If you’re short on space for typical end tables, you’re in the right place my friend!

I’m here to help you discover creative uses for the coziest corners in your small, awkward, or tricky room.

From stylish nesting tables to smart alternatives that maximize your room’s potential, this collection of small and tricky space solutions will help you think outside of the “traditional end table” box.

Let’s explore a world beyond end tables – a world where innovation meets style to transform tight spaces into functional and useful spots.

Let’s get into space-saving solutions: exploring end table alternatives for compact spaces.

Small round stools

These are great because they can tuck into a corner or under a console when not in use.

I like round because they shape fits well in corners.

Square stools would fight the angles of the wall – especially if the corners of the wall are angled.

Nesting Tables

I love to recommend nesting tables for many smaller, awkward, or tricky rooms.

They’re perfect because they nest together and take up very little space.

When you need to break them up, they can serve a few different seats. After your company goes home, they nest together again until next time.

A Large Coffee Table.

If you don’t have space for end tables, I suggest getting a large coffee table that will reach the entire length of a sofa.

This will make sure that people sitting on both ends of the sofa can reach it just as easily as someone sitting in the middle.

I prefer an oval coffee table in most narrow or small rooms because they’re easy to navigate around. You don’t have the angles of a square or rectangle table, or the bulkiness of a round table to contend with.

A Console Table

Sometimes you might not have enough space right next to a chair or sofa, but you might have a wall close by – like in this picture.

A console table is handy because it can be placed against the wall, but still be close enough to the furniture for easy reach.

Tip: I tend to favor “open style” console tables in small rooms because the openness allows you to see through to the wall. Seeing the wall is a tried-and-true layout technique that will instantly make your room feel larger.

Plant Stands

I like these for a few of reasons:

They’re usually quite easy to find, especially in Spring and Summer. Check the outdoor section of your favorite department store.
They’re often MUCH less expensive than your typical interior end table.
They’re durable: wood, glass, metal. That means you don’t have to be so careful with them. They’re meant to take some spills and still hold up to outside climates.

Plant stands work well in tight spots. So, if you don’t have the room for an end table with drawers, a plant stand will give you a surface for a small lamp, a small plant, and a spot to put your coffee cup down.

Wall Shelves

When your floor space isn’t available, I say use the wall.

I am partial to floating style wall shelves in smaller or tight spaces because they aren’t fussy. They allow the décor to be the focus because there isn’t any visible hardware supporting the shelf.

In this picture, you could easily place a coaster on the shelf for a drink and a small reading lamp behind the chair for a nice cozy spot to read a good book.

So, wall shelves do double duty in smaller or challenging spaces. They add height and a spot to place anything you need right at hand.

Etageres

These are probably my all-time favorite small, tricky, awkward rooms pieces.

Etageres are open floor shelves that are usually tall and skinny.

I like them as a replacement or alternative for end tables because their openness will allow you to easily place a tablet computer, notebook, beverage, or anything else you want close by – because the sides are open and easily accessible.

Like wall shelves, they add height to a room which allows you to vary your décor by height, scale, and shape.

Tip: Style your etagere sparingly. 1, 2 or 3 items on each shelf will keep it from feeling overstuffed and cluttered.

Ottomans

Talk about doing double duty. You can’t beat an ottoman that doubles as a make-shift end table when you’re short on space.

Shown here, you can use an ottoman, or a stack of two woven foot stools, as a surface for working on your laptop or as a spot to put a snack or a beverage.

Tip: I often recommend storage ottomans or cube ottomans as a multi-functional solution for tricky rooms that lack extra seating or storage. They’re perfect for storing under open console tables when not in use.

Small Folding Tables

I love folding tables because they’re convenient little occasional side tables that can fold up and be placed in a hall closet, under a bed, or behind a credenza.

When you need a little extra surface, pull these bad boys out and set ‘em up.

Tray tables, TV tables, garden tables, any will do in a pinch when you don’t want – or don’t have room- for everyday end tables.

Trays

You can’t beat a tray for an instant solid surface when you don’t have room for end tables.

These can be stored in a ‘storage ottoman’ or leaned in between a credenza and the wall. Maybe you have a slim spot in a kitchen cabinet where it can be stored on its side, so it takes up the least amount of space.

Tip: I tend to always go for smallish trays with handles and sides. This one pictured here is ideal. The small size is great for one or two beverages and a shared bowl of popcorn. The handles make it easy to carry. The sides protect your upholstery from spills – trust me, spills happen even with the most care.

Credenzas

If you only have room for ONE thing, I say go big, even in smaller and tricky spaces.

Credenzas and buffets offer closed storage for lots of stuff, and you can still display items on top and room for a cup of coffee as well.

Like many of the other pieces featured here, I like to use credenzas that have some openness to them.

Here, the credenza has legs which give it a lift off the floor and makes it feel lighter in the room.

