A solid wood side table can fit a narrow hallway, compact living room or tight gap beside a sofa, but the depth must be chosen before the style. At EmKa Home Design, we make handmade side tables to order in our Dagenham workshop, with four practical depths: 14.5 cm, 17.5 cm, 19.5 cm and 22 cm. The right choice depends on the usable floor space, the items you need to place on top and how much clearance you need to walk past it safely.
How do you choose the right depth for a narrow side table?
Measure the available space from the wall or sofa edge to the furthest point where the table can reach, then leave enough room for movement. A table should not make a hallway feel blocked or force people to turn sideways to pass.
Use these depths as a practical starting point:
| Table depth | Useful for | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| 14.5 cm | Very tight gaps, narrow hallways and small lamps | Check that the lamp base or daily item will fit |
| 17.5 cm | Compact sofa gaps, entrances and small rooms | Measure skirting boards and nearby furniture |
| 19.5 cm | Books, drinks, lamps and everyday storage | Allow space for people to walk past |
| 22 cm | A sofa side table with more usable surface area | Check the full depth beside the sofa or chair |
These measurements describe the table depth, not the space available above it. If you are measuring beside a sofa, include the arm shape, skirting board and any plug sockets that may affect the position.
What should you measure before buying a solid wood side table?
Measure the gap in at least 3 places: near the floor, at the table height and near the top of the proposed table. Walls and skirting boards are not always perfectly straight, and a gap that looks wide at eye level can be narrower near the floor.
- Measure the depth. Record the distance from the wall, sofa or cabinet to the point where the table must stop.
- Measure the width. Check how much horizontal space is available for the tabletop and legs.
- Measure the height. Beside a sofa, the tabletop usually works best when it sits close to the sofa arm, depending on how you use it.
- Mark the footprint. Use masking tape on the floor to show the planned depth and width. Walk past it several times before ordering.
- Check access. Consider door swings, radiator positions, curtains, robot vacuums and the route used to carry the table into the room.
This simple test helps you avoid choosing a table that technically fits but makes the room awkward to use. It is especially useful in small flats, Victorian hallways and rooms where standard furniture leaves an uncomfortable gap.
Why choose handmade side tables for a small home?
Handmade side tables make sense when standard furniture does not match the available measurements. Mass-produced tables often use a small number of fixed sizes, while a narrow room may need a depth of 14.5 cm or 17.5 cm to keep the walkway clear.
EmKa Home Design makes each solid wood side table to order in our workshop at 32 Campden Crescent, Dagenham, RM8 2RR. Our core range is designed around depth, so you can choose a slim footprint without switching to a flimsy flat-pack piece. Custom size side table requests are also available through WhatsApp when the listed measurements do not suit your space.
Solid wood also gives the table a substantial, natural feel in a small room. The best finish for your home depends on the surrounding furniture, flooring and light. A natural wood finish can soften a plain hallway, while a darker colour may help the table sit quietly beside a sofa or painted wall.
Our narrow side table collection includes compact designs for living rooms, bedrooms, entrances and other areas where every centimetre matters. Read the product measurements carefully before choosing, especially if the table will sit beside a radiator or inside a passageway.
Where can a narrow side table be useful?
A narrow side table is not limited to one room. Its value comes from fitting into a space that would otherwise be left unused or filled with clutter.
- Beside a sofa: use it for a mug, book, reading lamp or remote control without taking up the full depth of a conventional occasional table.
- In a hallway: place a small lamp, keys or a bowl near the entrance, provided the remaining walkway stays clear.
- Beside a bed: choose a depth that holds the essentials without making a compact bedroom feel crowded.
- Between furniture: fill a tight gap between a cabinet and wall, or between a sofa and a doorway, after checking the full footprint.
- In a home office: use it for a lamp, notebook or small plant when a full-size desk-side unit would be too deep.
If you need storage higher up rather than on the floor, wooden shelves can use wall space without narrowing a walkway. Narrow floating shelves work well in hallways and compact rooms, while kitchen wooden shelves and bathroom wooden shelves need careful attention to wall condition, moisture and fixing choice. A bookcase or narrow bookcase needs a separate check for height, stability and available wall width.
What makes a solid wood side table different from a flat-pack table?
The main difference is how the piece is made and how closely its dimensions suit the room. A flat-pack table is usually designed around standard dimensions and shipped as components. A handmade solid wood side table is made in smaller batches or to order, with attention given to the selected size, finish and intended use.
That does not remove the need to measure. Solid wood furniture still needs a suitable space, and a handmade table is not a substitute for checking access, floor levels or nearby furniture. The advantage is that you can start with a depth designed for narrow spaces instead of trying to force a standard table into an unsuitable gap.
At EmKa Home Design, every piece is handmade to order. Allow 7 to 14 working days for making, followed by 5 to 7 days for tracked delivery. Free shipping applies to orders over £100. This lead time is part of choosing made-to-order furniture, so it is worth measuring first and ordering when the dimensions are confirmed.
What mistakes should you avoid when choosing a narrow table?
The most common mistake is measuring only the empty gap and ignoring how the table will be used. A table may fit the space but still be too small for a lamp, book or cup.
- Do not measure around furniture that may later move without recording the permanent obstacles, such as skirting boards or radiators.
- Do not assume the smallest depth is always best. If you need a lamp and a drink together, 19.5 cm or 22 cm may be more practical.
- Do not forget the table height. A low table beside a high sofa arm may be difficult to use comfortably.
- Do not block doors, vents, sockets or the path of a vacuum cleaner.
- Do not choose a wall shelf or table based on a photograph alone. Check the stated centimetre measurements and fixing requirements.
When a standard depth does not work, send your measurements to EmKa Home Design through WhatsApp and ask about a custom size side table. Include the available depth, width, height and a photograph of the space if helpful. Clear measurements make it easier to discuss what can be made before you place an order.
A well-chosen solid wood side table should solve a specific space problem without making the room harder to use. Measure the gap, mark the footprint, choose from 14.5 cm, 17.5 cm, 19.5 cm or 22 cm, and allow the stated making and delivery time for a handmade piece from our Dagenham workshop.
Frequently asked questions
What depths are available for EmKa Home Design side tables?
EmKa Home Design makes narrow solid wood side tables in 14.5 cm, 17.5 cm, 19.5 cm and 22 cm depths. Custom sizes can be discussed through WhatsApp.
How do I measure for a narrow side table?
Measure the available depth, width and height in at least 3 places. Mark the proposed footprint with masking tape and check doors, sockets, skirting boards and the walking route.
How long does a handmade side table take to arrive?
Each piece takes 7 to 14 working days to make, followed by 5 to 7 days for tracked delivery. Free shipping applies to orders over £100.
Where are EmKa Home Design side tables made?
EmKa Home Design makes its handmade solid wood furniture to order in its workshop at 32 Campden Crescent, Dagenham, RM8 2RR.