For most reading corners, a side table with a top between 40 and 50cm across, set at the height of your chair arm or no more than about 5cm below it, is the right size. That gives enough room for a lamp, a drink and a book while keeping everything within easy reach. In tight alcoves, a top of around 35cm still works if you move the lamp to the floor.<\/p>\n
Those figures are a reliable starting point, but the right size for your home depends on your chair, your floor space and what you like to keep beside you. Our modern side tables UK sale<\/a> come in a wide range of heights and diameters, so it pays to measure first and shop second.<\/p>\n The chair dictates almost every measurement. A low lounge chair needs a lower table than an upright wing chair, and a chair with wide upholstered arms changes how far you need to reach.<\/p>\n Before looking at tables, take three measurements from the chair you read in:<\/p>\n With those three numbers written down, choosing a table becomes much simpler. It also helps to see the chair in the context of the whole room, and our modern living room furniture UK<\/a> range lets you compare finishes across different pieces so the corner stays consistent with your scheme.<\/p>\n Height affects comfort more than any other dimension. A table that is too low forces you to lean and twist, and a table that is too high puts the lamp shade at the wrong level and makes cups awkward to lift.<\/p>\n Choose a table whose top sits level with the arm, or up to around 5cm lower. At this height your hand falls naturally onto the surface as you lower your arm. If the table is slightly higher than the arm, that can also work, but more than a few centimetres above becomes uncomfortable.<\/p>\n Without an arm to guide you, take the seat height and add roughly 15 to 20cm. This brings the top to about the level of your elbow when seated, which is where most people find it easiest to set things down.<\/p>\n Some contemporary lounge chairs sit very low to the floor. Here a lower table, sometimes as little as 40cm tall, looks and feels more natural. A standard height table beside a low chair can tower over it and look out of proportion.<\/p>\n The size of the top determines what you can keep beside you. Think honestly about your reading habits before deciding.<\/p>\n Larger is not always better. A broad top invites clutter, and in a corner it can push the chair further from the wall than you would like.<\/p>\n Depth matters for square and rectangular tables, especially in alcoves. Measure the space between the side of the chair and the wall or bookcase. Your table should fit within that gap with a little room to spare, ideally around 5cm, so it does not scrape the wall or rub against the chair upholstery.<\/p>\n Also consider the walkway. If the reading corner sits near a door or a route through the room, keep at least 60cm of clear space for people to pass. A round table is helpful here because it has no corners to catch a hip or a bag.<\/p>\n Alcoves in period terraces are often around 80 to 100cm wide. With a compact armchair filling much of that, there may only be 25 to 35cm left beside it. In that case, a slim C shaped table that slides over the chair arm, or a narrow pedestal table, will fit where a standard square table would not.<\/p>\n Bay windows usually offer more depth. A round table of 45 to 50cm placed between the chair and the window gives you a generous surface without blocking light. Keep it below the sill height so it does not interrupt the view.<\/p>\n Where the reading chair sits in a broader corner, you have more freedom. A two tier table of 45 to 50cm gives a useful surface plus a lower shelf for books, and it can comfortably hold a decent sized lamp.<\/p>\n Bedroom reading corners are often squeezed between a wardrobe and a window. A table of 35 to 40cm keeps the area feeling uncluttered, and you can rely on the overhead light or a wall light rather than a table lamp if space is very tight.<\/p>\n The lamp you plan to use directly affects the table size. A table lamp needs a base that sits comfortably on the top with room to spare, typically leaving at least half of the surface free for other things. If the lamp base is 15cm across, a top under 40cm will feel crowded quickly.<\/p>\n Many people find that a floor lamp is the better solution for reading. Positioned slightly behind the chair, it directs light onto the page and leaves the table free. Our modern floor lamps UK sale<\/a> include arc and adjustable designs that reach over a chair without crowding the corner. If you choose this route, you can opt for a smaller table without losing practicality.<\/p>\n Lamp height matters too. When you are seated, the bottom of the lampshade should sit roughly at eye level or just below it. A table that is too tall will lift the shade higher and spill light into your eyes rather than onto the book.<\/p>\n Beyond comfort, the table should look right beside the chair. A few principles help:<\/p>\n For corners where books spill over, pairing the chair and table with one of our modern bookcases UK<\/a> can keep the table surface clear and the space feeling ordered.<\/p>\n A little preparation removes most of the guesswork.<\/p>\n This simple test often reveals that a table you thought was too small is actually right, or that the one you liked would have blocked a doorway.<\/p>\n If you are unsure which type of small table you actually need, our explainer on side, end and lamp tables in UK homes<\/a> covers the differences. And for a similar approach to sizing small tables in the bedroom, our article on bedside table measurements for UK bedrooms<\/a> uses the same principles of height, reach and clearance.<\/p>\n Measure your chair arm, choose a table at that height or slightly lower, and select a top of 40 to 50cm for most corners or around 35cm where space is tight. Leave room to pass, size the table around your lamp, and keep it visually smaller than the chair. Follow those steps and your reading corner will feel comfortable from the first evening.<\/p>\nStart With the Chair, Not the Table<\/h3>\n
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Getting the Height Right<\/h3>\n
Chairs with arms<\/h3>\n
Armless chairs and slipper chairs<\/h3>\n
Low lounge chairs<\/h3>\n
Choosing the Width or Diameter<\/h3>\n
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Depth and Clearance<\/h3>\n
Matching Table Size to Reading Corner Type<\/h3>\n
The chimney breast alcove<\/h3>\n
The bay window<\/h3>\n
The open corner of a living room<\/h3>\n
The bedroom corner<\/h3>\n
Sizing Around Lighting<\/h3>\n
Visual Proportion<\/h3>\n
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How to Test the Size Before You Order<\/h3>\n
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Related Reading<\/h3>\n
Summary<\/h3>\n