The 5 Best End Tables

Dimensions: 15.7" L x 11. 8" W x 24.2" H | Storage: Two shelves

The Vecelo Sofa Side/End Storage table is not only an attractive and versatile design but is also made of high-quality materials and is clear and easy to assemble. What's not to love? This model comes in three different colorways that will match most room designs, and it's simple in style while also standing out with its unique criss-cross frame. With three tiers, you can use this piece for storage or display purposes and decide whether you'd like to fill it with books, add a basket for organization, or display your favorite photo frames.

The only downside to the Vecelo table is its lack of drawer space. While it may not be the one you choose for organizing papers or desk accessories in your office, this design will shine in any living or bedroom space.

Dimensions: 13.7" L x 20.4" W x 24.4" H | Storage: Magazine rack

The Sriwatana Sofa Side table is unique in more ways than one. Its C-shape design allows you to slide its bottom under a couch or chair and utilize the tabletop from a sitting position, much like a tray table. This design is versatile because you can also position it next to your furniture like a regular end table, and its wood-grain finish and slim metal legs make it an overall attractive piece. Another unique feature is a side bag that hangs from its frame to store books and magazines. Although this model takes a little more time to assemble than the simpler models we tested, our reviewers found the instructions easy to follow and setup a breeze.

The Sriwatana does not have drawers or tiered shelves, so it is not the best choice for those who need storage capabilities. The side bag is excellent for stashing books or magazines, but it is not a place we want to put other convenient accessories like remotes, reading glasses, or writing utensils. Still, the versatility and great quality make this end table our top pick for value. Whether you want to use it as a snack tray while watching your favorite TV show, type on your laptop from the comfort of your couch, or grab your book from its side pocket while enjoying a cup of tea, the Sriwatana provides great value for the price.

Dimensions: 16.5" L x 16.5" W x 20.5" H | Storage: None

The Haton Side Table is a wonderfully simple little piece with beech wood legs and a solid wood top painted with white melamine. This natural look is sure to fit nicely with most decor, and if you prefer a minimalist look, you'll love it even more. You'll also breathe a sigh of relief when you open the box, as the assembly could not be easier. Although instructions are included, they are not necessary as the assembly is as simple as screwing the three legs into their sockets on the bottom of the tabletop. This took our reviewers under one minute to do, and the table was in its place next to our favorite reading chair in no time.

The Haton's no-frills design lacks shelves or any extra storage. If you're looking for a side table to fill with books and magazines or desire ample space on the surface for more than a lamp and a houseplant, you might be better off with another model. But if simplicity is what you're after, this end table provides.

Dimensions: 23.6" L x 11.8" W x 24" H | Storage: One shelf, one drawer

The Hoobro 2-Tier Side table has a long and narrow design that is great for small spaces, can slide easily next to a couch or wall, fit comfortably beside your bed, or make a great storage addition to your desk. Its narrow profile makes it a versatile piece, plus its long drawer and two-tier design make it our favorite model in our testing round-up for its storage capabilities.

With its trendy wood grain and iron look, the Hoobro is an attractive addition for most households. However, those expecting solid wood will be disappointed to hear this table is built entirely of particleboard. It's sturdy enough and good-looking regardless, but don't expect the durability and sturdiness of real wood. Also, the assembly process is the most involved out of any product we tested, as it comes completely deconstructed. It took our testers precisely 52 minutes to put it together, but the instructions are clear, and each piece is labeled for easy identification. If you are willing to put in the time it takes to assemble the Hoobro, it will be a great piece for whichever purpose you want it to serve.

Dimensions: 12.75" L x 17.4" W x 23.4" H | Storage: One shelf

The mDesign Modern Farmhouse table is a unique accent piece that also has a large shelf for ample storage of your favorite books and magazines. With an easy assembly that requires only a screwdriver, this model will be ready to be a statement piece in your living room or bedroom in minutes. It comes in a variety of colors, from graphite to rose, and its light and airy look won't add clutter to a space, especially smaller ones where bulky furniture can easily crowd a room.

