What Are the Types of Side Tables?

We did some research on the types of side tables—one of the decorative and functional pieces of homes and workplaces—and their areas of use. Here's what came out.

While researching what types of side tables there are—pieces that, unlike the large tables in a room, allow modular use—we didn't want to move on without mentioning where side tables are used. Side tables are, in short, small, movable tables whose area of use can change according to need. With different types like folding side tables, nesting tables, glass tables, TV stands, and laptop tables, how to use side tables is quite a personal and need-oriented matter.

Which Side Table for Which Room?

When buying a side table for your home, things to consider are details like whether the side table will stay in a fixed spot, whether it'll be used for different purposes, and how high it should be. If the room where the side table will be used is a bedroom, having drawers on a nightstand placed at the head of the bed is functional, while a side table used in the living room or family room might better be foldable. For example, a side table planned for use while working with a laptop can be chosen with wheels and a bit taller than other types of side tables, so it can also be used comfortably while seated on the sofa.

When considering different types of side tables, it pays to know which type is used for what purpose.

What Is a Nesting Table?

For the question 'what is a nesting table'—one that doesn't take up space when folded and offers the option to tuck away when not in use—you can say practical, portable, and functional type of side table. If you have a nesting table, you have a piece where you can put what you need next to you while sitting on the sofa, which you can easily place in front of your guests, and, if it's not too low, one you can even use while working with a laptop.

What Is a Coffee Table?

The common ground when it comes to what a coffee table is—seen often in seating areas of spacious rooms—is that they're pieces on which decorative items are placed, on which we can hold items like a glass while sitting (depending on their distance from the seating group), and from which we can even benefit when we want to eat sitting on the floor.

If you have enough room at home, you can buy a coffee table with wheels and move it when you want, pulling it as close to or as far from the sofas as you like. It's important to choose the right size when picking a coffee table. While doing this, you need to account for the size of the sofas and, when you place the coffee table, the distance between it and your seat on the sofa, and how it sits on the rug.

What Is a Glass-Top Side Table?

Glass-top side tables, most often used together with wood and metal materials, are among the decorative and functional types of side tables used as coffee tables or positioned between seating groups. When used between sofas, these tables—on which a lamp can also be placed—are among the indispensable choices of stylish spaces. In short, you can say that the answer to what a glass-top side table is: one of the stylish and functional types of side tables.

What Is a Marble Side Table?

Whether in the bedroom or in the seating area, one of the most effective ways to achieve a luxurious look is to include marble pieces. In this case, the topic of what a marble side table is represents stylishness, just like glass-top side tables. Marble side tables, which are often seen combined with wood and metal pieces, are made from heavier material than others, so they'll have a fixed spot. And it shouldn't be forgotten that they are not suitable for a modular arrangement.

What Should a TV Stand Be Like?

If you're confused about what a TV stand you'll choose for your home or workplace should be like, you can start making choices and evaluating options from the measurements of the wall where you'll place the TV stand and whether you'll use any items other than the TV on top of it. Some TV stands have shelves and cabinets on them and drawers beneath. After evaluating the size of the space and what will be used besides the TV, you can pick one of the different types of TV stands—glass, metal, wood, and marble—that suits the decor of the space.

How to Choose a Laptop Table?

In this era where working from home has entered our lives, one of the things we need most at home is a laptop table. The first detail to consider when choosing a laptop table is its width, and the second is its length. Tables made for laptops are mostly on wheels and can be used while sitting on the sofa or lying in bed. Many laptop tables have a structure where the length can be changed and fixed at the right position.

Although the names of side table types differ, the areas of use of side tables are very similar. However, without forgetting that the first answer to 'what is a side table' is a portable, functional table used as needed, it can be good to have both fixed side tables at home and modular—i.e., used-as-needed—side tables of different types.