Benches

Here’s another “double duty” item that works well in limited spaces.

Benches offer additional seating, a surface for display and utilitarian spots for things like a cup of coffee or laptop. Children’s chairs can also be an excellent compact option for limited spaces, offering functional seating that is easy to move and store.

I like benches because they can be placed against a wall or in smaller foyers for everyday use.

They’re never in the way because they always have a purpose.

Have overflow company? A bench works great for some additional seating, and one person can easily move a bench by themselves.

Need an occasional coffee table or end table? A skinny bench, like this one, can be moved into the living room for a short time and be very useful.

Drink Tables

I LOVE a good drink table!

You can’t beat them because they’re always fashionable, totally useful, and typically smaller - usually just enough room for a martini or coffee cup.

I prefer round drink tables because they easily tuck in close the side of a chair or sofa arm, or into a tight corner.

I also like them because they often give you a chance to introduce a unique or eclectic piece into your décor because they’re usually made of metal, stone, or glass.

Radiator Covers

In my living room, I have a couple of radiators with custom covers that I use to display some décor.

Now, my living room is long and narrow and having these covers allows me to have a narrow console like surface that is great for the occasional extra “end table” surface when I have a few people over. Inevitably, someone pulls up one of my armless chairs over to the radiator cover and places their drink down while visiting.

So, if you’re in a pinch for some extra surfaces the next time you entertain, don’t forget about the radiator cover!

Windowsills

If you’re lucky to have windowsills, they can be a great extra surface in a room without end tables.

I really like this picture because this windowsill area is built-out with excellent storage. There’s a more than generous surface for décor and built-in shelves underneath for books.

Now I realize that this might be hard to pull off in a smaller or narrow room, but if you plan it out and work in some custom dimensions, a solution like this can work in lots of different size and shape rooms.

You don’t need to go this deep with the sill or shelves. You could build out a few inches, maybe 3” or 4”, and achieve a wonderful amount of storage for a few smaller items and have plenty of room for a surface that replaces an end table.

Wall Niches

I’ve been on this kick for a while now where I want to open-up some walls in my house, the space between the studs so I can create a DIY broom closet….

I guess I’m experiencing some mild growing pains and I’d like to get my cleaning stuff out of my walk-in pantry.

But that’s a story for another time…

Since I had this DIY project in mind, I thought that wall niches could also be a great solution for spaces that don’t have room for small accent tables.

You might have to use your imagination for this one a bit but, picture a sofa or chair that has no other options but to be placed close to a wall.

Now imagine a niche, like this one, cut into the wall and then finished to match the wall texture and décor… It’s functional and gives you just enough space for some décor and a cup of coffee.

Bar Carts

Another super versatile piece to have in smaller spaces is the trusty bar cart.

This one here is perfect because it’s narrow – would fit in tight spots, and it has wheels for easy movability.

Now, bar carts are useful end table substitutes because they can be loaded up with drinks and snacks in the kitchen and then wheeled into the living room for company.

They can also store books, a laptop or tablet, and office supplies so you can use it as a mobile office in a pinch.

Let your imagination run wild with all the various uses that a bar cart on wheels can do for your small living room.

As you embark on your journey to transform your small, tricky, or awkward spaces, remember that innovation knows no boundaries.

Embrace the possibilities that come with choosing one of these unconventional furniture options.

Whether it's a stylish nesting table or a functional wall shelf, these alternatives are here to help you envision new uses for the spots where end tables usually go.

Your small room has big potential – make it shine!

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I write about small space design and decorating, sustainable furniture options, positive self care and a variety of do-it-yourself home décor.

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“Michael Helwig was top-notch, very professional and responsive to my needs. He allowed me time to explore ideas and try out a variety of combinations until we found the perfect fit. Michael provided detailed information and offered beautiful ideas to make my dream living room become a reality. The furniture he sourced has totally transformed my living room space. Everyone that has seen my new living room has one word, WOW! A special thank you to Michael for a wonderful experience.”

— Karen B.

“Michael was very knowledgeable and guided us, with great patience and good humor, through the process of designing our dining room and helping us find the perfect sleeper sofa. He offered really helpful advice when we asked questions - which was often - but at no time did we ever feel pushed. He helped me when I felt like I couldn’t make one more decision. When my new furniture finally arrived I realized everything down to the pillows was perfect. I couldn’t be happier!”

— Sarah H.

Michael is Principal designer and blogger at Michael Helwig Interiors in beautiful Buffalo, New York. Since 2011, he’s a space planning expert, offering online interior e-design services for folks living in small homes, or for those with awkward and tricky layouts. He’s a frequent expert contributor to many National media publications and news outlets on topics related to decorating, interior design, diy projects, and more. Michael happily shares his experience to help folks avoid expensive mistakes and decorating disappointments. You can follow him on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook @interiorsmh.