This content was originally published on OldHouseOnline.com and has been republished here as part of a merger between our two businesses. All copy is presented here as it originally appeared there.
If you feel that your living room is missing a piece of furniture, it’s probably because you don’t have an end table. End tables provide you with the luxury of placing stuff like your coffee mugs or the TV remote while you’re busy chatting with guests or enjoying time with your family.
End tables can improve both the look and function of any space. Choose an end table that coordinates with the rest of your room, or choose an accent piece that will have all of your guests talking.
With so many end tables in the market, it can get quite complicated to choose the one that you need. That is why, to aid your buying decision, this list contains the top end tables that you can get to amplify your room’s aesthetics.
Finding Your Next End Table: A Buyer’s Guide
Getting yourself an end table is no easy task since there are many options available on the market. It’s always recommended to look into a couple of detailed guides that can help your buying decision. That is why, to help you navigate the market, this comprehensive buying guide explains everything you need to know about end tables.
Factors To Consider When Selecting an End Table of Your Choice
If you want to purchase an end table, here are some essential features you should keep an eye out for:
Size
Size is a crucial factor that should be factored in before buying an end table. Firstly, you need to see if the table you’re deciding to purchase fits in your space, and that it is not too large or too small. Secondly, if you’re getting a table for the side of your sofa, its elevation should be approximately close to the height of your couch for more convenient use. Similarly, the height should be closest to the mattress if you’re getting a bedside end table.
As you can see, there is no hard and fast rule about the size of an end table. We recommend taking your time to assess what size best suits your room’s style before coming to your final verdict.
Storage
While most of the end tables available on the market are designed just to hold a lamp or vase-like decoration, some can offer you more space so you can conveniently place your books or other essential items on them. These tables come in various designs or may have tiers that allow for more storage. We suggest that before you buy an end table, you decide whether you want to use the table for storing your stuff or use it as decoration.
Material
End tables come in a bunch of materials. We recommend going with steel if you want a solid and sturdy table. You can also consider getting a wood table as it is quite strong and looks good, making it a great addition to your living room or bedroom. You can get a glass-top table for its aesthetic, but keep in mind it is much more fragile. All in all, you can choose whatever material you want as long as it complements the theme of your room.
Assembly
Although end tables are easy to assemble, having an instruction manual with vague steps can leave you scratching your head and also waste your time. We suggest you go through the customer reviews of these tables to see how easy it is to assemble the table you want to buy.
Types of Materials Used for End Tables
End tables are manufactured in several different materials. This list will detail the most common end table materials so you can make an informed decision.
Plastic
Plastic is the most commonly used material to make end tables since it is a cheap and high-quality product that doesn’t wear easily. Although it does not offer much in the aesthetic department, these tables are very lightweight, which makes them easy to carry around. They are also resistant to the elements which makes them an ideal option to place indoors or outdoors.
Metal
Metallic end tables are known for their strength and are an optimal choice if you have kids around your house since there’s a chance they might topple over the table while they’re running around and playing. Many metallic tables are sleek in design and can also enhance the look of your room.
Wicker
One of the most popular types of material, Wicker, can be used indoors or outdoors due to its high resistance to wear and tear. Your furniture will look as good as new even after years of use due to its high durability.
Wood
Wood is a great all-rounder due to its high durability and nice looks that will complement the aesthetic of your room. With wood, you get options such as adding drawers, shelves, or cabinets to your end table, either for extra storage or just for aesthetics.
Glass
Glass-top end tables are perfect if you’re looking to amp up the style of your living room or bedroom. Although these are more expensive than wood or any other material, they are a very stylish and trendy option. They are also more fragile and can be shattered easily. That is why it is not recommended to buy a glass-top end table when you have kids in your house.
Here Is/Are the Premier End Tables
Signature Design End Table
– Best Overall
Starting off our list is the Signature Design End Table, which can complement the look of any room in your house with its compact design. Thanks to its spacious surface, you can keep items such as cups or phones on this table to reduce clutter in your living room. It also features a pull-out tray that offers you extra storage to place your accessories on.
The end table is easy to set up, saving you from the hassle of going through complicated assembly guides. Another unique feature is a lift-top back on this table that contains two USB charging ports, which you can use to charge up your phone or tablet while you use it. Due to its high convenience and stylish design, this end table ranks as the best overall on this list.
