The Most Popular Side Table Styles in UK Homes Right Now

Right now, the side table styles appearing most often in UK homes are marble and travertine pedestals, fluted or reeded wooden drums, smoked glass tables with brass or bronze frames, slim black metal designs including C shaped tables, and practical nests of tables in wood, glass and high gloss. Sculptural, rounded shapes and natural textures run through almost all of them. What unites these styles is a move towards tables that are both useful and quietly decorative, pieces chosen with as much care as a lamp or a piece of art.

Below we look at each of these styles in turn, why they have caught on and where they work best in real British homes. Our collection of modern side tables UK includes examples of every style mentioned, so you can see how each one might sit in your own space.

Marble and Travertine Pedestals

Stone side tables have moved from boutique hotels into everyday living rooms, and they now sit comfortably alongside the sofas, sideboards and coffee tables in our living room furniture UK sale range. A round marble or travertine top on a single column base feels substantial, cool and calm. White and grey veined marble suits bright, contemporary rooms, while warm travertine, with its natural pitted texture, fits the earthy palettes many homeowners are choosing now.

The appeal lies in permanence. Stone looks as though it will last, and each piece has its own unique veining. Pedestal bases keep the table steady and leave floor space visible, which helps in smaller rooms. Our marble side tables UK sale include round and square tops in white, grey and darker stone.

Where it works: beside a linen or bouclé sofa, in a bedroom as a bedside table, or as a sculptural accent in a hallway.

Fluted and Reeded Wooden Drums

Fluting, the vertical grooves seen on classical columns, has become a defining detail across furniture of all kinds. On a round wooden drum table, the grooves create soft shadows and texture without any colour or pattern. Oak and walnut finishes feel warm and natural, while painted versions in soft clay or putty tones suit more playful schemes.

Drum tables often include hidden storage inside, which makes them practical as well as attractive. Their solid shape gives them more presence than a slim leg table, so they work well as a single statement beside an armchair.

Where it works: beside a reading chair, at the end of a large sofa, or in a bedroom alongside other fluted pieces.

Smoked Glass With Brass or Bronze

Smoked or bronze tinted glass on a slim metal frame offers a glamorous take on the side table, but in a softer, more grown up way than the mirrored furniture of past decades. The tinted glass reduces the visibility of everyday marks, and the warm metal frame adds a gentle glow, especially under lamplight.

Glass keeps a room feeling light, so this style suits smaller flats and terraces where visual space matters. Brass and bronze also pair easily with both dark and light wood.

Where it works: in a contemporary living room with velvet seating, beside a sofa in a compact flat, or in a dressing area.

Slim Black Metal and C Shaped Tables

Black metal frames provide a crisp outline that sits comfortably in both industrial and minimal interiors. Paired with a wood, glass or stone top, they are slim enough to take up very little visual space.

C shaped tables, which slide under a sofa so the top sits over the seat, have become a practical favourite. They are useful for working from the sofa, eating in front of the television or keeping a drink within reach without leaning. In small living rooms, they replace the need for a larger coffee table.

Where it works: in compact living rooms, beside a sofa used for working, or in a bedroom where space beside the bed is limited.

Nests of Tables

Nests of tables are a long standing British favourite, and they have been refreshed with modern materials and shapes. Round, oval and irregular nests now sit alongside the traditional stacked rectangles. Glass, oak, high gloss and marble versions all appear in UK homes.

Their enduring appeal is flexibility. A nest takes up the space of one table but gives you several surfaces when guests arrive. In homes where space is at a premium, that matters. Our modern nest of tables UK collection includes sets in a range of finishes and shapes.

Where it works: in living rooms used for entertaining, in smaller homes, and beside sofas in family rooms.

Sculptural and Organic Shapes

Alongside these specific styles, there is a broader move towards softer, more sculptural forms. Side tables with pebble shaped tops, curved bases, mushroom like silhouettes or chunky rounded edges have become more common. These shapes bring a sense of calm and playfulness, and they soften rooms that are otherwise full of straight lines.

