End tables are essential accessories that serve both stylish and practical purposes in home decor. These petite accent tables typically flank sofas, chairs, and beds to provide convenient access to lamps, remotes, drinks and more. With some strategic planning, end tables can be thoughtfully placed to maximize their usefulness while contributing to the overall aesthetic.
Factors to Consider for End Table Placement
When deciding where to place end tables in a room, there are several factors to take into account:
Focal Points
Position side tables near focal points like a fireplace or large window to create attractive vignettes. The tables can hold flowers, candles, artwork or other accents to enhance the vignette.
Traffic Flow
Allow adequate space around accent tables for traffic flow. Avoid cramping walkways or entrances. Leave at least 18-24 inches of clearance.
Existing Furniture
Flank larger furniture like sofas, armchairs and beds with matching cocktail tables. Make sure there is enough room to easily access the table surface.
Electrical Outlets
Consider electrical outlet locations in the room. End tables are ideal for placing next to outlets to hold lamps and devices.
Lighting
Use end tables to hold table lamps and provide practical lighting next to seating areas or by the bedside.
Standing lamps offer versatile lighting, perfect for brightening corners, providing task lighting, or creating ambiance. Position them next to sofas, armchairs, or in entryways to enhance both functionality and style.
Room Use
In a living room, accent tables hold remotes, and drinks and display decorative objects. In a bedroom, they provide space for lamps, books, phones, clocks, and photos.
Grouping and Pairs
End tables typically look best placed in pairs or groups. Flank both sides of larger furniture or use multiples to create vignettes.
Ideal End Table Placement by Room
Here are some of the most effective end table placement strategies for key rooms in your home:
Living Room
Flank both sides of the sofas and armchairs at a comfortable reach. Leave space to access seated areas.
Create end table vignettes on each side of a fireplace. Display photos, candles and greenery.
Use behind a sofa floated in the center of the room for display.
Place between two sofas or chairs to hold a lamp accessible to both.
Bedroom
Position a pair of matching occasional tables on either side of the bed for bedside functionality.
Place one end table next to a comfortable reading chair with a floor lamp behind it.
Use a single-end table near the entry to the room for keys, wallets, and other personal items.
Home Office
Flank an office chair to hold task lighting, office supplies, books and devices.
Use behind a sofa or armchair as an impromptu work surface for a laptop or documents.
Place next to seating areas to hold table lamps for ambient lighting.
Dining Room
Arrange around the perimeter of the room to stage decorative objects like plants, candles and artwork.
Place between host and hostess chairs at the heads of the table for decor.
Use behind dining benches for drinkware storage and display.
Entryway
Position next to the front door to hold keys, mail and other items coming and going.
Place beneath a wall mirror or piece of artwork to create an attractive vignette.
Use at the base and top of stairs to hold lighting or baskets for storage.
Choosing Complementary End Table Styles
When incorporating end tables into your room design, consider choosing complementary styles that fit with your existing decor. Match end table finishes and materials to other wood furniture pieces for a cohesive look. Opt for sleek glass and metal accent tables in contemporary spaces, or go for distressed wood tables in farmhouses or rustic rooms. For a classic transitional style, marble tables with turned legs are a perfect pick. If your room lacks color, boldly hued side tables in lacquer or glossy paint shades can inject vibrancy.
Alternatively, neutral wood tones occasionally tables fade into the background. Determine if you want the tables to stand out as focal points or blend seamlessly into the surroundings. Selecting end table styles that work with your current furnishings and room aesthetic will pull the space together for a polished interior design.
Tips for Styling and Arranging End Tables
The key to effectively styling end tables is to keep them neat but visually interesting. Follow these tips:
Limit items to 1-3 per table, such as a lamp, book and small plant. Avoid clutter.
Choose a height-appropriate lamp with a shade style that matches the room's decor.
Stack decor books along with everyday reading material.
Display petite objets d'art, ceramics or framed photos.
Place functional items like remotes, chargers and glasses near the back.
Use baskets or trays to corral smaller items and create order.
Change decor seasonally – light florals in spring, berries in winter, gourds in fall.
Keep surfaces dusted and arrange fresh flowers or plants.
Repeat colors from room accents like pillows or art in the objects placed on side tables.
With some thoughtful placement and styling, end tables can be highly functional while also giving rooms a polished, pulled-together look. Experiment with end table arrangements and have fun styling the surfaces to complement your home’s decor.
