Most side tables are boring. A wooden cube. A metal circle. Functional, yes. Memorable? No.
Then there are these.
Kare Design has created a collection of side tables where the legs are animals – an elephant, a tiger, a cat, two meerkats, and a Jack Russell terrier. They are sturdy enough to hold your tea (up to 20kg) and quirky enough to start a conversation.
But can they work in a real UK home without looking like a children’s playroom? Yes – if you style them right.
Here are five animal side tables, reviewed for practicality, aesthetic impact, and where to put them in your house.
Contenders at a glance
| Name | Animal | Height | Top diameter | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elephant Accent Table | Elephant (grey) | 51cm | 35 x 32cm (oval-ish) | Living room / plant stand |
| Tiger Side Table | Tiger (brown/orange) | 52cm | 35cm (round) | Bedroom / bold accent |
| Ms Cat Side Table | Cat (brown) | 51cm | 33cm (round) | Hallway / minimalist spaces |
| Meerkat Sisters Table | Two meerkats | 51cm | 34 x 33cm | Reading nook / quirky corner |
| Mr Jack Russell Table | Jack Russell terrier | 52cm | 35cm (round) | Office / dog lovers |
Detailed specifications table
| Specification | Elephant | Tiger | Ms Cat | Meerkat Sisters | Mr Jack Russell |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Polyresin + wood-look top | Polyresin + wood-look top | Polyresin + wood top | Polyresin + wood top | Polyresin + wood top |
| Weight | 6.5 kg | 7.5 kg | 7.4 kg | ~7 kg | ~7 kg |
| Max load | 20 kg | 20 kg | 20 kg | 20 kg | 20 kg |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 51 x 35 x 32 cm | 52 x 35 x 33 cm | 51 x 34 x 33 cm | 51 x 34 x 33 cm | 52 x 35 x 33 cm |
| Shape | Oval-ish top | Round | Round | Round | Round |
| Colour | Grey | Brown/orange | Brown | Brown | Brown/white |
| Style vibe | Elegant, exotic | Bold, wild | Minimalist, glam | Whimsical, curious | Playful, rustic |
| Best room | Living room, hallway | Bedroom, office | Hallway, bedroom | Reading nook, plant corner | Office, study, living room |
Which animal fits your room personality?
After reviewing all five, here is a single comparison matching each animal side table to a specific room style and emotional vibe.
| If your home style is… | Choose this animal | Because it adds… |
|---|---|---|
| Elegant, neutral, sophisticated | Elephant (grey) | Wisdom and calm presence. |
| Bold, exotic, warm | Tiger (brown/orange) | Energy and a wild touch. |
| Minimalist, calm, cat‑lover | Ms Cat (brown) | Subtle charm without shouting. |
| Whimsical, curious, plant‑filled | Meerkat Sisters | Double the character and a story. |
| Rustic, dog‑loving, homey | Mr Jack Russell | Nostalgic, loyal, playful energy. |
Styling animal side tables like a pro
Here is your home aesthetic advice – how to make these quirky pieces look intentional, not childish.
The golden rule: One animal per room
Do not put an elephant, a tiger, a cat, and meerkats in the same living room. It becomes a zoo. Choose one animal side table as the focal point. Let the rest of the room be calm.
What to put on top (and what not to)
| Do put… | Do NOT put… |
|---|---|
| A single trailing plant | A cluttered collection of knick‑knacks |
| One sculptural vase with dried flowers | A TV remote, loose change, and mail |
| A stack of 2–3 coffee table books | A lamp that overhangs the edge |
| A large candle (unlit is fine) | A drink without a coaster (rings will show) |
Placement by room
- Living room: Next to the sofa, opposite the main coffee table. Use it for a lamp or a plant.
- Bedroom: As a bedside table. The height (51–52cm) is perfect for a standard bed (mattress top ~50–60cm).
- Hallway: Alone against a wall. Put a bowl for keys on top. The animal greets guests.
- Home office: Next to a desk. Use it for a printer? No. For a coffee mug and a notebook? Yes.
