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Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions

Should a side table be lower than a sofa?

1 Answer
Should a side table be lower than a sofa?
No, a side table shouldn't always be lower than a sofa. To make it easy to access items on a table, a sofa's arms should generally be no more than 2 to 3 inches above or below the tabletop. This rule of thumb differs from the one for coffee tables, which should be as tall or 1 to 2 inches shorter than the seat height of the sofa to ensure a balanced look. Explore a large selection of side tables on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024
Shop for Side Tables on 1stDibs
Anna Karlin Ceramic Bedside Table
Located in New York, NY
A bedside table clad in handmade ceramic tiles, each curved to follow the contours of the form and punctuated by sculptural appliqués. The interior is finished in rich cerused oak, w...
Category

2010s American Modern Side Tables

Materials

Brass, Steel

Small Antique Palladian Style Round Bleached Table, English, C.1835
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Fabulous small round table. Made from bleached tropical hardwood and pine I particularly like its simplicity. I have chosen not to lacquer or wax the table. Original castors For ...
Category

Antique 1830s English Palladian Side Tables

Materials

Wood

1 of 2 Mid Century Modern Wrought Iron & Marble Top Side Table
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
1 of 2 Mid Century Modern Wrought Iron & Marble Top Side Table
Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble, Wrought Iron

Midcentury brutalist rustic primitive side table, Wanderwood, England. c.1950-60
Located in Bristol, GB
Coffee table or side table by Wanderwood of Norfolk, England c.1950-60 Wanderwood were more commonly known for their stools, rare to find a table of this size. Made of solid Engli...
Category

Mid-20th Century British Brutalist Side Tables

Materials

Elm

Gueridon, small table, Josef Hoffmann attr. Thonet Vienna 1905
Located in Vienna, AT
Gueridon, small table, Josef Hoffmann attr. Thonet
Category

Antique Early 1900s Austrian Jugendstil Side Tables

Materials

Beech

Handcrafted ceramic side table by Norwegian artist Jossolini
Located in Oslo, NO
Handcrafted ceramic side table by Jossolini. This unique piece is built and decorated by hand. It is made of white stoneware, and decorated with matt black glaze. Jossolini is a ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Ceramic

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