We all know that buying new furniture can be expensive. That’s why we couldn’t believe our eyes when we came across Homebase’s new, expensive Erik side table at a very reasonable £50. Especially since this side table looks exactly like a much more expensive side table from John Lewis that costs more than five times its price.
Side tables like this are a great idea as an alternative to a coffee table in small living rooms as they don’t take up as much space as a regular coffee table. The Erik Round Side Table is part of Homebase’s wider Erik furniture range and comes in a slatted finish, much like the John Lewis-style side table which costs £279. This is something that caught our eye straight away as slatted furniture is a timeless home decor trend that’s great for adding a bit of texture, depth and fun to a room.
What spaces can benefit from the Homebase side table?
As mentioned earlier, if you are struggling with space in a small living room or are looking for an idea for a cramped living room, choosing a side table (or a pair of side tables) instead of a traditional coffee table may be the perfect solution, experts say.
“You can use side tables as an option – they provide the same coffee function and also add more character to your home,” says Ali Edwards, head of design at MADE.
(Image credit: John Lewis)
“Furniture sets other than a coffee table can work well too, such as including small side tables that don’t take up much space and provide a functional space,” agrees Lena Gerasinska, head of product and offerings at Parker & Stonehouse.
While a living room doesn’t necessarily need a side table, depending on the layout and what you already have, this style of side table can also work as a bedside table, providing ample surface space with a table top and two internal shelves in both the Homebase design and the John Lewis table.
What is the difference between the two side tables?
The Homebase design is a carbon copy of the John Lewis side table. As one reviewer wrote, “A lovely looking side or centre table – easy to assemble, looks expensive.” But there are of course some differences – think of them as siblings, not twins.
Homebase Eric Slatted Side Table
John Lewis Slatted Side Table in Natural
The shape is almost identical except for the legs – the John Lewis model comes with four longer legs that are smooth extensions of the decorative strips. Meanwhile, the Homebase side table has shorter, more rounded legs that simply attach to the base. There are only three of them.
The materials and colour also vary. While the Homebase side table is made entirely from MDF with a dark brown oak finish reminiscent of mid-century modern furniture, the John Lewis design is made from a combination of solid oak and MDF and comes in a Scandinavian-style light wood finish.
So which one would be your choice?
