Occasional tables buying guide

Traditional occasional tables

The beauty of wood is that it’s hardwearing, and every piece of furniture is unique, with different characteristics in colour, grain and durability – a traditional oak occasional table or oak coffee table to complement other oak furniture is a classic choice.

Look out for:

• High-quality wood construction
• Polished or lacquered surfaces
• Ornate design elements
• Pedestal bases

One of our favourite traditional brands is Old Charm – beautifully crafted furniture in solid wood with ornate detailing and a timeless beauty that never goes out of style.

Luxury occasional tables

Marble topped tables with glinting metallic legs, sleek side tables with gleaming wood veneers, high gloss pedestal coffee tables… our luxury occasional tables come in a wide choice of finishes and are a stunning combination of innovative design and fine craftsmanship.

Look out for:

• Exquisite craftsmanship
• High shine finishes
• Metallic detailing
• Elegant, contemporary lines

Industrial occasional tables

A fabulous combination of metal and wood, industrial occasional tables are perfect for the contemporary home. Add a splash of urban style to your home with a cool coffee table or edgy side table.

Look out for:

• Reclaimed wood showing the natural grain
• Metal or metal and wood legs – black metal or chrome
• Bold, straight lines
• Unfinished ‘weathered’ quality

One of our favourite industrial brands is Dutch furniture company Habufa who make exciting contemporary industrial style furniture with very little waste.

Mid-century occasional tables

This very recognisable design style of the 1950s and 1960s is just as popular today thanks to its clean lines, simple yet sophisticated shapes, and focus on the natural beauty of wood.

Look out for:

• The ‘form follows function’ design ethos
• Clean lines and softly rounded corners
• Bevelled edges
• Splayed or tapered legs
• Pale oak, ash or elm finishes

One of our favourite mid-century brands is British furniture makers Ercol – their Originals range is mid-century design at its finest and their contemporary collections continue the elegant, finely crafted tradition.