try this slim 36" x 7" Console Table by room and board.

http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/product.do?method=get&id=176088&coll=91753546&cat=91552829

CB2 has some skinny console tables, but they may be more expensive.

PS- my sister has this table, and she loves it! it goes anywhere and looks nice!

What about the Eileen Gray side table? It's height is adjustable and could be raised to go over the arm of the sofa. Maybe it's a little too predictable though.

http://www.dwr.com/product/designers/d-g/eileen-gray/eileen-gray-side-table.do

Instead of a lamp, consider using matching wall sconces to bracket your picture, such as Crate & Barrel Duncan Wall Sconce in gunmetal. The 24" cord cover keeps the look tidy.
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=1245&f=3383

This gives more room for guests to put down a drink, and lets you use a narrower side table.

I second the suggestion of a Room & Board Slim table -- maybe one of their side tables instead of the console. My only concern is that the dark steel might blend into the fabric of your couch too much.

Mind sharing what couch that is?

Thanks!

CB2 Urban Side Table is 10"Wx20"Dx24"H and $119 http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=114&f=4222&viewall=1

I had a similarly small space in my old apartment & used a tall, thin plant stand I got at a flea market. worked wonders & looked great!

In a similar spot, I use a small bookcase just the size of the arm of the sofa and about 10 inches deep.

But I also like the suggestion about the Eileen Gray table - an infinitely useful piece of furniture.

CB2 Smart console table with glass and chrome and it's 10" x 36" x 25" for $199 http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=114&f=3440&viewall=1

In a similar situation for a client, I used Crate & Barrel's Era C Table:
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=982&f=6297
It was one of the few of this style that was more rectangular than square.

I think your bigger challenge will be finding the lamp to fit on such a slim surface.
So I'd actually consider a wall-mount/swing-arm style.

sounds like a small bookcase could solve your problem. i know you are in L A, not S F, but there was a link here yesterday to a bare-wood store--Stumasa. i checked there and you can get a bookshelf 36"W, 24"H and 10"D for $72. lots of other sizes, too. you can probably find something comparable.

Thanks for all of the great suggestions so far! You guys are awesome!!!

I love the idea of sconces too but Boy may not want to install them. :) I was thinking of a swing arm lamp as well but since our space is quite small, it may bring the height of the ceiling down a bit. Hmm - maybe we should try it though!?

RedEngine88 - The couch is Ikea Kramfors in dark gray.

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90086914

The Rian side table from Ikea would be a cheap alternative. It measures 1.75" too wide for your space, but if you nudged your sofa over a tad, it could work.

How about a round stool like pedestal table? It would contrast with the geometric lines of the sofa. Maybe an antique tripod-like table, with just enough space for the lamp and a small bowl for keys.

A few ideas, especially for inspiration seeing the prices of course...

http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=224142

http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=231358

This 18th century model seems interesting, with the additional small tray : I suppose you could find a cheap modern version of this kind of table and fix a small tray, or a metal ring to place a bowl, and then paint everything the same colour to get a similar effect:

http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=243856

we have a slim side table that we got from ikea, it was around $25 and unfinished wood, probably around 9" wide. I painted it a nice color to go with the room, a nice red. Small stainless steel lamp from target with a small lampshade and it all works in a sim space. You could pick whatever color you wanted, just don't know if it would go with the rest of your furniture since we can only see your wall and couch.

i would say whatever option goes with the rest of your stuff.

I once used a dresser drawer with the front end up as a small side table. I removed the knobs but didn't fill in the holes because I'm generally lazy.

What is preventing Girl from installing them?

I was at Mealeys not too long ago and I saw a side table that was really skinny. I can't seem to find it on their website though. I was wood, I think with a drawer.

Seriously, though, "wall-mounted" does not automatically mean "hard-wired." If you can hang a picture, you can wall-mount a plug-in wall sconce/lamp.

If still too daunting, I love pharmacy lamps.

But are you looking for reading lighting, uplighting, or ambient lighting?

Seeing how your couch is really low to the ground, may I suggest this extremely affordable yet sturdy table from CB2?

I have one in my bathroom, it is so easy to clean and looks really nice. And it is HEAVY, it will not budge from being bumped.

http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=930&f=4342&viewall=1

Skip the table altogether. Install a wall-mount lamp. The arms on your couch are wide and firm enough to provide all the cup holding/remote control storage that you need. Just leave some coasters on there and you're good. I've always wanted to find a good place for one of those Nelson wall sconces. This might be that occasion. http://www.ylighting.com/bub-cigarsconce.html?productid=bub-cigarsconce&channelid=FROOG

Patrick (the other one) - we are looking for more ambient lighting. And good point about sconces. I guess the look of the plugs hanging down against the wall seems like it would stand out? I'll have to do more research on some of the sconce lighting suggestions above.

Go with a sconce. I have sconces that installed with two screws. They have a brass tube that the wires go through, so there was no need to cut into the wall.

