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What Is the Difference between a Console Table and Side Table?
What Is a Console Table?
A console table is wide, fairly shallow and roughly as tall as a regular table or desk. A console table is often placed against a wall – but when it's placed against the back of a sofa, it's called a sofa table.
Console Table Heights
The average console table height is 30 inches, though designs can range anywhere from 28 inches to 32 inches in height. Because they are often placed at the back of a sofa, console tables are designed to be high enough to make it easy to reach for objects – and low enough so that they won’t ‘stick out’ over the edge from behind a sofa.
What is a Side Table?
Just as its name suggests, a side table is placed beside a piece of furniture a person would sit on, such as a couch or a bed. Its main purpose is to ensure that essential items are within easy reach.
What Is the Difference Between a Console Table and a Side Table?
The purpose of side tables and console tables is very different. Side tables are mainly functional, serving as a surface to place items within easy reach of people sitting on couches, chairs or beds. A console table usually stands alone as a focal point and is often at least as decorative as it is functional.
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Editorial Disclaimer: Articles featuring tips and advice are intended for educational purposes and only as general recommendations. Always practice personal discretion when using and caring for furniture, decor and related items.
