What is the difference between a side table and a coffee table?

A coffee table is usually lower and wider, designed to sit in front of a sofa. A side table is smaller and taller, intended to sit beside seating or a bed for lamps, drinks, books, or plants. Side tables are ideal when space is limited.

Can side tables be used as plant stands?

Yes. Many vintage side tables — especially compact mid-century folding designs — work beautifully as plant stands in sunny corners, living rooms, and reading nooks. Check the height and footprint for your space and plant size.

Are restored vintage side tables worth buying?

Yes. A carefully restored vintage side table combines solid wood construction with a refreshed finish, making it ready to use immediately. Restored pieces often offer better materials, folding practicality, and more character than mass-produced alternatives.

What should I look for when buying a vintage side table?

Check that the table stands solid and any folding mechanism works smoothly. Look for stable legs, a sound top surface, and a properly sealed finish if painted. Consider height relative to your sofa or armchair and whether you need a fixed table or a folding design for storage.

Are folding side tables good for small spaces?

Yes. Folding vintage side tables are among the most practical options for flats, compact living rooms, and flexible layouts. They can be used separately around a room or folded away when not needed.

What is a Poul Hundevad side table?

Poul Hundevad was a Danish designer known for mid-century teak furniture, including compact folding side tables from the 1960s. These pieces are prized for their simple Danish design, teak tops, and practical folding format.

How much is a vintage side table worth?

Value depends on designer, wood type, condition, size, and finish. Simple occasional tables may start from under £200, while notable Danish mid-century designs and fully restored painted pieces can sell for more — especially rare pairs or designer examples.

Do you deliver side tables across the UK?

Delivery terms vary by listing. Many Nuts4Wood pieces include free UK mainland delivery; some locations may require a courier quote. Check each product page or contact us with your full postcode before purchasing.

Are your side tables original vintage pieces?

Yes. Every side table we list is an original vintage piece that has been cleaned, repaired where needed, and refinished in our London workshop. They are not new reproductions.

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Buyer's guide

12 June 2026

Vintage Side Tables: A UK Buyer's Guide

Everything you need to know about buying vintage side tables in the UK — mid-century Danish designs, folding tables, plant stands, painted occasional tables, and restored one-off pieces from Nuts4Wood.

If you are searching for vintage side tables in the UK, this guide covers mid-century Danish designs, folding occasional tables, plant stands, painted finishes, and how to choose the right piece for your home.

What is a vintage side table?

A vintage side table is a compact occasional table designed to sit beside a sofa, armchair, or bed. Smaller than a coffee table and more flexible than a console, side tables are ideal for lamps, drinks, books, plants, and everyday items in tight spaces.

At Nuts4Wood, our side table listings include mid-century Danish folding designs, painted occasional tables, and restored teak pieces — each finished as a one-off find.

A vintage side table can work as:

A sofa or armchair side table
A bedside or lamp table
A plant stand in a sunny corner
A folding occasional table for small rooms
An extra surface when entertaining

Uses & placement

The right height matters. A side table should usually sit close to arm height when you are seated, so a lamp or cup is easy to reach. Beside a bed, a slightly taller occasional table can work well for books and bedside essentials.

In living rooms, pairs of matching side tables can frame a sofa or reading chair. In compact flats, one folding table moved between rooms may be more practical than several fixed pieces.

Folding side tables for small spaces

Folding vintage side tables are especially useful in smaller homes. Mid-century designs often combine a compact footprint with a fold-flat format, making them easy to store when not in use or move between rooms.

If you need flexible surface space without committing floor area permanently, a restored folding side table is one of the most practical vintage buys available.

Danish & mid-century side tables

Danish mid-century side tables are among the most sought-after occasional tables in the UK. Designers such as Poul Hundevad created simple teak pieces with elegant proportions, often designed to fold or tuck neatly into smaller interiors.

Restored examples may keep natural teak tops while updating legs or accents with painted finishes — combining original mid-century warmth with a subtle contemporary twist.

Side tables as plant stands

Many buyers search for vintage plant stands and discover that compact side tables are a perfect alternative. Round or square tops around 35–45 cm wide suit single plants, while folding tables can be moved to follow light through the day.

What to look for when buying

Stands solid on a flat floor
Folding mechanism works smoothly if applicable
Stable legs and a sound top surface
Finish sealed if painted or restored
Height suits your sofa, chair, or bed
Diameter and depth fit your space

Value & pricing

Vintage side table prices depend on designer, wood, condition, and whether you are buying a single table or a pair. Simple occasional tables may start from under a few hundred pounds, while notable Danish mid-century designs and fully restored painted pairs can sell for more.

Restored side tables at Nuts4Wood

Every side table at Nuts4Wood is an original vintage piece cleaned, repaired, and refinished by Val and Pam in London. Our one-off listings include Danish folding tables, painted occasional pieces, and other compact restored designs.

Shop our side tables

Browse restored and hand-finished vintage side tables for sale from Nuts4Wood. Listings are one-off pieces — when an item sells, it is gone.

Mid-Century Poul Hundevad Teak Folding Side Tables – Pair of Danish Plant Stands
£295 · Sold
View listing →

Browse all side tables

Restored vintage side tables, folding occasional tables, and plant stands from Nuts4Wood — one-off pieces from our London workshop.

Shop side tables

Vintage side table FAQs

What is a vintage side table?: A vintage side table is a compact occasional table used beside sofas, armchairs, beds, or in corners and alcoves. Styles range from mid-century teak folding tables and plant stands to painted farmhouse pieces and small Danish designs — often restored for flexible everyday use.
What is the difference between a side table and a coffee table?: A coffee table is usually lower and wider, designed to sit in front of a sofa. A side table is smaller and taller, intended to sit beside seating or a bed for lamps, drinks, books, or plants. Side tables are ideal when space is limited.
Can side tables be used as plant stands?: Yes. Many vintage side tables — especially compact mid-century folding designs — work beautifully as plant stands in sunny corners, living rooms, and reading nooks. Check the height and footprint for your space and plant size.
Are restored vintage side tables worth buying?: Yes. A carefully restored vintage side table combines solid wood construction with a refreshed finish, making it ready to use immediately. Restored pieces often offer better materials, folding practicality, and more character than mass-produced alternatives.
What should I look for when buying a vintage side table?: Check that the table stands solid and any folding mechanism works smoothly. Look for stable legs, a sound top surface, and a properly sealed finish if painted. Consider height relative to your sofa or armchair and whether you need a fixed table or a folding design for storage.
Are folding side tables good for small spaces?: Yes. Folding vintage side tables are among the most practical options for flats, compact living rooms, and flexible layouts. They can be used separately around a room or folded away when not needed.
What is a Poul Hundevad side table?: Poul Hundevad was a Danish designer known for mid-century teak furniture, including compact folding side tables from the 1960s. These pieces are prized for their simple Danish design, teak tops, and practical folding format.
How much is a vintage side table worth?: Value depends on designer, wood type, condition, size, and finish. Simple occasional tables may start from under £200, while notable Danish mid-century designs and fully restored painted pieces can sell for more — especially rare pairs or designer examples.
Do you deliver side tables across the UK?: Delivery terms vary by listing. Many Nuts4Wood pieces include free UK mainland delivery; some locations may require a courier quote. Check each product page or contact us with your full postcode before purchasing.
Are your side tables original vintage pieces?: Yes. Every side table we list is an original vintage piece that has been cleaned, repaired where needed, and refinished in our London workshop. They are not new reproductions.