Most plug-in wall-mounted lighting comes with metal cord covers, as m-j-s mentioned with the C&B Duncan Sconce.

You can also use paintable cord covers.

Sconces are a great suggestion.. the space is too narrow for a side table, and can be inconvenient with the door next to it.

I have a couple of Pottery Barn sconces in my bedroom but the wire is expose, and I hate the look of it. Can somebody tell me where to find the bass tubes?

Thx..

You might want to check out the Brazzo Floor Lamp from Design Within Reach. It is a very slim floor lamp with cool LED bulb and I think will be perfect for that spot!

http://www.dwr.com/product/lighting/floor/brazo-floor-lamp.do

the Eileen Gray table would be nice. It is adjustable and it could even fit under your sofa somewhat if it was sticking out too much. Another alternative would be a little square table that slides under you sofa. I have seen these and am trying to remember where.

i just got a kramfors! wee! :)

also, i bought two of these:

http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=930&f=4342&viewall=1

for $9.95, they are friggin' AWESOME. sturdy, steel, clean, and really good looking. i was so shocked at their quality and price.

I'd skip the separate table/lamp and get a vintage table floor lamp - sort of like this one from Jonathan Adler:

http://www.jonathanadler.com/shop/product.php?productid=17055&cat=386&page=1

There are lots of these types of table/lamps on Craigslist, eBay, garage sales, etc.

Floating shelf is a bad idea - the light would be back over your shoulder...
...and any table should be the same height as the sofa arm - so a narrow console isn't going to be appropriate either.

For such a small space, I'd be inclined to look for a wooden or metal stool. I've got a vintage suitcase sitting next to my couch, and it's the perfect height/size for a side table (plus it's full of things I needed out of sight!)

The sconce idea is good, too, to free up what little space you'd have there.

I have two of the Levenger ultra-skinny "No Room for a Table" tables in the dark cherry. They fit almost everywhere as they are Table, 10W x 24D x 24 1/4H, and hold a ton of stuff, especially with the baskets. The tables are solidly made and look very nice. Overall, I'm very happy.

http://www.levenger.com/PAGETEMPLATES/PRODUCT/Product.asp?Params=category=5-22|pageid=5822|level=2-3

http://www.restorationhardware.com/rh/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1323021&navAction=jump&navCount=1
lamp above takes up no space, and the support can be "tucked" under the couch.

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/p8276/index.cfm?pkey=cfloor%2Dlamps
another lamp choice, also in nickel...

several slim tables on this page, with various dimensions. someone has already posted one, but this is the entire page.
http://roomandboard.com/rnb/collection.do?method=get&id=377458&cat=91552828&camp=HP04&attr=slimTables

i have a similar set-up on each side of my couch...tall floor lamp plus end table:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/photoinformal/2640146661/in/set-72157605995660886/

http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/product.do?method=get&id=960445&coll=377458&cat=91552828

I have this exact same dilemma, and I use a piece of vintage luggage on it's side. Of course, my decor isn't modern; I'm not sure if there's something that would match your look.

I have the Crate & Barrel Era C table and I love it!

Wall-mounted, non-hard-wired sconces with cord covers can be really nice. (Without the cord covers, I think it could look pretty sloppy.) We finally had these installed over the bed last year and love them - so practical. If you decide to do this, it's a good idea to have someone sit on the sofa and reach up to find the right height/position for the switch.
When you move, there'll just be two medium-sized holes to spackle and paint (for the light mounting plate) and one or two little ones below (for the cord cover plate).

If you're worried about the cords hanging down from a sconce, everyone knows you live in an apt, not a house where you can drill into the walls to hide the cords. Get one of those cord covers(Ikea sells them) and paint it the same color as the wall. It blends in better than you think. Love your house tour photos. Very cute set up! Love the red wall.

Just be careful if you decide to get a tiny side table. You guys have a lot of furniture in there already. Don't clutter it up with more. Floor lamp or sconce might work best.

Good luck! Can't wait to see what you choose or decide to "try out." Remember, nothing is permanent except death and taxes.

:)

I think a console table will be too high next to the couch. I would get a low book case - I know they exist or can be made. This way you get extra storage next to the couch too. It should be the height of the arm. I am curious to know how you did the collage of pictures on the red wall - I want to do that. If you see this post can you email me? dspero@yahoo.com. BTW - great / beautiful space.

I can see a narrow table there that resembles a staircase. Basically three connected shelves. You could possibly build one. The longer "step" as the base, the middle step, then the top smaller one to house the lamp. You could still use the lower shelves (magazine, coaster???) and the three layers would add interest.

I have the exact same problem and have been searching for a narrow table as well. However I am interested in one that possibly has some storge, not sure? I listed a few below, good luck.

http://www.improvementscatalog.com/product/tansu-step-end-table.do

http://www.improvementscatalog.com/product/oxford-tray-table-under-sofa-table.do

http://www.improvementscatalog.com/product/side-table-with-charging-station/AdditionalViews.do