What is the difference between side and end table
Mia Horton
Updated on April 12, 2026
The main difference between end table and side table is that side tables typically have a larger surface area than end tables. A side table is a small table we usually place at the side of a room, or against a wall while an end table is a small table we place next to a chair or at the end of a sofa.
What is a side table?
What is a Side Table? Just as its name suggests, a side table is placed beside a piece of furniture a person would sit on, such as a couch or a bed. Its main purpose is to ensure that essential items are within easy reach. When placing side tables beside chairs and sofas, it’s important to get the height right.
What is the difference between a side table and an accent table?
In contrast, accent tables are often intended to complement the interior design, adding color, texture or polish to the room. A side table with a beautiful mosaic top or a sleek reflective column shape, for example, may be added to a room solely as decor.
What is an end table for?
End tables, or side tables, are small tables that are typically placed besides a chair, loveseat, or sofa. They provide a convenient platform for lighting, resting beverages, and storing books.What is the difference between a side table and a nightstand?
A nightstand is typically defined as a small, low bedside table that usually has drawers. A bedside table is defined as a small table beside a bed. … Some believe there is just one main difference: Nightstands are expected to have at least one drawer, while bedside tables are not.
What is the difference between a side table and a coffee table?
There is a difference between end tables and coffee tables. … An end table sits at either end of the couch, at about the same height as the couch arms. A coffee table sits in front of the couch, at the same height as the couch seat.
How do you use side tables?
- Turn a side table into a bookshelf. …
- Use side tables to create balance. …
- Create order in a home office. …
- Improve lighting with reflective surfaces. …
- Add a functional surface with a bathroom side table. …
- Draw attention to a floral display. …
- Use a compact side table as a TV stand.
Can a side table be higher than the sofa?
Yes, an end table can be higher than a couch. Let’s discuss when and why it should be higher and when it’s better to have a lower table. … There are various possible scenarios if end tables are taller than two inches above the arms or shorter than two inches below the armrest on your couch.Should a side table be higher than the sofa?
Here’s the rule: your end table should be within two inches of your sofa’s arm height. If your couch’s arm stands at just 18 inches, then, you’ll want a shorter end table (between 16-20 inches). Accordingly, taller couches require taller end tables.
How tall is a side table?Most end tables are between 22 and 30 inches tall, though shorter end tables (approximately 16 inches tall) are also available. In order to determine the best height for your end table, measure from the floor to the top of the armrest and then look for an end table with a similar height.
Article first time published onWhat is accent table used for?
Console tables, also known as hall accent tables, are long and thin, designed to fit between a couch and the wall or in a narrow entry by a door. These can be used to hold decorative vases, pictures, purses, mail or keys.
Can you use an end table as a nightstand?
When shopping for a nightstand or end table, think more about the space and your desired style than the way the product is labeled. … An end table may make a perfectly good nightstand if it fits into your bedroom decor, while a piece marketed as a nightstand may look great in the living room with no one the wiser.
What are entryway tables called?
A table in a hallway is usually called a console, however, if it is in a hallway towards the front of the home, it can be called an entryway table. These two types of tables are narrow, tall and typically placed against the wall, so as not to block the path of the hallway.
What is the difference between a nightstand and a night table?
The words nightstand, night table and bedside table all refer to the same thing: a small table or cabinet that stands in the bedroom. It is usually placed next to the bed. On the other hand, end table is a piece of furniture that is usually found in living rooms, next to a sofa or a chair.
Why are nightstands called nightstands?
The origin of the word nightstand is the result of its function. Nightstands are placed near the bed to hold things and typically used at night.
What is a nightstand called in the UK?
(also night table); (UK bedside table)
What do you put on a side table?
- Lighting. Shed some light on it. …
- Something to read. Take the books off the shelf and bring them into the room. …
- A Favorite Treasure. Put your favorite things on display. …
- A little ambiance. …
- A Basket or Dish.
Where do side tables go in living room?
Ideally, a side table should be equal to or just below the arm of the seat it’s next to. Not only does it create a nice visual flow in the room, the table is within easy reach for setting a drink down or turning on a lamp. Standard sofa arm heights can range between 24 and 32 inches, so get out your measuring tape.
Where do you place end tables?
The most obvious place to put an end table is on either side of your sofa. Placing these tables in this position means that you will have everything you need at an arm’s length.
What do you call a table between two chairs?
Small Accent or End Table. One of, if not the, most popular items to place between two accent chairs is a small accent table or end table. This is a great way to create a small area for conversation.
Should coffee table be lower than couch?
“I prefer the table to be approximately two inches lower than the seat height on your sofa. Keep approximately 16 inches from the edge of the table to the sofa and at least 28 to 30 inches to the TV cabinet or furniture opposite the sofa. A table should be two-thirds the length of your sofa for correct proportion.”
How tall should a side table lamp be?
The table lamp should be tall enough for the bottom of the lampshade to come to the eye level of the person seated beside it. This will provide the best light without glare from the bulb. Bedside lamps should be in proportion to the bedside table and typically 19 to 21 inches from the top of the mattress.
Can a side table be higher than the chair?
Height of a Side Table. An end table should be no taller than the height of the arm of the chair(s) they‘re serving, and no lower than the height of the seat. … For chairs without arms, aim for a table top that’s no more than 8 inches above the seat height.
Do end tables have to match?
Remember also that end tables needn’t match each other. As long as the sizes and styles relate to each other, it’s perfectly acceptable to have different end tables on either side of a sofa or bed.
How tall should a bed side table be?
It’s probably about 22.5-25.5 inches from the ground to the top of the mattress (25 inches is typical for most standard beds). Choose a nightstand that’s approximately 23.5 inches high for the perfect fit.
How much space do you need between dining table and wall?
Distance between the walls and the dining room table: Ideally, provide at least 36″ between the dining table and any walls or other furniture on all sides to allow seats to slide out easily.
What are the dimensions of a side table?
TABLESHeightWidthDining, Side1919Dining, Arm2418Easy2526Kitchen1919
How tall is a typical end table?
“End tables for living rooms are usually 25 to 30 inches tall, but the arm height of most sofas is 25 inches, which means most end tables are taller than the sofa arm,” he said.
What do you put on an accent table?
You can put decorative items that play with height in a shallow basket or tray or keep necessities together like a remote, book, candle, or plant. Small accent tables usually don’t need a tray or anything to group decor together but if you do add one, make sure it doesn’t overwhelm the table. Add plants or flowers.
Can you sit in an accent chair?
You could use an accent chair as additional seating in your living room or you could also use one in an empty corner of your home and create a little reading nook. If you have space in your bedroom, you could put one in there to sit down when putting on shoes or relaxing. The possibilities are endless!
What can I use instead of a bedside table?
- A Bar Cart. Kelly Zugay. One Kings Lane.
- A Garden Stool. Style Me Pretty. Little Green Notebook.
- A Floating Shelf. HGTV. Decorative Bedroom.
- A Single Chair. Smart Furniture. Justine Taylor.
- A Desk or Vanity. My Domaine. Cobi Style. …
- A Stack of Books. McGrath II. …
- A Vintage or DIY Ladder. Remodelista.