This table is certainly an accent piece, and it lacks the versatility to match a wide array of decor styles. If you're looking for something more classic, this may not be the design for you. Its modern, fresh look is is likely to appeal to those who want a quirky table for their house plants or record player. The thin metal legs and light frame aren't made to hold a lot of weight, and you might want to take care not to put it somewhere where it could be easily bumped into if holding valuables on its surface. Other than that, the mDesign Modern Farmhouse table will surely be the recipient of compliments in any modern household.

Dimensions: 24.13" L x 14.13" W x 23" H | Storage: One large storage compartment with adjustable shelf, flip top power station, slide-out “tray” drawer

The Ashley Laflorn Chairside chairside table looks traditional yet is also full of surprises with its many hidden features. Open the panel on its surface to find three electrical outlets plus two USB ports to conveniently charge any of your devices or plug in any electrical appliance that you'd like to sit on top. This feature brings a traditional-looking piece into the 21st century, and the convenience of extra charging ports is always appreciated. The other hidden feature in this design is the top drawer opens to reveal two coasters for your couch-side drinking needs, as well as a space to store a remote control. The best part about this model is that it comes fully assembled, and all you have to do is insert supports for the interior shelf and slide the shelf inside.

This table has more of a traditional or classic style and will go well with other dark wood furniture. It is heavy, weighing in at 51 pounds, and takes up a decent amount of space. You might want to already have a space sanctioned out for it, as it is not the most versatile due to its bulk and weight, and it won't be something you want to move around. The top drawer can only be used for its coasters, and you will have to have a very thin remote to fit inside it at all. Our reviewers wished there was an option to remove the coaster insert, as we would have rather used the top drawer for storage. But if you're the kind of person who always has a beverage around, this might be a valuable feature for you.

Dimensions: 18" L x 18" W x 18.9" H | Storage: Cloth bin

The Amazon Basics Round Storage table is another simple, easy-to-use product. A basic metal frame holds a removable tray table that can be used to carry things to and from the table itself. This design also boasts a handy cloth storage bin that can hold anything from books to knitting supplies to kids' toys.

Our reviewers enjoyed the simple yet functional design of this table but were disappointed in the overall sturdiness and quality of the product for its price. The frame is supported only by two plastic discs that hold the legs together, and because the tray top is removable, the whole item feels a bit on the flimsy side. Although the assembly is mostly intuitive, the instructions are only diagrams and are not easy to understand. We expected a little more overall quality from this design for its average price in our lineup.

Dimensions: 18.03" L x 22.05" W x 18.11" H | Storage: One drawer, one shelf

The Winsome Wood Claire Accent Table is the least impressive product we tested. While the design itself is classic and almost charming in its simplicity, the quality of the materials and the challenging assembly process detract too much from this product for it to be a worthwhile purchase.

Unfortunately, the instructions are difficult to follow. The parts and pieces aren't labeled, and the key for identifying them is on the front side of the page while the instructions are on the back, making for an aggravating process of flipping the page back and forth. Furthermore, some of the diagrams describing the assembly steps are numbered, while some are not. Lastly, the included Allen wrench is not nearly enough to tighten the screws into their pilot holes in some places, and our testers had to scrounge around for a multi-tool and really put some muscle into it to do so. In other places, some screws were so short they barely gained purchase in the wood, making for a questionably stable assembled table. Considering the issues and the price, there are other designs of better quality and much easier to assemble than this product.

Why Trust GearLab

We spent a lot of time with all of these tables, examining the quality and sturdiness of their build, taking extensive notes on their assembly and timing how long each of them took to put together, noting how much storage they each offered, comparing their sizes, and assessing their design to make sure we brought you an in-depth look on what each has to offer.

Lead tester Miya Tsudome has examined many household products for TechGearLab and brings her attention to detail and a strong background in visual arts and design to bring you an extensive review of what each of these tables has to offer. As someone who spends a lot of time in her favorite reading chair, Miya knows that having a good end table nearby is essential in any household. Whether it be for storage, stylish design, versatility, or just being a great place to put your cup of coffee, an end table is there to enhance your quality of life.

