How to Choose a Naqshi or Carved Wooden Side Table
Pedestal, round or carved? How to choose a handmade naqshi lacquer or carved sheesham side table, and how to place and care for it.
A side table does a lot of work in a home. It holds a cup of chai beside the sofa, a lamp next to the bed or a vase in a hallway corner. A handmade one does all that and brings colour and craft into the room. At Sillanwali Handicrafts we make single side tables in two traditions: naqshi lacquer and carved sheesham.
What is naqshi?
Naqshi is the lacquer craft of our area. The wood is turned on a lathe and coated in layers of coloured lac, then patterns are scratched through by hand to reveal the colours underneath. Every piece is a little different. Learn more in What is naqshi lacquer woodcraft?
What is naqshi lacquer woodcraft?
Our side tables
Naqshi Round Pedestal Table, 16 and 18 inch: a round lacquered top on a turned pedestal, in two sizes. A versatile choice that fits beside most sofas and chairs.
Naqshi Round Pedestal Table, 16 and 18 inch
Fancy Naqshi Pedestal Table, 16 and 18 inch: the same pedestal shape with a denser pattern. Choose it when you want the table to be a feature.
Fancy Naqshi Pedestal Table, 16 and 18 inch
Blue Naqshi Round Table: a blue-and-white lacquered round table. The cool colours suit rooms with white, grey or blue tones.
Carved Wooden Side Table: a round sheesham table carved by hand from top to base. No lacquer, just the warm grain of the wood and detailed carving.
Naqshi or carved?
Choose naqshi if your room is fairly plain and you want colour, or if you already own other lacquer pieces.
Choose carved sheesham if your furniture is wooden, your room already has a lot of pattern, or you prefer a classic, natural look.
Getting the size right
The pedestal tables come in 16 and 18 inch sizes. As a simple guide:
- The smaller size suits bedside spots, narrow corners and smaller rooms.
- The larger size gives more space for a lamp, tea tray or display piece.
Measure your space before ordering. The tabletop should sit close to the height of the sofa or bed arm next to it, and leave enough room to walk past comfortably.
Where to place a side table
- Beside a sofa or armchair, for tea and books.
- Next to a bed, with a small lamp.
- In an entrance, with a plant or a decorative piece.
- In an empty corner, where it fills space without crowding the room.
Styling ideas
A side table looks best with one or two pieces on it, not a crowd.
- Add a lacquer table lamp for a matching naqshi look.
- Place a decorative lacquer urn for a statement.
- Keep a naqshi tissue box handy beside the sofa.
- Pair the carved table with a carved wall clock on the wall above.
If you need more than one table, our nesting sets are another option; see our nesting table sets buying guide.
nesting table sets buying guide
Caring for your side table
- Use coasters under hot cups and glasses.
- Wipe spills straight away with a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth.
- Avoid harsh chemical cleaners.
- Keep it away from long hours of direct sunlight and from heaters.
- Dust carved details with a soft brush.
See How to care for lacquered wood for more tips.
How to care for lacquered wood
A gift that becomes part of the home
A handmade side table is a generous wedding or housewarming gift that gets used every day. For more ideas, read our wedding and nikkah gift guide.
Order from Sillanwali Handicrafts
Every table is handmade in Pakistan, with cash on delivery available. See each product page for current details, browse the home decor collection, or visit bulk orders for larger orders.