A side table might seem like a small piece in the grand scheme of a living room, but its impact should never be underestimated. These functional beauties offer far more than a resting place for a cup of tea. They anchor the layout, balance surrounding furniture, and introduce both style and personality into the space. A well-chosen side table blends function and fashion effortlessly, helping a room feel more complete and naturally usable.
Side tables are the kind of piece that quietly enhance daily life, providing a perch for a favourite book, a lamp, or a place to rest a phone. Beyond their practicality, they also offer an opportunity to showcase personality through bold shapes, artistic finishes, or handcrafted details.
Sculptural and artistic styles stand out for their striking simplicity. Often crafted from natural materials such as wood or stone, these designs function as small-scale works of art. The side tables in the lounge at Warren Street Hotel and the drawing room at Crosby Street Hotel in New York, as well as in the Rossferry residence in Barbados, exemplify this aesthetic with their geometric shapes, organic lines, and subtle sense of drama.
Farmhouse-style tables bring warmth through natural textures and earthy finishes. Reclaimed wood, sturdy profiles, and gently distressed surfaces create a relaxed, characterful atmosphere, much like the table in the library at The Soho Hotel, where natural materials blend seamlessly with their surroundings.
For something more playful, colour can make a striking statement. Artistic painted finishes are particularly impactful when combined with thoughtful design and vibrant hues, as seen in Suite 902 at Warren Street Hotel Suite. The Pixie Table is another standout example, hand-painted with bold abstract shapes inspired by our Zig Zag fabric for Christopher Farr. Cheerful and compact, it is both decorative and practical, perfect for adding a burst of personality to any space.
Materials also play a central role in defining a side table’s presence. Marble tops, gemstone accents such as the Agate Blue Table at Number Sixteen Hotel, or the transparency of glass as seen in the Charlotte Street Hotel lobby, all help shape the mood and sense of openness in a room.
For those drawn to eclectic or vintage styles, handmade or antique pieces add a wonderful sense of individuality. Wicker and rattan textures, intricate carvings, or a small bookshelf doubling as both side table and storage add character and charm. Playful, animal-inspired designs, such as those at Ham Yard Hotel, introduce an extra layer of personality.
Among the standout pieces are the Circular and Rectangular Ruler Side Tables from Shop Kit Kemp. Crafted from sandblasted oak and accented with gleaming brass trims, these tables feature a charming detail: a brass strip etched like a traditional ruler that bends gracefully around the edge and across the tabletop. This distinctive feature adds a touch of intrigue, making each piece a unique and beautifully crafted addition to any room.
Ultimately, a side table is far more than a supporting act. It is an opportunity to add depth, balance, and beauty to a space. Small in scale but rich in impact, it brings harmony, practicality, and personality to the heart of a home.