Also known as C-shaped tables or laptop tables, cantilever side tables are cleverly designed to tuck in (cantilever) over your sofa, without the structure of the table getting in the way.
They are the answer to all of life’s living room problems. A bold statement, I know. I do tend to get over-excited by furniture, but seriously though, they are the best! ð
No more stretching awkwardly to reach your central coffee table. Simply tuck your cantilever table in over your sofa and keep your tea/wine/tv-remote at your fingertips.
And no more sizzling your thighs with the heat of your laptop – This type of table can be tucked in over your lap when you want to take a break from the mundaneness (it’s a word – I checked!) of your desk.*
*Working from an ergonomic office chair at your desk is best for the health of your neck and back, but it is so nice to have a change of scenery sometimes! I am writing this blog post from my sofa/cantilever table set up – Please don’t tell my Physio ð
Which Cantilever Tables did I Choose for my Own Home?
I had been looking out for cantilever tables for my own home – The Rustic Townhouse – for quite some time before I found the perfect pair.
Of course, me being me, I researched and compared numerous (too many ðĪŠ) options made from sustainable materials only. I found these absolute beauties (pictured above) made from high quality, solid acacia wood and a sturdy metal frame.
They are chunky enough to be durable, but light enough to be moved around easily. The fact that they come in a set of two in varying heights is a bonus. ‘Life-changing’ might be an over-exaggeration, but they are seriously handy! ð
In order to be as sustainable as possible, my criteria were that the tables should be:
- Durable to stand the test of time â
- Made from solid wood (no imitation wood) â
- Timeless and not follow any ‘trend.’ â
- Made from sustainable materials â
- From a company with a sustainability mission â
- Delivered in minimal packaging â
These are the general ‘rules’ I keep in mind for all of my home decor purchases. It is almost impossible to get a ‘tick’ for every aspect, but it is good to have an ambitious criteria list. The tables arrived wrapped in more packaging than I would have liked (including plastic), so I have since contacted the supplier to see if they hope to reduce this in the future.
How to Choose a CANTILEVER Table Style That Will Work for Your Room:
1. Choose a Shape that Balances the Other Elements in the Space
Interior design is all about balance. Too many straight or angular lines in a space can make a space feel harsh or uninviting, whereas using only soft, curved elements, can mean a space lacks structure or contrast.
When choosing your cantilever tables (or any other furniture piece), you should aim to balance the room by ensuring you have both structured and organic shapes.
If the furniture and architectural elements in your living space are rigid and linear – for example, if your central coffee table is rectangular and you also have a wall of linear cabinetry, I would recommend opting for round side tables to soften the look.
Likewise, if your sofa is a curved style and your central coffee table is circular, you may want to balance this with straight-edged cantilever tables for a nice contrast.
However, there are no hard and fast rules around this, so follow your own sense of what feels right in the space.
2. Choose Materials That Compliment the Overall Design Scheme
It is usually nice to choose a couple of metals and a couple of wood tones that work together, and mix and match them throughout your home. Black metal (or white, actually) coordinates really well with almost any other metal – brass, bronze, steel or copper – so you can choose pieces that work together, but are not necessarily all the same finish.
I would never advise that all materials used in a home need to match exactly as I feel that this can make a space seem quite flat.
For example, if the central coffee table in your living room is wooden, you might choose to contrast this with marble cantilever tables. Or likewise, if you have a hard finish – stone, metal or glass – on your central coffee table, you can warm the space up by adding solid wood cantilever tables.
To be as sustainable as possible, opt for natural materials (real, solid wood) or other long-lasting materials such as metal, glass or stone. Stay away from imitation woods or plastic!
3. Check the Available Space Underneath Your Sofa
If your sofa is a ‘solid’ style that sits very low on the floor, you will need to make sure you go for a cantilever table with a frame that has a reasonably flat base. If the base of the table is too chunky or high, it will not slide underneath.
Most low sofa styles are only slightly raised off the floor on very small feet – check the height of the gap between the underside of the sofa and the floor to be sure the frame of a table will fit.
If, however, your sofa is raised on legs, you’re flying. The world of cantilever side tables is your oyster, and you are not restricted to a flat base. You can choose almost any cantilever table style that you fancy, and they will all easily slide under the space below your sofa.
4. Always Carry Through Your Own Unique Style
Every person has a unique style, and it is important to carry this through to the items you surround yourself within your home. Never follow trends, as trends will pass. Only purchase items that are true to your style, be it modern, traditional, classic, rustic or eclectic.
Here are some more examples of the many different cantilever side tables to choose from – There is one to suit every style. Happy shopping! ð
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