Drink Tables

A drink table, sometimes called a martini table, is a petite pedestal table with a top of about 10–14 inches, made to hold a drink, phone or book beside a chair. It fits where a full end table would crowd the room, such as between two armchairs or at the end of a sectional, and is light enough to move as needed.

Level with the arm of the chair or couch, usually 20–24 inches, so you can reach a glass without leaning. Beside a low lounge chair, a slightly shorter table of around 18 inches is more comfortable. Measure the arm height of the seat it will serve before you buy. Slightly lower is easier than slightly higher.

Next to an accent chair, between a pair of chairs, at the end of a sectional, beside a tub or bed, or anywhere a full end table would crowd a walkway. Some work outdoors on a patio if the material is weather-resistant. Their small footprint makes them easy to add to an existing layout.

A good drink table has a heavy or wide base relative to its small top, so it won't tip when bumped. Marble, metal and solid wood bases are steadier than thin, lightweight designs. With kids or dogs at home, look for a base at least as wide as the top, or a three-legged design.

Metal and lacquered wood resist water rings and wipe clean easily. Marble and travertine look elegant but can stain or etch from wine and citrus unless sealed, so use a coaster. Glass shows water spots. Since drink tables hold glasses and mugs, a surface that handles condensation and heat matters more than usual.

Only a very small one. Most drink table tops are too narrow for a lamp and a glass together, and a lamp makes the table easier to tip. For reading light beside a chair, a floor lamp keeps the drink table free, or choose an end table with a top of at least 18 inches.