Wood Side & End Tables

Wood side table options for living rooms and bedrooms

A wood side table adds warmth to a room without demanding much floor space, making it a practical fit for the tight spots beside sofas, armchairs or beds where a larger piece wouldn’t work. Most timber side tables are rated to hold 20 to 40kg on the surface, plenty for a lamp, a book and a drink together. It’s worth checking tables with slatted tops or thinner legs individually, since their rating can run lower. Whether your room leans toward a light natural oak or a darker stained acacia, there’s a timber tone that works with almost any existing furniture so you don’t necessarily need to match exactly.

Explore our rattan side tables for a lighter, textural alternative, or browse wood sideboards and buffets to find a matching timber tone for the rest of the room.

Choosing between round, square and dark wood side tables

Choose a round table for a tight corner or beside a curved sofa, where a square edge would feel out of proportion with the rest of the room. Square and rectangular options are worth choosing instead if a lamp, book and drink all need to sit at once, as they offer more usable surface area. The shape decision often comes down to available space versus how much you need the table to hold.

A dark wood table, particularly in a walnut-style finish, pairs well with linen sofas, concrete floors and matte black hardware without making the room feel heavy, though it’s worth keeping it to one or two pieces against lighter walls to balance the contrast. If you’re deciding between materials, solid timber can be sanded and refinished if scratched, while engineered wood with a timber veneer runs more affordable and is less prone to warping in humid climates like Queensland or coastal New South Wales.

Browse our wider side tables range to compare shapes and finishes side by side.

Placement, material choice and caring for a wood side table

Most side tables sit between 55cm and 65cm tall, positioning the surface at roughly armrest height for a standard sofa or chair. Measure against your own furniture before choosing a model, as armrest heights vary from piece to piece. Acacia, oak, rubberwood and mango wood are the most common species used in side table construction. Teak is less common in this category but is prized for its natural oil content and durability.

If you need something for a covered patio, an untreated indoor timber side table won’t hold up, since moisture and UV exposure can cause warping and cracking within a single wet season. Look instead to weather-treated outdoor coffee and side tables , and check that distinction on the listing before buying, as an indoor and outdoor side table can look nearly identical in a photo.

Shop our sofas to find a piece the height and style of your new side table can sit alongside.

Frequently asked questions

What is the standard height for a wood side table?

Most side tables sit between 55cm and 65cm tall, which positions the surface at roughly armrest height for a standard sofa or chair.

Is solid wood or engineered wood better for a side table?

Solid timber is more durable and can be sanded and refinished if scratched. Engineered wood options with a timber veneer are often more affordable and less likely to warp in humid climates like Queensland or coastal NSW.

How much weight can a wood side table hold?

Most timber side tables are rated to hold between 20kg and 40kg on the surface. Always check the product specifications, as tables with slatted tops or thinner legs may have a lower load rating.

Can a wood side table be used outdoors?

Untreated indoor timber side tables are not suitable for outdoor use, as moisture and UV exposure can cause warping and cracking within a single wet season. Our outdoor coffee and side tables use weather-treated materials designed for open-air use.

What timber types are most common for side tables?

Acacia, oak, rubberwood, and mango wood are among the most common species used in side table construction. Teak is less common for side tables but highly valued for its natural oil content and durability.