Side Table for Living Room: Best Options & Buying Guide (Ireland)
Anyone who has reached for a drink and missed the tabletop knows the frustration of a poorly chosen side table. That small surface beside the sofa does more than hold a mug—it sets the rhythm of the room, so this guide walks through material, height, storage, and the best retailers in Ireland to help you pick the right side table without second-guessing.
Height rule: 0–4 inches above sofa arm · Distance from sofa: ~18 inches · Top retailers in Ireland: JYSK, Murphy Furniture, Wayfair · Common materials: Wood, metal, glass
Quick snapshot
- Side tables should align with sofa arm height (Swyft)
- Wood, metal, and glass are common materials in Ireland (Murphy Furniture)
- Storage side tables include drawers or shelves (Emily Henderson)
- Exact market share of each Irish retailer is not publicly available
- Customer satisfaction comparisons rely on limited reviews
- No major product-release timeline changes expected for standard side tables in Ireland
- Demand for multi-functional side tables (storage + surface) continues to grow (Swyft)
Here are the key facts about side tables for living rooms in Ireland, sourced from experts and retailers.
| Fact | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Optimal height | 0–4 inches above the sofa arm | Emily Henderson |
| Common materials | Wood, metal, glass | Murphy Furniture |
| Storage options | Drawers, shelves, or cubbies available | Emily Henderson |
| Ireland retailers | JYSK, Murphy Furniture, Wayfair, IKEA | JYSK Ireland |
| Shape variety | Round, square, or rectangular | Emily Henderson |
| Price range (budget) | €30–€150 | Aggregated from multiple retailers |
What are the best side tables for living room with storage?
Dimensions and shelf vs drawer storage
Storage side tables add a drawer, shelf, or cubby to stash remotes, magazines, or coasters. Emily Henderson recommends storage options when you need to keep surfaces clear (Emily Henderson). Drawers conceal clutter effectively; shelves keep items visible. A storage side table typically adds 5–15 cm to width and can cost €20–€50 more than a simple model.
Popular storage side table models in Ireland
- JYSK offers side tables with a single drawer or lower shelf (JYSK Ireland)
- Murphy Furniture sells wooden side tables with drawer storage (Murphy Furniture)
- Wayfair.ie lists compact storage side tables in various finishes (Wayfair Ireland)
Pros and cons of storage side tables
Upsides
- Keeps living room tidy
- Adds surface area without extra footprint
- Widely available from Irish retailers
Downsides
- Takes up more visual space
- Heavier and harder to move
- Higher price than open tables
A storage side table trades a few extra centimetres for a cleaner living room. For small flats in Dublin, the added drawer can replace a separate shelving unit.
What this means: If your sofa side doubles as a charging station or reading nook, a table with at least one drawer is usually worth the premium.
How to choose a small side table for living room?
Size guidelines for small spaces
Small side tables measure under 50 cm in width. Round tops save floor space compared to square ones, as Swyft notes (Swyft). Nesting pairs offer flexibility—use one as a side table and tuck the second away when not needed.
Small side table materials and shapes
- Glass tops make rooms feel larger
- Metal frames are slim and sturdy
- Murphy Furniture supplies small wooden tables in round and square shapes (Murphy Furniture)
Best small side tables from Irish retailers
- JYSK: compact side tables under €40 (JYSK Ireland)
- Wayfair: space-saving options at 60 x 22 x 57 cm (Wayfair Ireland)
An accessory table should be 0 to 4 inches above the arm of the chair or sofa.
— Emily Henderson, interior designer
The pattern: For tight corners, a round table no wider than the sofa arm is the most forgiving shape—and cheapest option from Irish retailers.
What are the best IKEA side tables for living room?
Overview of IKEA side table range (LACK, HEMNES, etc.)
IKEA Ireland offers over 20 side table models. The LACK side table is a budget staple, while the HEMNES line provides solid wood options. All require self-assembly.
Price and assembly considerations
- LACK table: approx. €15–€20
- HEMNES: higher price point ($80–$150)
- Click & Collect available at IKEA Dublin
Note: Although we cannot confirm exact current prices without an official IKEA source, the LACK consistently ranks as a best-seller in Ireland.
IKEA vs other brands for side tables in Ireland
| Feature | IKEA | JYSK | Murphy Furniture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price range | €15–€150 | €25–€100 | €50–€200 |
| Materials | Particleboard, solid wood (HEMNES) | Glass, metal, wood | Solid wood, glass, metal |
| Assembly | Self-assembly required | Self-assembly required | Some pre-assembled options |
| Delivery in Ireland | Free Click & Collect; delivery from €7 | Click & Collect (30+ stores); delivery €5–€15 | Delivery throughout Ireland |
Why this matters: IKEA leads on price variety; JYSK offers more local pick‑up points; Murphy Furniture gives a solid‑wood option for buyers who want longevity.
Where to buy side tables for living room in Ireland?
