Side Tables and Console Tables for Living Rooms, Hallways and Bedrooms
Side tables and console tables are the small, hard-working tables that sit beside a sofa, behind it, along a hallway or next to a bed, and Easy Life Markets sells both. Choose a side table when you need a surface within arm's reach of a seat for a lamp, a drink or a book. Choose a console table when you need a long, narrow surface against a wall or behind a sofa for keys, decor and storage without blocking the walkway.
This page explains the types, the heights and depths that work, the materials and how they wear, and how to match a table to a sofa or a hallway. Our current range includes three console tables from 39.37 to 70.9 inches long, round wood, pedestal, tripod and acrylic side tables, a two-tier tray table and a bedside table with built-in light. The current price and availability are shown on each product page.
What Side Tables and Console Tables Are For
A side table, also called an end table or accent table, is a small table placed at the end of a sofa, beside an armchair or next to a bed. It keeps the things you reach for most within easy distance. A console table is a long, shallow table designed to stand against a wall or behind a sofa. Historically a console table was fixed to the wall and supported on brackets; today most are freestanding with legs, shelves or drawers.
Both types fill the gaps that larger furniture leaves. They give you a place for a lamp beside a seat, a landing spot for keys and post in the entryway, and a way to finish a room so it does not feel bare.
Types of Side Tables
Round side tables
Round tops are easy to walk round and soften the corners of a room. The 50 cm round wood side table stands on a sculpted base of three curved panels and comes in charcoal black, a pale natural colour and walnut. The 35 cm round tripod side table is light enough to carry from the sofa to the bedside.
Pedestal side tables
A pedestal table stands on one central column with a base, so there are no legs to knock with your feet. The round pedestal side table has a bobbin-style column, a high-gloss finish and two sizes: 40 cm across and 49 cm high, or 60 cm across and 60 cm high.
Tiered and tray tables
Two or more surfaces at different heights double the space for the same floor area. The two-tier side table has a small round walnut-look tray on top and a long oval tray below, with raised edges that stop small things rolling off.
Clear acrylic tables
See-through tables hold things without adding visual weight. The acrylic side table with X legs measures 39 by 30 by 45 cm and comes in clear or smoky transparent black.
Bedside tables
A nightstand is a side table sized for a bed, usually with a drawer. The white high gloss LED nightstand has two drawers and a colour-changing light band between them. More bedside options will sit in Dressers & Nightstands.
Nesting and set tables
Sets give you two tables that work together. The round two-piece table set pairs a low round table with a smaller, taller side table in a natural wood colour.
Types of Console Tables
Entryway and hallway consoles
Long and slim, these stand against a wall where a chest of drawers would be too deep. The 70.9 inch black hallway console table is 15.7 inches deep and 31.5 inches high, made of MDF with two wide panel legs.
Sofa tables
A sofa table stands behind a sofa that floats in the room, at about the height of the sofa back. It holds lamps, photos or a charging spot and hides the plain back of the sofa. The 63 inch farmhouse console table hides three storage compartments behind a drop-down front.
Tiered and open consoles
Several open shelves turn a console into display storage. The four-tier console table is 39.37 inches wide, 11.81 inches deep and 31.5 inches high, with shelves set into a curved black metal frame. It fits narrow hallways and short walls.
Side Tables and Console Tables Compared
| Feature | Side table | Console table |
|---|---|---|
| Main job | Surface within reach of a seat or bed | Long surface against a wall or behind a sofa |
| Typical shape | Round, square or small rectangle | Long, narrow rectangle |
| Typical height | Close to the height of the sofa or chair arm | Around 28 to 32 inches, or the height of the sofa back |
| Typical depth | 35 to 60 cm across | About 10 to 16 inches |
| Storage | Lower shelf, tray or drawer | Shelves, drawers or hidden compartments |
| Where it goes | Sofa end, armchair, bedside, plant corner | Hallway, entryway, behind sofa, under a mirror or TV |
| Our examples | Round wood, pedestal, tripod, acrylic, two-tier | Hallway, farmhouse, four-tier |
Sizes and Heights That Work
Side table height
The usual rule is to match the side table to the arm of the sofa or chair, within about two inches either way. At that height you can put a cup down without stretching up or reaching down. Low lounge sofas and floor seats pair better with lower tables. Tall wingback chairs can take a taller table.
Side table size
A table about as deep as the sofa arm, or a little smaller, looks balanced. A small tripod or pedestal table suits a tight gap. A wider round table holds a lamp, a book and a drink together.
Console table height and length
Behind a sofa, aim for the top of the console to sit at or slightly below the sofa back. In a hallway, most consoles stand around 28 to 32 inches high, a comfortable height for keys and post. For length, many people choose a console about two-thirds the length of the sofa or wall it sits against, which leaves space at each end.
Console table depth and walkways
Measure the hallway width, then subtract the console depth. Leave enough room to walk past easily, ideally around 36 inches of clear space in a main hallway. Slim consoles, such as the 11.81 inch deep four-tier model, are made for tight passages.
Materials and Finishes
- Solid and engineered wood: warm and familiar. MDF and particleboard with a wood-grain finish give a consistent look and are lighter on the budget. Keep them away from standing water.
- Metal frames: slim, strong and modern. Black metal pairs well with wood tops. Check that the feet have pads to protect floors.
- High gloss: bright and easy to wipe, but shows fingerprints. Use a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth.
- Acrylic: see-through and light. Clean with a soft cloth and mild soapy water. Avoid abrasive cleaners, which scratch.
- Painted and lacquered finishes: colourful and smooth. Use coasters to avoid rings.
How to Choose Side Tables and Console Tables
- Decide what the table must hold. A lamp and a drink need a wider top than a single plant. Keys, post and chargers need a drawer or a lidded compartment.
