Art Deco Side Tables

Art deco side tables carry the geometric confidence of the style that swept interiors in the 1920s and 1930s: stepped silhouettes, sunburst motifs, and a taste for materials that take a high shine. Studios working in this idiom turn to lacquered wood, polished marble, brass-toned metal, and cast or blown glass, often pairing two or three of these in a single piece. The result sits closer to a small sculpture than a utility table, built to hold its own beside a sofa or bed.

What defines the art deco look in a side table

The style reads through geometry more than ornament. Stepped or tiered forms, fluted or fan-shaped bases, and sharp symmetrical lines replace the curved, organic shapes common to other styles. Surfaces tend toward contrast: a dark lacquered or stained wood top set on a slim metal base, or a marble slab resting on stacked drums.

Color follows the same logic of contrast rather than blending in. Black, burgundy, and deep brown appear often, set against brass, chrome, or pale stone, so the table reads as an object first and a surface second. Even a small art deco side table tends to anchor a room rather than disappear into it.

Materials, finishes, and ways of making

Wood and cabinetmaking produce the lacquered or veneered surfaces most associated with the style, often finished to a deep, reflective sheen that shows grain only faintly. Stone carving and polishing bring marble and other stone tops, prized for their weight and cool surface but prone to staining from oil, wine, or acidic liquids left standing. Metalwork and welding supply brass-finished steel and aluminum bases, while glass casting and glassblowing contribute transparent or tinted tops and inset panels.

• Open editions, for pieces made to a repeatable standard
• Limited editions, produced in a fixed, smaller run
• Unique pieces, made as one-offs and not repeated

Within the wider range of side tables, these three ways of editioning sit alongside the broader set of materials, colors, and techniques found across art deco furniture generally, from case pieces to seating.

How to choose an art deco side table

Start with height relative to what it will sit beside: a table beside a sofa arm usually sits close to arm height, while a bedside table is set closer to mattress height so a lamp or glass stays within easy reach. Scale matters as much as height. A tall, narrow piece suits a tight corner or a single armchair, while a wider, lower table can anchor a seating group.

Finish decides how much visual weight the table carries. A high-gloss lacquer or polished marble top draws the eye and works best as a single strong note in a room, while a matte metal base reads quieter and pairs more easily with existing pieces. If the room already holds pattern or strong color, a plainer art deco side table in dark wood or black-finished metal will sit more comfortably than one in another high-shine material.

Where these tables work

Living rooms are the most common setting, where a side table frames a sofa or armchair and gives a lamp or a stack of books somewhere to sit. Bedrooms call for a lower, often rounder profile, something that clears the edge of a mattress without crowding a walk path. Entryways suit a narrow, tall table that holds keys or a small bowl without taking up floor space; for that setting it is worth comparing against pieces built specifically for entry use, such as entryway side tables.

Caring for lacquer, marble, and metal surfaces

Lacquered wood resists everyday wear but marks under direct heat or standing moisture, so coasters and trivets protect the finish over time. Marble and other stone tops should be wiped promptly after spills, since wine, coffee, and oils can etch or stain the surface permanently. Brass-toned and chrome metal bases need only a soft, dry cloth; abrasive cleaners dull the finish and should be avoided. For pieces that lean more on metal than stone or wood, the range of metal side tables gives a sense of how these finishes age across different bases.