Top online retailers in Ireland
- IKEA Ireland – ikea.com/ie (Click & Collect from Dublin)
- JYSK Ireland – jysk.ie (over 30 stores)
- EZ Living Interiors – showrooms in Dublin, Cork, Limerick
- Murphy Furniture – murphyfurniture.ie
- Wayfair Ireland – wayfair.ie (Prime delivery available)
Delivery options and costs
- JYSK: Click & Collect free; delivery from €5 for orders under €50 (JYSK Ireland)
- Wayfair: free delivery over €49; returns within 30 days
- EZ Living Interiors: delivery to all counties; showroom pick-up free
In-store vs online purchase tips
Studio McGee advises checking dimensions carefully when buying online (Studio McGee). Use painter’s tape to mark a table’s footprint on your floor before ordering (interior-design guidance).
The catch: Online deals are tempting, but measuring sight unseen is the #1 cause of returns—always tape it out first.
Wood or glass side table for living room: which is better?
Durability and maintenance of wood vs glass
Solid wood side tables resist scratches and can be refinished. Glass tables show fingerprints easily but are simpler to wipe down (JYSK Ireland). Murphy Furniture notes that wood options are more durable in high-traffic living rooms (Murphy Furniture).
Style compatibility with different living room decors
- Wood: classic, warm, matches traditional and rustic interiors
- Glass: modern, airy, suits contemporary and minimal spaces
- Metal legs: industrial style
Price comparison of wood and glass side tables
| Feature | Wood | Glass |
|---|---|---|
| Average price (Ireland) | €60–€200 | €30–€100 |
| Durability | High – scratch resistant | Medium – can chip on edge |
| Maintenance | Wipe; occasional oil | Glass cleaner to avoid streaks |
| Weight | 8–15 kg | 3–6 kg |
| Style range | Traditional to modern | Modern only |
Choose a side table that works with the furniture piece placed next to it.
— Studio McGee, interior design firm
The trade-off: Wood costs more but lasts years longer; glass is lighter and cheaper but demands constant cleaning.
Specifications: side table buying guide at a glance
Six specs to compare before you click “add to cart.”
| Spec | Typical range | Key consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 45–75 cm | Match to sofa arm |
| Width | 40–60 cm | Small under 50 cm |
| Depth | 30–50 cm | Narrow for tight spots |
| Material | Wood, glass, metal | Wood lasts longest |
| Storage | Drawer, shelf, none | Drawer = €20–€50 extra |
| Assembly | Self-assembly (most) | Pre-assembled cost more |
An Irish buyer who ignores height and width risks a table that juts out or forces an awkward reach—especially in a standard 3.5 m living room.
Pros and cons at a glance
Upsides
- Improves sofa functionality
- Wide price range from €15 to €200
- Multiple materials suit any decor
- Storage available for clutter control
Downsides
- Can overwhelm small rooms if oversized
- Glass tops require frequent polishing
- Self-assembly needed for budget models
- No Ireland-wide standard for “side table” dimensions
What’s confirmed and what’s still unclear
Confirmed facts
- Side tables available at IKEA, JYSK, EZ Living, Murphy Furniture, and Wayfair in Ireland
- Common materials: wood, glass, metal, marble
- Height range typically 16–30 inches
- Storage side tables include drawers or shelves
What’s unclear
- Exact market share of each retailer in Ireland not publicly available
- Customer satisfaction comparisons rely on limited reviews
- No major product-release timeline changes expected for standard side tables in Ireland
A side table should generally be the same height as the arm of the sofa or armchair, or slightly lower.
— Swyft, home furnishings brand
For Irish buyers, the right side table comes down to three numbers: height relative to sofa arm, width of the seating area, and the gap you leave for walking. Opt for wood if you want durability; choose glass for a lighter look in a small room. JYSK and IKEA cover budgets; Murphy Furniture steps up for solid-wood longevity. Whether you pick a LACK or a HEMNES, measure first, then buy—or prepare to live with a table that’s always just out of reach.
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Frequently asked questions
How tall should a side table be compared to a sofa?
Ideally 0–4 inches above the arm of the sofa or armchair. If the sofa is armless, 8–10 inches above seat height works.
What is the difference between a side table and an end table?
Minimal—the terms are interchangeable. Some use “end table” for models placed at the end of a sofa and “side table” for any auxiliary surface.
Can I use a side table as a nightstand?
Yes, as long as the height matches your bed frame—usually 20–25 inches. Just ensure it has enough surface for a lamp and phone.
Are glass side tables safe for homes with children?
Tempered glass is break-resistant and generally safe, but solid wood or metal without sharp corners is often preferred for toddlers.
How to clean a glass side table without streaks?
Use a microfiber cloth and a solution of water with a splash of white vinegar. Wipe in one direction to avoid smears.
Do side tables require assembly?
Most budget models from IKEA and JYSK require self-assembly. Pre-assembled options from Murphy Furniture or EZ Living cost more but save time.
What is the best shape for a small living room side table?
Round or oval tops save space and reduce bumps in tight quarters. A 40–45 cm diameter round table works well beside a 2-seater sofa.
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