If a standard side table is simply too deep for your room, the problem is usually a few centimetres. This guide covers how to choose a narrow solid wood side table that fits the gap you actually have, how to measure before you order, and when a custom size makes more sense.
EmKa Home Design makes narrow side tables from real solid wood in its Dagenham workshop, built to order for UK homes: small flats, narrow hallways, and the gap beside a sofa or bed.
Why choose a narrow solid wood side table?
Depth is what decides whether a table works in a tight space. Selected EmKa designs are available in 14.5 cm, 17.5 cm, 19.5 cm and 22 cm depths, depending on the model. A 22 cm table is roughly 9 inches deep, so it is a practical answer if you have been searching for a 9 inch side table.
- Real solid wood, including solid pine designs, rather than MDF or chipboard.
- Depth-led designs: the depth is in the product name, so you can filter by the measurement that matters.
- Made to order, which is why the lead time is longer than for flat-pack furniture.
- Custom sizes on request, agreed over WhatsApp before you buy.
How do you measure for a narrow sofa side table?
Measure the usable gap at floor level and at tabletop height. The narrowest of the two is the one that counts, because skirting boards, sockets and sofa arms eat into the space above the floor.
- Measure from the sofa, bed or wall to the nearest obstruction.
- Leave room to walk past, and to open a drawer or reach a shelf if the design has one.
- Compare your measurement with the product depth, not the width you see in a photo.
- Check the table height against the sofa arm or the top of the mattress.
- Confirm the selected variant on the product page before ordering.
A 14.5 cm table suits a tighter gap than a 22 cm one, but shape matters too: a C-shaped or E-shaped design slides differently into a space than a cube. If none of the listed sizes works, send EmKa the measurements and the intended use on WhatsApp.
Which shape fits your space?
- T-shaped and C-shaped designs are the slimmest, made for very narrow gaps beside seating.
- E-shaped designs with a shelf keep books, a drink or small items close to a seat without adding depth.
- Cube formats give a sturdier surface where the gap allows a little more room.
- Two-shelf designs with rounded corners add storage on a slim footprint, useful in a hallway.
- Narrow bedside tables suit bedrooms where a conventional bedside would block the route past the bed.
- Tall narrow formats, such as a plant stand or a 90 cm shelving unit, use height instead of floor space.
Current depths, options and prices are on each product page in the solid wood side table collection.
What can you use a narrow side table for?
Beside a sofa for a lamp, book or drink. Beside a bed for night-time essentials. In a hallway for keys and post. The cube and shelf designs add storage where there is no floor space for a cabinet.
These pieces also suit anyone looking for a small rustic side table, a real wood side table, an occasional table or an artisan side table. If you are comparing them with mass-produced alternatives, compare the actual depth, the material and the construction rather than the label in the search box.
What to know before ordering
Each piece is made for the order, so the lead time reflects workshop time, not stock picking: 7-14 working days to make, then 5-7 days tracked delivery. Shipping is free on orders over £100.
Read the dimensions carefully before checkout, especially for a narrow hallway or a tight gap. For a custom size, send the width, depth, height and intended location on WhatsApp so the request can be checked before you order.
Ready to compare sizes? Start with the side table collection, measure your gap first, and ask about a custom depth if nothing fits.
Frequently asked questions
What depths are available for EmKa solid wood side tables?
Selected EmKa side tables are available in 14.5 cm, 17.5 cm, 19.5 cm and 22 cm depths. Check each product listing, because not every design has every depth.
How long does a handmade side table take to arrive?
Handmade to order: 7-14 working days to make, then 5-7 days tracked delivery. Shipping is free on orders over £100.
Can I order a custom size side table?
Yes. Custom sizes are available on request. Send EmKa the measurements and intended use via WhatsApp before ordering so the request can be checked.
Are EmKa side tables made from solid wood?
Yes, including solid pine designs in this collection. Check the individual product details for the material and the available options.