High Gloss Side Tables in Reading Corners: Styling Ideas That Work

For a reading corner, a high gloss side table works best when it sits at arm height beside your chair, holds a lamp with a fabric shade that softens reflections, and leaves enough clear space for a book and a drink. The gloss brightens what is often a dim corner, while soft textiles and warm light keep the area restful.

The details make the difference: lamp position to avoid glare, a drawer or shelf for reading glasses and bookmarks, and a colour that sits quietly against your walls. Our range of modern high gloss side tables UK sale includes compact designs with storage that suit reading corners well.

What makes a good reading corner

A reading corner does not need much space. It might be the corner of a living room, a landing with a window, the end of a bedroom or a spare room that rarely sees guests. What matters is comfort, quiet and good light.

The side table plays a supporting role. It holds the essentials within reach, so you are not getting up to find your glasses or put down a mug. In a small corner, the right table also helps the space feel intentional rather than an afterthought.

The rest of the room shapes the corner too. If it sits within a living room, the chair, table and lamp should feel connected to the main seating area. Looking across our modern living room furniture UK collection can help you choose a side table that relates to the sofa, storage and finishes already in place.

Choose a comfortable chair first

The chair sets the scale for everything else. A deep armchair, a recliner or a lounge chair with a footstool all make good reading seats, and the side table should be chosen to match.

Reclining chairs are a popular choice for longer reading sessions because they allow you to adjust your position. Our modern reclining chairs UK include designs in fabric and leather that sit comfortably in a reading nook. If you choose a recliner, check how far it extends when reclined, and position the table so it remains within reach in both upright and reclined positions.

Match height and size to the chair

A side table should sit roughly level with the arm of the reading chair, or a little lower. This lets you set down a cup or book without stretching. If the table is too high, it can feel imposing beside you. If it is too low, you will be reaching down every time.

In a compact reading corner, a top of around 40 centimetres across usually provides enough space for a lamp, a book and a drink. Round tables soften a tight corner, while square ones sit neatly against a wall.

Control glare with the right lamp

Gloss reflects light, which is helpful for brightening a corner but can create glare if a bare bulb sits directly above the table. When you are reading, reflections on the table or on glossy pages can be distracting.

The solution is a lamp with a fabric shade, positioned so the light falls onto your book rather than straight down onto the gloss. A table lamp placed slightly behind and to the side of your shoulder usually provides good reading light without bright reflections.

Alternatively, a floor lamp beside the chair keeps the side table free and directs light where you need it. Arched floor lamps are particularly useful, as they can reach over the chair and place light directly above the page.

Consider the angle of the table top relative to the lamp as well. If you notice a bright spot reflecting into your eyes from the gloss surface, moving the lamp a few centimetres back or turning the table slightly usually removes it.

Warm white bulbs feel more relaxing than cool white ones in the evening. A dimmable lamp lets you adjust the brightness depending on the time of day.

Use storage to keep the top clear

Reading corners tend to collect small items: glasses, bookmarks, a notebook, a pen, a phone and perhaps a remote control. A gloss side table with a drawer keeps these together and out of sight, so the top stays clear for the essentials.

A lower shelf is useful for the book you are reading next or a small stack of magazines. Keep it tidy, as an overloaded shelf can make the corner feel cluttered.

Organise your books nearby

A reading corner feels complete with books close at hand. A bookcase beside or behind the chair displays your collection and makes it easy to choose the next read.

Our modern bookcases UK sale include slim and tall designs that fit into corners and alcoves. If you choose a gloss bookcase in the same colour as your side table, the corner will feel coordinated. If you prefer contrast, a timber bookcase adds warmth alongside gloss.

Arrange books with a mix of upright rows and small horizontal stacks, and leave some space for a plant or a decorative object. This keeps shelves feeling relaxed rather than crammed.

Balance gloss with soft textures

A reading corner should feel cosy. Gloss brings brightness, but it needs softer materials to balance it. A wool throw over the chair, a textured cushion, a small rug underfoot and a fabric lampshade all add warmth.

Natural materials such as timber, rattan and linen sit well alongside gloss. A wooden coaster or a small linen mat on the side table protects the surface and softens the look.

Choose a colour that suits the corner

White gloss brightens the darkest corners and suits pale, airy schemes. It works well on landings and in rooms with limited daylight.

Grey gloss is calmer and less reflective than white, which makes it a good choice if glare is a concern. It pairs well with soft grey, sage or blue walls.

Black gloss creates a cocooning, intimate feel, particularly in rooms with darker walls. Combine it with brass lamps and rich fabrics for a snug, library inspired corner.

Position the corner thoughtfully

Natural light makes daytime reading more comfortable, so placing your chair near a window helps. Position the chair so light falls over your shoulder rather than directly into your eyes.

Once evening comes, the lamp takes over. Our article on how UK households use floor lamps offers useful context on lighting reading spots and other quiet corners of the home.

Think about sound as well as light. Soft furnishings such as a rug, curtains and a fabric chair absorb noise, which makes a reading corner feel quieter, especially in rooms with hard floors. A corner set slightly apart from the television or a busy kitchen will naturally feel more restful.

Avoid placing the reading corner in a busy walkway. A corner away from the television and the main flow of the room helps you concentrate and relax.

Make it personal

A reading corner is a personal space, and small touches make it feel your own. A favourite mug, a framed print on the wall, a plant on the side table or a cosy blanket can all help.

Keep personal items to a few well chosen pieces, so the corner remains calm and uncluttered. Swapping them occasionally, perhaps with the seasons, keeps the corner feeling fresh without adding more objects. A lighter throw in summer and a heavier wool one in winter, for example, changes the mood of the space with very little effort and helps the gloss table sit comfortably whatever the time of year.

Caring for gloss in a reading corner

A gloss side table in a reading corner sees regular use, so a little care keeps it looking fresh. Use coasters for hot drinks, wipe the surface with a soft, slightly damp cloth and buff dry. Avoid abrasive cleaners and polishes with silicone.

Felt pads under the lamp base prevent scratches when it is moved, and keeping the table away from direct radiator heat protects the finish.

A corner you will use

A well styled reading corner invites you to sit down and stay a while. A high gloss side table at arm height, a lamp with a soft shade, a comfortable chair and a few books within reach are all you need. Balance the shine with soft textures, keep the top clear and the corner will feel bright, calm and welcoming.

Explore our full range at Furniture in Fashion, with free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes.

Frequently asked questions

Is a high gloss side table good for a reading corner?

Yes. Gloss brightens dim corners by reflecting light. Pair it with a shaded lamp to avoid glare and with soft textures to keep the corner cosy.

How do I stop glare from a gloss table when reading?

Use a lamp with a fabric shade, position it slightly behind and to the side of your shoulder and choose warm white, dimmable bulbs.

What height should a reading corner side table be?

Roughly level with the arm of your chair, or slightly lower, so you can set down a cup or book without stretching.

Which colour gloss is best for a reading nook?

White brightens dark corners, grey reduces glare and black creates a cosy, intimate feel. Choose based on your walls and the light in the room.