Say what you want about IKEA but when it comes to some items like side tables, they offer a wide variety.
Some I like. Some I don’t like. Some are so-so.
After spending two days in IKEA, owning more IKEA stuff than I can remember and visiting Sweden twice (actually visiting Sweden is irrelevant), here’s my list of what I consider to be the six best IKEA side tables.
1. ÄNGESBYN – Best IKEA Farmhouse Style Side Table
The ÄNGESBYN comes in two sizes. I don’t normally care for furniture that has a lot going on with it but this works really well. It’s both tabletop and basket.
This design would work great in any interior design that incorporates Farmhouse style.
Another interesting feature is the table surface detaches easily from the basket… I guess this is obvious because otherwise you can’t access the basket. While that might be an inconvenience, the plus side is you get a serving tray out of it lol.
2. KRAGSTA – Best IKEA Traditional-Style Side Table
KRAGSTA is my style – simple and functional. Super simple to put assemble. While there isn’t storage underneath it does one thing and one thing well and that is serve as a side table.
It comes as a set – you can nest them or split them up. Above photo (the living room shot) is a good example of splitting them up with the smaller one serving as a side table for an armchair and the larger for the sofa.
The tall KRAGSTA is 17 3/4″ tall (45 cm). The short is 20 1/8″ tall (51 cm). Something for everyone and every placement.
3. LÖVBACKEN – Best Mid-Century Modern IKEA Side Table
LÖVBACKEN can serve as small coffee table or side table. Its elongated shape works well along the side of an armchair or sofa. It’s shorter than other side tables but that can work.
it’s 20 1/8″ tall (51 cm) which is pretty short for a side table.
4. IDANÄS – Best IKEA Side Table for Small Spaces
IDANÄS side table is part stand-alone shelf, part side table. I love how simple it is but also provides two storage levels for the space-saving minded folks.
Coming in at 24 5/8″ tall (62.5 cm) it’s one of the taller side tables in our list. Terrific for high-armed furniture.
5. LISTERBY – Best Overall Side Table at IKEA – Most Versatile
LISTERBY is the poster-child round side table with respect to height, diameter and design. You can get it in dark brown or light. It works well next to any piece of furniture or a stand-alone surface for a large plant.
This “ideal” side table is 22″ tall (56 cm). It’s a great pick for almost any room.
6. PERJOHAN – Best IKEA Magazine Rack Side Table Combo
PERJOHAN is a magazine holder and side table combo which I love. I usually have a book or two on the go which this can hold along with a tablet, phone and of course drinks on the surface. I think any living space could benefit from this piece.
The PERJOHAN is 17 3/4″ tall (45 cm) which isn’t tall but to be expected given it’s a magazine rack. Simple to assemble… well as simple as any IKEA stuff is to assemble.
What I don’t like in a side table
The following are my biases. You should know them because my biases definitely come through in my choices for the best IKEA side tables.
- Shelves that double as a side table.
- Frilly ornate designs.
- Wheels (there are some exceptions but generally I don’t like wheels).
- TV tray-style side tables. I don’t care for TV tray anything.
- Plastic… anywhere.
- Glass-surface – not a fan.
- Wicker. I like wicker outside. I don’t mind a touch of wicker here and there but as a surface, it’s terrible. It’s not smooth and even. No-go for me.
Please note that photos with prices on them are in Canadian currency.
