Matching Side Tables

Questions About Matching Side Tables

• Do table lamps have to match?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021

  Your table lamps do not have to match but it definitely is important that they still go together. This can be done by making sure they are of similar style or have something in common such as color, shape, lamp shade, or metal type.

• Do chairs have to match the dining table?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

  Dining room chairs and dining tables do not necessarily have to match. 

• Do end tables need to match coffee table?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021

  End tables and coffee tables do not need to match. Nevertheless it can be nice to have a similar color scheme or have one set of end tables match and perhaps have the coffee table match a TV stand.

• Do my dining room chairs have to match my table?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022

  No, your dining room table and chairs do not need to match. Coordinated colors and styles can add visual flair to a space, and is a great way to show off your personal style. Shop a collection of dining room tables and chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

• What color floor matches a Noguchi table?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022

  The wooden base of Noguchi coffee tables are available in multiple finishes such as black, walnut and natural cherry for color matching with your floor. Placing a rug underneath the table will also change the color dynamic. On 1stDibs, find vintage and contemporary Noguchi coffee tables from some of the world’s top sellers.

• Should a floor lamp match my table lamps?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2026

  It doesn't need to match exactly; consistent wood tone or metal finish reads more intentional than an identical pair.

• What are side tables used for?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022

  Side tables are used next to furniture like beds and couches to provide an accessible place for keeping essential items at hand. In the living room, side tables are often used to display flower arrangements, photos or books as well as to set down a drink. In the bedroom, a side table is typically populated with items like a lamp, bedtime reading material, and a charging device for a phone. Shop a collection of vintage and contemporary side tables from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

• What are nesting side tables?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022

  A nesting table is a set of tables designed to be stored one inside or under the other, giving them a layered or stacked appearance. A side table is a table that’s placed beside a piece of furniture. A nesting side table would be a series of side tables in graduated heights that can be stacked or nested together. Shop a collection of nesting tables from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

• What size should a side table be?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

  A side table should stand one to three inches below the arm of the sofa or chair it is placed next to.

• What are side tables called?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024

  Side tables are often simply called side tables. If positioned on either end of a sofa or loveseat, you might refer to them as end tables. General terms for side tables and other tables commonly used in seating areas include occasional tables and accent tables. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of side tables.

• Is there a difference between an end table and a side table?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023

  There are two differences between end tables and side tables: function and size. Typically, end tables go beside a chair or at opposite ends of a sofa and have smaller tabletops, while side tables go toward the sides of seating areas or against walls and feature a larger surface area. However, many people use the words side and end tables interchangeably, so these differences may not always apply. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of end and side tables.

• What is the difference between a side table and a coffee table?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024

  The difference between a side table and a coffee table is mainly in the size and shape. Coffee tables usually feature larger tops but shorter legs. People typically place them in front of a sofa or a loveseat to rest books, drinks, remote controls and other items. Side tables also store items, but they are usually positioned beside an accent chair or at the ends of a sofa or loveseat. Shop a diverse assortment of side tables and coffee tables on 1stDibs.

• How can you tell if a side table is antique?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023

  To determine whether a side table is an antique, closely examine its details. Older pieces will typically have telltale features like wood pegs, hand-cut dovetails with some slight imperfections and mortise-and-tenon construction. Tables that are a consistent color throughout or have machine-cut moldings or carvings are unlikely to be antiques. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer can be a helpful resource when dating tables. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and modern side tables on 1stDibs.

• What are tiny side tables called?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024

  What tiny side tables are called varies. Some people may simply refer to them as side tables. Others describe them as end tables if they're placed on either end of a sofa or loveseat. When used elsewhere in a room, small side tables are often called accent tables. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of antique, vintage and contemporary side tables.

• What is a tall side table called?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021

  A tall side table may also be called a console table. While these furnishings are not as common in today’s interiors as their coffee-table and side-table counterparts, console tables are stylish home accents and have become more prevalent over the years. The popularity of wood console tables took shape during the 17th and 18th centuries in French and Italian culture, and were exclusively featured in the palatial homes of the upper class. Find console tables today on 1stDibs.

• Should a side table be lower than a sofa?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024

  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.

• Should table lamps match nearby furniture like a vanity or nightstand?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2026

  They don't need to match exactly. A lamp in brass or ceramic can sit comfortably on a vintage vanity or nightstand in a different wood tone.

• What's the difference between a nightstand and a side table?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2026

  Nightstands are purpose-built for the bedroom, usually with a drawer or shelf sized for a lamp and small items, while side tables are a more general-purpose form used throughout the home.