An end table spends its life within arm's reach of a sofa, so it has to be useful before it is pretty. This one manages both. The stepped two-tier shape lifts a lamp to a comfortable height while leaving the shelf below free for books, magazines, a remote or a folded pair of reading glasses. At 24 by 18 by 22 in it slips into the gap at the end of a sofa without crowding the seat.The frame is built from steel tubing, which is what lets a table this slim carry 66 lbs on the top and another 33 lbs on the shelf. Four adjustable foot pads take up the difference on uneven floorboards or a thick rug, so nothing rocks when a cup goes down. The Mdf surfaces wear a marble-effect finish with a waterproof coating, giving the piece an elegant look that suits both modern and more traditional rooms, and a damp cloth deals with rings and dust.There is more to it than a single role. The same 14.5 lb table works as a bedside table, a sofa-side perch, a plant stand or an open storage shelf in a hallway, and its support legs leave usable space underneath for a basket. A quick illustrated guide covers assembly, and the whole thing goes together with basic tools in one short sitting.