Analyisis and Test Results

End tables can provide many functions, whether for practical storage or for holding a lamp for your couch-side needs. In our analysis, we rated each product against a series of metrics to help you better understand what each model has to offer. From design, size, storage capacity, ease of assembly to quality of materials, each model was extensively reviewed to determine where they stood in each category.

Design

While design is a somewhat subjective metric, our reviewers decided that it would be a helpful thing to review for you to be able to decide which is the best table to suit your space. From the trendy mid-century modern to more classic finds, our selection of products displays a spectrum of designs for every interior.

A unique end table will add a bright and interesting accent to any home. With its simple yet fun farmhouse look, the gridded wire design of the mDesign is not your average end table. While the model we reviewed came in a graphite color, this table comes in 11 different color choices ranging from rose gold to mint green, which will certainly add a pop of color and intrigue to any room, or act as a more subtle style piece for those who prefer more muted tones.

The Sriwatana model is another top contender for the most unique design, with its C-shaped frame, wood-grain tabletop finish, and nifty hanging storage bag. This contemporary piece is subtle enough to go with most decor but still be distinctive. The Vecelo will also catch your eye with its attractive brushed metal and criss-cross frame.

The Ashley Laflorn is a more classic design with a modern twist. At first glance, it has a traditional look with its dark wooden finish, top sliding door, and main storage compartment adorned with simple knobs. But hidden in its frame are the convenient electrical outlets and cup holders that make this product more unique and functional. The Winsome Wood Claire Accent Table is the most basic of all the designs we tested and will simply blend into the background in any bedroom, guest room, or living space. Our reviewers had hoped for more from the Amazon Basics end table, which in person is quite small and its basket a little frumpy rather than chic.

Size

When considering a new end table, it's important to have a grasp on size — big or small, narrow or wide — to ensure a good fit in your space. We measured each product to find its exact dimensions and judged their bulk to determine which models were on the larger side and which were better suited for smaller spaces. In general, we decided that smaller pieces were preferable over larger ones for their ability to fit into a variety of spaces, apartments, and households.

The Sriwatana model is a clever design that can reduce in size if you tuck its C-shaped frame underneath a couch or armchair. Standing alone, this table is the tallest and widest model that we tested, standing 24.4 inches tall and 20.4 inches wide. But since its frame is C-shaped and made of curved metal legs, it doesn't feel bulky and makes a great couch companion.

The Haton table is so small and simple it almost fades into the background. The Amazon Basics table is even shorter than the Haton and has a storage basket making it a more versatile piece while still having a small footprint. And though the Hoobro is 24 inches tall and 23.4 inches long, it is only 11.8 inches wide. This versatile narrow design allows it to fit in tight spaces while maximizing storage with ease.

The end table from Ashley Laflorn is the largest and most bulky of the designs we tested. Weighing in at 51 pounds, it is tall, long, and wide, hard to transport, and would be best purchased if you know exactly where you want to put it. The Winsome Wood Claire Accent Table is also on the larger side, standing 18.11 inches tall and 22 inches wide.

Storage

While some end tables are merely designed to hold a chair-side lamp or display houseplants, it can be very convenient to have an integrated storage system for books, magazines, remote controls, and whatever else is lying around. We judged each product's storage capacity by assessing its design, whether or not it had drawers or shelves or baskets, had one tier or two, and measured its overall dimensions.

The Hoobro came out on top for its narrow, space-saving design that touts a long, deep drawer as well as a bottom tier for even more storage. By being narrow in width, this piece can fit easily in a home office, by your bedside, or tucked next to your couch. Its drawer is long and deep, measuring 15.4 inches in length, 5.1 inches in height, and 6.5 inches in width. With a long surface as well as a bottom-tier shelf, there is plenty of storage and display space.

