The side table is one of the most underestimated pieces of furniture in the living room — and yet one of the most useful. Placed next to the sofa or the armchair, it holds your morning cup of coffee, your evening drink, the remote control, the book you’re reading, your phone. Without it, those objects end up on the floor or on the armrest (with the risk of stains). At Kings Canapé, we offer two complementary formats: the Table d’Appoint Mini and the Table d’Appoint Maxi. Two sizes for two uses, at accessible prices that hold their own against the great designer coffee tables.
Why the side table makes all the difference
It’s often confused with the coffee table, even though its role is complementary. The coffee table is the central element of the living room, placed in front of the sofa, at seat height. The side table (or “sofa end table”) sits to the side, next to an armchair or at one end of the sofa, at armrest height. Its purpose: to offer a surface within immediate reach, without having to stretch your arm toward the coffee table.
In concrete terms, it’s the table that holds your cup of coffee while you read, your glass while you watch a film, your book when you fall asleep. It’s also a display space for a lamp, a plant, a decorative object. Without a side table, the living room always feels incomplete: it lacks that “Plan B” that makes everyday life run more smoothly.
The two Kings Canapé formats
Table d’Appoint Mini
The Table d’Appoint Mini is the compact format par excellence. Ideal next to an armchair, in a small living room, or as a bedside table in a bedroom. Its small footprint lets you slip it anywhere, and its minimalist look blends with every style. It’s the ally of studios and tight spaces where every centimetre counts.
Table d’Appoint Maxi
The Table d’Appoint Maxi is the generous format, designed to sit at the end of a sofa or beside a wide armchair. Its larger surface holds several objects: a lamp, a tray, books, a plant. It visually structures the sofa area and forms an anchor point for your decorative accessories. Ideal for large living rooms and open-plan spaces.
How to choose your side table
1. The height
The golden rule: the side table should be at armrest height of your sofa or armchair — that is, between 55 and 65 cm from the ground depending on the Kings Canapé model. This lets you set down a glass without effort and pick up a book without leaning over. Too low, it forces you to bend down; too high, it creates a visual imbalance.
2. The format
For a single armchair or a small sofa, the Table d’Appoint Mini is enough. For a corner sofa or a large straight sofa, the Table d’Appoint Maxi creates a better visual and functional balance. If you’re hesitating, measure the available space and visualise the table with a paper template.
3. The material
Wood brings warmth and authenticity — ideal in a Scandinavian or bohemian interior. Metal and glass are perfect for a contemporary or industrial style. Kings Canapé tables are designed to blend into most interiors thanks to clean lines and neutral tones.
4. The function
Is the table placed next to the main sofa or in a reading nook; will it hold a lamp, a plant, everyday objects; does it also need to serve as a side table for guests? These questions guide the choice between Mini and Maxi, but also the material (a glass top gets dirty quickly if you set glasses on it).
The art of arranging side tables
Next to the armchair
This is the classic use: the side table within reach of the armchair, slightly offset toward the front so you can sit down and stand up without bumping into it. The height should align with the armchair’s armrest (55–65 cm).
At the end of the sofa
When the sofa is long (4–5 seats), a side table at each end structures the space and creates two symmetrical zones. It’s a configuration often seen in design magazines: it adds a touch of balance and refinement.
In a reading nook
With an armchair, a floor lamp, and a side table, you have a complete reading corner. The table holds your cup of tea, the book you’re not currently reading, your glasses. It needs to be large enough for these everyday uses — the Maxi is ideal.
Between two armchairs
When two armchairs face each other, a side table between them serves both as a functional surface and as a visual divider. It’s the classic configuration for conversation areas.
Which style for your side table?
The side table is a decorative object in its own right. Its style influences the atmosphere of the entire sofa area. Here are a few leads depending on the feel you want to create.
Scandinavian style: light wood, compass legs, round or oval top. Modern style: matte black metal, geometric top, clean lines. Bohemian style: patinated wood, round top, subtle geometric patterns. Industrial style: raw metal, aged wood, solid wood top.
Kings Canapé side tables adopt a minimalist line that blends with most styles, without trying to impose a particular aesthetic choice.
Frequently asked questions about the side table
What height for a side table?
The ideal height sits between 55 and 65 cm from the ground, aligned with the armrest of the sofa or armchair it accompanies. A table that’s too low forces you to bend down to grab an object; a table that’s too high creates a visual imbalance in the sofa area. For a standard Kings Canapé armchair (seat at 45 cm, armrest at 60–65 cm), aim for 60 cm of height for your side table.
Side table or coffee table?
The two are complementary. The coffee table is the central element of the living room, in front of the sofa, at seat height. The side table sits to the side, next to the armchair or at the end of the sofa, at armrest height. For a sofa on its own, the coffee table alone is enough. For an armchair or a long sofa, the side table becomes essential for everyday objects.
How many side tables in a living room?
Generally, one or two side tables are enough. A single one, placed next to the main armchair, is the minimum. Two, symmetrical at the end of a long sofa, create a very decorative magazine effect. Beyond that, you saturate the space and lose the primary function of the side table: proximity.
Can the side table be used as a bedside table?
Yes, especially the Table d’Appoint Mini, whose compact format suits bedside use. It holds the bedside lamp, the evening book, the glass of water. It’s a very common repurposed use, which helps you harmonise your decor between the living room and the bedroom.
How do you care for a wooden side table?
A weekly dusting with a soft cloth is enough for day-to-day care. For stains, use a slightly soapy damp cloth, then dry immediately. Avoid harsh chemical products that damage the finish. Once a year, apply a wax or oil suited to the type of wood to nourish and protect the surface.
Conclusion: the small piece of furniture that changes everything
The side table is the must-have accessory for a complete living room. Neither too big nor too discreet, it fulfils its mission with functional elegance: offering a surface within reach for all the small everyday objects. At Kings Canapé, our two formats — Mini and Maxi — cover every need, from studio to large living room, from armchair to XXL sofa. Choose yours by thinking about your real use, measure the available space, and place it at armrest height. A well-chosen side table makes a living room feel instantly more finished and more comfortable — without having to change the rest of your furniture.