- Bathroom: Only if very dry and well‑ventilated. Polyresin is not waterproof – moisture can damage it over time.
UK‑specific considerations
- Size of UK rooms: In a small Victorian terrace living room (12 sqm), one animal table is plenty. Do not add a second.
- Flooring: These tables have no felt pads on the bottom (the animals’ feet are the base). On hardwood or tile floors, add self‑adhesive felt pads to prevent scratching. On carpet, they are fine.
- Delivery: Each table weighs 6.5–7.5kg and comes in a single box. Easy for one person to carry up stairs.
- Cleaning: Dust with a soft cloth. Do not use spray cleaners on the polyresin – they can dull the finish. For the wood top, a barely damp cloth is fine.
How to avoid the “children’s room” look
Animal furniture can easily tip into nursery territory. Here is how to keep it adult:
- Pair with grown‑up materials: Marble, brass, dark wood, leather. A tiger table next to a leather chesterfield? Sophisticated. Next to a bright pink plastic chair? Childish.
- Keep the top minimal: One item only. A single orchid. A stack of two art books. A small sculpture.
- Choose neutral walls: White, beige, grey, navy. Let the animal be the colour pop.
- Avoid themed decorations: No zebra print rug, no safari wallpaper, no other animal figurines nearby. The side table is the only animal reference in the room.
Meet the five animal side tables
1. Elephant Accent Table (Grey)
This is the stately one. A grey elephant stands on all fours, holding a wooden-look top on its back. It is the tallest of the group (51cm) but also the most substantial.
Why it works – Elephants symbolise wisdom, strength, and good luck. The grey colour is neutral enough to fit into most colour schemes – grey sofas, beige walls, even bold jewel tones. The oval-ish top (35 x 32cm) is large enough for a lamp, a book, and a small plant.
Aesthetic advice – Use it as a plant stand. A trailing plant like pothos or string of pearls draping down the elephant’s side looks magical. Or place it next to a reading chair with a stack of three books and a cup of tea.
The catch – At 6.5kg, it is lighter than the tiger but still heavy. The grey polyresin can look plasticky in direct sunlight – keep it away from harsh window light.
Best placed in a living room corner, next to a sofa, or as an entryway table for keys and a small dish.
2. Tiger Side Table (Brown/Orange)
This one is for the bold. A tiger in mid-stride? Sitting? The description says “recreated with attention to detail” – expect stripes, orange tones, and a fierce but friendly face.
Why it works – The tiger brings energy and exotic flair. It is a conversation starter. The round top (35cm diameter) is perfect for a single dramatic object – a large candle, a sculptural vase, or a stack of art books.
Aesthetic advice – Pair it with neutral backgrounds. A white or beige wall lets the tiger pop. Do not put it next to busy patterned wallpaper – the tiger will fight for attention. Use it as a bedside table in a guest room to give visitors something to smile at.
The catch – Orange and brown may clash with cool-toned rooms (blues, greys). It works best in warm, earthy spaces.
Best placed in a bedroom, a bohemian living room, or a home office where you need a spark of creativity.
3. Ms Cat Side Table (Brown)
This is the minimalist’s animal table. A cat (sitting? stretching?) in brown polyresin, with a round top. The brand describes it as “timeless, glamour, minimalist”.
Why it works – Cats are universally loved. The brown tone is warm and natural. The compact size (33cm diameter top) fits into tight spaces – next to a narrow armchair, in a hallway corner, or even as a plant stand in a bathroom.
Aesthetic advice – Use it in a monochromatic room. A beige-on-beige or grey-on-grey scheme lets the cat be the subtle focal point. Place a single item on top – a ceramic vase with a dried flower, or a small reading lamp. Do not clutter it.
The catch – The cat motif may read as “childish” to some. Avoid pairing with other animal-themed decor unless you are fully committing to a zoo vibe.
Best placed in a hallway, a small bedroom, or a calm reading nook.
