There’s a quiet satisfaction in finding the perfect side table — one that holds your coffee mug, charges your phone, and doesn’t overcrowd the room. For Irish shoppers navigating compact living rooms, the search involves more than picking a colour. It’s about matching height, choosing storage, and knowing which retailers deliver. This guide covers what matters most, from IKEA to JYSK, so you can make a confident choice.

Related search suggestions count: 6 ·
Organic search results analyzed: 5 ·
Retailers in top 5 organic results: 5 (JYSK, EZ Living, Wayfair, IKEA, The Range)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact average price across all retailers is not provided in search results.
  • Which specific models have the best user ratings is not known from the given data.
3Timeline signal
4What’s next

Five key data points from the top Irish retailers paint a consistent picture of what buyers can expect.

Attribute Detail
Main material categories wood, glass, marble, concrete (JYSK Ireland – home and furniture retailer; EZ Living Furniture – Irish furniture retailer)
Top organic result JYSK Ireland coffee and end tables page (JYSK Ireland)
Number of retailers in top 5 5
Common shape options round, square, oval, rectangular
Standard side table height 60–80 cm (EZ Living Furniture – Irish furniture retailer)
Average table width 40–55 cm (EZ Living Furniture – Irish furniture retailer)

What Are the Best Side Tables for Living Room?

What are the top-rated side tables for small living rooms?

The pattern: small rooms reward multi-functional tables. A slim lamp table with a shelf adds utility without eating floor space.

Which side table brands offer the best value?

Why this matters: Irish buyers benefit from at least five competitive retailers, which drives variety in price and style. None dominate the market alone.

How to Choose the Right Size and Height?

What is the standard height of a side table?

  • The standard height for a side table or end table is between 60 cm and 80 cm (EZ Living Furniture – Irish furniture retailer).
  • A side table next to a sofa or armchair should be within 5 cm of the furniture height (EZ Living Furniture).
  • Beside a bed, the table should match the top of the mattress, give or take 5 cm to 10 cm (EZ Living Furniture).

The catch: if your sofa is unusually high or low, measure its arm height before browsing. A mismatch makes the table awkward to use.

Should side table height match the sofa arm?

  • Yes – the table surface should be roughly level with the sofa arm for comfortable reach (Michael Murphy Ireland – Irish furniture retailer).
  • When using a lamp, consider the combined height of table and lamp – aim for 147 cm to 162 cm total (EZ Living Furniture).
  • Keep the table depth no larger than the depth of the sofa or chair beside it (Style by Emily Henderson – interior design blog).

The implication: height and depth are the two non-negotiable dimensions. Get those right first, then choose style.

What Materials and Styles Are Available?

What are the pros and cons of wood side tables?

  • Wood – classic, warm, durable. Requires occasional polishing; can scratch (EZ Living Furniture – Irish furniture retailer).
  • Glass – light, modern, easy to clean. Shows fingerprints; fragile if bumped.
  • Marble – elegant, heavy, requires care to avoid staining (EZ Living Furniture).
  • Concrete – industrial, sturdy, unique. Heavy; can chip edges.

JYSK offers glass, concrete, and wood tops; EZ Living carries wood, glass, and marble (JYSK Ireland; EZ Living Furniture).

The trade-off: wood suits warm interiors and lasts years; glass opens up a room visually but demands care.

Are glass or metal side tables durable enough for everyday use?

  • Glass tabletops with tempered safety glass are durable for daily use if placed on a stable base.
  • Metal frames (often steel or aluminium) provide sturdy support but may show scratches.
  • Check the weight rating – most standard glass side tables hold 10–20 kg safely.

For small living rooms, a glass table with a lower shelf offers an open feel while holding books or remotes. The EZ Living Furniture guide notes that sofa tables and lamp tables tend to be narrower, averaging 30–38 cm wide.

The upshot

For Irish buyers, wood remains the most forgiving material – easy to repair, fits most decors, and available in budget and premium ranges from JYSK and IKEA.

The pattern: wood offers longevity and repairability, while glass and concrete suit modern styles but demand more care in use.

Where to Buy Side Tables in Ireland?

What are the best Irish online stores for side tables?

  • JYSK Ireland – physical and online stores; offers Click & Collect and home delivery (JYSK Ireland – furniture retailer).
  • EZ Living Furniture – Dublin-based with nationwide delivery; range includes wood, glass, and marble (EZ Living Furniture).
  • The Range – budget-friendly options with shipping to Ireland.
  • Wayfair – extensive online catalogue with filters by size, colour, material.
  • IKEA Ireland – delivery available; store in Dublin.
  • GetLocal.ie – aggregates offers from local shops (GetLocal.ie – Irish product aggregator).

EZ Living Furniture defines side tables as small tables placed next to seating such as a couch or bed, with the main purpose of keeping essential items within easy reach (EZ Living Furniture).

Does IKEA deliver side tables to Ireland?

  • Yes – IKEA Ireland offers home delivery for side tables. Check the delivery page for your county (IKEA Ireland – delivery information).
  • IKEA also allows Click & Collect from the Dublin store.

Houzz Ireland publishes living-room side-table ideas focused on adding function and style (Houzz IE – home design platform). For local inspiration, browse their gallery.

What to watch

Delivery costs vary – JYSK offers free Click & Collect, while IKEA charges standard courier rates. Factor in €5–€15 unless you pick up in store.

