design that'll slot nicely into narrower rooms.
You certainly won't be short of storage as this unique s-shape table has three shelves. Underneath each shelf there are LED lights, so if you're searching for something in the evening, you can simply switch them on to make the task easier.
The paintwork on this table isn't the best, but it's nothing you would notice from a distance. Plus the blue LED lights will give your space a unique look and extra lighting. It's a great buy overall and the perfect height to be used with the average UK sofa.
There should be no more than two inches between the top of the side table and your couch's armrest. If it were any higher, the person sitting on the couch would have to reach an uncomfortable distance to utilise the end table. Furthermore, they should be no shorter than two inches below the armrest.
Your sofa's armrests are a good guideline for the height of your side tables. By using this as an alignment, you'll be able to keep your drinks, food, and other items within easy reach while seated on your sofa.
No. 1: John Lewis & Partners|Calia Sofa Side Table
No. 2: Habitat|Drew Low Side Table
No. 3: John Lewis & Partners|ANYDAY Jax Small Side Table
No. 4: Habitat|Removable Tray Top Side Table
No. 5: Ikea|LACK Side Table
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