Pros
- It doesn’t take up much space
- Easy to assemble
- It has extra storage inside drawers
- It has an attractive design
Cons
- It might be small for some users
Yoobure End Table
– Great for Gadgets
The Yoobure End Table with Charging Station is an attractive and practical solution for anyone looking to save space in their home. Combining useful features such as two USB ports, two three-prong outlets, and two storage shelves, this table makes everyday life easier and more convenient. The charging station is ETL-certified and can charge four devices simultaneously, making it easy and fast to power up any of your favorite gadgets.
The outlets are also on the left vertical side for added safety, meaning you never have to worry about electric shock caused by spilled drinks. The round corners and smooth edges offer extra protection against injury. This versatile end table also has a flip-top drawer that opens up and provides plenty of space for storing and displaying items such as decorative lamps and phones. Even better, this narrow side table takes up very little space, making it a great fit for smaller living areas like bedrooms or small apartments.
Pros
- Includes a flip-top drawer
- Plenty of space for decorations
- Outlets are in a safe place
Cons
- Flip-top drawer isn’t often useful
Amazon Basics End Table
– Most Storage
Are you looking for an end table that provides you with a ton of space to place your stuff on? Then, check out the Amazon Basics End Table, hosting enough space to house all your essentials without cluttering your room. Its circular design and secondary fabric storage allow you to place even the largest accessories on it, including your laptops and books.
Since it is made of metal, the table can comfortably withstand the weight of whatever you place on it, so you never have to worry about your end table bending or giving way under a high load. Thanks to its convenient assembly, this desk is straightforward to set up, saving you a lot of your precious time. Its aesthetics can also enhance the look of your house, so you can place it anywhere you want to add some life to your room.
Pros
- Offers great storage
- Easy to move around
- Has a robust and sturdy build
- Blends in with your house’s furniture
Cons
- Might feel too large for some users
Furinno End Table
– Most Economical
Are you looking for an end table that does not weigh heavily on your wallet? Well, this Furrino End Table is the one for you. This compact end table will not only fit in your budget but also in the tightest of spots in your room. Its high-quality wood ensures it stays solid yet stable, even if you store a lot of stuff on it. The table features a two-tier design that you can use for storing stuff like your books or your child’s toys. Apart from its storage, you can even use this table just for display due to its stylish design.
For your convenience, this end table comes with simple assembly instructions, allowing you to set up your table in a few minutes without wasting any of your precious time. What’s more, this table has a surface with rounded corners to prevent any injury in case a kid runs into the table.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Sturdy construction ensures its strength
- It has a modern look
- Offers plenty of storage
Cons
- It does not have any drawers
WLIVE End Table
– Best Aesthetics
The Wlive End Table has been designed with aesthetics in mind. This slick-looking standing desk will fit in with any modern-styled office or room, giving it a fresh, sophisticated look. Thanks to its C-shape design, you can slide the bottom of the table under your table or sofa and utilize the tabletop from a sitting position.
The desk is straightforward to set up and comes with detailed instructions, allowing you to assemble it without any hassle. Made from high-grade steel, this table can support up to 35 pounds, allowing you to place multiple heavy items like lamps and books on it without worrying about the desk breaking down. If that is not enough, the end table also hosts a handy side bag for storing books or magazines.
Pros
- It is a versatile table
- It has a unique design
- It is small and portable
- It does not take much space
Cons
- It is not great for storage
Winsome End Table
– Most Durable
Wrapping up this list is the Winsome End Table, which is perfect for you if you’re looking for a table with strong and sturdy construction. Made from high-quality wood, this table can support the weight of your heavy laptop or books, so you never have to worry about it breaking down.
Its carved and curved legs give it a classic look and enhance your room’s aesthetic, making it a perfect choice if you want to use it as a display rather than storage. It also has a two-tier design that comes in handy if you’re going to place all your essential items on it.
It also comes with easy assembly instructions, so you can get straight to enjoying your new end table.
Pros
- Offers great storage
- Easy to move around your house
- Has a robust and sturdy build
- Blends in with your house’s furniture
Cons
- It does not have drawers
People Also Asked
Q: Can I use my end table as a coffee table?
A: End tables are used as coffee tables. You can use your end table for whatever purpose you want, which may include placing your laptops on it or even decorations.
Q: Do I have to purchase an end table?
A: No, end tables are not necessary to purchase. They just enhance the aesthetics of your home and can provide convenience if you’re sitting on your couch or on your bed, allowing you to place items on them for convenience.
Q: Should the end table be the same height as my couch?
A: An end table should ideally be the same height as your sofa since it will conveniently allow you to place items such as coffee mugs while being seated.
Q: Can end tables be used as side tables?
A: Yes, they can be placed beside your bed and be used as side tables.
