5 Types of Occasional Tables Every Living Room Can Benefit From

When furnishing a living room, large pieces such as sofas and couches, recliners, and accent chairs usually get most of the attention. But the right tables can make the entire space more functional and visually complete. From keeping drinks within reach to adding storage and creating flexible surfaces, occasional tables are an easy way to improve your living room setup.

At Sam’s Furniture, the occasional table collection includes a variety of styles from brands such as Ashley, Jofran, Liberty, Sunny Designs, and Steve Silver. The current collection includes options such as the Ashley Havalance, Ashley Watson, Jofran Rondo Nesting Tables, and Jofran Claremont Lift Top Coffee Table.

Here are five types of occasional tables worth considering for your home.

1. Coffee Tables for the Center of Your Living Room

A coffee table is often the centerpiece of a living room furniture arrangement. Positioned in front of a sofa or sectional, it provides a convenient surface for drinks, books, décor, remotes, and everyday items.

The Sam’s Furniture occasional tables collection features numerous coffee table options. For example, the Ashley T647-1 Maylee coffee table has an elegant dark-brown finish, decorative apron detailing, and scrolled legs for a more traditional look.

For a contemporary room, the Ashley T622 Jorlaina offers a very different appearance. It combines a cement-look top with a textured gray base and a durable melamine surface designed to resist stains, scratches, heat, and water.

Best for:

• Sofas and sectionals

• Living rooms with open floor space

• Decorative displays

• Everyday entertaining

When choosing a coffee table, consider the size of your sofa, walking space around the table, and the overall style of your living room.

2. Lift-Top Coffee Tables for Added Function

If you want your living room table to do more than provide a flat surface, a lift-top coffee table can be a practical option.

One example available through Sam’s Furniture is the Jofran 2400 Claremont. This transitional rustic coffee table measures 47.25 inches long and features a hidden lift-top storage area, an additional lower shelf, and caster wheels for mobility.

A lift-top design can be particularly useful in smaller homes or multifunctional living rooms. The raised surface can provide a more convenient place for activities such as working, eating, reading, or using a laptop while sitting on the sofa.

Best for:

• Small living rooms

• Multifunctional spaces

• Extra storage

• Work-from-home setups

• Families who want flexible furniture

3. Nesting Tables for Flexible Living Rooms

Nesting tables are another smart choice when flexibility matters. Instead of having one large table permanently occupying floor space, nesting tables can be arranged together or separated when additional surfaces are needed.

Sam’s Furniture currently lists the Jofran 2330-3026 Rondo Nesting Tables within its occasional tables collection.

Nesting tables can work especially well when you regularly entertain guests. Keep them together for a clean appearance, then separate them around the room when visitors need additional places to set down drinks or other items.

Best for:

• Smaller spaces

• Entertaining guests

• Flexible furniture arrangements

• Modern and casual living rooms

4. End and Side Tables for Extra Surface Space

Not every table needs to sit in the middle of the room. End tables and side tables can fill those smaller spaces beside sofas, recliners, and accent chairs.

They can provide a convenient spot for a lamp, phone, book, remote control, or decorative accessory without taking up the floor space required by a large coffee table.

Sam’s Furniture's occasional table collection includes a wide range of table collections and individual pieces, including models such as the Ashley T814 Havalance, Ashley T481 Watson, Ashley T411 Roybeck, Liberty 244 Magnolia Manor, and Liberty 210 Lake House.

When selecting an end table, think about the height of the furniture next to it. A table that works beside a sofa may not be the right height for a low-profile chair or recliner.

Best for:

• Beside sofas and couches

• Recliner seating areas

• Lamps and décor

• Small unused spaces

5. Accent Occasional Tables for Style & Personality

Sometimes a living room simply needs a small table to complete the look. Accent occasional tables can add another layer of texture, shape, color, or material without overwhelming the room.

The Sam’s Furniture collection includes many different designs, from traditional wood-inspired pieces to contemporary mixed-material tables. Examples listed in the current collection include the Jofran 2220 Circularity, Jofran 2268 Brooklyn, Jofran 2347 Dev, Steve Silver Gra100 Gracie, Steve Silver SK200C Skyler, and Elements TKN 100 Kendyl.

These tables can be especially useful when you're trying to coordinate your coffee tables, end tables, sofas and couches, and other living room furniture without making every piece look identical.

How to Choose the Right Occasional Table

Before purchasing an occasional table, consider a few practical factors:

Measure Your Space

Measure the area where the table will go and leave enough room for people to walk comfortably around it.

Consider Your Existing Furniture

Look at the height, color, finish, and materials of your sofa, chairs, entertainment center, and other furniture.

Think About Function

Do you need storage? A lift-top? Extra seating space? A simple surface for décor? Your intended use can help narrow down your choices.

Don't Forget Your Room's Style

Traditional, rustic, contemporary, farmhouse, and transitional rooms can all benefit from occasional tables, but the finish and shape should complement the furniture already in the space.

Find Occasional Tables at Sam's Furniture

Whether you're furnishing a new living room or updating an existing space, the right occasional tables can add both function and style. Sam’s Furniture offers a selection of coffee tables and occasional tables in different designs, finishes, and configurations.

If you're searching for furniture stores near me, or looking for a furniture store in Fayetteville AR, Rogers AR, Bentonville AR, Springdale AR, or Northwest Arkansas, you can explore Sam’s Furniture's current occasional table collection and visit the showroom to see available options. The company notes that products shown online are for its Sam’s Furniture Superstore in Springdale, AR, and that availability and selections can vary by location.

FAQs About Occasional Tables

1. What are occasional tables?

Occasional tables are smaller tables designed to provide convenient surface space throughout a living room or other areas of the home. Coffee tables, end tables, side tables, and nesting tables are common examples.

2. What is the difference between a coffee table and an occasional table?

A coffee table is generally designed to sit in front of a sofa or sectional, while “occasional tables” is a broader category that can include coffee tables, end tables, side tables, and other smaller tables.

3. Are lift-top coffee tables useful for small living rooms?

Yes. A lift-top coffee table can provide a flexible surface and, depending on the design, additional storage while maintaining the functionality of a traditional coffee table. The Jofran Claremont, for example, includes a hidden lift-top storage area and a lower shelf.

4. Are nesting tables good for entertaining?

Nesting tables can be useful when you need flexible surface space. They can remain grouped together or be separated around the room when additional table space is needed.

5. How do I choose an occasional table for my sofa?

Consider the sofa's height, length, available floor space, and your intended use. The table should be practical to reach while leaving enough room for comfortable movement.

6. Where can I find occasional tables in Northwest Arkansas?

Sam’s Furniture has an Occasional Tables collection with coffee tables and other table styles. Its current online selection includes products from Ashley, Jofran, Liberty, Sunny Designs, Steve Silver, and other brands.

Final Thought

The right occasional table doesn't have to be the biggest piece in your living room to make a difference. Whether you prefer a traditional coffee table, a storage-friendly lift-top, flexible nesting tables, or a compact side table, choosing the right piece can make your living room more functional and cohesive.

Explore the occasional tables collection at Sam’s Furniture to find options for your living room