End & Side Tables: Where Form Meets Function
When it comes to furnishing your home, either from scratch or as part of a redesign, it can be easy to overlook things like end tables, side tables, and accent tables. But few pieces of furniture combine form and function so effectively, and fewer still can so quickly transform the look and feel of an entire space.
Why Are End Tables and Side Tables So Important?
Without end tables or side tables, a room can look unbalanced and incomplete. This is especially true in spaces with sofas and armchairs, such as your living room. If you have an open concept floor plan, where one or more spaces blend together, accent tables and hallway tables are a great way to break the space up and add visual interest around the periphery, or between specific areas.
From a functional standpoint, end tables are a handy spot to keep a remote control or put down a hot cup of coffee, and they’re ideal places for lamps. Accent tables are a great way to showcase photo frames and other décor, or set up accent lighting.
Is There a Standard Size for End Tables?
End tables (sometimes called sofa tables) come in all shapes and sizes. The size you need will depend on the size of the couch or armchair you’d like to pair the tables with. As a rule, it’s best to choose end tables that are as close as possible to the height and depth of your sofa’s arms. This not only ensures a balanced look, but also ease of use. If the table is too far back, too low, or too high, it will be awkward to reach when you’re seated.
What Styles Should I Consider?
The days of ensuring that each piece of furniture in a room match perfectly are long gone, especially when it comes to accent pieces such as end tables and side tables. If the majority of your furniture is traditional, a set of modern end tables will add a splash of contemporary appeal. Conversely, if most of your furniture is modern and contemporary, a classic or traditional accent table can provide a touch of visual character.
What Are the Most Common Types of End Tables?
End tables aren’t just for décor and they don’t always have to be placed directly beside a sofa or armchair. Consider the following types of end and side tables when you’re looking for the perfect pieces to compliment your style.
Storage End Tables
This type of end table typically features a combination of drawers, cubbies, cupboards, and shelving. They make it easy to keep your space neat and tidy by providing ample ways to organize items like remotes, magazines, and coasters.
Nesting End Tables
When you’re pressed for space or simply want to cut down on everyday clutter, nesting tables do just the trick. These usually come in sets of two or three and are designed to fit one under the other, so when you have company over and need to spread out some platters, you can easily double or triple your serving area in no time.
C-Table
These tables blur the line between end tables and TV dinner trays, but they’re stylish enough to be a fixture in your living room day in and day out – even when company is over. Open on side, the bottom of the table is designed to slide under your couch or armchair, so the table’s top surface can be pulled in closer to you.