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Side & Console Tables

Form meets function in our edit of smaller tables. These designs have been carefully chosen to be as beautiful as they are practical.

Set of three vintage style numbered tables Rockett St George

Made from metal and covered with a high gloss lacquer, these are a fun design but the fact that they nest means they are also space-saving. Table nests were regarded as rather old fashioned for a while - spindly antique leggy tables that wobbled (perhaps those were just the ones that belonged to my grandmother). But this is a modern version that will sit in any interior, whether restrained minimalism or riotous maximalism, and isn't it always useful to have a spare table or two?
Rander ceramic stool OKA

You'll never go wrong with a black and white stripe – it loves to add playfulness to a minimal scheme and slices through a floral one with delight, stopping it from becoming too overwhelming and fussy. This ceramic table is hand-painted (which softens the stripes a little) and has a glazed finish so it can be used in the garden. Use it as extra seating, or for drinks, or even as a footrest. Totally classic, totally versatile.
Nelson side table Soho Home

Soho Home has perfected the knack of producing furniture that looks as if it ought to be vintage but isn’t. And while it’s expensive, this design style means it will last forever and work in any interior or be passed down/around the family. So it’s investment shopping that’s worth it. This is also a brown and cream calacatta marble, which I predict will be ousting the most classic Cararra as it’s warmer in appearance – where all the best-dressed interiors are going these days. There is another coming too, which rather than the 'white with red' here, is a more red with white version. So if you were in the market for an unmatching pair, this is the way to go.
Marble and Iron Side Table Perch & Parrow

Using my mantra of 'something new, something old, something black and something gold' in every room, this small side table is perfect. It will reflect light around the room and add a sense of luxe to a space. It's also small enough to easily move to where it's needed and double up as an extra stool or even a bedside table. An all-round good piece.
Pokhara Solid Walnut End Table La Redoute

Side tables are endlessly useful and versatile. So if you like the style, you can never go wrong. Use as an occasional table in a sitting room or a bedside table, even in an office with a lamp on top. Some will double up as stools - this one isn't designed for that - but is a well-conceived piece.
Mabel ceramic indoor/outdoor Table Anthropologie

Sensible fashion people will tell you to never buy a new item of clothing unless you can think of three outfits you can make with it. It's always worth applying the same thought to furniture to make sure you'll get good use out of it. This pretty ceramic table is billed as indoor/outdoor. But it will also liven up a sitting room, or work as a matching pair of bedside tables. It would be brilliant in a bathroom to rest a glass of wine by the bath or even stand the soap on in a large shower. Turns out this is so useful it should practically be mandatory.
Daisy Side Table Graham & Green

I do love that simple daisy shape which is very Mary Quant and a bit Orla Kiely in style. This brass side table will make a change from all those rectangles and squares and provide some personality in a space. It's a piece I could imagine owning for years and years. If you're tidy it would be a good bedside table, too, in which case I would spring for a pair.
Iron Console Table Cox & Cox

This works well in a hall, should you have room (I don’t) but is also good behind a sofa if you have a wide or open-plan space. It’s made from iron so will introduce another material into the space and mean you don’t have to worry about too many different colours of wood fighting with each other.
Ercol Lugo Console Table Barker and Stonehouse

Perfect for a narrow hall, or small sitting room, this will hold books or shoes underneath and allow you to add display items or drinks on the top. You'll never go wrong with this classic British brand.
Farley Console Table M&S

I’m a huge fan of a console table as they are so versatile. Use them in the hall as nature intended but if you haven’t got room there (I haven’t) you might be able to put one behind the sofa with a couple of lamps on, or use it as a room divider in an open plan space (see the blog https://www.madaboutthehouse.com/zone-open-plan-space/). They can also work as dressing tables, and – when there isn’t a shelf along the bottom – double up as a desk and/or a dressing table.