With
the sofa taking the main stage in your living room seating, your side tables
can take a back seat. And yet, end
tables play important roles in furniture arrangements. They turn the corners between couches, loveseats,
and occasional chairs, are home to lamps, and keep your coasters close. What types of side tables are best with your
furniture and for your style?
Style
choices go on and on. Big and
blocky? Light and feminine? Wood tones or painted finishes? Consider your overall furniture style, room
orientation, and end table needs. A
curvy, full sofa can accompany a more substantial square table alongside. A slim, sleek, modern couch with clean lines
can cozy up to a round end table with a pedestal style base.
Side
tables can go in various directions with their finishes. You can match or blend with other wood tones
in your flooring, entertainment center, or other furniture. You can select a piece with a metallic finish
to add a different dimension and some formality to the space. You can add a pop of color that stands out
from your other furnishings. Or you can
really branch out with the use of a contemporary butler’s tray, tall lidded
basket, or clear acrylic cube.
End
tables’ size should also stay within the depth in inches of your largest piece
of furniture. If your sofa is three feet
from front to back, the table beside it should not be larger than three feet
across the top. It’s all about
proportion. For that reason, smaller
side tables that are a bit shorter than the standard pieces make great
connectors between two occasional chairs.
Whether round, square, or rectangular, tables between side chairs in
your seating arrangement can be made to house a couple of coasters and a
smaller-scale lamp. Save any magazines
or framed photos over a 4”x6” size for your coffee table, sofa table, or larger
end table. Additionally, larger lamps
can take their place on the table between the couch and loveseat.
For
the best position, situate your end tables between furniture pieces to allow
for the best traffic flow in and out of the space. You want it unified and cozy while being
easily accessible. Also, consider the
proximity to electrical outlets for lamp chords to best hide them and avoid any
tripping accidents.
Ultimately,
select pieces you love that really take their place among your furniture and do
not just sit idly by. Maybe you’re in
the market for an update or are considering refinishing or adding a new coat of
paint to your current end tables.
Because though they are smaller, side tables can be mighty stylish.
DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star August 19th.
