A side table with a magazine rack solves one of the most persistent problems in a living room: the slow accumulation of things with nowhere to belong. Books started and not yet finished. A magazine you mean to read properly. The remote. A coaster. Left on floors and sofa arms, they make a room feel busy even when it is otherwise well considered.
The right magazine rack side table gives those things a place — quietly, without making storage the point. This guide covers what to look for, which materials suit which rooms, and how to care for your piece once it is home.
What to Look for in a Side Table with Magazine Rack
Height and proportion. The table surface should sit roughly level with your sofa arm, typically between 55cm and 65cm. Too low and you are reaching down; too high and the whole piece reads as awkward. The rack itself should sit low enough to keep magazines and books below sightlines when seated.
Rack access. Some designs tuck the rack neatly beneath the tabletop; others integrate it as an open shelf. Open shelves keep things accessible but visible. Enclosed or semi-enclosed racks read cleaner. Think about how you use a side table day to day, not just how it photographs.
Surface size.A magazine rack side table tends to be narrower than a standard side table. You will have room for a drink, a lamp, or a small object — but not all three. If your side table needs to work hard as a surface, look for a design where the rack extends beneath rather than beside the top.
Stability. This matters with rack-integrated designs, which can be structurally lighter than a solid side table. Lean towards frames with four points of contact rather than cantilevered or suspended rack attachments.
Choosing the Right Material
Rattan and cane. Natural rattan brings warmth and texture into a room without visual weight. It sits well in japandi interiors, Scandi spaces, and relaxed living rooms where linen and natural fibres are already present. A rattan magazine rack side table softens a room that might otherwise feel sparse.
Metal and brushed steel. A metal side table with integrated magazine rack brings quiet structure and modernity. Unobtrusive in a way wood rarely manages, it pairs well with stone, ceramic, and glass surfaces. Suits minimal and japandi interiors where every piece earns its place by function as much as form.
Oak and solid wood. Solid wood options anchor a room with familiarity and warmth. They tend to read as more traditional, though the right profile and finish sits comfortably in contemporary spaces. Generally more durable than rattan counterparts, and they age well.
How to Style a Magazine Rack Side Table
Keep the surface deliberately spare. One object reads more considered than three — a ceramic vessel, a small lamp, or a single candle is enough. The visual rest is the point.
For the rack, resist the urge to fill it completely. Two or three magazines, a paperback, and space between them. Overfilling defeats the purpose and simply moves clutter from the floor to a more prominent location.
If your side table sits beside a sofa with strong lines, use it as an opportunity to introduce contrast: rattan beside a structured linen sofa, or a steel frame against a deep-toned upholstered chair. Contrast does the work that matching cannot.
In open-plan spaces, a pair of matching magazine rack side tables placed at either end of the sofa anchors the seating area and creates visual symmetry without rigidity.
Caring for Your Side Table
Rattan and cane. Dust regularly with a dry or lightly damp cloth. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which dries out the fibres over time. If the cane feels dry, a very light application of linseed oil once or twice a year keeps it supple. Keep away from sustained moisture — rattan is resilient but not waterproof.
Metal and brushed steel. Wipe down with a soft damp cloth and dry immediately. Avoid abrasive cleaners, which scratch the brushed finish. If your piece is used near a window, check periodically for any moisture build-up at joints. A thin application of furniture wax every few months maintains the finish.
Oak and solid wood. Clean with a slightly damp cloth and dry promptly. Use a wood-appropriate polish or wax a few times a year. Avoid placing directly in front of radiators or in rooms with highly variable humidity, which can cause movement in the timber over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What height should a side table with magazine rack be?
For use beside a sofa, the table surface should typically sit between 55cm and 65cm, roughly in line with the sofa arm. This makes the surface easy to reach and ensures the rack sits discreetly below eye level when seated.
Can a side table with a magazine rack hold a lamp?
Yes, provided the surface is large enough. Most magazine rack side tables have a tabletop of 30-45cm across. A slim table lamp works well; a large base lamp may feel top-heavy. Choose a lamp with a base no wider than a third of the table surface.
Is rattan or metal better for a magazine rack side table?
It depends on the room. Rattan adds warmth and texture and suits natural, relaxed interiors. Metal reads cleaner and more minimal, suiting japandi and contemporary spaces. Both are durable with basic care. The better question is which material the rest of your room is asking for.
How many magazines can a side table rack hold?
Most designs comfortably hold four to six standard magazines or two to three paperbacks upright. The intention is not to archive, it is to keep a small, curated selection within reach.
Can I use a magazine rack side table in a bedroom?
Yes. Placed beside a bed, it functions as a bedside table with built-in storage for books and reading material. Look for a design where the rack sits to the side rather than the front, so it does not obstruct getting in and out of bed.
[Shop side tables with magazine rack at Fjord & Fuji.](/collections/side-tables-magazine-rack)