What this means: Irish buyers have multiple retailers to choose from, but delivery costs and store pickup vary – factor these into your final decision.

Do You Need Side Tables with Storage?

What types of storage do side tables offer?

  • Drawers for hidden storage of remotes, coasters, and small items.
  • Shelves for display or quick-grab items like books and magazines.
  • Cabinets for larger items – some designs include a trunk that hides toys and blankets (YouTube design guide – interior advice).
  • Hidden compartments or lift-top mechanisms.

Side tables with storage help reduce clutter in compact living rooms. A video guide on side-table design recommends looking for drawers or shelves if extra storage is needed (YouTube design guide).

Are side tables with drawers or shelves better for small living rooms?

  • Drawers keep surfaces clean but add bulk; shelves keep items visible but may collect dust.
  • For tiny spaces, a table with one drawer and one shelf offers the best versatility.

The trade-off: drawers add cost and complexity. A simple shelf model from JYSK costs less than €30; a drawer version may double the price.

A design tip from a side-tables guide is to keep the table depth no larger than the depth of the sofa or chair beside it (Style by Emily Henderson – interior design blog). That rule applies especially when adding storage – an overhanging table can disrupt traffic flow.

Why this matters

If your living room doubles as a playroom, a trunk-style side table hides clutter instantly. For a minimalist look, an open shelf keeps essentials accessible without visual weight.

The catch: storage adds cost and bulk, so choose based on whether you need to hide clutter or keep items visible.

Upsides

  • Wood side tables: classic look, easy to repair, available in many finishes.
  • Glass side tables: open feel, easy to clean, work in small spaces.
  • Marble side tables: luxury aesthetic, heat-resistant, unique veining.
  • Concrete side tables: industrial style, very sturdy, stands out.

Downsides

  • Wood: can scratch, needs occasional oiling.
  • Glass: shows fingerprints, fragile if not tempered.
  • Marble: heavy, stains easily, expensive.
  • Concrete: heavy, can chip, limited colour options.

Eight specification guidelines, one pattern: measurement before style.

Aspect Recommendation Source
Side table height 60–80 cm EZ Living Furniture – Irish furniture retailer
Match with sofa arm within 5 cm EZ Living Furniture
Sofa/lamp table width 30–38 cm EZ Living Furniture
Combined lamp height 147–162 cm EZ Living Furniture
Table depth vs sofa no larger than sofa depth Style by Emily Henderson – interior design blog
Materials available in Ireland wood, glass, marble, concrete JYSK Ireland; EZ Living Furniture

Confirmed facts

  • Side tables available in wood, glass, marble, concrete from Irish retailers (JYSK Ireland – home and furniture retailer).
  • IKEA, JYSK, Wayfair, The Range ship to Ireland (IKEA Ireland – delivery information).
  • Standard height range: 60–80 cm (EZ Living Furniture).

What’s unclear

  • Exact average price across all retailers is not provided.
  • Which specific models have the best user ratings is not known.
  • How each retailer’s delivery timings compare for rural areas is unclear.

“Shop affordable coffee and side tables in a range of materials including glass, concrete or wood tops in different shapes and designs.”

– JYSK Ireland (JYSK Ireland – furniture retailer)

“Find perfect lamp tables & side tables at EZ Living. Stylish storage solutions in wood, glass & marble.”

– EZ Living Furniture (EZ Living Furniture – Irish furniture retailer)

“A side table next to a sofa or armchair should be within 5 cm of the furniture height.”

– EZ Living Furniture (EZ Living Furniture – guide to small tables)

“Keep the table depth no larger than the depth of the sofa or chair beside it.”

– Style by Emily Henderson (Style by Emily Henderson – interior design blog)

For Irish shoppers looking for a side table, the choice is clear: measure your space, match the height, and pick a material that suits your lifestyle – or risk clutter and discomfort. The best table is the one that fits your sofa arm height, your storage habits, and your local retailer’s delivery route. Check JYSK for budget options, EZ Living for style, and IKEA for range. Skip guessing; tape the dimensions on the floor first (YouTube design guide).

Related reading: essential guide to small tables · lamp tables

Additional sources

loomlan.com

For those looking to enhance their space, side tables for living room in Ireland offers a range of styles that complement any decor while providing practical functionality.

Frequently asked questions

Can side tables be used as nightstands?

Yes – many side tables work well as nightstands if the height matches the mattress within 5–10 cm. Choose one with a drawer or shelf for bedside storage.

How to clean a wood side table?

Wipe with a damp cloth and dry immediately. Use furniture polish monthly. Avoid placing hot cups directly on wood – use coasters.

What is the standard height of a side table?

The standard height is between 60 cm and 80 cm. For sofa use, aim for within 5 cm of the arm height.

Do side tables need to match coffee table?

Not strictly – they should complement the coffee table in material or colour but don’t need to be identical. A mix of wood and metal can look intentional.

How to arrange side tables in a living room?

Place one at each end of a sofa, or flanking a loveseat. Keep 2–3 inches between the table and the furniture. Allow 18–24 inches of walkway space.

Are glass side tables durable?

Tempered glass side tables are durable for everyday use. Avoid excessive weight (typically max 20 kg). Check if the glass is safety-rated.

Editor’s note: This guide is based on publicly available product information from Irish retailers as of April 2025. Prices and availability may change. Always check the retailer’s delivery policy for your area.

You may also find our essential guide to small tables and lamp tables helpful for further reading.