4. Meerkat Sisters Table (Two Meerkats)
This is the quirkiest of the bunch. Two meerkats stand side by side, holding up the tabletop. They are described as “curious creatures” with “wide-awake nature”.
Why it works – The double-figure base is visually interesting from every angle. Meerkats are associated with alertness, community, and a touch of humour. The table becomes a storytelling piece – guests will smile.
Aesthetic advice – Place it in a room that already has personality. A library, a study, or a sunroom. Use the top for a plant that mimics the meerkats’ natural habitat – a small succulent or a cactus. Or put a vintage globe on top for a safari theme.
The catch – Two meerkats mean twice the visual weight. In a small, cluttered room, this can feel busy. Keep the top minimal.
Best placed in a reading nook, a child’s room (older child, not toddler), or a plant-filled conservatory.
5. Mr Jack Russell Table (Jack Russell Terrier)
This one is for dog lovers. A Jack Russell terrier – energetic, loyal, slightly mischievous – forms the base. Brown and white colouring.
Why it works – Jack Russells have a specific, recognisable look. It is nostalgic for anyone who grew up with the breed. The round top (35cm) is practical. The height (52cm) is standard for bedside or sofa-side use.
Aesthetic advice – Use it in a country-style or rustic room. Whitewashed walls, exposed wood, and floral prints. Place a framed photo of your own dog on top. Or use it as a side table in a home office – the dog motif adds warmth without being childish.
The catch – Very breed-specific. If you are not a Jack Russell fan, it may not resonate. Also, the white parts may show dirt over time – clean with a soft cloth.
Best placed in a study, a living room with a fireplace, or a dog-themed guest room.
FAQ – 10 questions you actually need answered
1. Are these tables stable enough for daily use?
Yes. Each has a maximum load of 20kg. That is a heavy stack of books or a large lamp. The polyresin base is solid and the animal figures are wide‑stanced. They do not wobble.
2. Can I use these outdoors?
No. Polyresin is not UV‑stable – sunlight will fade the colour. Moisture can also damage the wood top. Indoor use only.
3. Which animal is the most neutral / easiest to match?
Elephant (grey) – grey works with almost any colour scheme. The tiger’s orange is harder to match.
4. Do they come assembled?
Yes. The animal and top are one piece. You just unbox and place. No tools needed.
5. Can I put a hot mug directly on the wood top?
No. Always use a coaster. The wood-look top is not solid wood – heat can damage the finish.
6. Which one is best for a child’s bedroom?
Meerkat Sisters – two characters feel playful. Or Elephant – gentle and wise. Avoid the tiger if your child is scared of wild animals.
7. How do I clean the polyresin animal?
Dust with a soft, dry cloth. For fingerprints, use a slightly damp cloth and dry immediately. Do not use abrasive cleaners or alcohol.
8. Can I paint the animal a different colour?
Technically yes, but you will ruin the value and the detailed finish. Not recommended.
9. Which table is the smallest footprint?
Ms Cat and Meerkat Sisters – both have a top diameter of 33–34cm and a narrow base. The elephant is slightly wider (35 x 32cm top).
10. Are these worth the price?
Yes, if you value design and conversation pieces. They are not cheap, but polyresin moulds are expensive to produce. You are paying for the sculpture as much as the function. For a plain wooden side table at half the price, buy IKEA. For a piece of art that holds your tea, buy Kare Design.
Final verdict
If you want elegance and neutrality – get the Elephant in grey. It fits anywhere, from a modern flat to a country cottage.
If you want bold, wild energy – get the Tiger. But only if your room has warm, earthy tones.
If you are a minimalist cat lover – get the Ms Cat. It is subtle enough for a calm, uncluttered space.
If you love whimsy and stories – get the Meerkat Sisters. They are the most unique and the most likely to make guests smile.
If you are a dog person with a rustic home – get the Mr Jack Russell. It is playful without being childish.
The best decor tells a story. These animal side tables give you a story and a place to put your coffee. Just remember: one per room, keep the top simple, and always use a coaster.