High gloss side tables have a lacquered or acrylic finish applied over a stable core, usually MDF, and polished to a smooth, reflective surface. They bounce light around a room, wipe clean with a soft cloth and suit contemporary homes well. The trade off is that the surface shows fingerprints, dust and fine scratches more readily than matt finishes, so a gentle care routine and sensible placement keep it looking its best.
Our modern high gloss side tables UK include designs with drawers, shelves and open frames in a range of colours. Below, we explain how gloss is made, what to look for and how to live with it.
Most high gloss furniture starts with MDF, a dense, smooth board that does not have a grain to show through the finish and stays stable as humidity changes. The finish is then applied in one of a few ways.
A well made gloss table has an even surface without ripples, orange peel texture or dull patches. Look along the surface at an angle: reflections should appear crisp and straight.
Gloss level describes how much light a surface reflects. High gloss reflects the most, which makes it bright and crisp but also highlights marks. Satin sits in the middle, with a soft sheen that hides fingerprints better. Matt reflects very little light, giving a calm, modern look that is forgiving of smudges but can show greasy marks.
Many contemporary designs combine levels, for example a high gloss top with a matt frame, or gloss doors on a wood effect carcass. These combinations add depth and can make gloss feel less stark.
White gloss is the classic choice. It brightens a room, works with almost any colour scheme and looks fresh beside grey, navy or green sofas. It also hides dust better than dark gloss, though spills and marks may show on the edges.
Grey gloss is a softer alternative, slightly more forgiving than white and well suited to modern schemes with charcoal or cool tones.
Black gloss is dramatic and elegant, particularly in larger rooms or evening spaces. It shows dust and fingerprints more readily, so it suits people who do not mind wiping it regularly.
Cream, taupe and coloured gloss bring personality, and two tone designs that pair gloss with wood effect add warmth. These suit rooms where white might feel too stark.
High gloss side tables come in a wider range of forms than many people expect. The simplest is an open table with a gloss top and legs, which keeps the look light. A cube or box design with a single drawer gives tidy storage for remotes and chargers. Tables with an open shelf beneath the top offer space for books or a basket, while cabinet style tables with a door hide larger items.
Some designs combine gloss with other materials, such as a gloss carcass with a glass top, chrome legs or a wood effect shelf. A few include integrated lighting that glows softly beneath a shelf or around the base, which adds atmosphere in the evening. When comparing designs, check the drawer runners: smooth, full extension runners make everyday use more pleasant, and soft close mechanisms protect the gloss front from knocks.
Edges are another detail worth noticing. Rounded or radiused edges feel softer, are kinder to knees in a busy room and are less prone to chipping than sharp square corners.
The main appeal of high gloss is light. A reflective surface catches daylight from windows and lamplight in the evening, spreading it around the room. In a small or north facing living room, that can make a real difference to how bright the space feels.
Gloss is also practical. Its smooth, sealed surface does not absorb liquids, so spills can be wiped away rather than soaking in. It does not need oiling or waxing, and a consistent colour means it is easy to match with other gloss pieces. Many gloss tables include drawers or shelves, giving useful storage alongside the surface, which suits modern living room furniture UK sale schemes where clean lines and tidy surfaces matter.
Gloss is not without its challenges, and it is better to know them before you choose.
None of these is a reason to avoid gloss, but they suggest that a gloss table suits households willing to give it a little care.
Gloss furniture often comes in ranges, which makes coordination easy. A gloss side table alongside matching pieces creates a unified, contemporary look. Our high gloss coffee tables UK sale pair naturally with gloss side tables, and our high gloss nest of tables UK give flexible surfaces that match.
The risk with too much gloss is a room that feels cold or clinical. Balance reflective surfaces with soft textures: a wool rug, a fabric sofa, linen curtains and cushions in natural fibres. A little wood, whether in a picture frame, a lamp base or the floor, adds warmth. Plants soften gloss beautifully, and their reflections add depth.
If your living room has a gloss TV unit, styling the side table to echo it ties the room together. Our guide to ways to style white TV units in UK living rooms offers ideas that apply equally to gloss side tables.
Placement affects how well gloss performs. Beside a sofa, it catches lamplight in the evening and helps brighten a seating area. Near a window, it reflects daylight, though very strong direct sun for many hours a day is best avoided for white finishes. Keep gloss tables a short distance from radiators and fires, since direct heat can affect lacquer over time.
Think about reflections too. A gloss top facing a television or a bright window may cause glare at certain times of day. Adjusting the angle slightly or using a small tray or lamp on top can reduce this.
High gloss tends to suit contemporary homes, flats and new builds, where its clean lines sit naturally with plain walls and modern sofas. It is also a good choice for darker rooms, since it makes the most of limited light. In period homes, gloss can work well as a deliberate contrast, particularly in white or soft grey against original features, but it helps to keep other pieces warmer and more textured.
Think about the household, too. If you are happy to give surfaces a quick buff now and then, gloss rewards that small effort with a bright, fresh look. If you would rather never think about fingerprints, a satin or matt finish may suit you better, or a gloss table in a lighter colour that shows marks less.
Caring for gloss is straightforward once you know what to avoid.
With that routine, a gloss side table keeps its shine for years. You can explore gloss furniture alongside wood, glass and metal designs at Furniture in Fashion, with free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes.
Lacquered gloss is reasonably tough but can show fine scratches if objects are dragged or abrasive cloths are used. Gentle cleaning prevents most marks.
Buff the surface with a dry microfibre cloth regularly. Lighter colours and satin finishes show fingerprints less than black gloss.
Yes, especially as spills wipe away easily. Choose lighter colours and rounded corners if you have young children.
Good quality lacquer is stable, but prolonged strong sunlight can warm white tones slightly. Avoid long hours of direct sun if possible.
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