Choosing the right type of table is one of the most critical steps in furnishing a new space. You have to ensure proper fit, use case, and good design. While some tables such as coffee tables or dining tables are intended for use in specific rooms, other tables such as C-tables and nesting tables are versatile pieces that can go anywhere, defined more by their shape and design.
Let's explore various types of tables and help you find the perfect table for your space.
A dining table is not solely a place to serve meals but also a comfortable space for family get-togethers and socializing. The classic rectangular or square dining table is ideal for most dining room spaces, but round and oval tables are also great options for those that want a more elegant, curved look. Extendable dining tables come with an extendable leaf to accommodate more guests when needed and are perfect for small spaces. Opt for a marble dining table to enjoy a richly patterned top that's cool to the touch, or a classic wood dining table for a warmer and rustic feel.
A coffee table is the main table in living rooms and family rooms, where they're placed in front of a sofa or in the middle of a seating arrangement. Most coffee tables come in neutral colors like black, white, gray, and brown that can blend into any interior design. Though their colors are often simple, the natural grains and veining of the wood, rattan, and marble from which coffee tables are commonly made offer plenty of visual intrigue.
A coffee table is not only useful for providing a surface to hold your drinks and remotes, but can also be your living room's main art display by styling it with decorative objects, candles, and succulents.
End tables and side tables are small accent tables, usually placed beside a sofa or a chair. They provide a convenient surface for your remotes and phones, while acting as decorative accents. Narrow end tables are sometimes referred to as drink tables when the tabletop is 15 inches or less in diameter, and are used to place drinks and small snacks. Taller side tables can even be used as bedside tables in place of a traditional nightstand. Choose from a black or white end table that complements any environment, or a gold piece if you want extra glitz and glamor.
Office desks or office tables are specifically designed for productivity. To help keep your workplace organized, most desks feature drawers and shelves. Computer desks come with features that support modern computing setups, such as cable management, built-in monitor stands, and keyboard trays. Writing desks provide compact surfaces with shelves/compartments above the tabletop to organize stationaries. Executive desks are the largest of the bunch, with wide tabletops and multiple shelves or drawers to store documents and workplace essentials.
Console tables are the most versatile type of table, both in terms of functionality and room placement. Most commonly, they're placed against a wall in hallways to display ornaments, keep keys, and hold table lamps. Console tables with storage and drawers often feature bottom-level shelving for shoes and can keep situational items tucked away. A low and narrow console table can be placed behind a couch, while those with mid-level shelves can be placed in a dining area as a large substitute for a bar cart.
Bedside tables and nightstands are the main table type in bedrooms. Their main difference is that most nightstands include drawers, while bedside tables do not. Depending on your bedroom size and tabletop space requirements, you may want a small or large nightstand. If you're wondering how tall should a nightstand be, our guide helps you align your bedside table to your bed and mattress. Ideally, bedside tables come in pairs placed on each side of the bed, though a single table placed on only one side is still acceptable.
Ottomans are upholstered, versatile pieces of furniture that can serve as tables or stools. Cocktail ottomans, a type of large ottomans, make great coffee tables, while small ottomans can work as end tables. When choosing a new ottoman, many designers prefer storage ottomans with lift-up lids. The internal storage bin is useful for stowing blankets, cables, seasonal items, and keeping your space clutter-free.
Nesting tables are sets of 2 or 3 tables with progressively lower heights and narrower widths to allow them to stack on top of each other when not in use. Individually, they can provide a personal table to each guest seated on the couch. They're a great table solution in small spaces, where large nesting tables serve as coffee tables while small ones serve as end tables.
Pedestal tables are defined by their single, central pedestal base instead of the conventional four legs. Pedestal dining tables are the most common type, since the main benefit of a pedestal base is that each guest has full mobility around the edge of the table thanks to the lack of any legs blocking their way. They can even be used as welcome tables in a large foyer. Pedestal coffee tables and pedestal side tables are also available, mostly for aesthetic purposes.
As the name suggests, C-shaped tables are angled, three-sided tables that takes the form of the letter "C." This iconic shape lets the table tuck snugly into the side of a couch or sectional. They work as compact end table when placed parallel to the sofa or a serving tray when pushed over the armrest.
Layla Palmer said in her blog, the Lettered Cottage, "we ditched our old coffee table because it looked too small sitting floating in all that floor space…" Instead, her and her husband "picked up the two of the tables in these photos at TJMaxx… We put our meals on them, our laptop on them…and they're great for books and beverages too."
Drum tables are single body, drum-shaped tables that provide visual weight and sculptural appeal to your interior design. They're commonly used in living rooms and lounge areas, but drum end tables are also popular. Just like the drum instrument, drum tables come in a variety of designs. Most are cylinder-shaped, but others can be shaped like an hourglass, bowl, goblet, truncated cone, and more.
