Whether you realize it or not, the perfect side tables for couch can make or break the look of your outdoor living space. You don’t want it to be too clashy, but you also want it to stand out and make a statement to those who walk into the area. There are many different things to take into consideration when looking for the ideal patio side couch table. But, this article will help guide you through the process of making your outdoor patio look spectacular!

 

What to Consider When Choosing a Couch Side Table

 

As mentioned before, there are many aspects to take into consideration when choosing a side table for couch. Things like size, function, and style all play a part in choosing the right side table for your patio. The following sections will help you understand how each of these attributes contributes to the functionality of your side table within your patio space.

 

Size of Couch Side Table

Height- The height of the couch side table is one of the most important factors that go into choosing the right side table. You don’t want it to be taller than the arm of the couch or chair it’s complimenting. And, you also don't want it to be too short to where guests are reaching to put a glass or cup down. A general rule of thumb for choosing a side table is to make sure it falls slightly below the chair arm it’s next to; however, more modern living spaces have side tables slightly taller than the chair arm it’s beside.

The more modern appeal emphasizes the side table more; that way, its presence doesn’t get lost among the rest of the pieces. No matter which height you choose–slightly shorter or slightly taller–they both function about the same.

Depth- When determining the depth of your side table, make sure the end of your side table corresponds with the end of the sofa or chair it’s standing beside. Having a side table deeper than your chair or sofa creates a “style awkwardness” and throws off the furniture balance within the area.

Width- The final size aspect to consider when choosing the perfect outdoor side table is its width. The key question to consider when choosing the ideal side table width is what will be the function of this side table? If your side table will serve as nothing more than a mug-holder, then a slimmer side table would be ideal for you. However, if its intended purpose is for holding more, larger items, then a wide side table with ample space will function best for you.

 COSIEST Mason Perth Round Stump Side Table

The couch side table height should be a slightly shorter than sofa's armrest

 

Function of Couch Side Table

Speaking of functionality, that also plays a huge role in deciding which end table to select. Will you be using your side table as an extra means of storage for blankets, books, etc.? Or will you use it as a stylish accent piece to compliment your seating arrangements? Answering this question will help you determine the required surface space, and it will get you one step closer to choosing the perfect outdoor side table.

A great tip when choosing a side table for storage is to get one with multiple layers and a space large enough to fit a small basket. This pro tip adds to its functionality and leaves room for you to incorporate a different texture within the area.

 COSIEST Mason Vintage Cork Side Table - Jar

Multi-functional Couch Side Table (also can be taken as a plant stand)

 

Style of Couch Side Table

The most important thing you want to do with your outdoor side table is to add contrast to the space. Mixing different styles within a living area adds dimension and your personal touch to the room. If the majority of furniture in your patio is traditional or vintage, try adding modern side tables to bring the room together.

Incorporating contrasting styles within your patio also helps emphasize your side tables and accent pieces. Yes, their purpose is to compliment your larger pieces of furniture, but they also provide a unique element to your living space.

For an added contrasting effect, use different side tables of the same style for your outdoor living space. Be sure that their size and style relate to each other to avoid having “clashy” furniture pieces. However, to achieve a more “put-together” result, I recommend using identical side tables.

 COSIEST Lumos Hand Shape Side Table

Modern Side Table

 

Shape of Couch Side Table

Believe it or not, the wrong side table shape can throw off the overall look of your outdoor living space. Side tables come in many shapes and sizes, and just like the style of your side table, the shape has to contrast as well. Although you can never really go wrong with a round side table, if your living space has a majority of rounded, softer pieces of furniture, add an edgy element by incorporating rectangular or abstract side tables. And, in a space with a majority of boxy items, try balancing it out with a round side table.

You’ll also want to consider the placing of the side table when determining its shape. If it’s going into a corner, then a square-shaped end table might be best; however, if that’s not an issue, then you can be more flexible and abstract with your options. Nowadays, side tables are being made in all sorts of irregular shapes, so feel free to play around with differently shaped side tables to see which one fits your style and space best.

There’s a wide range of side table selections at Cosiest Side Table ranging from different shapes, sizes, and styles, so I’m sure they have the perfect side table to fit your needs.

 COSIEST Mason Growth Ring Side Table

A round side table never goes wrong

 

How to Match Your Side Table With Other Furniture

 

The last thing that anyone wants is for their patio not to look “clashy”, but that can be hard to avoid when you have contrasting furniture pieces. Making sure your side tables match the rest of your furniture is an important part of choosing the right side table. Factors such as the color, shape, and material all play a part in how well your end tables mesh with the rest of your furniture.

 

Choose a Color That Matches

 When it comes to choosing a matching, yet still contrasting, side table, it’s easier to choose one aspect of the furniture that you want to match such as its color, shape, or style, and have the rest contrast. Matching colors is a great way to coordinate rather than directly match your furniture pieces. When it comes to matching colors, it doesn’t have to be an exact match, but be sure to use colors within the same family, neutral colors, or complementary colors.

Glass side tables with black metal legs blend well with almost any furniture, and they can be decorated to add color and balance or left alone for a more minimalistic effect. Complementary colors are what you think of when you see a color wheel; they balance each other out between their warm and cool tones. Think about pairing a navy blue couch with redwood side tables.

Make sure to balance out your color matching as well. Too much matching can create a patio where nothing stands out and the space looks overly uniform. Also, balance out your complementary colors. Don’t have multiple sets of complementing colors, and use a mixture of warm and cool tones to limit chaotic or uninviting auras.

 

COSIEST Wesley Round Side Table
Nertrual Color Side Table

 

 

Choose a Shape That Matches

If matching colors don’t appeal to you, you can apply the same concept to the shape of your furniture. Use boxy, rectangular-shaped furniture that contrasts in styles and colors–contrast, not clash. You could even create a pattern of different shapes within your furniture to give your outdoor living area a playful sense of coordinated repetition. An idea could be having rectangular end tables while your paintings and wall decorations are all rounded.

 

Choose Materials That Match

Choosing end tables with matching materials and patterns allows for more flexibility when it comes to the shape of the side table, but you must make sure your patterns correctly match, or else you wander into the “clashy” field. Especially when you incorporate animal prints, make sure to not mix leopard and cheetah print–it makes a big difference.

Matching materials is a bit easier seeing as many materials come in varying colors and shapes, so you don’t have to be as precise when it comes to matching materials. Wood decor, I would say, is the easiest to match. Wood pairs well with leather, glass, metal, and other woods. Also, uniquely-shaped, wooden furniture is easy to come by.

Other matching material ideas include pairing a round, glass coffee table with rectangular, glass side tables accented with gold and black decorations. Also, pairing full-wood, log benches with round, wooden tripod side tables would fit perfectly in an outdoor patio space!

 COSIEST Mason Vintage Cork Side Table - HourglassBoth couch side table and outdoor fire pit are made of MgO Composite

 

Conclusion

As you can tell, there are no set rules when it comes to choosing the right end table for your patio. It’s all about balance, and it depends on style preference, functionality, and what works best for you. Hopefully, this article was able to guide you in the right direction to choosing the perfect side table, and good luck on your patio customization journey.