High Gloss Side Tables: What to Know Before You Buy

Before you buy a high gloss side table, there are four things worth knowing. The finish reflects light and can make a small room feel brighter. It wipes clean easily but shows fingerprints and dust more readily than matt surfaces. Quality varies with the number of lacquer layers and the core material underneath. And the colour you choose affects how much upkeep the table needs: white and cream hide dust well, while black and grey show it quickly.

With those points in mind, a high gloss side table can be a smart, practical choice for modern homes. Our modern high gloss side tables UK include designs with drawers, open shelves and slim pedestal bases, so you can match the format to the space you have.

What High Gloss Actually Means

High gloss is a finish, not a material. Most high gloss side tables have a core of MDF or engineered board, which is then coated in several layers of lacquer or wrapped in a glossy acrylic or foil. The result is a smooth, reflective surface with a near mirror shine.

The way the finish is applied matters. Sprayed lacquer, built up in multiple coats and polished between layers, gives the deepest shine and the most even surface. Acrylic and foil finishes can look very similar when new, are often more affordable to produce, and resist moisture well. They are, however, harder to repair if they are chipped.

High gloss fits naturally into modern and contemporary schemes, and you will see it used across many pieces in our modern living room furniture UK sale collections, from TV units to sideboards.

The Advantages of a High Gloss Finish

Light and Brightness

The reflective surface bounces natural and artificial light around a room. This is useful in British homes where living rooms face north, sit at the back of the house or have small windows. A white gloss table beside a sofa can noticeably lift a darker corner.

Easy Cleaning

A sealed, nonporous surface means spills sit on top rather than soaking in. A quick wipe with a soft damp cloth removes most marks. There is no need to oil or wax the surface.

A Clean, Contemporary Look

High gloss suits rooms with simple lines, handleless storage and minimal clutter. It pairs well with grey, white and black upholstery and sits comfortably alongside chrome, glass and brushed steel.

Coordinated Ranges

Many high gloss side tables are part of wider ranges that include coffee tables, TV units and sideboards in the same finish. This makes it straightforward to create a consistent look across the room.

The Drawbacks to Consider

Fingerprints and Dust

Gloss shows everything that sits on its surface. Fingerprints, smears and dust are more visible than on matt or wood finishes, particularly on darker colours. If the table will be handled often, expect to give it a quick wipe more frequently.

Scratches

Fine scratches are more noticeable on a reflective surface. Ceramic mugs, keys and the metal bases of lamps can all leave marks over time. Coasters and felt pads help a great deal.

Glare

In a very sunny room, or directly beneath a bright ceiling light, a gloss top can produce glare. This is rarely a problem for a side table, but it is worth considering if the table sits near a TV or a window that gets strong afternoon sun.

Checking Quality Before You Buy

Two high gloss tables can look almost identical in a photograph and feel quite different in your home. These are the details to look at.

• Depth of shine: a quality finish looks deep and even, with no ripples or orange peel texture when you look along the surface.
• Edges: well finished edges are smooth and fully sealed. Exposed board at the edges can absorb moisture and swell.
• Weight: a heavier table usually has a denser core, which tends to be more stable and less prone to wobble.
• Drawers and runners: if the table has a drawer, check that it opens smoothly. Soft close or push to open runners are a useful detail on handleless designs.
• Protective film: many gloss tables arrive with a thin film over the surface. Remove it carefully once the table is in position.

Choosing a Colour

The colour of a high gloss side table affects both its look and its upkeep.

White gloss is the most common option. It brightens the room, suits most colour schemes and hides dust surprisingly well. It can look stark in a room with very cool lighting, so warm bulbs help.

Grey gloss offers a softer contrast and suits rooms with grey sofas or concrete effect floors. Mid grey tones show dust more than white but less than black.

Black gloss is dramatic and elegant, particularly in rooms with darker walls. It shows dust and fingerprints most clearly, so it suits owners happy to give it regular attention.

