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Design

Side tables: 10 inspirations that balance function and aesthetics

Amid large-scale furniture, side tables connect volumes, welcome objects, and balance the gaze

By CASACOR Publisher

Submitted at Oct 30, 2025, 7:00 PM

05 min de leitura
Em meio a móveis de grandes proporções, as mesas laterais conectam volumes, acolhem objetos e equilibram o olhar

Em meio a móveis de grandes proporções, as mesas laterais conectam volumes, acolhem objetos e equilibram o olhar (CASACOR/CASACOR)

Discreet at first glance, the side tables play an essential role in contemporary decoration. They organize, balance, and complement the projects subtly, serving both everyday use and aesthetic composition. When well positioned, they create practical support points and turn into small sculptures within the space.

Lica Giordano – Living Room. Project of CASACOR Mato Grosso do Sul 2025.

Lica Giordano – Hall de Estar. Projeto da CASACOR Mato Grosso do Sul 2025. (Janaina Lott/CASACOR)

Present in different styles and materials, the side tables act as a link between the main furniture and decorative details. Next to the sofa, armchair, or bed, they house books, vases, lamps, and sentimental objects, contributing to both visual and physical comfort in the projects.

Function of side tables in composition


The side tables have the capacity to complete the visual narrative of a room. They balance the space, define living areas, and create a dialogue between different heights and textures. When used in pairs or grouped with various sizes, they enhance the dynamism of the decoration and bring rhythm to the composition.

Wal Bastos - Aurora. Project of CASACOR Sergipe 2025.

Wal Bastos - Aurora. Projeto da CASACOR Sergipe 2025. (Xico Diniz/CASACOR)

In addition to contributing to aesthetic balance, these pieces also play a functional role. In living rooms, they make daily life more practical by keeping drinks, remotes, and books always at hand. In bedrooms, they replace traditional nightstands, offering a lighter and more modern alternative. On balconies and halls, they serve as support for arrangements or sculptures, bringing design closer to everyday life.

How to choose the ideal model


Selecting the perfect side table requires attention to the style of the projects and how it will be used. More than just choosing a beautiful design, it's important to consider proportion, height, and material, so that the set maintains visual coherence and functionality.

Proportion and height

The height of the side table should follow the level of the armchair's seat or the sofa's arm, creating a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing alignment. In compositions with multiple pieces, varying heights can create a feeling of lightness and movement. In large projects, bigger tables work better. In compact spaces, narrower and lighter versions maintain the flow of circulation.

Waleska Oliveira - Governor's Bedroom. CASACOR Sergipe 2025 project.

Waleska Oliveira - Dormitório do Governador. Com 15,35 m², o espaço de descanso traduz as raízes sergipanas em harmonia com o contemporâneo. O painel de muxarabi se curva para integrar cabeceira e armário, enquanto obras de artistas, como Jenner, Lucivaldo e Deise Oliveira, reforçam a identidade local. A poltrona Rio, assinada pelo arquiteto Bernardo Figueiredo, mescla a madeira maciça e a palha natural, conectando o ambiente ao design nacional. Tecidos naturais, madeira e iluminação aconchegante completam o espaço que semeia memória e sonhos. (Xico Diniz/CASACOR)

Materials and textures

The chosen material defines the language of the projects. Side tables made of natural wood bring warmth and timelessness. Metallic ones, especially in gold or black, add a contemporary and elegant touch. Models in glass or acrylic are ideal for those seeking visual lightness, while marble and stone reveal sophistication. Combining different finishes is a way to create contrast without losing harmony.

Izabela Pagani - Projects VOLTA. CASACOR Rio Grande do Sul 2025 Project.

Izabela Pagani - Ambiente VOLTA. Projeto da CASACOR Rio Grande do Sul 2025. (Cristiano Bauce/CASACOR)

Design and function

Today, side tables go beyond the traditional round or square shape. There are options with organic design, sculptural structures, and multifunctional shapes — some with shelves, others that fit underneath the sofa, optimizing space. This versatility allows them to accompany the lifestyle of the resident and reinforce the personality of the decor.

Maria Eduarda Caiado - Bathrooms Refuge Blue. Project of CASACOR Paraná 2025.

Maria Eduarda Caiado - Banheiros Refúgio Azul. Projeto da CASACOR Paraná 2025. (Guilherme Rocha/CASACOR)

Inspirations for different styles


Side tables easily adapt to any decoration proposal, transitioning between the classic and modern with ease. In minimalist projects, a model with simple lines and a matte finish maintains sobriety. In contemporary spaces, pieces designed by designers, with geometric shapes or sculptural bases, become discreet protagonists.

Jacira Pinheiro - Casa Origem
01/04 -

Jacira Pinheiro - Casa Origem. Projeto da CASACOR Rio de Janeiro 2025.

(André Nazareth)
bezerra-panobianco-arquitetura-ecos-brandos-casacor-sao-paulo-2025-credito-juliano-colodeti (2)
02/04 -

Bezerra Panobianco Arquitetura - Ecos Brandos. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2025.

(Juliano Colodeti)
lan Carvalho - Family Room
03/04 -

lan Carvalho - Family Room. Projeto da CASACOR Bahia 2025.

(Bia Nauiack)
Traama Arquitetura - Casa AAVA - BRASAL
04/04 -

Traama Arquitetura - Casa AAVA - BRASAL. Projeto da CASACOR Brasília 2025.

(Edgard Cesar)

In more affective or bohemian proposals, tables made of raw wood, aged iron, or rattan evoke coziness and history. In projects with an urban aesthetic, the contrast between materials — such as marble and metal — creates a sophisticated and current composition. In all cases, the key is balance: each table should interact with the rest of the furniture without competing for attention!

CASACOR Publisher is a creator of exclusive content, developed by the CASACOR Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.