Side Tables & Coffee Tables

A side table sits beside a chair or sofa within arm's reach, while a coffee table anchors the centre of the room in front of it. Adairs' range spans solid marble tops on rubberwood bases through to oak, high gloss and rattan finishes, plus nesting sets that stack away when you need the floor space back. Materials are chosen for how the piece will be used daily, not just how it looks: marble and solid timber for a substantial, long-term piece, high gloss and rattan for a lighter, more casual look.

How to Choose a Side or Coffee Table

Side Table or End Table: It's About Placement

A side table is versatile and can go in almost any room, a bedroom, hallway or living room. An end table is really a side table used specifically next to a sofa or armchair, positioned for a lamp, book or drink within reach. If you're shopping for that spot beside your seating, think of it as an end table first and choose the height to match your armrest.

Choose Materials for Durability, Not Just Style

Solid marble on a rubberwood base is heavy and durable, built as a long-term centrepiece rather than something you'll move often. High gloss finishes are easy to wipe clean and suit a more contemporary room, though the surface can show scratches over time. Rattan is lightweight and adds texture, but isn't meant to carry the same weight as solid timber or marble.

Nesting Sets for Flexible Floor Space

A nesting set gives you two or three tables that tuck inside each other, so you can pull out extra surface space for guests and push it away again afterwards. This suits smaller living rooms where a single large coffee table would crowd the floor.

Best Side & Coffee Tables For

Best for a statement centrepiece: solid marble.

A marble-topped coffee table on a solid rubberwood base holds its own as a focal point, with natural veining that varies piece to piece.

Best for small living rooms: nesting coffee table sets.

Two or three tables that nest together give you flexible surface space without the footprint of one large table.

Best beside a sofa or armchair: end tables.

Positioned at armrest height, an end table keeps a lamp, book or drink within reach without extra reaching or bending.

Best for a natural, textured look: oak or rattan.

Both bring warmth and texture to a room, oak as a solid, long-term piece and rattan as a lighter, more relaxed alternative.

Side & Coffee Tables FAQs

What materials are Adairs side tables and coffee tables made from?

The range includes solid marble tops on rubberwood bases, solid oak, high gloss engineered wood, and natural rattan. Marble and oak suit a long-term, substantial piece, while high gloss and rattan suit a lighter, easier-to-move option.

What's the difference between a side table and an end table?

Both offer the same function, but placement differs. A side table can go anywhere in the home, while an end table specifically sits beside a sofa or chair for a lamp, book or drink.

How far should a coffee table be from the sofa?

A gap of 16 to 18 inches (about 40 to 45cm) balances easy movement with still being close enough to reach for a drink or book. Adjust slightly based on your room size and existing furniture.

How do I decorate a coffee table?

Start with one centrepiece, a vase or a small plant, then add a stack of books or a tray for smaller items like coasters and remotes. Keep it to a few pieces rather than crowding the surface, a cluttered coffee table reads busy rather than styled.

Are coffee tables necessary?

Not essential, but they're the most common surface for drinks, books and decor in a living room. In a smaller space, a side table or ottoman with a tray on top can do the same job without needing the full footprint of a coffee table.

Complete the Living Room

Pair your coffee table with sofas and armchairs nearby, add storage and shelving against the wall, and match your bedroom's bedside tables to the same finish for a cohesive look. Explore the marble furniture collection if you want that finish carried across multiple pieces. Join Linen Lovers for member pricing and free standard shipping Australia-wide on your whole order.