A high gloss side table works in a home office when it is treated as a supporting surface rather than a second desk. Place it within arm’s reach of your chair to hold a printer, reference files, a lamp or a drink, choose a colour that echoes your desk or shelving, and keep it away from direct sun and heavy daily wear. Its reflective finish brightens small workrooms and helps a spare bedroom or box room feel more polished on camera.
With so many people in the UK now working from home for at least part of the week, the spare room, the corner of the bedroom and even the end of the dining area have become offices. These spaces are often small, sometimes dark and frequently shared with other uses. A high gloss side table is a modest addition, but it can solve several of these problems at once. Our high gloss side tables UK come in white, grey and black finishes that suit most workspaces, and they sit within our wider modern living room furniture UK range, which makes it easy to carry one finish between rooms.
High gloss finishes reflect light. In a box room with one small window, or a corner of a bedroom lit mainly by a ceiling light, that reflection makes a noticeable difference. Surfaces that bounce light back into the room help it feel larger and brighter, which is welcome during long working days, especially through the darker months.
Gloss also reads as crisp and organised. In a workspace, that sense of order can be helpful psychologically. A sleek white or grey side table beside a desk tends to look tidy even when it is holding everyday items.
There is a practical benefit too: high gloss surfaces are smooth and wipe clean easily. Coffee rings, dust and pen marks lift off with a soft damp cloth.
Desks fill up quickly. A side table takes pressure off the main work surface and keeps essential items within reach without cluttering your field of view.
The side table and the desk will be seen together, so they need to relate. If your desk is also high gloss, matching the colour exactly is the most seamless option. A white gloss desk with a white gloss side table creates a clean, continuous look that suits small rooms.
If your desk is wood, a high gloss side table in a neutral tone such as white or soft grey adds contrast without clashing. Black gloss beside a walnut desk can look striking, particularly in a room with darker walls. Our high gloss computer desks UK are designed to coordinate with matching side tables if you are furnishing the room from scratch, and our modern home office furniture UK brings storage and seating together in the same finishes.
Keep heights in mind. A side table that sits just below desk height, around 60cm to 70cm, is easier to reach from a seated position without stretching.
Most home offices in the UK are compact, often a single bedroom of modest size or a nook under the stairs. Placement needs care.
The most efficient position is usually at the side of the desk on your dominant hand, so you can reach across naturally. If you are right handed, place the table to the right. Leave enough space for your chair to turn and move back from the desk.
Avoid placing the side table directly in front of a radiator, as this can trap heat and, over time, affect the finish. Also avoid positions where strong sunlight falls directly on the surface for hours each day, which can cause glare on your screen and may gradually affect the colour.
If space is very tight, consider a slim side table that slides partly under the desk when not in use, or a tall narrow design that makes use of vertical space.
Styling in a workspace should be practical first and decorative second. The surface needs to serve your work, but a little attention to arrangement can make the room more pleasant to spend time in.
A desk lamp with a warm white bulb is the most useful single item. Add a small plant, which brings colour and softens the hard reflective surfaces. A tray or shallow box keeps loose items together and protects the gloss from scratches.
Avoid stacking heavy, sharp edged objects directly on the gloss surface. Use a felt pad under a printer and coasters for mugs. These small habits keep the finish looking new for longer.
For many homeworkers, the side table is visible on camera. A glossy surface behind or beside you can either help or hinder, depending on how it is lit.
A lamp on the side table, angled slightly towards you, provides flattering side light that softens shadows. Keep the gloss surface itself out of direct line with the camera if possible, as it can reflect a bright window or screen glare. A plant or a few books on the table add interest to the background without distraction.
Our article on home office aesthetics on UK video calls explores how furniture finishes read on camera, and many of the points apply equally to gloss surfaces.
Not everyone has a dedicated room for work. Many people set up at the dining table or on the sofa, particularly in flats. A high gloss side table can bridge that gap by giving you a dedicated work surface in a shared living space.
Beside the sofa, a C shaped gloss table that slides over the seat holds a laptop at a comfortable height. At the end of a dining table, a side table can hold work items during the day and be cleared for meals in the evening. Our guide to living room desks for UK homeworkers offers further ideas for combining work and relaxation in one room.
A home office tends to grow. Shelving, filing cabinets and an office chair all join the desk and side table over time. To keep the room looking calm, carry the gloss finish through to one or two other pieces, such as a pedestal drawer or a wall shelf.
Balance the gloss with texture elsewhere. A wool rug, a fabric office chair or linen curtains prevent the room from feeling too hard and reflective. This combination of sleek and soft is what makes a modern workspace comfortable for long hours.
When adding pieces gradually, take a photograph of the room each time and look at it as a whole. It is often easier to spot a finish that does not belong in a picture than in person.
White gloss is the most common choice and suits rooms where brightness is the priority. It works especially well in small box rooms with pale walls, where it almost disappears and leaves the desk as the focus.
Grey gloss is a gentler option that hides everyday dust and fingerprints a little better than white. It pairs comfortably with oak desks and soft green or blue walls. Black gloss is the most dramatic and suits larger rooms or those with darker decorating schemes, though it does show smudges more readily.
Whichever colour you choose, keep it consistent with at least one other piece in the room so the table looks planned.
High gloss is durable for everyday use, but it rewards a little care. Dust with a microfibre cloth to avoid fine scratches. Wipe spills promptly with a soft damp cloth and dry the surface. Avoid abrasive cleaners and scouring pads, which can dull the finish.
Using coasters, felt pads and a tray for small items will keep the surface reflective and smooth for years. We choose pieces that stand up to daily use, and you can explore our full collection at Furniture in Fashion.
Yes. It wipes clean easily and reflects light, which suits small workrooms. Use coasters and felt pads to protect the surface from scratches and rings.
A table slightly below desk height, around 60cm to 70cm, is easy to reach from a seated position.
It can if it faces a window or bright light. Position it to the side of the camera and use a lamp to control the light.
Yes. White or grey gloss provides a clean contrast to wood, while black gloss pairs well with darker walnut finishes.
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