A trestle table has two legs joined together with a horizontal beam for structural support and style. Trestle dining tables are the most common variant, since dining tables are the largest of all table types and can best take advantage of the extra stability. A few trestle tables come with adjustable-height features, making them a good choice as work desks. I love their more traditional, vintage look - perfect in farmhouse décor.
Fluted tables feature grooved surfaces around the sides of the table. The interplay of light and shadow on the grooves create a dramatic effect, changing as the sun moves along its arc. As interior designer Sam Cram said, "the fluted style, which originated during the Greco-Romans and reappeared with the 1920's Art Deco style, has finally made a resurgence, and I am so here for it!" They're almost always made of wood or stone, so the natural grains and texture variations add further visual dimension.
Waterfall tables are inverted U-shaped tables, making them resemble waterfall cliffs on the sides. Depending on the individual table's design, the angle of the corners can be very rounded or more angled. Waterfall console tables are perfect for entryways that want a more minimalist design with bottom clearance space for shoes and baskets.
Mirrored tables are finished with a mirror surface, reflecting the surrounding environment. They're not only chic and elegant, but are also able to give the illusion of a larger space. The reflections will also playfully bounce lighting within the room, so be creative when decorating around it. You can find them around the house, such as mirrored nightstands, mirrored end tables, and mirrored console tables.
Round dining tables and round coffee tables impart elegant curves to your space, making the whole interior feel more gentle and soft. The lack of hard corners enhances ease of movement around the table. The space savings also make them ideal for smaller spaces. Round end tables offer much less of these benefits, but are still a stylistic favorites for designers who want their homes to look less edgy.
Oval coffee tables or oval dining tables offer similar benefits as round tables, but can accommodate longer spaces. The elongated shape lets you cater more guests and seats, while still enjoy a modern, edgeless design. While oval coffee and dining tables are often symmetrical, oval end tables tend to have more variations in the tabletop shape such as egg and leaf-shaped designs.
Square coffee tables and square dining tables are defined by their namesake tabletop shape. The symmetry of square tables not only look great, but also ensure that there's equal access to table space by each guest. In the case of square end tables, they often feature height that's equal to the width and depth of the side table, forming a cube shape that is symmetrical from all angles.
Rectangular tables are the classic shape for tables, regardless of room or function. Rectangular dining tables offers maximum usage of space, with clear corners that delineates seating sections. Their clean lines and sharp corners offer a tailored look against the flat walls and sharp angles of most dining rooms.
A bar or pub table is a tall bar-height table with a tabletop that's narrow in diameter. Due to their height, they require bar stools for seating, preferably bar stools with backs for extra comfort. They're great for small spaces and kitchenettes, allowing guests to freely walk around and use the table.
Cocktail tables are similar but come in both tall and shorter counter heights. Cocktail tables are designed to place drinks and for socializing. They are even narrower than bar and pub tables, so are not intended for use with chairs/stools.
Buffet Tables and sideboards are low, multi-functional tables used primarily in dining rooms for storing dining-related items while showcasing decor and serving dining spreads on top. Buffet tables are a sub-type of sideboards with longer legs. In addition to standard cabinets, there are sideboards with drawers to let you more easily store and access everyday items with a simple pull. You can also use them in entryways and living rooms that need extra table space and storage.
As the name suggests, dressing or vanity tables are specifically designed for personal grooming and doing your makeup. Pair them with a vanity stool to provide comfort and free-flowing mobility in your dress-up space. Commonly used in bedrooms and boudoirs, vanity tables often come with a matching mirror frame and drawers.
A bistro table is a small round table, on the tall side of a typical dining table, with a height of about 28 to 32 inches and about 24-inch diameter tabletop. They're especially popular outdoors, with models made of metal or featuring some protective coating for the natural elements.
Sofa tables are long console tables placed behind a couch for decorative and storage purposes. Because they often feature exposed shelving, they're great for organizing items in your living room that you also want to show off. They're quite tricky to use though, since a floating couch (meaning a couch that isn't leaned against a wall) is required - make sure you measure and plan ahead.
Outdoor tables are specially designed for outdoor use and are placed on patios, decks, or gardens. There are different types of tables to suit different purposes. Outdoor coffee tables serve as the anchoring table for lounge areas, outdoor side tables provide individual table space next to loungers or sofas, and outdoor dining tables provide a surface for guests to drink, eat, and mingle. To protect against long periods under the sun, rain, and other weather conditions, outdoor tables are treated with powder coating, sealers, or preservatives.
Tables are a vital part of our everyday home and work life. From dining tables to coffee tables, from office desks to ornamental tables, choosing the right table can add functionality and aesthetics to given space.
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Learn about various types of tables, from dining to end tables and console to nesting tables. Use our guide to find the perfect table for your space based on your functional needs, preferred style, room, and space constraints.
