Side Tables for Pet Owners: What to Look For
Dogs, cats and other animals interact with furniture in ways that people rarely do, leaning, rubbing, climbing and occasionally chewing, and a side table sits at exactly the height of a wagging tail or a curious nose. The tables that cope best in homes with pets have a broad or heavy base that resists tipping, a hard wearing top that wipes clean and resists scratches, and rounded edges that are kinder in busy rooms. In this guide we explain why stability comes first and how to judge footprint, weight and centre of gravity. We compare metal, solid wood, stone, laminate and glass surfaces, and look at edges, open shelves and details such as rattan or dangling cables that attract unwanted attention. We also cover height and placement, the needs of different animals, cleaning and upkeep, protecting floors and rugs, safe styling, and a simple checklist to use before and after buying....