The Complete Beginner's Guide to Choosing Side Tables

A side table might seem like a simple furniture purchase, but choosing the right one involves more consideration than many people realise. The perfect side table enhances both the functionality and aesthetics of your space, while a poor choice can throw off an entire room's balance. This guide will walk you through everything you need to consider when shopping for side tables in Australia.

Understanding the Purpose of Side Tables

Before diving into specific features, it's worth stepping back to consider what role your side table will play. Side tables serve multiple functions in modern homes, and understanding your primary needs will guide every subsequent decision.

At their most basic, side tables provide a convenient surface for items you want within arm's reach. In a living room, this might mean a place to set your coffee cup, remote control, or book. Next to a bed, a side table becomes a nightstand holding your phone, lamp, and perhaps a glass of water. On a patio, it's where you rest your drink while enjoying the outdoors.

Beyond pure utility, side tables contribute significantly to a room's visual composition. They can anchor a seating arrangement, provide height variation in a room filled with low furniture, or serve as statement pieces that express your personal style. Many side tables also offer valuable storage through drawers, shelves, or cabinet compartments.

Getting the Height Right

Height is arguably the most critical dimension when selecting a side table, and getting it wrong can make even a beautiful piece feel awkward in your space. The general rule is that your side table should be at roughly the same height as the arm of your adjacent seating—or within about five centimetres of it.

For living room side tables positioned next to sofas or armchairs, this typically means heights between 55 and 65 centimetres, though this varies depending on your specific furniture. Before shopping, measure the arm height of your sofa or the seat height of your chair. A side table that sits too high will look imposing and be uncomfortable to reach across; one that sits too low will require awkward bending every time you want to grab something.

Bedside tables follow slightly different guidelines. Most interior designers recommend a height that's level with or slightly above the top of your mattress. This makes it comfortable to reach items while lying down and ensures your bedside lamp illuminates your reading material at a pleasant angle. For most beds, this translates to bedside table heights between 55 and 70 centimetres.

Choosing the Right Size and Proportions

Beyond height, the overall footprint of your side table matters enormously. A tiny side table next to an oversized sectional sofa will look lost, while a substantial piece beside a delicate armchair can overwhelm the space. Aim for visual balance: your side table should complement your seating without dominating or disappearing.

Consider practical clearances as well. Leave at least 45 to 60 centimetres between your side table and any walkway to ensure easy passage. In a bedroom, you'll want enough space to move comfortably around the bed without bumping the nightstand. Measure your available space carefully before shopping—it's easy to underestimate how much room a piece will occupy once it's actually in your home.

Materials and Durability

The material of your side table affects its appearance, durability, maintenance requirements, and price. Understanding the characteristics of common materials will help you make an informed choice.

Solid Timber

Solid hardwood side tables represent a significant investment but offer unmatched durability and the natural beauty of real wood grain. Australian timbers like Tasmanian oak, jarrah, and blackwood are particularly prized for their distinctive character and suitability to local conditions. Solid timber can be refinished if damaged, potentially lasting generations with proper care. However, wood is susceptible to humidity changes and can warp or crack in extreme conditions, making climate control relevant for premium pieces.

Engineered Wood and Veneer

Many affordable side tables use engineered wood cores with timber veneer surfaces, offering the look of real wood at a lower price point. Quality veneer pieces can be attractive and durable, though they typically can't be refinished and may show wear at edges over time. Look for veneer thickness of at least 0.6mm for better longevity.

Metal

Metal side tables range from industrial iron and steel pieces to sleek brass and gold-finished contemporary designs. Metal is extremely durable and easy to clean, though some finishes may show fingerprints or require occasional polishing. Iron and steel pieces intended for outdoor use should have proper powder coating or galvanisation to prevent rust.

Glass and Stone

Glass-topped side tables create a sense of visual lightness and work beautifully in contemporary spaces. Always choose tempered glass for safety. Marble and stone tops offer luxurious appeal and excellent durability, though they're heavy, can stain if unsealed, and may chip if struck. Composite alternatives offer similar aesthetics with reduced weight and maintenance.

Style Considerations

Your side table should harmonise with your existing decor, though this doesn't necessarily mean matching exactly. In fact, slight contrasts often create more interesting spaces than perfect matching. Consider your room's overall aesthetic and how a new piece will contribute to it.

Scandinavian-influenced spaces typically favour light timbers, clean lines, and organic shapes. Industrial interiors call for raw materials like metal and reclaimed wood. Traditional settings might welcome turned legs and rich wood tones, while contemporary spaces often feature geometric forms and mixed materials.

Don't feel constrained by rigid style rules. A vintage brass side table can add warmth to a modern minimalist room, while a sleek contemporary piece might provide welcome contrast in a traditional setting. The key is intentionality—understanding why you're making a particular choice and how it contributes to your space.

Storage and Functionality

Consider whether you need storage in your side table. Open shelves provide visible storage and create a sense of airiness. Drawers hide clutter and keep personal items private—particularly valuable in bedside tables. Some designs incorporate both, offering flexibility.

In smaller spaces, every piece of furniture should work hard. A side table with a lower shelf can hold books, magazines, or decorative baskets. Nesting tables provide flexibility—spread them out when entertaining, stack them when you need floor space. C-shaped tables that slide under sofa seats maximise function while minimising footprint.

Budget Considerations for Australian Shoppers

Side table prices vary enormously, from budget options under $50 to designer pieces exceeding $2,000. As a general guide, expect to invest $100-250 for good quality mid-range pieces that will serve you well for years. Premium solid timber or designer pieces typically start around $300 and can climb significantly higher.

Factor in delivery costs when comparing options. Large furniture pieces often incur significant shipping fees, especially for regional Australian addresses. Some retailers offer free delivery thresholds—it may be worth consolidating purchases to reach them.

Consider cost-per-year thinking for furniture purchases. A $300 solid timber side table that lasts fifteen years costs $20 per year. A $60 particleboard piece that deteriorates after three years costs $20 per year—and you'll face the hassle and environmental impact of replacing it more frequently.

Making Your Final Decision

Armed with this knowledge, you're ready to shop with confidence. Start by establishing your non-negotiables—the requirements that any side table must meet. Then identify your preferences—features you'd like but could compromise on if needed.

If possible, see furniture in person before purchasing. Photos can be misleading about scale, colour, and quality. When shopping online, read reviews carefully, check return policies, and pay attention to exact dimensions rather than relying on styled photographs.

Remember that side tables are relatively small investments compared to major furniture pieces like sofas or dining tables. While you want to choose well, don't overthink it—a side table that meets your functional needs and pleases your eye is a good choice, even if it's not theoretically perfect.