Sculptural tables often double as decorative objects. A single piece in a corner, with nothing on top but perhaps a small vase, can be enough.

Where it works: in minimal rooms that need a focal point, or in living rooms with lots of rectangular furniture.

Natural Textures: Rattan, Cane and Wood

Natural textures such as rattan, cane and woven fibres continue to appear in British homes, especially those with a relaxed, coastal or garden facing feel. A rattan side table brings warmth and lightness, and it pairs well with linen sofas and plants.

Raw and lightly finished wood, with visible grain and knots, also suits this mood. These tables feel informal and lived in, which many people find more welcoming than glossy, highly finished pieces.

Where it works: in conservatories, garden rooms, sunny living rooms and bedrooms with a relaxed style.

High Gloss in Softer Shades

High gloss remains a practical choice, and it has evolved. Alongside classic white and grey, softer tones and gloss combined with wood or metal details give it a warmer look. High gloss reflects light and is very easy to wipe, so it continues to suit busy households and contemporary homes.

Where it works: in modern family living rooms, open plan spaces and homes with other glossy pieces such as TV units and sideboards.

Dark Wood and Rich Tones

After many years in which pale oak and white finishes dominated, darker woods have returned to British living rooms. Walnut, smoked oak and deep stained finishes bring warmth and a sense of depth, particularly in rooms with plenty of natural light. A dark wood side table beside a cream or oatmeal sofa creates a calm contrast that feels both traditional and current.

Dark tones work best when balanced. One or two darker pieces against lighter walls and textiles usually feel richer than a room filled entirely with deep wood.

Where it works: in period homes with original features, in living rooms with warm neutral walls and in bedrooms that call for a cocooning feel.

Side Tables With Hidden Storage

As homes become more multifunctional, side tables are being asked to do more. Designs with a concealed drawer, a lift off lid or a cupboard below are an increasingly common choice, particularly in flats and smaller terraced houses. They keep remote controls, chargers and everyday clutter out of sight while still looking like a simple decorative piece.

Where it works: in compact living rooms, beside beds and anywhere storage space is limited.

Styling Your Side Table, Whatever the Style

However current the design, a side table looks best when it is styled with restraint. Choose a lamp in proportion to the top, add one or two objects of different heights, and leave some of the surface clear. Repeating a material from elsewhere in the room, such as brass from a mirror frame or marble from a coffee table, helps a new table settle in quickly.

How to Choose a Style That Lasts

Trends are a useful source of ideas, but the side table you choose should suit your home and how you live. A few questions help:

• Does it suit your other furniture? Look for a material or colour that already appears in the room.
• Is it the right height? The top should sit close to the arm of the sofa or chair beside it.
• Does it suit your space? Slim metal and glass keep small rooms open, while drums and stone suit larger spaces.
• Will you still like it in a few years? Classic shapes in natural materials tend to outlast more fleeting details.

If you are unsure which type of table you need, our guide to UK side table, end table and lamp table terms explains the differences clearly.

You can explore every style mentioned here at Furniture in Fashion, with free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which side table style suits a small living room?

Slim metal frames, glass tops and C shaped tables keep small rooms feeling open. Nests of tables also save space while offering flexibility.

Are marble side tables practical for everyday use?

Yes, with a little care. Use coasters, as marble can mark if acidic drinks are left on the surface, and wipe spills promptly.

Is fluted furniture a passing trend?

Fluting draws on classical architecture and has appeared in furniture for centuries. In a natural material such as oak or walnut, it tends to age gracefully.

Can I mix different side table styles in one room?

Yes. Share one element, such as material, colour or height, between the tables so the room feels coordinated rather than random.

How many side tables does a living room need?

Most living rooms need one beside each main seat that cannot easily reach a coffee table. In practice, that often means one or two side tables, plus perhaps a nest for occasional use.