Our Story

SideTable.au was born from a simple frustration: finding honest, detailed information about side tables in Australia was surprisingly difficult. While there were plenty of online furniture retailers and generic product aggregators, we couldn't find a resource that genuinely helped consumers understand what makes a quality side table and how to choose the right one for their specific needs.

Our founding team came together in 2024, united by a shared passion for home furnishings and a commitment to transparency. Between us, we bring decades of experience spanning furniture design, interior styling, timber craftsmanship, and retail furniture sales. We've seen first-hand the difference between mass-produced pieces that fall apart within months and well-crafted furniture that becomes a treasured part of family homes for generations.

What We Do

At SideTable.au, we take furniture evaluation seriously. When we assess a side table, we consider factors that genuinely matter for Australian homes. We examine construction quality—are the joints properly reinforced? Is the timber sealed against humidity fluctuations common in Australian climates? We measure dimensions carefully, understanding that a side table that looks perfect online might overwhelm a compact apartment living room or disappear next to an oversized sofa.

We also pay close attention to materials. We can explain the difference between solid hardwood and veneered particleboard, between tempered glass and standard glass, between genuine marble and marble-look composites. This knowledge helps you understand not just what you're buying, but how it will perform over years of daily use. A bedside table needs to withstand the occasional knocked-over water glass; an outdoor side table must handle UV exposure and rain without deteriorating.

Our Evaluation Process

  • Material quality and construction assessment
  • Dimensional analysis for Australian room sizes
  • Durability testing for local climate conditions
  • Value-for-money calculations at current AUD pricing
  • User experience feedback compilation

Our Values

Transparency is the cornerstone of everything we do. Yes, we earn commissions when you purchase products through our affiliate links—this is how we fund our research and keep the site running without charging subscription fees. But we never let affiliate relationships influence our recommendations. We feature products we genuinely believe offer the best value for Australian consumers, even when that means recommending a lower-priced item over a more expensive alternative that would earn us a higher commission.

We also believe in education over salesmanship. Our guides section contains extensive resources to help you become a more informed furniture buyer, regardless of whether you purchase through our links or find better deals elsewhere. We'd rather you make an excellent purchasing decision that we don't profit from than a poor decision that puts money in our pocket.

Our Commitment to Australian Shoppers

Everything we do is focused on the Australian market. We only feature products available through Australian retailers with reasonable shipping costs and timeframes. We consider Australian consumer protection laws when evaluating return policies. We factor in local conditions—from Brisbane's humidity to Melbourne's temperature variations—when assessing how materials will perform. And we always quote prices in Australian dollars, accounting for the reality that Australians often pay more than consumers in other markets for quality furniture.

We're also committed to accessibility. Interior design advice shouldn't be reserved for those who can afford professional consultants. Whether you're furnishing a first rental apartment on a tight budget or selecting pieces for a newly built home, our guides provide practical advice you can apply immediately.

Looking Forward

As we continue to grow, we're expanding our coverage to include more product categories and more in-depth guides. We're developing partnerships with Australian furniture makers to bring you exclusive insights into local manufacturing. And we're always listening to feedback—your questions and suggestions help us understand what information would be most valuable to you.

Thank you for trusting SideTable.au as your furniture resource. We're honoured to help you create a home you love.

Meet the Team

SM
Sarah Mitchell Founder & Lead Editor

Former interior designer with 12 years of experience in residential styling. Specialises in small-space solutions and sustainable furniture choices.

JC
James Chen Product Specialist

Third-generation furniture maker with expertise in timber selection and joinery techniques. Evaluates construction quality and material authenticity.

EP
Emma Patterson Content Director

Home and lifestyle journalist with bylines in major Australian publications. Focuses on making furniture knowledge accessible to everyone.

Our Core Values

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Honesty

We tell you what we genuinely think, not what earns us the most.

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Education

We empower you with knowledge, not just product links.

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Local Focus

Everything we do is tailored for Australian shoppers.

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Sustainability

We prioritise eco-friendly and durable furniture choices.

Have Questions?

We'd love to hear from you. Whether you need furniture advice or have feedback about our site, we're here to help.

Get in Touch