Small Table, Big Role: The Power of Side and Lamp Tables

Small living room tables are understated, yet they quietly shape how we use our homes. From a morning coffee balanced beside your chair to an evening lamp casting a soft glow, they keep essentials within easy reach and offer practical surface space without overcrowding the room.

Whether in a cosy reading nook or an open-plan living area, these versatile pieces work hard without demanding attention, helping to make daily life that little bit easier.

A few well-chosen accessories can make these tables part of the room’s design. A small arrangement of greenery, a linen throw from Chalk Pink Linen Company, or a handmade ceramic from The Small Home adds personality without clutter. Choose finishes like grainy timber, matte ceramic or soft linen for texture.

In open-plan layouts, small tables can also define areas. A lamp table can mark a reading spot with soft lighting, while side tables beside a sofa create balance without a larger piece. Used thoughtfully, they shape the room as much as they add function.

Their versatility means they work with many styles, from rustic and minimal to Scandi or mid-century. If you love the simplicity and warmth of Scandinavian design, we have a dedicated guide on how to style Scandi furniture that you might enjoy exploring. Whatever your look, there is a small table that can fit in and be useful every day.

Although often used interchangeably, side tables and lamp tables serve different purposes. A side table is usually narrower and taller, making it a good fit next to an armchair or in a reading corner. Its smaller surface is ideal for essentials without taking up floor space.

Lamp tables generally have a larger surface area and a more substantial build than side tables. They are made to hold lighting, books or decorative pieces and can add visual weight to a space. The larger top works well beside a sofa or bed, with enough room for a lamp and a cedar-scented candle from Aery Living. We can’t get enough of that warm, cosy scent! And if you like to keep a good read close by, a couple of books that are favourites among our team right now are The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman and Still Life by Sarah Winman.

Choosing between them depends on how you want to use the space. A side table is lean and practical, perfect for keeping things close. A lamp table offers more surface space and creates a focal point while supporting both lighting and display.

Here are some of our best-selling designs, loved for their blend of style, practicality and timeless appeal.

Side Tables:

Lloyd Peppercorn Ash Side Table brings a deep charcoal base with a natural ash top. A navy sofa works well with Lloyd because the ash top lightens the scheme while the darker frame adds definition.

Jasper Grey Washed Oak Side Table pairs pale oak grain with a soft grey base, great alongside a cream linen armchair or oatmeal throws.

Rushbury Oak Side Table has a warm golden oak top that sits beautifully with light grey walls and medium oak floors, adding gentle warmth without overpowering the room.

Lamp Tables:

Johansen Scandi Oak Lamp Table has a fresh pale finish that looks calm against white walls and natural linen bedding.

Lowry Rustic Oak & Peppercorn Lamp Table combines a warm rustic oak top with a peppercorn base, a strong partner for a dark leather sofa or charcoal rug because the mixed tones add depth and contrast.

Miller Grey Washed Oak Lamp Table pairs a grey washed oak top with a soft grey base, serpentine-framed edges and gently turned legs. Its classic detailing makes it perfect for elegant living spaces, pairing beautifully with soft taupe seating or warm neutral walls.

From pale Scandi oaks to rich, rustic finishes, these pieces are designed to sit effortlessly in your home. Each combines durable materials with proportions that ensure they look and feel right for years.