Solid wood side tables suit people who want something warm, repairable and long lasting, and who do not mind a little natural ageing. High gloss side tables suit people who want a bright, sleek surface that wipes clean in seconds and keeps a contemporary room looking crisp. If you have a busy household and prize durability over decades, solid wood usually wins. If you value easy cleaning and a modern finish, high gloss is the practical choice.
Both materials are popular in British homes for good reason, and both appear throughout our modern wooden side tables UK sale collection and our gloss ranges. The right one depends far more on how you live than on which looks better in isolation.
A solid wood side table is made from timber throughout, such as oak, walnut, mango, acacia or pine. The grain runs through the whole piece, which means surface marks can usually be sanded out and the table refinished. Solid wood is often finished with oil, wax or lacquer, each of which affects how it looks and how it is cared for.
A high gloss side table typically uses an engineered core, such as MDF, coated with layers of lacquer that are polished to a mirror like shine. The result is a smooth, uniform surface in white, grey, black or a colour. Gloss finishes are consistent from piece to piece, so pairs and sets match precisely.
When comparing, it also helps to picture each option within the wider room. Our modern living room furniture UK range shows both materials alongside sofas, storage and coffee tables, which makes it easier to see which suits your space.
With small children, furniture takes knocks, spills and sticky fingers on a daily basis.
Solid wood handles knocks well. Dents and scratches can be sanded and refinished, and many people find that minor marks simply add to the character of oak or pine. Oiled finishes need occasional reapplication but are forgiving.
High gloss wipes clean very easily, which is a real advantage with crayons, juice and yoghurt. It does show fingerprints quickly, and a sharp knock can chip lacquer on edges. Rounded edges reduce this risk.
Verdict: Solid wood offers the longer life, while high gloss is easier to clean day to day. Many families choose solid wood for side tables, which tend to be handled often, and gloss for larger storage pieces.
Dogs and cats bring hair, wagging tails and the occasional scratch.
Solid wood can pick up claw marks on legs and lower edges, but these can be treated. Hair does not cling to wood the way it can to some surfaces.
High gloss shows pet hair and nose prints, but both wipe away instantly. A sharp claw can mark the lacquer, though this is more of a risk on floor level furniture than on a raised side table top.
Verdict: Either can work. Solid wood suits households who prefer a relaxed, lived in look. High gloss suits those who are happy to give surfaces a quick wipe each day.
If you work long hours and want furniture that looks smart with minimal effort, low maintenance matters most.
High gloss stays looking new with very little care. A quick wipe with a microfibre cloth keeps it bright, and it does not need oiling or waxing.
Solid wood with a lacquered finish is also easy to look after, though oiled and waxed finishes need periodic attention.
Verdict: High gloss or lacquered wood are the simplest options for a low effort routine.
If you move every few years, weight and resilience in transit matter.
Solid wood is heavier but robust. It survives moves well and suits many different interiors, so it is likely to come with you from home to home.
High gloss is usually lighter, which makes moving easier, but corners and edges need careful wrapping to avoid chips.
Verdict: Solid wood is the more adaptable long term companion. Gloss is easier to carry but needs protection.
If you care most about how a room looks and change schemes from time to time, style matters as much as practicality.
Solid wood sits comfortably in traditional, Scandinavian, Japandi, rustic and mid century schemes. It brings warmth and texture, and it rarely dates.
High gloss suits contemporary and minimalist rooms, particularly in open plan spaces with plenty of light. It looks precise and modern, and it bounces light into darker corners.
Verdict: Solid wood adapts across more styles. High gloss excels in clean, modern settings.
If you often have friends round, side tables are put to work holding glasses, plates and phones, sometimes several at once.
Solid wood copes well with a busy evening, though rings from cold glasses can mark oiled or waxed finishes if left overnight. Keeping coasters close by solves most of this, and a lacquered wood finish adds extra protection.
High gloss handles drips and condensation well and can be wiped clean at the end of the night in moments. It is worth checking edges for knocks after guests leave, since a dropped glass can chip lacquer.
Verdict: Both work. Lacquered wood and gloss are the easiest to recover after a lively evening, while oiled wood rewards a little extra care.
In a small or north facing room, the reflective quality of high gloss can make a real difference, gently brightening the space and making it feel larger. White and pale grey gloss work especially well here.
Solid wood absorbs more light, which creates a cosier, more grounded feel. In a large room, this warmth can stop the space feeling cold. In a very small room, choosing a light wood such as oak or ash helps balance warmth with brightness.
If your room is already rich in gloss, from a TV unit or kitchen cabinets nearby, a wooden side table can add welcome texture. Equally, if the room is full of timber, a gloss side table can lift it.
Solid wood ages. Oak tends to deepen and warm, walnut can mellow, and surfaces develop a gentle patina. For many people, this is part of the appeal. Because it can be sanded and refinished, a solid wood table can last for generations.
High gloss stays largely the same if looked after, with a consistent colour and shine. Deep chips or scratches are harder to repair invisibly, so it suits households that are careful with furniture or happy to replace pieces when they redecorate.
You do not need to choose one material for the whole home. Pairing them can look intentional and balanced.
If you like the look of gloss for side tables, our high gloss side tables UK include white, grey and black finishes that sit well beside timber. And to tie a wooden side table into the centre of the room, a matching piece from our modern wooden coffee tables UK sale range creates a cohesive seating area.
Solid wood: Dust regularly. Wipe spills promptly. Use coasters and mats. Reoil or rewax oiled and waxed finishes as recommended. Keep out of direct strong sunlight and away from radiators to reduce the risk of fading and movement.
High gloss: Wipe with a soft, slightly damp microfibre cloth and dry. Avoid abrasive cleaners and scouring pads. Use felt pads under ornaments and lamps to prevent fine scratches.
If you are not sure which type of side table you need for a particular spot, our guide to side, end and lamp tables for UK living rooms explains how each is used.
Ask yourself how much handling the table will get, how much time you want to spend on care, and what feel you want the room to have. Solid wood rewards those who want longevity and warmth. High gloss rewards those who want brightness and simple cleaning. Either can look superb in the right setting.
You can compare both across our range at Furniture in Fashion, with free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes. Returns are available up to 30 days.
Solid wood is generally more durable over the long term because scratches and dents can be sanded out. High gloss is hard wearing but chips are harder to repair invisibly.
High gloss wipes clean with a damp cloth in seconds. Solid wood is easy to dust but oiled finishes need occasional maintenance.
Its reflective surface bounces light around, which can make a small or dim room feel brighter and more spacious.
Yes. Pairing the two adds contrast. Repeat a colour or tone across the pieces so the room feels connected.
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