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How to Choose The Right Side Table Size & Height Relative to Your Sofa or Chair

When it comes to home interiors, even the smallest furniture choices can make a big impact. Side tables may seem minor, but choosing the right size and height in relation to your sofa or chair can affect how your space looks and feels. 

A table that’s too tall or too short can disrupt the visual balance and feel awkward to use. From comfort to style, getting this detail right matters more than you think.

At Ramsha Home, one of the leading home furnishing brands in the UAE, we work closely with interior designers and homeowners to create well-balanced, stylish spaces. We offer a wide collection of premium side tables and other furniture, and we know how to match form with function. In this guide, our experts share the key measurements, rules, and design tips you need to confidently choose the perfect side table.

Understand the Role of a Side Table

A side table is an essential piece of furniture that supports both function and aesthetics. It holds your everyday items, adds balance to your setup, and ties the look together. Here are some points to understand its role better.

1. Convenience and Functionality

A side table is primarily used to keep essential items within arm’s reach. Whether it’s your evening cup of tea, a TV remote, a book, or your phone charger, it brings daily comfort and convenience. You no longer need to get up repeatedly or stretch across the sofa. With a well-placed side table, everything stays accessible. That’s why it is one of the most used pieces of furniture in living rooms, bedrooms, and reading corners.

2. Adds Balance to Your Layout

Side tables help in creating a balanced and complete furniture arrangement. A sofa or chair without a side table can look incomplete or awkward. Adding a table on one or both sides helps define the space better and adds symmetry to the room. It also creates visual flow and prevents empty gaps. If you are styling a small apartment or a spacious villa, side tables help frame your seating and give a more put-together look.

3. Decorative Purpose

Apart from function, side tables also enhance the style of your room. You can use them to display décor pieces like lamps, planters, candles, or books.

Their shape, material, and finish can complement your overall theme, whether you are going for modern, classic, or rustic interiors. A marble or metallic side table, for instance, can instantly elevate the space. So, the right table not only serves your needs but also becomes a part of your home’s design story.

4. Supports Layered Lighting

Side tables are ideal for placing table lamps, especially in areas where overhead lighting feels harsh. This helps in creating layered lighting in your room. a key rule in good interior design.

With a lamp on your side table, you can enjoy soft evening light for reading, watching TV, or simply relaxing. This lighting also adds warmth and depth to the space. So, a side table supports not just your items, but also your ambience and comfort.

Ideal Height for Side Tables

The general rule for the height of a side table is simple, it should be roughly the same height as the arm of your sofa or chair. This makes it easy to reach items without stretching or bending uncomfortably.

If you choose a side table that is too high, it may look out of proportion and feel awkward to use. Too low, and it becomes inconvenient. Getting the height right ensures both comfort and style.

Here are some tips to measure it properly:

  • Measure from the floor to the top of your sofa or chair arm
  • Aim for a table that is within 2-3 cm of this height
  • If in doubt, slightly lower is better than higher
  • Always consider the cushion sink when measuring arm height
  • Use tape or books to mock the height before buying
  • For chairs without arms, align with the seat or cushion top
  • Ensure your lamp or décor looks balanced with the height

Choosing Shape Based on Space

There are different side table shapes available, and the one you choose should depend on your room layout, furniture placement, and how you plan to use the table.

For example, if you want to soften a space or complement a rounded sofa, circular tables may work best. If your setup is more compact or linear, a square or rectangular shape might fit better.

Here’s a quick guide to help:

  • Round Side Tables – Great for tight spaces or to soften corners near chairs and curved sofas
  • Square Side Tables – Work well beside boxy sofas or in balanced, modern layouts
  • Rectangular Side Tables – Ideal when placed between two chairs or along longer sofas
  • C-Shaped Tables – Perfect for sliding under the sofa and saving space in smaller rooms
  • Nested Side Tables – Best for flexible usage, especially in multi-use or open-plan rooms

Top Side Table Picks from Ramsha Home

Ramsha Home offers a wide selection of premium side tables crafted for both style and function. Whether you’re furnishing a modern apartment or a spacious villa, our collection includes timeless designs, various shapes, and materials to match any space.

Here are some of our top picks, carefully selected by our team to help you add both beauty and utility to your living room, bedroom, or lounge area.

1. Modern Dual-Tier Side Table

modern-dual-tier-side-table

This modern dual-tier side table blends sleek functionality with minimalist style, making it a smart addition to any contemporary living room or bedroom.

The table features two differently sized aluminum tops with a striking brass antique finish, supported by slim black iron legs that add both stability and elegance. Its lightweight build at just 1.9 KG makes it easy to move and place wherever needed, be it beside a sofa, next to an armchair, or even in a reading nook. It’s both functional and visually appealing, ideal for showcasing decor or holding essentials.

2. Set of 2 Wooden Nesting Side Tables

Set of 2 Wooden Nesting Side Tables

This nesting set of two side tables combines solid wood tops with a sturdy black iron base, making it both functional and stylish. The iron wood finish adds a warm, earthy feel that blends well with modern, industrial, or minimalist interiors.

Designed to save space, the tables can be used together or separately as coffee tables, end tables, or stylish display stands. Weighing only 3 KG, they are easy to move and rearrange. A smart choice for compact homes or anyone who values versatile furniture.

3. Luxury Square Iron Side Table

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Crafted from 100% iron, this luxury square side table brings a bold statement to your space. It features a sleek brass antique finish with a striking leopard-inspired textured pattern that adds both depth and drama.

Weighing 20 KG, it’s solid and stable, making it ideal as a living room accent table, a bedside table, or a stylish corner addition. The golden tone and geometric form give it a luxurious yet modern look, perfect for those who want their furniture to stand out with sophistication.

4. Luna Polished Marble & Steel Side Table

luna-polished-marble-blog

Elevate your interiors with the Luna Side Table, a beautiful blend of elegance and strength. Featuring a high-polish stainless steel column and a solid cylindrical plinth with fluted detailing, this table stands out with its sleek mirror finish. The natural white marble top adds a refined touch to the overall design.

With a sturdy 6 KG build and made from 70% marble and 30% iron, Luna is perfect for modern living rooms, beside sofas, or in luxury corners. Finished in a crisp white gloss that complements any setting.

5. Modern Cone Accent Side Table

modern-cone-accent-side-table-blog

Add a sculptural touch to your space with the Modern Cone Accent Side Table. Designed with a natural solid wood top shaped like an inverted cone, it brings an earthy yet contemporary vibe to any room.

The sturdy black iron frame gives it a bold contrast while keeping the structure lightweight and durable. With a compact 37x37x54 cm size and 5 KG weight, it’s ideal for small corners, beside your sofa, or as a statement piece. Crafted from 60% wood and 40% iron in a natural/black powder finish.

Need Help Deciding? Talk to Our Experts

We know how hard it can be to choose the perfect side table that matches your space, style, and needs. That’s why we’re here to help. Our experts have consulted hundreds of individuals and businesses across the UAE to find just the right fit, whether it’s for your home or a large-scale project.

We also offer custom and B2B orders, so you get exactly what you’re looking for. Talk to our team today and get guided recommendations tailored to your space and preferences. You can also visit our stores across the UAE to explore the collection in person.

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