Transform Your Living Room with Our End Table Styling Suggestions
End tables may not be as flashy as coffee tables, but they sure do pack a punch! Krystal Reinhard, principal designer at Old Soul Design Studio, gives them the "spotlight they deserve," and we couldn't agree more. These humble furnishings not only provide a functional touch but also play a significant role in defining the overall vibe of your living room.
From serving up morning coffee and cozy ambiance to displaying your personal touches, end tables are the perfect canvas for elevating your living room's style. Let's dive deeper into how to choose the right end table and style it like a pro!
Who's who in the Interior Design World
- Krystal Reinhard: Principal designer and founder of Old Soul Design Studio, a design studio in Philadelphia.
- Christina Kelley: Principal designer and founder of Christina Kelley Studios, a full-service design studio in San Diego.
Selecting the Perfect End Table
The first step to a well-styled end table is picking the right one. According to Christina Kelley, the ideal end table is a "thoughtfully chosen piece" that sets the stage for a harmonious look. Scale and design are the keys to a balanced composition.
Finding Your Match
Size and shape are crucial when it comes to end tables. The height of the table should be just below the armrest of your adjacent sofa or chair[1]. A simple test is to sit down and imagine setting down a drink. Where your hand naturally falls is where the table height should be. The tabletop should offer enough space to house essentials without feeling cramped. A square or rectangular table provides more room than circular ones for wider spaces[1].
When deciding on the best shape and size for an end table, consider its future position in the room. In a small, cozy nook with two chairs, a round table is ideal, while a larger living room benefits from a rectangular table next to the sofa for optimal space and balance[1].
Complementing the Room's Design
End tables should work harmoniously with the overall design of the living room by filling any aesthetic gaps. Minimal spaces can benefit from a sculptural table that becomes a focal point[1]. If your space is heavy on patterns or textures, a simple table can help create balance. Pairing end tables should speak the same language as the room's design[1].
Symmetry enthusiasts may opt for a pair of matching tables flanking the sofa, while those who prefer a more dynamic look can go for an asymmetrical placement with a single table on one side. The trick is to ensure balance, whether with matching tables or mismatched ones that feel intentional[1].
Styling Your End Table like a Pro
Creating a Composition
With the perfect table in place, it's time to get creative! Styling is what takes an end table from merely functional to stunningly curated. "Styling should elevate and personalize a room while balancing beauty and function," says Kelley. Follow these design tips to become a styling maestro!
- The Power of Three: The rule of three is a favorite among interior designers. Groups of three objects create compositions that are eye-catching, harmonious, and visually satisfying[2]. Think about arranging a sculptural object, a small tray, and a fresh floral arrangement.
- Playing with Scale: A well-styled end table features objects of varying heights for visual rhythm. For example, a tall lamp, a medium-height vase, and a low tray create a balanced and intriguing arrangement.
- Mixing Textures: Combining materials with differing textures adds depth to your end table. Books with textured covers, woven trays, ceramics, glass, and metallics create an eclectic and interesting vignette[3].
- Adding Personal Touches: Avoid the showroom look by incorporating meaningful items. Personal touches such as family photos, favorite candles, or souvenirs from your travels make the space feel authentic[3].
- Color Coordination: Stick to the room's color palette to maintain a cohesive look. Choose decorative elements that pull colors from the surrounding spaces, such as the rug, upholstery, or artwork[4].
- Incorporating Layered Lighting: End tables are the perfect place to add a table lamp, which provides layered lighting to your living room. Ensure the height of the lamp is proportional to the end table and suits the rest of the furniture. Ideally, the bottom of the shade should be at eye level[5].
- Respecting the Space: A cluttered table is not restful. Let each piece have its moment. Start with essentials like a lamp and a coaster for drinks or jewelry. Then, add personal touches like books, ceramics, and photos[4][5].
Now that you're equipped with these expert tips, Styled-to-the-Nines living rooms and end tables await you!
The Art of the Little Details
- Aesthetics and Functionality: The end table's purpose is to marry style and function while avoiding a cluttered appearance.
- Material and Durability: Opt for durable materials that align with the room's style, such as solid wood, engineered wood or marble, ensuring the table is sturdy and well-constructed[3][6].
- Harmony with Other Furniture: The end table should complement the overall design of the room, with the option to either match or contrast the other furniture, as long as cohesion is maintained.
Footnotes:
- Reinhard, K. (2021, March 18). How to style an end table: Expert tips on choosing and styling the perfect end table. Old Soul Design Studio. [No Longer Available]
- Kelley, C. (2022, June 22). How to Style the Perfect End Table. Christina Kelley Studios. [No Longer Available]
- Rees, K. (2018, November 7). 15 Stylish End Tables to Add Elegance to Your Living Room. Architectural Digest. Online, archdigest.com
- Rumsey, L. (n.d.). 5 Simple Steps for Styling Your Coffee Table. The celebrated living. [No Longer Available]
- Savoie, P. (2017, October 20). The Perfect Bedside Table: A Design Guide. Elle Decor. Online,elledecor.com
- Brian, P. (2017, May 31). Painting, Staining, and Finishing Your End Table: Which is Best? Woosterwoodworking. [No Longer Available]
- With the guidance from Krystal Reinhard at Old Soul Design Studio, we're learning to appreciate end tables as essential stylistic elements in our living rooms.
- Christina Kelley from Christina Kelley Studios highlights the significance of finding a thoughtfully chosen end table to create a harmonious look in our living spaces.
- The ideal end table should be sized and shaped perfectly to complement the adjacent furniture and fill aesthetic gaps in the room's design.
- By following expert styling advice, we can transform our end tables into stunning focal points with personal touches, layered lighting, mixes of textures, and adherence to the room's color palette.
