Tables

A table is a piece of furniture with a flat surface supported by legs or a base, designed to hold objects, facilitate activities like dining or working, and serve as a focal point in a room. In simple terms, it’s a functional surface you interact with daily — whether eating dinner, working from home, displaying décor, or entertaining guests. Here’s why tables are essential: they anchor spaces, enable activities and influence the look and feel of interiors across living rooms, dining areas, bedrooms and entryways.

In Australia, tables come in a vast array of styles, sizes and materials — from sleek glass coffee tables to robust timber dining tables — suited to both contemporary and classic homes.

---

Types or Styles of Tables

Tables are incredibly versatile and come in many forms. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular types you’ll find in Australian homes.

1. Dining Tables

Dining tables are central to mealtimes and gatherings. They vary by size (4‑seater, 6‑seater, 8‑seater), shape (rectangular, round, oval) and material (timber, glass, engineered stone).

• Rectangular Dining Tables – Best for long rooms and family homes.

• Round Dining Tables – Great for conversation and smaller spaces.

• Extendable Dining Tables – Flexible seating for everyday use and entertaining.

The main reason Australians love an extendable dining table is its adaptability — perfect for everyday family meals and bigger dinners with friends.

---

2. Coffee Tables

Coffee tables sit in lounge rooms in front of sofas. They provide a surface for drinks, books and décor, and potentially storage underneath.

• Timber Coffee Tables – Warm and classic.

• Glass Coffee Tables – Sleek, light and modern.

• Nested Coffee Tables – Space‑saving options with layered surfaces.

Here’s why glass coffee tables remain popular: they make a small lounge feel more open and visually spacious.

---

3. Side Tables / End Tables

These smaller tables sit beside sofas, beds, or chairs. Perfect for lamps, drinks and essentials.

• Round Side Tables – Easy flow in compact spaces.

• Square / Boxed Side Tables – Structured, modern look.

• Multipurpose Side Tables – With drawers or shelves for extra storage.

The main reason Australians love side tables is that they bring both function and style without dominating the room.

---

4. Console Tables

Console tables are narrow tables often placed behind sofas, in hallways, or entryways. They are ideal for keys, decorative items and occasional lighting.

• Hallway Console Tables – Slim profile, great for entry spaces.

• Living Room Consoles – Adds height and storage behind seating.

• Bedroom Consoles – Stylish make‑up or vanity option.

These tables act as design transitions between rooms or zones.

---

5. Sideboards & Buffets

While technically storage furniture, sideboards and buffets frequently double as table surfaces in dining spaces.

• Timber Sideboards – Classic storage and surface combo.

• Modern Matte Finishes – Contemporary and sleek.

Australians often pair sideboards with dining tables for crockery, linens and extra serving space.

---

6. Accent & Occasional Tables

These include quirky, decorative tables used to punctuate spaces with personality.

• Pedestal Tables – A statement piece with sculptural flair.

• Accent Tables with Mixed Materials – Combines timber, metal, or stone.

Accent tables are perfect for injecting individuality into an interior.

---

How to Choose a Table

Choosing the right table involves understanding your space, style, and purpose. Here’s a practical guide tailored for Australian homes.

1. Consider Function First

Ask yourself:

• Will this table be for dining, lounging, working or display?

• How often will it be used?

Function determines form — a dining table needs comfortable legroom, while a console table prioritises slimness.

---

2. Measure Carefully

• Dining tables: Allow at least 90cm around each side for chairs to move easily.

• Coffee tables: About 30–50cm from the sofa edge is ideal.

• Side & accent tables: Around arm height of adjacent furniture works best.

In simple terms: always measure first — it saves time and ensures harmonious proportions.

---

3. Match Your Décor

Choose materials and finishes that complement your interior:

• Timber: Warmth and texture for classic or coastal spaces.

• Glass & metal: Sleek and airy for contemporary looks.

• Marble or engineered stone: Luxe and durable for dining focal points.

Mixing materials — like timber with metal legs — adds depth and contrast.

---

4. Think About Shape

• Rectangular: Traditional and formal.

• Round: Social and cosy.

• Oval: Softens linear spaces.

Curved edges can help soften angular rooms and improve visual flow.

---

5. Prioritise Storage Needs

If you need extra storage:

• Choose tables with drawers, shelves or lower racks.

• Console and sideboard tables are ideal for combining surface and storage.

This is especially useful in open‑plan apartments or compact living rooms.

