Side tables are gaining attention as a practical and decorative addition to living rooms ahead of the 2027 hosting season. Interior designers are highlighting their role in providing extra surface space while adding character to home interiors.
According to Homes & Gardens, side tables offer a flexible alternative to relying solely on a coffee table. They can hold drinks, books, lamps and personal devices during everyday use or social gatherings.
Functional Furniture for Modern Living Rooms
Interior designer Kelsey Leigh of Kelsey Leigh Design Co. identifies additional tables as a living room furniture trend for 2027. She notes that extra surfaces help make rooms more adaptable, especially when homeowners entertain guests.
Side tables can provide convenient spaces for phones, refreshments and other essentials. Their compact size also allows homeowners to reposition them as needed.
Design Meets Practicality
Designers are exploring side tables in different shapes, finishes and styles. Some designs combine storage with decorative details, while others incorporate magazine racks or features inspired by drinks trolleys.
Examples highlighted by Homes & Gardens include House of Leon’s Ojai Valley Side Table, Anthropologie’s Charlie Judarn Side Table and West Elm’s Pierce & Ward Burled Finish Cart.
These designs demonstrate how small furniture pieces can combine function with distinctive styling. Materials, finishes and silhouettes can also complement a room’s existing furniture.
A Flexible Addition for Hosting
Side tables offer an additional surface when coffee tables become crowded with drinks, snacks and electronic devices. They can also support table lamps, reading materials and decorative accessories.
As homeowners look for flexible furniture solutions, side tables provide a way to improve everyday convenience without making major changes to a living room. Their combination of utility and design makes them a relevant option for contemporary home furnishings.

