How to Choose the Perfect Side Tables for Your Living Room

Jul 2, 2025

Side tables often go unnoticed — until you desperately need one. Whether it’s a spot for your morning coffee, a safe haven for your current read, or simply a stylish piece to tie your room together, the right side table can transform the feel and functionality of your living room. It’s that perfect companion to your sofa or armchair — subtle yet significant.

At Levede, we understand that Australians are embracing living spaces that reflect both personality and practicality. Our side tables are thoughtfully designed not only to serve a purpose but also to elevate your home’s aesthetic. From sleek terrazzo styles that evoke a touch of luxe to clever C-shape tables made for compact spaces, every piece tells a story of design meeting lifestyle.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to choose the right side table for your living room — one that suits your space, complements your décor, and meets your everyday needs. Whether you’re styling a cosy inner-city apartment or a spacious coastal home, we’ll walk you through the essentials of side table selection — with expert insights and curated product highlights straight from Levede’s exclusive collection.

Understanding the Role of Side Tables in Living Room Design

Side tables are no longer just convenient surfaces for your remote or a place to stash the odd magazine — they’ve become a fundamental design element in modern Australian homes. These small but mighty pieces of furniture bring together style, functionality, and personal expression in a way that few other items can.

More Than Just a Surface — A Functional Companion

Think about your daily habits: where do you put your coffee in the morning? Where do your guests place their drinks? A well-placed side table solves those small but essential lifestyle challenges. It's a quiet companion that supports your daily rituals — holding a reading lamp for those late-night page-turners, a coaster for your glass of shiraz, or even a charging hub for your devices.

Especially in smaller homes or apartments, where space is precious, the right side table can double as a compact storage unit, a bookshelf, or even a miniature workstation — without compromising on aesthetics.

Completing the Look — Style That Anchors the Space

Side tables can act as a design anchor in your living room. They help balance the layout, break up large furniture groupings, and introduce new textures and finishes. Whether you’re going for a clean minimalist vibe or a warm rustic charm, a side table can subtly reinforce your design narrative.

For example, Levede’s Terrazzo Side Tables add a touch of artistic flair, while Bookshelf End Tables fuse form and function for a more grounded, practical aesthetic. It’s all about enhancing your space — not just filling it.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Side Table

Not all side tables are created equal — and that’s a good thing. The best one for your living room depends on several practical and stylistic factors. Before clicking “add to cart,” let’s break down what you should consider.

Size and Proportion: Getting the Balance Right

One of the most common mistakes when choosing a side table is overlooking scale. A table that’s too tall next to your sofa arm can feel awkward, while one that’s too short might be visually lost and practically useless.

As a general rule:

The height of your side table should be equal to or slightly lower than the armrest of the chair or sofa it's beside (typically 55–65 cm).
The width and depth should allow for essentials like a lamp, drink, or book — without cluttering the space.

For tighter spaces, consider Levede’s C-Shape Side Table, which tucks neatly under your sofa or lounge, saving space while offering easy reach.

Material and Durability: Choose What Lasts

Australians love furniture that’s stylish and built to withstand everyday life — from lazy Sunday lounging to rowdy footy nights.

Levede’s side tables come in a variety of durable materials:

Terrazzo: Eye-catching and incredibly sturdy, great for modern interiors.
Metal and wood blends: Offer a timeless appeal with long-term durability.
Engineered wood with lamination: Easy to clean and resistant to wear — perfect for busy homes with pets or kids.

Choose based on your lifestyle. If you’re often hosting or enjoy a minimalist look, sleek terrazzo or metal-framed tables can offer longevity and style.

Functionality and Storage: More Than Meets the Eye

Need more than just a top surface? Opt for multifunctional designs like:

Bookshelf End Tables – perfect for storing novels, magazines, or even showcasing décor.
3-Tier Side Tables – great for organizing remotes, speakers, plants, or baskets.

These versatile pieces offer vertical storage without taking up more floor space — a smart move for apartments or shared spaces.

Style and Personality: Make It Yours

Finally, let your side table reflect your aesthetic. Whether you're into boho textures, industrial metals, coastal calm, or contemporary minimalism, the right side table can echo your personality without saying a word.

Levede’s range includes modern silhouettes, neutral tones, and classic finishes — making it easy to find a design that seamlessly blends into your living room, or stands out as a statement piece.

Placement and Styling Tips: Turn a Side Table Into a Style Statement

A side table is more than just a piece of furniture — it’s a design opportunity. Where you place it and how you style it can drastically affect the flow and feel of your living room. Here’s how to get it just right.

Where Should You Place a Side Table?

Think of your side table as a functional accent. Placement should be thoughtful — never random. Here are some expert-approved placements:

Next to the sofa or armchair: The classic placement, offering easy access to drinks, books, or a lamp.
Between two chairs: Creates a cosy conversation nook — perfect for smaller living spaces.
Beside a window: Ideal for plants or displaying ceramics in natural light.
Floating by the wall: Great for styles like the Bookshelf End Table or 3-Tier, where shelving acts like mini décor zones.

Avoid placing side tables where they obstruct movement or visually clutter the space. In open-plan rooms, they can help define boundaries between lounging and dining areas.

How to Style Your Side Table (Without Clutter)

Styling a side table is a fine art — it's about creating balance, not piling on accessories. Here’s a formula that works in almost every setting:

1. Anchor it with height
Start with a lamp, tall vase, or plant to draw the eye upward.

2. Layer with purpose
Add a tray for corralling remotes or coasters, and a small stack of books or a decorative object like a candle or sculpture.

3. Add a personal touch
Incorporate something meaningful — a framed photo, a handmade bowl, or even a small plant. Personal details give your space warmth and individuality.

Pro tip: Use odd numbers when styling items — three objects often feel more natural and visually balanced than two or four.

Style Cohesion with the Rest of Your Furniture

Your side table shouldn’t feel like an afterthought. It should either blend in harmoniously or stand out with intention.

Match materials or tones with your coffee table or media unit for cohesion.
Use contrast (e.g., a terrazzo table in a room with soft textures) to create visual interest.
Echo your overall interior theme — whether it’s bohemian, industrial, or modern coastal.

Find Your Balance of Function and Flair

The perfect side table isn’t just about looks — it’s about how it fits into your life. It’s a piece that should serve you daily, whether that means supporting your morning coffee ritual, offering a stylish perch for your favourite novel, or simply helping your living space stay organised and inspired.

What sets Levede’s collection apart is how effortlessly it blends practicality with personality. From the sculptural beauty of terrazzo to the clever storage of 3-tier designs, every piece is built with intention — for real Australian homes, real routines, and real style.

Before you choose, remember:

Measure your space for proportion and fit.
Consider how you'll use the table daily.
Choose a material and style that supports your décor and lifestyle.

Levede doesn’t just offer furniture — it offers solutions that are smart, stylish, and built to last.

Explore Levede’s curated collection of side tables made to fit the rhythm of modern Australian living. Whether you’re designing a cozy reading nook, upgrading your apartment with space-saving genius, or just need a beautiful place to rest your cuppa — we’ve got you covered.

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