---

Benefits & Use Cases of Tables

Tables are far more than surfaces — they shape how we live, work and connect at home.

Centrepiece of Social Spaces

A dining table becomes the heart of family meals, celebrations and gathering moments.

---

Facilitates Everyday Activities

• Coffee tables hold drinks and snacks while you relax.

• Side tables keep essentials within arm’s reach.

• Console tables organise entryways.

This blend of utility and comfort makes tables indispensable.

---

Enhances Functionality & Flow

Tables define zones in open‑plan living:

• Dining zones

• Lounge seating areas

• Hallway organisation

• Work‑from‑home stations

They help anchor furniture layouts with clarity and purpose.

---

Supports Aesthetic Cohesion

Well‑chosen tables unify materials, textures and styles across a room.

For example, pairing a timber dining table with metal‑framed chairs creates a carefully curated contrast.

---

House of Isabella Recommendations

For Australians seeking premium tables that balance design, function and quality, House of Isabella Australia offers an exceptional selection with practical benefits.

Designer‑Curated Tables

House of Isabella stocks tables inspired by contemporary and classic aesthetics, drawing influences from:

• Florabelle Collection

• Zaffero

• Emac & Lawton

• Gallery Home

• Café Lighting & Living

• OneWorld Collection

This curated mix ensures you find both timeless staples and statement pieces that elevate interiors.

---

Large In‑Stock Catalogue

With a broad range of dining, coffee, side, console and occasional tables, House of Isabella makes it easy to:

• Compare styles

• Match sizes to spaces

• Avoid long waiting times

This convenient selection is ideal for Australians who want designer quality without showroom queues.

---

Buy Now, Pay Later with Afterpay & Zip

Flexible finance options mean you can invest in beautifully designed tables while managing your budget — spreading payments with Afterpay or Zip.

---

Fast Delivery Australia‑Wide

Thanks to East and West Coast warehouses, House of Isabella offers quick dispatch and reliable delivery across Australia — so you can enjoy your table sooner rather than later.

---

Australian‑Based Customer Care

Local support helps you:

• Choose the right table size

• Match materials to your décor

• Coordinate accessories and styling

This service ensures confidence and clarity throughout your purchase.

---

Table Trends for 2025 (Australia)

1. Mixed Materials

Tables blending timber, metal, glass or stone are trending — adding texture and contemporary interest.

---

2. Sculptural & Curved Forms

Soft edges and rounded profiles create an inviting and modern aesthetic, especially in coffee and side tables.

---

3. Sustainable & Recycled Materials

Eco‑conscious Australians are choosing tables made from responsibly sourced timber, recycled metal and low‑VOC finishes.

---

4. Multi‑Functional Pieces

Tables with hidden storage, adjustable heights and convertible forms are becoming popular for:

• Work‑from‑home setups

• Small apartments

• Flexible living spaces

---

5. Statement Dining Tables

Oversized dining tables with bold finishes — such as engineered stone or rich timber grains — act as architectural anchors in open living spaces.

---

Styling Advice for Tables

Here’s how to style your table like a designer:

Layer Decorations Thoughtfully

• Start with a runner or placemat

• Add a central vase or sculpture

• Include candles or small trays for texture

Balance is key — avoid overcrowding.

---

Coordinate with Seating

Ensure height alignment with chairs or sofas:

• Dining tables pair with chairs at a comfortable distance

• Coffee tables should be slightly lower than the sofa seat

This alignment ensures visual flow and comfort.

---

Use Rugs to Ground Tables

In lounge or dining areas, a well‑sized rug helps:

• Define the zone

• Anchor table placement

• Add visual warmth

Choose a rug with a pattern or texture that complements your table’s material.

---

Mix & Match Shapes

Pair round tables with angular décor items for contrast, or vice versa. Mixing shapes adds dynamic visual interest without chaos.

---

Play with Height

Vary décor heights (low bowls, tall vases, mid‑height candles) to create depth and rhythm across table surfaces.

---

Related Glossary Terms

• Dining Chairs

• Console Tables

• Accent Furniture

• Coffee Tables

• Sideboards & Buffets

• Modular Lounge Sets

These terms often intersect with tables in interior design and purchasing decisions.

---

Disclaimer

Mentions of brands such as Florabelle Collection, Gallery Home, Café Lighting & Living, Zaffero, and Emac & Lawton are included purely for descriptive and contextual purposes. House of Isabella Australia is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with these brands.