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The side table — otherwise known as an end table, occasional table, or cocktail table — is not the world’s most thrilling home purchase. (When was the last time you or anyone you know said, “I can’t stop thinking about my side table!”) But, in its own quiet way, a side table can really set the tone of a room, as it dutifully holds a lamp, remote control, snake plant, or bowl of Magic Spoon. A bright-yellow one is a nice way to introduce some color without going full-on Sesame Street; a Lucite one is a good way to add a minimalist ’80s vibe without going full-on Wall Street. We did the work of finding the right one for you by rounding up affordable (no more than $150) but expensive-looking side tables you can buy on Amazon (some of which are actually stools but do the same job). The selection below includes everything from colorful to clear to wood to brass side tables, and even a few that double as places where your (small) pet can hang out. If you know exactly what you’re looking for, you can click on any of the links above to jump straight to that section.
Colorful side tables
A bright side table like this one is a great way to add some life to your living room without, say, reupholstering the entire couch — and then regretting it.
This vibrant coral side table also has storage in the form of a small drawer and shelves for anything (candles, books, booze) you might want to display.
This metal locker end table is available in a range of stylish shades, including bright orange, blush pink, and mustard yellow.
This statement side table would make a great home for some flowers or a mushroom lamp.
A lightweight, portable option that separates into two pieces — a base that folds flat and a tray that can be used on an ottoman or table — for a pop of color that’s handy in the smallest of spaces.
In addition to white and black, this table comes in ice blue and pale pink. The fabric basket is great for holding toys or blankets, making it perfect for a kids’ room or nursery.
Clear side tables
An acrylic side table is a great way to conjure 1980s-era minimalism without veering too hard into American Psycho territory. In addition to providing instant style, it’s incredibly easy to clean. This one has the added benefit of folding away easily.
And this one has a handy extra shelf for magazines, coffee-table books, or a laptop.
If plain white isn’t your style, this tempered-glass table is also available with faux birch and marble finishes.
When the light hits it just right, this iridescent acrylic table will cast beautiful rainbows in your room.
This diminutive drink table has just enough room for a martini and bouquet of flowers.
Brass and metal side tables
This brass table has a (faux-) marble top that can support as much as 50 pounds.
Here’s another good option for small spaces: The top of this teal-accented table is a removable tray, and you can fold the base and slide it under the couch if you’re extra-short on space.
This gold-finish table has a handy lip around the edge of each shelf to help prevent anything you might knock over from falling to the floor, and feels rather elegant in an understated sort of way.
A gridded wire basket and hairpin legs give this steel side table plenty of industrial-modern charm.
Wood side tables
One of the most handsome options we found, this set of three wooden side tables can be nested, arranged together (as shown), or divvied up throughout your home.
We’re also admirers of this pair of all-bamboo side tables that have deep storage and, as shown, can be stacked atop one another.
Little wooden stools are timeless. A perfect Alvar Aalto dupe, these stackable ones are sold in a set of four and look just as good on their own (as a table or extra seating) as they do stacked together.
If you’re looking for a less literal way to get the Aalto stool–as-table look, this minimalist Christopher Knight end table would be a good, less-expected choice.
While this table isn’t made of wood, it comes close: Rattan is still a natural material that lends a lovely decorative touch to this decidedly mid-century-modern end table.
White side tables
We have long been fans of Yamazaki Home for making functional pieces that also look nice and don’t cost a ton. That pretty much sums up this side table, which has not two but three different tiers for storing bits and bobs.
You wouldn’t know from looking at it, but the top of this hourglass-shaped stool can be removed to reveal an interior storage bin.
Few side tables on this list are as guaranteed to start conversations — or be confused for a piece of sculpture — as this one, which is made from paper folded into an accordion structure.
This handsome ovular side table has a handy built-in basket to store magazines or other sundries.
Pet-friendly side tables
As it turns out, there’s a whole cottage industry behind side tables that double as comfortable perches for your pets. This industrial option has a cat cave for playing hide-and-seek and a scratching post and mat for sharpening claws.
This decorative end table also doubles as a pet crate that can fit small to medium-size dogs. A removable tray at the bottom slides out for easy cleanup.
This side table has a low-to-the-ground entrance for cats to access a secluded litter box or resting spot. Meanwhile, you can plop a lamp, a stack of books, or some picture frames on top.
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