Maram Makers

Sep 24, 20233 min

Modern Side Tables - A Solution For Clutter Free Living

Updated: Oct 31, 2023

Side tables, they're great when sitting empty by a bed but start adding in your power outlets, cables, devices, books and the odd knick-knack and it starts looking cluttered.

We wanted to update this essential piece of furniture to be more functional whilst minimal in design. It needed to be adapted for modern use to help us maintain a tidy and organized space. With that in mind we set out to create our functional and design checklist.

Side Table Functional Checklist

  • Versatile storage - A shelf for your devices and a soft close drawer for your essentials.

  • Built-in power outlets or a way to store your own powerboard.

  • Integrated cable management - No more cables dangling around your bed space.

Side Table Design Checklist

  • Engineered For A Lifetime - Made from solid timber with mitred corners and mortise and tenon joinery.

  • Minimalist Mid-Century Modern Aesthetic - That's a lot of words but we basically wanted a simple, clean design with subtle details such as our chamfered handles complementing the beveled side table body. Following a theme similar to our other furniture.

  • Colour Pairings - We all have different tastes and we wanted to provide the flexibility to make a piece fit your design aesthetic. The drawer fronts and handles come in a variety of finishes allowing you to create your own look.

Checklist done, off to the drawing board! When we create any furniture, especially a catalogue piece, we take into consideration the production process and aim to design it in a way that allows for lean manufacturing. This holistic view allows us to keep costs from escalating and produce furniture with consistent, high quality craftsmanship.

Take 1 - Flap On

Sometimes the best way to visually and functionally test a design is to make a couple prototypes and put it through it's paces. Inspired by our desk, our initial design had a flip up flap to access the powerboard and cable management section. This had it's challenges from hinge options to grain matching the flap piece to the rest of the side table body.

The end result was a beautiful but over complicated opening motion. Furthermore the convenience of easy access to the powerboard sacrificed usable space on the top of the table.

Moving on we loved the look and feel of our built-in chamfered handle but wanted to change the overall proportions. The ratios didn't look quite right to us.

Take 2 - Flap Off

Back to the drawing board. We changed the proportions slightly, this time following the 1.618 golden ratio for drawer and shelf space. The flap mechanism was removed and a new cable management and built-in powerboard setup was incorporated into the back. We also wanted a more softer look and put large round overs on the outer edge of each leg.

Bringing It All Together

Like our Mesa desk, Side Table 01 came about because we were fed up with the dangling mess of cables and dust around our own side tables, especially near our beds. We realized that side tables are essential to maintain an organized and clutter-free sleep space.

Through meticulous planning and testing we've created a piece that elevates bedroom and office decor. With versatile storage solutions, integrated power management, and a timeless design, our side tables blend elegance with efficiency. It's another thoughtfully created piece that enhances the look and organisation of your home.

Build and order your Side Table 01 online from $1290.

Side Table 01

    1580
    2