The Ashely Laflorn also has a deep interior with an adjustable shelf, the space measuring 12 inches deep, 11 inches wide, and 18 inches tall. The top sliding drawer is not for storage whatsoever, and our reviewers wished there was an option to remove the cupholder insert to use it as a drawer; instead, alas, this is not a possibility. While the Vecelo has no drawers, it does have three spacious tiers for storage or decoration.

The Haton Side Table is the only end table without any storage or shelves whatsoever. Since it's simply a tabletop with legs, this isn't the table you want to maximize your storage space. The design from Amazon Basics has a handy integrated storage basket, but it is only big enough to store a blanket, some books, or children's toys.

Assembly

In the modern day of internet shopping, buying furniture is becoming easier and easier. Having a quick and painless assembly is considered a huge bonus, and we made sure to give this category in-depth consideration to help you know what to expect when your package arrives. We rated how easy each product was to assemble by examining how clear the instructions were to follow, noting how much assembly was actually required and whether or not you need tools. We also timed the assembly of each table.

The Haton Side Table will make you breathe a sigh of relief. Arriving in simple, flat packaging, you simply open the box, pull out the round table top, and rotate the legs into their corresponding sockets — no tools required. If you don't want to go through the hassle of assembling a completely deconstructed table, this is the one for you.

The Ashley Laflorn comes in a close second, arriving almost completely assembled. The only assigned task is inserting mounts for the shelf into their corresponding holes and then sliding the shelf in to rest on top of them. The only reason this model didn't take first place for “Easiest to Assemble” is that it weighs in at a hefty 51 pounds, thus making transport of it difficult and possibly dangerous with just one person.

The model from Amazon Basics is also a “no-tools-required” product. Its metal legs are fixed together with included plastic disks, and its basket rests on mounts in the frame.

The Hoobro took our reviewers the most time to assemble, coming in at 52 minutes. This was at a leisurely pace, and this table could likely be built in 30 minutes otherwise. The assembly of this table is intimidating as it comes completely deconstructed with many parts and pieces. Luckily each part and piece is labeled with a number, the instructions are easy to follow with clear diagrams, and you only need a screwdriver as an additional tool. But for those who do not like involved assemblies, this is not the table for you. The most difficult model to assemble was the Winsome Wood Claire Accent Table. With hard-to-decipher instructions, no labeled parts, and screws that barely fit their pilot holes, this table is not manufactured with quality nor ease of assembly in mind.

Quality

It seems that a lot of furniture is no longer made of actual wood these days, with lighter, cheaper particle board with a wood grain laminate finish being the material of choice. Though there is nothing wrong with this, particleboard isn't exactly the strongest or most durable material. While all the products with wood-like components we reviewed included some type of particle, composite, or engineered wood, some tables seem to be made of a higher quality than others.

Our overall winner, the Vecelo, is made with a sturdy and attractive brushed metal frame. The shelves are made of thick, painted particle board and seem durable and could even be mistaken for wood. Overall, this end table is attractive and of high quality without breaking the bank.

While extremely simple in concept and design, the Haton Side Table also passes the quality test, with sturdy beechwood legs and a real wooden tabletop painted with melamine for its water-resistant qualities. And while the Ashley Laflorn model is a solid piece of furniture, its interior hosts a flimsy, detachable shelf that might not withstand much weight. The overall quality of the piece, however, with its mostly real wood, will pass the quality test for most onlookers.

The Amazon Basics design is made out of thin metal framing that is only held together by plastic disks, and the cloth storage basket tends to look frumpy. For the price, which itself is not a bargain, this table is low on the quality scale. The Winsome Wood model looks nice enough when it's all put together, but the manufacturing is poorly done, and some of the screws do not even fit in their pilot holes enough to be secure, making this piece a risky purchase.

Conclusion

From the living room to the office, bedroom to the dining room, end tables are endlessly versatile. For extra storage or just for more surface area for reading lamps, candles, speakers, you name it; they provide value in any household. Whether you're looking for something unique to liven up your interior or are looking for something classic and practical to sit beside your couch, we hope you'll find something to fit your needs and budget in this round-up of some of the best end tables on the market.