What is the difference between a thoughtfully styled living room and an unfinished one? A well-curated end table. “End tables are the unsung heroes of a well-styled room,” says Krystal Reinhard, principal designer and founder of Old Soul Design Studio, and we couldn’t agree more. While coffee tables often steal the spotlight, end (and side) tables play an equally vital role in defining the composition of a living room. Nestled at the end of a sofa or between armchairs, they frame the seating area and influence the overall ambiance.
While end and side tables provide easy access to essentials, like remote controls, ambient lighting, a morning cup of coffee, good reading material, or snacks, they also offer a chance to elevate your living room when styled properly. “They’re not just functional—they’re an opportunity to add beauty, balance, and personality to your space,” says Reinhard. The challenge is to curate a composition that enhances your living room rather than adds clutter. Read on to discover how to choose the perfect end table and style it in a way that reflects your personality, with expert tips from interior designers.
The first step in styling an end table is choosing one that’s right for your space. “A thoughtfully chosen end table lays the foundation for great styling,” says Christina Kelley, principal designer and founder of Christina Kelley Studios. To set the stage for a well-balanced look, you’ll want to consider two key elements: scale and design.
The size of your end table should work harmoniously with the seating it accompanies. “Ideally, the height should sit just below the armrest of the adjacent sofa or chair,” says Reinhard. A quick test? Sit down and pretend to set down a drink. “Where your hand naturally falls is where the table height should land.” As far as surface area goes, ensure the tabletop is spacious enough to accommodate essentials without feeling overcrowded. A square or rectangular table offers more real estate than a circular one, making it a practical choice for larger rooms.
To determine the best shape and size for an end table, think about its future placement in the room. In a small nook with two chairs, a compact round table is ideal. For a larger living room, a rectangular table beside a sofa balances the scale and provides ample space for a lamp, decor, and everyday necessities.
End tables should complement the room’s aesthetic by playing to its deficit. “If your space leans minimal, a sculptural table can become a focal point,” suggests Reinhard. “If you have a lot of pattern or texture, something simple might balance the composition.” Contrary to popular belief, your end table doesn’t have to match your coffee table or other furnishings, but it should speak the same language.
Symmetry seekers might opt for a pair of matching tables flanking a sofa. Although an asymmetrical placement with a single table on one side can add movement and intrigue for a more dynamic look. “The key is balance; even mismatched tables should feel intentional within the room’s design language,” says Kelley. “Ultimately, end tables are a chance to tell a little story—one that complements the bigger narrative of your home,” concludes Reinhard. “Whether your style is layered and collected or sleek and curated, the key is to make it feel effortless, personal, and lived-in.”
Brie Williams
Styling is what transforms an end table from purely functional to beautifully curated. “The right styling approach elevates and personalizes a room and strikes a balance between beauty and function,” says Kelley. “It should feel artful, not overly staged.” Follow the following design tips to master the art of styling your end table.
The rule of three is a go-to strategy for interior designers. It is based on the principle that groups of three items are more eye-catching, harmonious, and visually satisfying than an even number, like two or four. “Grouping decorative elements in odd numbers (especially threes) creates a composition that feels organic yet polished,” says Kelley. “A sculptural object, a petite tray, and a fresh floral arrangement, for example, make an effortless vignette.” This principle also applies to color schemes, artwork, and furniture arrangements.
A well-styled end table incorporates objects of varying heights for visual rhythm. “For example, a tall lamp, a medium-height vase, and a low tray work well together,” says Reinhard. Combining this with the rule of three ensures balance and intrigue.
Mixing materials and textures adds interesting depth to your end table. “Combine ceramics, woven trays, glass, metallics, or books with textured covers to create a collected aesthetic,” suggests Kelley. “Books without dust jackets often reveal beautifully textured linen covers, adding subtle detail.”
Avoid a showroom-like feel by incorporating meaningful items. “A framed photo, a favorite candle, or a small memento from your travels makes the space feel authentic,” Kelley advises. A well-styled table should tell a story, not just display random decor. Don’t fill your space with knickknacks from a one-stop shopping spree. Display objects that you have collected over time to tell your story.
Stick to the room’s color palette to create cohesion. “Select objects that pull colors from the surrounding space—your rug, upholstery, or art,” suggests Reinhard. Don’t be afraid to introduce contrast through light and dark tones or a bold pop of color with an artful object.
End tables provide the ideal perch for a table lamp, perfect for introducing layered lighting to a living room. In addition to ambient and task lighting, table lamps bring personality and style to a room. Ensure the height of the lamp is proportional to the height of the end table, and the overall size is to scale with the rest of the furniture. The ideal lamp height is 24-34 inches, with the bottom of the shade sitting just below eye level when seated to minimize glare.
“A cluttered table isn’t restful. Let each piece have its moment,” says Reinhard, who suggests starting with the essentials—a lamp for ambient lighting and a coaster or small dish for drinks or jewelry. Then, layer in personal elements like a small stack of books, a ceramic vessel, a framed photo, or a little bowl collected from your travels. “Keep it intentional and avoid overloading the surface; negative space is just as important as the objects themselves.”
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