Designer Picks: Side Tables That Instantly Elevate a Room
- Chloe Browning
- May 29
- 4 min read
When sourcing furniture for a project, I spend a lot of time finding the perfect sofa, dining table, or bed. But if I'm being honest, some of my favorite pieces to source are often the smallest ones.
Side tables are one of the easiest ways to add personality to a room. They're an opportunity to introduce an interesting material, bring in a sculptural shape, or add a piece that feels collected rather than straight out of a showroom. The right side table can completely change how a space feels.
Today, I'm sharing six side tables I'm currently loving and would happily use in my own projects. From burl wood and marble to woven textures and sculptural forms, these pieces prove that sometimes the smallest furniture makes the biggest impact.
Lyra Natural Striped Cotton Jute Side Table
Wrapped in striped cotton jute, this piece instantly adds texture and personality while still feeling timeless. I love how the stripe introduces visual interest without relying on bold colors, making it easy to incorporate into a variety of design styles.
This table would look beautiful in a coastal home, an eclectic living room, or layered into an organic modern space.
Why I love it: It brings warmth, texture, and a playful design element while maintaining a sophisticated feel.
Astoria Side Table
Burl wood has been one of my favorite materials lately, and the Astoria Side Table is a perfect example of why. The combination of rich burl wood and a marble top feels elevated, timeless, and incredibly luxurious. While burl wood can sometimes feel trendy, this piece feels classic enough to work for years to come.
It's one of those tables that immediately makes a room feel more collected and expensive.
Why I love it: The mix of natural stone and burl wood creates a beautiful balance between warmth and sophistication.
Lucas Marble Side Table
Some furniture pieces function almost like artwork, and the Lucas Side Table definitely falls into that category. The sculptural wood base paired with the carved marble top creates a silhouette that feels unique from every angle. This isn't the kind of side table that disappears into the background. It's meant to be noticed.
If you're looking for a statement piece that doesn't rely on bright colors or bold patterns, this is it.
Why I love it: It feels sculptural, artistic, and effortlessly elevated.
Kimberly Side Table
The Kimberly Side Table is one of those pieces that proves furniture can be functional and beautiful at the same time. Its sculptural form feels almost like a piece of art, while the open silhouette keeps it feeling light and airy. I love that it adds visual interest without creating heaviness, making it a great option for smaller spaces or rooms that already have a lot going on.
The shape is simple, but that's exactly what makes it so impactful.
Why I love it: The airy, architectural design feels modern, organic, and effortlessly sophisticated.
Leonne Burl Wood Side Table
The Leonne Side Table feels like a vintage treasure you stumbled across at the perfect antique shop. The stepped silhouette gives it a playful personality, while the burl wood finish adds warmth and depth. It's a piece that feels collected rather than purchased, which is always something I look for when designing a space.
I could see this working beautifully beside a reading chair, next to a sofa, or even as a unique bedside table.
Why I love it: The shape feels unexpected while still remaining versatile enough for almost any room.
Capa Nesting Side Tables
Nesting tables are one of my favorite designer tricks because they're beautiful, functional, and incredibly versatile. What first caught my eye about the Capa Nesting Side Tables was the amber glass. It's not a material you see every day, and it gives these tables a rich, moody quality that feels both vintage-inspired and modern at the same time.
I also love that they can be tucked together when you want a cleaner look or pulled apart when entertaining and extra surface space is needed.
Why I love it: The amber glass tops add warmth, depth, and personality while the slender frame keeps the overall design feeling light and sophisticated.
Final Thoughts
When clients ask how to make a room feel more custom and thoughtfully designed, my answer is usually the same: focus on the details.
Accent furniture like side tables may seem small, but they play a huge role in creating a layered, collected home. They're an opportunity to introduce sculptural forms, natural materials, and pieces that reflect your personality.
Whether you're drawn to burl wood, marble, woven textures, or statement silhouettes, investing in a great side table is one of the easiest ways to elevate a room without a full redesign.
These are six pieces I would happily specify in my own projects—and honestly, a few are currently sitting in my shopping cart.
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