Accent tables are some of the most versatile and accessible pieces in Mid-Century Modern design. But how do you choose between a coffee table and a side table — and what should you look for in each?
The Coffee Table: The Room's Anchor
A coffee table sits at the center of your living room arrangement and anchors the entire seating area. In MCM design, coffee tables often feature sculptural bases, organic shapes, or interesting material combinations — think a walnut top on hairpin legs, or a travertine surface on a tapered wood base.
Coffee Table Sizing Rules
- Height: should be within 1-2 inches of your sofa seat height
- Length: should be about two-thirds the length of your sofa
- Clearance: leave 12-18 inches between the table and seating
The Side Table: The Flexible Companion
Side tables are the workhorses of MCM design — endlessly useful and endlessly stylish. They sit beside sofas, chairs, and beds, holding lamps, books, and drinks. Their smaller scale makes them easier to move and rearrange.
Side Table Sizing Rules
- Height: should be level with or slightly below the arm of the adjacent chair or sofa
- Diameter or width: 16-22 inches is the sweet spot for most spaces
When to Choose Both
In a well-furnished MCM living room, a coffee table and two side tables work together — the coffee table anchors the center, the side tables flank the sofa. This layered approach creates a complete, considered look.