- Measure height against the seat or sofa. Use the arm height for side tables and the back height for sofa consoles.
- Measure depth against the walkway. In hallways, depth matters more than length.
- Think about cables. If a lamp or charger goes on top, check the route to the socket. The LED nightstand needs a socket nearby.
- Match or mix finishes. Side tables do not need to match the coffee table, but a shared colour or material ties the room together.
- Consider movement. Light tripod and acrylic tables move easily. Heavier wood and console pieces stay put.
Styling Ideas
A pair of matching side tables at both ends of a sofa gives a balanced, formal look. Two different tables, such as a round wood table at one end and a clear acrylic table at the other, feel more relaxed. Behind a sofa, a console with two lamps lights the seating area from behind. In a hallway, a console under a mirror gives you a last look before you leave and a spot for a bowl for keys. If you are planning a whole seating area, our guide to arranging a living room covers spacing round sofas and tables.
Where to Use Side Tables and Console Tables, Room by Room
Living room
Put a side table at one or both ends of the sofa and one beside each armchair, so nobody has to lean across the room to put down a cup. If the sofa floats in the middle of the room, a sofa console behind it holds lamps and gives the back of the sofa a finished look. Against a long empty wall, a console with a mirror or artwork above it fills the space without taking much floor.
Hallway and entryway
A slim console by the front door is the most useful table in many homes. Give it a bowl for keys, a tray for post and a basket underneath for shoes or bags. Closed storage, like the hidden compartments on the farmhouse console, keeps clutter out of sight.
Bedroom
A side table next to the bed holds a lamp, a phone and a glass of water. The top should sit roughly level with the mattress top. A small round or tripod table works where a full nightstand will not fit, and a console against the wall can act as a slim dressing table.
Home office and reading corners
A side table beside a reading chair holds a lamp and a stack of books. In a home office, a console behind the desk chair gives you space for a printer or files. Our office furniture collection has desks and storage to match.
Under a television
A long console can serve as a simple media table in a small room if it is sturdy and deep enough for the screen's base. For larger televisions and cable storage, a purpose-built media unit is the better choice.
Small Spaces and Awkward Corners
In a small flat, every surface needs to earn its spot. Look for side tables with a small footprint, open legs and a lower shelf, so you get two surfaces from one table. Clear acrylic and slim metal frames keep the room feeling open because you can see the floor through them. A pedestal base takes less foot space than four legs. For consoles, depth is everything: a 12 inch deep table holds a lamp and keys and still leaves a narrow corridor usable. Light, portable tables like the 35 cm tripod table can move from the sofa to the bed to the balcony as you need them.
Which of Our Current Tables Suits Which Spot
| Spot | Good fit from our range | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Narrow hallway | Four-tier console, 11.81 inches deep | Slim depth, open shelves for display |
| Long wall or entryway | Hallway console, 70.9 inches long | Long, simple surface |
| Behind a sofa | Farmhouse console, 63 inches long | Hidden storage, sofa-back height range |
| Sofa end | Round wood or two-tier side table | Room for a lamp and a drink |
| Tight gap or small flat | Tripod or acrylic side table | Small footprint, light look |
| Bedside | LED nightstand or pedestal table | Drawers or a compact round top |
Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying a side table that sits far below or far above the sofa arm.
- Choosing a console that is too deep for the hallway, so people turn sideways to pass.
- Putting a console behind a sofa that is taller than the sofa back, which blocks the view and looks top-heavy.
- Forgetting the power socket for a lamp or a lit table.
- Overloading a light table with heavy books or plants.
- Placing a glass or gloss table in strong sun without checking how the finish copes.
Care and Safety
- Use coasters and mats under drinks and plants, especially on wood-look and gloss surfaces.
- Dust regularly with a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals on lacquered, gloss and acrylic surfaces.
- Tighten screws and fittings after the first few weeks and every few months.
- Do not overload narrow consoles at the edges. Heavy items go towards the middle and the back.
- Tall, narrow consoles can tip if children climb or pull on them. Use an anti-tip strap where the product allows, and keep heavy objects off top shelves.
- Keep LED and powered tables dry and away from spills.
Explore Related Furniture
For the centre of the seating area, browse coffee tables. To pick the sofa first, see Sofas & Couches. For accent seats to pair with a side table, see chairs. For bookcases and sideboards, see storage and shelving, and for patio pieces see outdoor furniture. Every collection sits within our main furniture department.
Why Buy From Easy Life Markets
We add new side tables and console tables to this collection as we find pieces that are practical and well specified, so check back if you do not see the size or finish you need yet. We write each product page from the supplier's specifications and photos, with dimensions in the units the supplier gives, and we say when a detail is not listed. If you need a measurement confirmed before you order, contact us. Our return and refund policy, shipping policy and FAQ explain how ordering works.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a side table and an end table?
Nothing important. Both are small tables placed at the end of a sofa or beside a chair. Accent table is another name for the same thing.
How tall should a side table be?
About the same height as the sofa or chair arm, within roughly two inches. That makes it easy to reach without stretching.
How deep should a console table be for a hallway?
Slim enough to leave a comfortable walkway. Many hallway consoles are 10 to 16 inches deep. Measure the hallway and leave around 36 inches clear where you can.
Can I use a console table behind a sofa?
Yes. Choose one at or slightly below the height of the sofa back and a little shorter than the sofa.
Can a side table be used as a nightstand?
Yes, if its height is close to the top of your mattress. A table with a drawer or lower shelf keeps the bedside tidy.
Do these tables need assembly?
Most need simple assembly, such as fitting legs or shelves. Each product page lists what the supplier provides.
How do I clean an acrylic table?
Use a soft cloth with mild soapy water and dry it gently. Avoid paper towels and abrasive cleaners, which can scratch acrylic.