Curated Finds for Nikki | Funky Mid-Century Side Tables
Hi Nikki,
Inspired by your brief, I’ve pulled together a mix of side tables that bring warmth and personality through wood tone, shape and material but still sitting comfortably within the desired aesthetics.
I wanted the options to feel a little playful without tipping into novelty, so I’ve focused on pieces where the character comes through in the details, like contrasting woods, sculptural bases, richer finishes and one vintage find that brings a bit more soul.
I hope these options give you a good starting point and help you see which direction feels most natural in your living room.
This is the cleanest option in the edit, but I really like the contrast between the light oak top and darker walnut-toned legs. It gives you that Scandinavian simplicity, while the two-tone wood keeps it from feeling too plain. At £189, it’s also a really easy way to bring warmth into the room without adding another strong color.
This one has much more personality. The solid American oak and stacked, turned pedestal give it a playful take on traditional woodwork, so it still feels warm and timeless but with a much funkier silhouette. I’d choose this if you want the side table to feel like a small statement piece instead something that quietly disappears beside the sofa.
If you want the most authentic mid-century direction, I’d go vintage. The 1960s teak brings that rich warmth you were asking for, while the bobbin legs give it a lovely bit of character and make it feel collected rather than overly polished. I also like that no one else’s room will have quite the same piece!
This is probably the most sculptural option. The solid mango wood and stacked geometric form give it almost a totem-like quality, so it works as much as a decorative object as it does a side table. The deep coffee finish adds warmth, but the clean silhouette keeps it feeling contemporary rather than heavy. It’s also currently reduced to around £199.
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Miaad is an interior stylist at Design Lab by Livingetc, with over eight years of design experience across London and New York. Her career spans interior design consultancy at Restoration Hardware and Design Within Reach, as well as experiential event design at NY agency Rise & Set for brands including Ferrari and Montblanc. Her design ethos centres on how our environments shape the way we live, feel and connect, bringing together story, prioritising function and a more intentional approach to living.