Many of you must be thinking about “what is the difference between a console table and a side table?”, because it gets confusing sometimes, so we have tried our best to answer the same.   

First of all, let’s understand the basic definition of a console table and a side table. 

Difference Between A Console Table And A Side Table


A console table is wide, fairly shallow, and roughly as tall as a regular table or a desk, and it is often placed against a wall. 

Whereas a side table is placed beside a piece of furniture, a person would sit on, like a couch or a bed.  

The side table’s main purpose is to make sure that essential items are within reach. 

When we place a console table against the back of a sofa, it is called a sofa table. 

Except for the back of a sofa, a console table’s height and width can be adjusted according to the requirements of the place. 

As console tables generally stand alone in an entryway, hallway, or home office, you can get as creative as with unique styles and materials.  

The height of a sofa table should be no taller than the sofa back, and the width shouldn’t be greater than 6 inches at either end of the sofa. 

If we talk about the height of a console table, it should be on average 30 inches. 

As console tables are often placed at the back of a sofa, they are designed high enough to make it easy to reach for objects while keeping them low enough so that they don’t “stick out” over the edge from behind a sofa. 

Moreover, one needs to make sure that when placing the side table beside chairs and sofas, it’s important to get the height right.  

When you choose a side table with an inappropriate height, it becomes not only hard to access, but it also looks out of place.     

Additionally, a side table should not be taller than the furniture arm beside it and also no lower than the seat; the best height is around three inches shorter than the arm. 

However, if you are using harmless seating, either use a side table that is the right height of the seat or measure the height you and your guests will be needing to comfortably reach while seated. 

Choosing the style and material of the side table should be matching with the existing furniture pieces as they won’t be a focal point but complementary parts. 

Selecting and opting for matching tables completes the look of your home furniture in an amazing way.  

When it comes to the purpose of a side table and a console table, there is much difference. 

Side tables are mainly functional and serve as a surface to place an item or items within reach for people sitting on couches, chairs, or beds. 

Whereas a console table generally stands alone as a focal point and is often at least as decorative as it is more functional. 

You can buy a console table or a sofa from pinetreelane based on your specific requirements while matching the standard of high-quality furniture and elegance.