Side Tables and Nesting Tables in Sydney: Glass, Gold and Marble Options for Small Living Rooms
Side tables are small, but they do a lot of work. They hold the lamp, the cup of tea and the remote, and they link the sofa to the rest of the room. Searches for glass side tables and sets of three keep growing across Sydney, especially from apartment and townhouse buyers who want flexible surfaces. This guide explains how to choose the right one.
Get the height right first
A side table should sit within 5 cm of the sofa arm height. Most sofa arms are 55 to 65 cm high, so a side table between 50 and 65 cm works well. Slightly lower than the arm is better than higher, because it avoids elbow bumps. Next to a recliner, check that the table clears the chair when it is fully reclined.
Single, pair or set of three?
- Single round table (40 to 50 cm): ideal beside an armchair or at the end of a small sofa.
- Pair of matching tables: gives a balanced look either side of a bed or a long sofa.
- Set of three nesting tables: the most flexible choice. Use them together as a mini coffee table, or pull them apart when guests arrive. They are especially useful in small living rooms where one fixed table would take up too much floor space.
You can browse all options in our side table collection, including sets of three in black and gold, flower-shaped designs and silver finishes.
Materials compared
Tempered glass top with stainless steel base: light and modern, and the glass keeps the room feeling open. It shows fingerprints, so keep a microfibre cloth handy. Tempered glass is also stronger than standard glass.
Gold or black metal frames: gold adds warmth and pairs well with velvet sofas, while black gives a sharper, contemporary feel. Choose stainless steel bases for durability against humidity.
Marble-look tops: heavy and substantial, which is good for stability, but more difficult to move for cleaning.
Match the table to your coffee table
You do not need identical pieces, but repeat one element, such as the metal finish or the shape. If your coffee table is gold and glass, a gold and glass set of three will look intentional. Explore our coffee tables and console tables to build a matching group. For a deeper look at proportion, read our coffee table and console styling guide.
Where to place them
- Beside the sofa arm, with the table about 5 to 10 cm from the arm so it is easy to reach.
- In a corner next to a corner sofa, where a larger round table fills an awkward space.
- Between two armchairs to create a seating group.
- Beside the bed if you do not have bedside tables, although a proper pair from a bedroom suite will give you storage.
Small-space tips
In an apartment, choose tables with an open base so you can see the floor beneath. Round tops avoid sharp corners in tight walkways. A set of three can double as a coffee table when pushed together, saving you from buying another piece. Always measure the gap before you order, leaving at least 60 cm for walking past.
Try before you buy
Finish and scale are easier to judge in person. Visit our Lidcombe store or Marsden Park showroom to see the sets side by side with our sofas and rugs. Stock changes, so check ahead for the finish you prefer.
