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A sofa may be a central part of the room, but there are other pieces of furniture that complement it well and help you maximize every square inch of usable floor space. Side tables are often used at each end of a sofa as a place to rest a beverage or decorate with decor; however, there’s another living room essential that can be paired with a sofa that makes the most of an unlikely space: a sofa table.
What is a sofa table?
A sofa table is a long, narrow table that’s a practical and functional addition to a living room. They’re essentially console tables, but with slight differences. Sofa tables tend to be a little shorter than console tables to align more with the average height of a sofa, whereas console tables are usually taller since they’re not restricted to a sofa or sectional. Sofa tables are also more narrow in comparison to console tables that can range anywhere from slim to deep.
However, sofa tables and console tables are versatile and similar enough to be used interchangeably, depending on your needs and space. Minimalist sofa tables are ideal for use both next to a wall and in an open area. But when a sofa table is behind a sofa in an open area, it can be more decorative and have more overlap with a traditional console table, as it’s typically not restricted to a limited space with a wall close by. More decorative sofa tables can also be used as a console table in spaces like an entryway, a long hallway, an office, or a dining room. The versatility makes a sofa table not just practical and functional, but also stylish and aesthetically pleasing.
Benefits of a sofa table
As we mentioned above, sofa tables are paired with a sofa or a sectional, usually with a sofa that’s next to a wall or in an open-concept layout.
Pushing a sofa or sectional up against the wall might be one of the best ways to optimize a space, especially if it’s already small to begin with. However, it’s not very convenient when the sofa is blocking the closest electrical outlet. A sofa table can be placed between the sofa and the wall, only adding a few extra inches to maximize the area. It provides a tabletop surface that eliminates the need for side tables, and it can give you some wiggle room to reach the outlet behind the sofa. But if you want to make the outlets even more accessible, there are many sofa tables with built-in charging stations that have both outlets and ports.
A sofa table behind a sofa in a more open-concept space is a great way to add extra tabletop space. You can use it to add lighting and decor, or also use it as an alternative (or in addition) to a side table. This move also helps separate areas in a larger, multifunctional space. If your living room and dining room are in an open-concept layout, a sofa table can help better define the zones between them.
Where to buy a sofa table
Amazon has a ton of sofa tables to choose from, and right now is a great time to check them out. Ahead of Prime Day — which starts on Tuesday, June 23 — we spotted the Superjare Console Sofa Table Set on sale for under $60.
Superjare Console Sofa Table Set with Outlets
This sofa table set is a great pick for those looking to maximize the space between a sofa or sectional and a wall. It comes with two sofa tables measuring 39.4 inches long, so it’s just the right fit for sofas up to 80 inches long. It’s also available in a variety of other lengths to suit different sizes, though. It’s just under 6 inches deep, which means it won’t take up a significant amount of space, but it will still optimize the area well. At nearly 30 inches tall, it’s a great sofa table option for a long, average-height sofa.
The biggest bonus isn’t just the extra tabletop space it provides, but that it provides not one, but two charging stations. Each sofa table features two AC outlets, one USB port, and one USB Type-C port. Since the set comes with two tables, you get double the charging power. They can be configured in various ways with the charging tables in the middle or on each side, for example, for a more convenient setup.
Is a sofa table worth it?
Sofa tables are slim and narrow tables that turn an empty area into a usable and functional space. They’re perfect for anyone who wants to make the area behind a sofa more convenient, whether it’s for a tabletop surface or for more accessible power outlets. Sofa tables are relatively affordable pieces of furniture that you can typically get for under $100, making them an easy and budget-friendly way to upgrade your living room.
More sofa tables
Edx 63-Inch Console Table Entryway Sofa Table with Power Outlets
31.5 inches tall
Huuger Narrow Sofa Table with 2 Power Outlets
Grleaf 2-Pack of Adjustable Height Narrow Console Table with Power Outlets
Behost Console Sofa Table with Power Outlets
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