A side table is a small piece of furniture with a big job. It holds the cup of tea, the book you are reading and the lamp you read by, and it stands close enough to be touched every day. That is why it is worth choosing one that is made well and that you will still want to look at in twenty years. This guide covers what to think about.
1. Get the height right
Measure the height of your sofa or armchair at the armrest. A side table works best when its top sits at about the same height, or a few centimetres below, so you can put a cup down without reaching up or bending over. Most side tables are between 50 and 65 cm high. The Karl side table is 65.7 cm high and 53 cm wide, made to stand beside a generous sofa or a deep lounge chair.
2. Round or square
A round table is softer in a room. It has no corners to bump into, it is easy to walk around and it fits well between curved furniture and in tight spaces. A square table lines up neatly against a straight sofa or a wall. If you are unsure, a round table is the more forgiving choice.
3. A shelf below
A second level keeps books, magazines and evening things within reach without crowding the top. On Karl, the lower shelf is made of polished brass. It catches the light and makes the table feel lighter than it is.
4. Materials that age well
- Solid wood such as Swedish walnut is strong, warm to the touch and can be repaired and refinished for generations.
- Burl veneer, almrot in Swedish, is cut from the knotted base of the elm tree. Its swirls and knots make every tabletop unique.
- Brass details develop a soft patina over time. Read more in our guide to living with brass.
5. Look for real craftsmanship
A table made by hand, by one craftsman, is built to last in a way that flat-packed furniture is not. Karl is made in Valdemarsvik, a small town on the Östergötland coast, where each table is shaped, joined and finished one at a time. That takes time: Karl ships within 12 weeks.
6. Caring for wood
- Wipe with a soft cloth dampened with water and a little mild soap, then dry with a clean cloth.
- Avoid furniture polish, oil and abrasive cleaners, and keep the table away from direct heat and lasting damp.
- Wood darkens with light. During the first months, leave the top clear so it can darken evenly, and after that move objects around now and then.
Complete the room
A side table is a stage for small objects. A brass matchbox case beside the candles, or an Edgar power strip in satin brass for the reading lamp and phone. By the fireplace, the Elmer stand keeps firewood in a sculptural form.