Ubald Klug’s sculptural Terrazza couch and Vico Magestretti’s adjustable Maralunga sofa would look great in an empty room. But the average pale gray big-box sofa needs a little help, especially when it’s situated smack-dab in the middle of a space. The right accent table can give it a boost, and we just scouted one that fits the bill at IKEA.
The Holmerud side table was specifically designed to stand snug alongside a sofa’s armrest (it’s just over 20 inches tall and 31 inches long). The top of the piece is a foot deep, making it the perfect surface for styling large coffee-table books, while the alternating shelves underneath offer room for vases, baskets, candles—you name it. But what’s really genius about the product is that you can combine multiples to wrap an entire L-shaped sectional in shelving. A coffee table could never.
There are similar corner tables on the market, like the modular ash-wood Mara system from The Socialite Family, but that alone is $1,840. IKEA’s sofa-disguising piece is just $50. Aside from automatically adding a layered feel to your living room, the various shelves and dividers naturally hide pesky lamp and speaker cords. (Psst: You can use cable management strips like this to keep them from popping out.)
If your living room isn’t a priority, consider using them in an entryway, similar to Emily Henderson creative director Jess Bunge’s custom wraparound bench. No corner is safe.
Holmerud Side Table, IKEA ($50)