Eight Side Table Small By Louise Liljencrantz

Award-winning designer Louise Liljencrantz looks to a range of inspirations to create furniture that introduces a sense of intimacy and belonging in a space. The lines of her shapely coffee tables, lounge chairs and other pieces draw on forms found in the natural world, and her distinctive interior design projects evoke the timeless quality and essence of the Scandinavian modern style. 

Liljencrantz credits designers and architects from all over the world with having influenced her work, including notable figures such as Italian architect and designer Carlo Scarpa, American designer and artist Donald Judd, and French decorator Jean-Michel Frank, who got his start in interior design when it was little more than a burgeoning field.

Born in Sweden, Liljencrantz spent many years after high school working in the fashion industry. It wasn't until she had spent time running her own boutique that she realized she wanted to work in interior design. At 30, Liljencrantz returned to school to study graphic design.

Before she even completed her studies, Liljencrantz had landed her first project and established her own design firm in 2009. That project led to more commissions, and her career took off. Since opening her eponymous firm, Liljencrantz has created two distinct brands — Liljencrantz x K.F.K. Master Cabinetmakers and Veermakers. 

The designer prides herself on her studio's uncompromising pursuit of quality through ethical design practices and rich materials, and this commitment characterizes these brands — Liljencrantz is as known for her designs for hospitality properties as much as she is for her high-gloss Chunky Cloud coffee table and other striking home accessories and furnishings made in walnut, oak or steel burned in linseed oil. The studio’s designs are made by Veermakers or handcrafted by master cabinetmakers at Karlsson Fernaeus Kemppainen Snickeri AB in Stockholm.

Find Louise Liljencrantz dining tables, coffee tables and seating on 1stDibs.

While the range of styles and variety of materials have broadened over time, the priceless functionality of side tables has held true.

Vintage, new and antique side tables are an integral accent to our seating and provide additional, necessary storage in our homes. They can be a great foundation for that perfect focal piece of art that you want all your guests to see as you congregate for cocktails in the living room. Side tables are indeed ideal as a stage for your decorative objects or plants in your library or your study, and they are a practical space for the novel or stack of design magazines you keep close to your sofa.

Sure, owning a pair of side tables isn’t as imperative as having a coffee table in the common area, though most of us would struggle without them. Those made of metal, stone or wood are frequently featured in stylish interiors, and if you’re shopping for side tables, there are a couple of things to keep in mind.

With respect to the height of your side tables, a table that is as high as your lounge chair or the arm of your couch is best. Some folks are understandably fussy about coherence in a living room area, but coherence doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t mix and match. Feel free to introduce minimalist mid-century modern wooden side tables designed by Paul McCobb alongside your contemporary metal coffee table. If you think it isn’t possible to pair a Hollywood Regency–style side table with a contemporary sofa, we’re here to tell you that it is. Even a leggy side table can balance a chunky sofa well. Try to keep a limited color palette in mind if you’re planning on mixing furniture styles and materials, and don’t be afraid to add a piece of abstract art to shake things up.

As far as the objects you’re planning to place on your side tables, if you have heavy items such as stone or sculptures to display, a fragile glass-top table would not be an ideal choice. Think about what material would best support your collectibles and go with that. If it’s a particularly small side table, along with a tall, sleek floor lamp, it can make for a great way to fill a corner of the room you wouldn’t otherwise easily be able to populate.

Whether you are looking for an antique 19th-century carved oak side table or a vintage rattan side table (because rattan never went away!), the collection on 1stDibs has you covered.