Decorating end tables is one of the more commonly overlooked areas of interior design. Yet, this small but significant element can be the missing key in elevating the look and feel of a space.Â
End tables are versatile pieces of furniture offering both practical benefits and aesthetic purposes. The right elegant end table for a living room can help you strike the perfect balance between form and function.
In this blog, we’ll delve into what end tables are, how to effectively utilise them, where to place them, and why decorating them is paramount.Â
What Are End Tables?
End tables, also referred to as side tables or accent tables, are small tables typically positioned beside sofas, armchairs, or beds.Â
The main function and use of end tables is to provide a convenient and accessible surface for placing items within arm’s reach. To that end, they are commonly used for lamps, books, cups and beverages, or even TV remote controls. Aesthetic adornments, such as plants, vases, candles and sculptures, are also often placed on end tables.
End tables come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, ranging from wood and metal to glass and natural stone. Of course, they often feature a flat surface on top by necessity though some include shelving above and/or drawers below.
Where To Put End Tables
There’s really no right or wrong place for an end table. They are incredibly versatile and can be placed in various locations across various rooms of a home.
Most commonly, end tables flank couches and armchairs in a living room to offer a place for your family and friends to palace drinks and snacks.
In the context of a bedroom, they are often next to one’s bed to provide easy access to lamps, books, alarm clocks and glasses of water.
As decorative furniture, end tables can be used in dining rooms, hallways or entryways to display sculptures, indoor plants, lamps, ornaments or photographs. Many people also use end tables in high traffic areas of the home to collect mail, hold keys and provide storage for hats and sunglasses.Â
Ultimately, your end table placement is up to you and your functional needs and stylistic preferences.Â
Importance of Decorating End Tables
Decorating end tables is essential for adding personality and visual interest to a space. Even end tables which primarily offer functional, practical utility can and should be styled to enhance the overall ambiance and interior design of a room.Â
When it comes to decorating end tables, it’s not just about curating the right items and accessories on top of it–but also the type, shape, style, material and size of the end table itself.Â
Remember: End tables provide a fantastic opportunity to incorporate color, texture, and dimension into your decor scheme and can be used to great effect in tying together different elements within the room.
Ideas for Decorating End Tables
1. Minimalist Style
For a clean and contemporary look, opt for a sleek end table with minimalist design. By keeping the tabletop clutter-free or adorned with a single statement piece such as a sculptural vase or a minimalist lamp you’ll emphasis simplicity and ensure a balance between sophistication and spaciousness.Â
2. Storage Solutions
For those of you with more accessories and items that need to be stored away, consider choosing end tables with built-in storage options such as drawers or shelves. These storage spaces maximise functionality and help to keep clutter at bay. You can still showcase design and styling with decorative elements on top without losing out on tidy and organised living.
3. Eclectic Accents
You can embrace eclecticism by mixing and matching different textures, patterns, and materials on your end tables. For example, consider pairing a metallic accent table with a woven basket for an intriguing contrast of elements. Use contrasting shades of natural stone to imbue a sense of colour and visual interest to the space. Even by layering different decorative objects of varying heights, sizes and shapes can create visual complexity and showcase your unique style personality without going overboard.
4. Nature-inspired Decor
End tables offer a wonderful opportunity to bring the outdoors inside by incorporating natural elements into your decor. You can display a small potted plant or a vase filled with fresh flowers and add a pop of greenery and breath of life into the space. In terms of the end tables themselves, natural stone or wood are great materials for further enhancing the organic aesthetic and creating a harmonious integration of natural elements.
5. Functional Lighting
Elegant end tables for living rooms can be fantastic spaces for incorporating additional functional lighting solutions. Table lamps with adjustable arms or different dimming settings can improve both usability of the space and ambiance within the room. Remember to position your end tables and the lighting on them in a way that best enhances the overall mood and atmosphere of the room while being accessible and functional.Â
6. Decorative Material
As mentioned before, the actual material chosen for your end table can be a decorative element in and of itself. Natural stone, such as marble, in an end table can be a thing of beauty and a welcome design choice without any additional adornment. Stone comes in such a wide range of colours, patterns and shades that it’s easy to find the perfect aesthetic for your preference and your application. To explore some natural stone end table options today, click here.
Your Search for the Right End Table Ends Here
If you’re still wondering where to put end tables in your room or how to perfectly ensure placement of the right accessorizing on an existing table of yours, the Euro Marble team is here to help.
We know just how critical decorating end tables in the right way can be for the look and feel of your home. And we appreciate just how important balancing practical needs and aesthetic preferences is for ensuring usability and a style that reflects your unique personality and lifestyle.Â
So, why not give us a call to discuss all things end tables or come into our showroom to see our gorgeous natural stone slabs?
