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A Little Table That Does a Lot
It’s easy to underestimate a side table and how versatile they can be.
Used well, a side table can anchor a room, frame a sofa, or balance the height of an armchair. It is often the missing piece that makes a space feel “finished” without taking up much room.
Because they’re small, side tables can easily be moved around. Shift between rooms as you need them. Move from inside to outdoor spaces as the seasons change. A light, strong design (like steel or aluminium) means they’re easy to lift, won't fall over and are durable to small knocks and bumps. (However, should you scratch a metal side table, you can repowdercoat them to look brand new).
Fun fact: most side tables sit between 450-600mm high. Thats the sweet spot that matches most seating heights and makes them easy to reach without stretching or stooping.
Design That Balances Form and Function
Side tables prove that great design doesn’t have to be complicated.
But you do need well considered proportions and a balanced base. Within those small details lies the difference between a piece that feels awkward and possibly unstable, to one that looks and feels perfectly at home.
We like the Waipuna Side Table and Dotty Table as examples of balance. Simple in design and made of metal for strength. They are finished in Ico Traders' exclusive colour range and designed to move easily from inside your home to outside on your deck, in the garden, or beside the pool.
Whether you prefer clean modern lines of wire, playful pops of colour, or a solid silhouette, the best side tables blend practicality with personality.
Perfect for Small Spaces
In compact apartments or busy family homes, side tables prove themselves as space saving champions.
They provide just enough surface area without cluttering the room. Group two or three together as a coffee table. You can separate and move them to sit beside chairs when guests need one.
Wire or open framed designs won't visually block a space. Ensuring light flows through will make small areas feel larger. This is perfect for urban living, apartments and townhouses, where space is at a premium. (Auckland, Wellington Christchurch city centres etc)
Made to Last (and Last)
Good side tables should be built to handle everyday life.
Durable materials like steel, solid wood and aluminium make them resistant to knocks and spills. Powder coated finishes add UV and corrosion protection, making them ideal for outdoor use too.
At Ico Traders, our tables are made from recyclable steel or aluminium and finished in long lasting coatings to extend its lifespan. When it eventually needs a refresh, it can be re-powdercoated instead of replaced, a small step toward more sustainable living.
Learn more about our approach to longevity on our Sustainability page.
Why We’ll Never Stop Loving Them
Maybe it’s their quiet usefulness, or the way they make every space feel a little more complete.
Side tables bring ease, structure, and personality to our homes. They’re flexible, timeless, and always ready for whatever life throws at them .
Small, simple, and endlessly helpful!! That’s why we’ll always love a good side table.
FAQ: All About Side Tables
Q: What’s the ideal height for a side table?
A: Most side tables range from 450 mm to 600 mm tall. Choose one that sits roughly level with the arm of your chair or sofa for the best comfort and balance.
Q: Can I use an indoor side table outdoors?
A: Only if it’s made from weather resistant materials like powder coated aluminium or stainless steel, concrete or stone. Regular indoor finishes can rust or fade in New Zealand’s changing weather. Solid Oak wont last outside in the NZ weather, look for outdoor timbers such as Macrocarpa or Kwila. If you move Ico Trader's Dotty Side Table outdoors, remember to pop out the Oak ply trays. Because the frame is made using powder coated Aluminium and the base is weighted with stone, it can be left outside.
Q: What shape works best for small spaces?
A: Round and open framed designs help soften corners and improve flow in smaller rooms or apartment balconies.
Q: How do I choose the right colour or finish?
A: Match tones from your existing furniture or walls for a calm, cohesive look. Or, use bold colours for a design accent. Side tables are the perfect place to experiment and add some fun.
Q: How can side tables make a room feel bigger?
A: Use designs with slim legs or see-through frames to create visual space. Pair with light walls to enhance brightness and openness.