Two tone designs, such as gloss with a wood effect or a contrasting drawer front, soften the look and can link a gloss table to wooden flooring or other furniture.

Sizing and Placement

Like any side table, a high gloss design should sit close to the height of your sofa arm. Most sit between 45cm and 60cm tall. Measure the arm height first, then the space beside the sofa, allowing a little breathing room either side.

Think about where light comes from. A gloss table placed near a window or a lamp will reflect that light, which can be a good thing. Avoid placing it directly against a radiator, as prolonged heat can affect some lacquers and foils over time.

For a coordinated look, pair the side table with a coffee table in the same finish. Our high gloss coffee tables UK include designs in matching colours. If you need occasional extra surfaces, a set of modern high gloss nest of tables UK sale offers a practical alternative to a single table.

Styling a High Gloss Side Table

Gloss looks best with a little restraint. A single lamp, a small plant and one or two objects are usually enough. Too many items crowd the reflective surface and make it look cluttered.

Introduce texture nearby to balance the shine. A wool rug, a boucle cushion or a linen lampshade softens a gloss table and keeps the room from feeling clinical. Natural materials such as rattan baskets or wooden bowls work well too.

High gloss side tables often sit in rooms with matching media units. Our guide on styling TV units for a contemporary UK home covers how to bring gloss pieces together without the room looking too uniform. For white schemes in particular, our article on ways to style white TV units in UK living rooms offers ideas that translate well to matching side tables.

High Gloss Beyond the Living Room

A high gloss side table is not limited to the sofa. In a bedroom, a compact gloss table with a drawer makes a neat alternative to a bedside cabinet, particularly in a guest room where storage needs are modest. The reflective top helps a small bedroom feel brighter in the morning, and a drawer keeps glasses, chargers and a book out of sight.

In a hallway, a slim gloss side table can hold keys and post without taking up much floor space. Choose a design with rounded corners if the hallway is narrow, as people will brush past it often. In a home office, a gloss side table beside a desk chair gives you somewhere for a drink away from the keyboard.

Wherever it goes, the same principles apply. Keep it away from direct heat, give it a little breathing room from walls and radiators, and consider how light falls on it through the day. A gloss table opposite a window will catch the morning sun and reflect it back into the room, which is often exactly what a small British room needs.

It is also worth thinking ahead. If you move house or change your layout, a neutral white or grey gloss table usually adapts easily to a new room, while bold colours can be harder to place.

Caring for High Gloss Furniture

Use a clean, soft microfibre cloth for dusting. For fingerprints and smears, dampen the cloth with water and a drop of mild washing up liquid, then buff dry. Avoid paper towels, abrasive sponges and polish containing silicone or wax, which can leave streaks or dull the finish.

Lift objects rather than dragging them across the surface. Use coasters for drinks and felt pads under lamps and decorative items. If a light scratch appears, a specialist gloss restorer can sometimes reduce its visibility, but deeper chips may need professional attention.

Is High Gloss Right for You?

A high gloss side table suits you if you like a crisp, contemporary look, want to brighten a room and are happy to give the surface a quick wipe from time to time. If you prefer a relaxed, lived in feel, or the table will take heavy daily use from children or pets, a matt lacquer or wood finish may be easier to live with.

You can compare finishes across every room in the home at Furniture in Fashion, with free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do high gloss side tables scratch easily?

Gloss is not necessarily softer than other finishes, but scratches are more visible on a reflective surface. Coasters and felt pads reduce the risk considerably.

How do I clean high gloss without streaks?

Use a microfibre cloth lightly dampened with water and a drop of mild washing up liquid, then buff dry with a second clean cloth.

Does high gloss go yellow over time?

Quality white gloss finishes are designed to resist yellowing, but strong direct sunlight over many years can affect some surfaces. Keeping the table out of constant direct sun helps.

Is high gloss suitable for a family home?

Yes, as it wipes clean easily. Choose white or light grey to hide marks, and look for rounded corners if young children use the room.