You can walk into most homes in the United States and find an end table in a common living area. End tables are a staple in classic interior design. Though they’re as popular as any home furniture item, they’re often difficult to style and decorate.
Never fear! We have experience decorating end tables to complement a design aesthetic and add personality to a room. We’ll walk you through how to style an end table, bolstering your home’s unique, eye-catching appeal.
How to Decide Which End Table to Buy
Whenever you need an end table and are contemplating how to style it, there are four things to consider first.
1. Location
Where will the table go? Will you be able to walk around it? Will you place it against the couch or a few inches away? These are good questions to ask before committing to a purchase.
2. Function
What will you use the table for? Just decor? Will it help the room by holding a light source? The answers to these questions will help you decide which table works best. Consider an end table with drawers to keep things out of sight but still on hand if you need extra storage.
3. Size
The end table size will significantly affect how it looks and works in the room. A larger table may seem out of place and bulky, but one that’s too small may not serve its intended purpose.
4. Safety
If you have children or pets, it’s also important to consider if the end table will be safe for them. Ensure it’s not where they’ll easily bang into it or pull things off. Choose a sturdy table that won’t easily tip over and harm them.
What Should I Display on My End Table?
This is where your creativity can flourish! The possibilities are endless, but some go-to decor staples work well when decorating an end table.
- Lamps: A tabletop lamp is practical because it adds gentle light to a space, and many different lamp designs and styles provide extra interest and beauty.
- Candles: Tall candles in a candlestick, thick and stubby, or tea light candles in a glass—candles all add beauty and maybe even a pleasant smell to a room.
- Books: A single book or even a small stack can add depth and be an interesting conversation starter. Choose favorite books with covers complementing the existing decor.
- Coasters: A small stack of beautiful, unique coasters draws interest. Coasters are also handy when you need to put down a drink.
- Plants: Adding a hint of nature into the decor always makes a space feel fresh and clean. A small plant or an attractive vase of flowers can enhance the room.
- A Decorative Dish: A small dish is versatile and also offers the freedom to discover something unique and stylish. A dish is practical because you can place little items inside for a quick storage solution.
- Trinkets: One small trinket can add personality to the space as something that holds meaning for you. A trinket will make the room feel more inviting and individualistic.
- A Picture Frame: A picture frame is an easy one. The frame itself can complement the chosen design aesthetic, and the frame’s picture will make the room seem even more personal and comfortable.
How Do You Style a Modern End Table?
We’ve talked about deciding which end table to get and what to put on it, but now you may need pointers on arranging the table decor.
1. Use Different Heights
Table items at the same height look odd. Staggering the heights of decor can keep the tabletop visually appealing. Try the triangle rule. Keep the tallest object in the middle and place shorter items on either side so the display appears triangular.
2. Add Personality
The decor is an opportunity to infuse a space with your tastes and interests. Personalization will make you feel more comfortable as it shows off your lifestyle to visitors.
3. Keep It Simple
Less is usually more when decorating. Limit yourself when piling the table with beautiful decor items. We recommend using five or fewer items and keeping enough clear space on the table so anyone can easily set down a dish or a glass.
4. Add a Pop of Color
End tables are often decorated with more neutral decor items to avoid drawing attention from other focal points in the room. However, including an item with an exciting pop of color can significantly add to a space.
5. Keep Tables Symmetrical
Many people have a set of end tables in the same room. If this applies to you, ensuring the decor on each table complements the other is essential. We’re not saying each table needs identical decorations—unless that’s what you want. Just ensure they would look good even if placed next to each other.
Buy a Luxury End Table Today
Your space is almost perfect; adding that end table and decor on top will act as the icing on the cake. You can gather decor items for decorating time, but first, you need an end table. Not just any table will look good—you need a luxury end table at an affordable price.
Clearance Room is the answer! Our wide selection of end tables fits anyone’s design aesthetic and wallet. Discover your perfect end table now.