What height should a side table be relative to my sofa or armchair?

A common rule is that the tabletop should be level with, or up to 5 cm below, the arm of the chair or sofa. This ensures comfortable reach for drinks, books, or a lamp.

Which materials are best for side tables in South African homes?

Solid timber is warm and repairable; metal or steel frames are sturdy and slim; engineered boards offer budget-friendly variety. For covered patios, choose powder-coated metal or treated hardwood.

What are the typical price ranges for side tables?

Basic side tables start from around R750, mid-range designs cost between R1,500 and R3,500, and premium solid-timber pieces are from R4,000. Prices vary by brand and size.

How much space should I leave between a side table and the sofa?

Leave about 5 to 10 cm between the sofa arm and the table for comfortable access. This allows easy reaching without overcrowding the seating area.

Do side tables from Bash require assembly?

Many arrive with simple fittings and instructions, while some solid pieces ship fully assembled. We recommend checking product details for assembly requirements and delivery dimensions before purchasing.

Side tables for every South African home

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Side tables for every South African home | Bash

Why a side table matters

A side table does more than hold a lamp. It organises small moments - a place for your cup while you read, a landing spot for keys by the front door, or a surface that brings an armchair into practical use. When we choose one, we look for balance: the right height and footprint, a material that suits South African homes, and a style that sits comfortably with the room’s rhythm.

Match height and scale to furniture

Measure the arm height of the seat the side table will sit beside. A common rule: the table surface should be level with, or up to 5 cm below, the arm of the chair or sofa. For beds, match the tabletop to the top of your mattress or slightly lower for easy reach.

Armchair side table: tabletop ≈ arm height or 0-5 cm lower.
Sofa side table: similar height to sofa arm or slightly taller if used for drinks and small plates.
Bedside use: tabletop near mattress height for bedside lamps and devices.

Think footprint: how much floor space do you have?

A narrow, tall side table suits tight livingrooms; a low, wider model works when you need surface area for books or a lamp. If you have limited circulation space, choose a compact round or offset table to reduce sharp corners.

Materials that work for South African homes

We favour materials that balance look with use. Solid timber reads warm and repairs well; metal or steel frames can be slimmer while being sturdy; engineered boards give variety on a budget. For outdoor-covered patios, look for powder-coated metal or treated hardwood. Expect price bands: basic side tables from around R750; mid-range designs R1 500-R3 500; premium solid-timber pieces from R4 000 and up (estimates, varies by brand and size).

If you’re browsing styles and sizes, start with our Tables collection for a quick view of shapes and typical dimensions. For compact livingroom solutions, our Coffee Tables selection shows how low-profile surfaces pair with sofas.

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How we pick a side table - practical checklist

When we recommend a side table, we run it through a short checklist: correct height, stable base, material suited to use, easy maintenance, and whether it adds storage. If a table is purely decorative, fine - but for daily use, favour solid joinery or well-welded frames and finishes that can handle light spills and sun exposure.

Placement and styling hints

Beside a sofa: leave about 5-10 cm between the sofa arm and the table for comfortable access.
Between two chairs: a slightly wider round or twin pedestal table creates a shared surface.
As a bedside table: include cable access for a lamp and phone charging; a drawer or shelf keeps bedside clutter tamed.

For layered looks, combine textures - a timber side table beside a metal-framed sofa or a glass-top table next to a heavily upholstered chair keeps the room lively without clutter. If you prefer a cohesive scheme, match the table’s metal finish to light fittings or door hardware.

Assembly, delivery and returns - what to expect

We know assembly matters. Many side tables arrive with simple fittings and straightforward instructions; some solid pieces ship assembled. Check product details for assembly requirements, delivery dimensions, and return windows. If you need design inspiration alongside products, our Decor pages show how tables perform with lamps, trays and plants.

Examples from everyday homes

Small apartment: a 40 cm diameter round metal table with a raised lip keeps mugs safe and fits tight corners (rough cost R850-R1 600). Family livingroom: a sturdier timber side table with a shelf for kids' books (rough cost R2 000-R4 500). Bedroom: a slim bedside table with a drawer and cable slot (rough cost R1 200-R3 000). These ranges are estimates to help you set a budget; final prices depend on brand and finish.

Ready to explore? Browse styles, filter by height and material, and compare delivery options on our furniture pages - small choices can make daily moments easier. We keep product details clear so you know whether an item requires tools to assemble, what’s included, and how it will be delivered.

We’re here to make the choice simple: measure your seat height, decide on a footprint, and pick a material that matches your routine. Then explore our collections and place an order when you’re ready.

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Side tables for every South African home

Measure first

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Pick material by use

Set a realistic budget

Why a side table matters

Match height and scale to furniture

Think footprint: how much floor space do you have?

Materials that work for South African homes

How we pick a side table - practical checklist

Placement and styling hints

Assembly, delivery and returns - what to expect

Examples from everyday homes

Mmaphefo

Ukhona

Sambesiwe

Kamo

"Micayla"

Sabelo

Meagan

Bat

Anotha

Tshepiso

Elisa

Nqobile

Nicky

Melaney

Thina

Gwayimane

Phumelelo

Fenkie

Roxanne

Charlize

Refilwe

Dimane

Seth

Neil

Kirsti

Fatima

Nicolette

Ronel

Inge

Valerie

Adri

Chadley

Makhosonke

Mabel

Simo

Sharon

Nobuhle

Angelique Davis

Thabile

Arlene

Kgomotso

Kgosi

Steven

Kago

Reitumetse

Anina

Azwihangwisi

Marlene

Nkensane

Moreblessings

Palesa

Nonkasazana

Talifhani

Thandi

Vuyo

Elanie

Steady

Samokelisiwe

Kamohelo

Matseleng