How to Choose the Perfect End Table for Your Living Room?
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- 8 Practical Tips To Choose The Perfect End Table For Your Living Room
- Decide On Why You Want One And Where To Place It
- What Size Are You Looking For?
- Consider The Width, Too
- What Shape do you prefer
- Have You Heard About End Tables With Storage?
- How Many End Tables Do You Need?
- Mix, But Don't Match Too Much
- Final Thoughts
An end table is one of those small but mighty pieces of furniture that quietly pulls a room together. You usually put the furniture next to a sofa or chair, hence the name "end" table.
You usually need a guide to choose a sofa or a dining room set, right? But if you are looking for an end table, the small furniture that's often overlooked, then it means you are paying attention to the details, and that's a good thing.
End tables might be small, but they can have a big impact on how your space looks and functions.
Choosing the right one isn't just about finding something to fill a corner—it's about picking a piece that fits your lifestyle, matches your vibe, and makes your room feel more put together. But you don't have to think too much; we have got you covered! We connected with our interior designers at Jennifer Furniture and put a blog on how to pick an end table.
8 Practical Tips To Choose The Perfect End Table For Your Living Room
1. Decide On Why You Want One And Where To Place It
Because only when you know how you want to use the end table and where you want to place it can you buy the right one. While they serve as a small place to keep things, some end tables do more than just provide surface area.
So, they can be placed next to the sofa or a bed, replacing the nightstand, or they can be used as furniture next to the bathtub.
Take a look at the exclusive end table collections at Jennifer Furniture.
2. What Size Are You Looking For?
No matter where you plan to place the end table, it's important to ensure that the end table height is comfortable enough to reach wherever you are sitting or relaxing.
Most side tables tend to be similar in height. This is why it's crucial to check the exact dimensions to make sure the one you choose fits well in the spot you are planning to place it.
Here's a quick trick. Choose a table that balances your space. Pick a sleek end table that complements the other if you have bulky or large sofas or beds.
3. Pick The Right Surface For The End Table.
This should be based on how you are going to use it.
If you have coffee in hand and a glass of wine at night type, go for stone, ceramic, or glass tops. These materials are perfect for everyday drink placement because they are super durable and don't mind a bit of moisture. So, it can handle spills and adds a nice polish touch.
If you are about styling pretty objects and cozy vibes, go for wood or fabric-topped tables. They are lovely as they give warmth and texture to your space and pair well with books, candles, plants, or a cute tray with remotes.
Brownie points: If you love wooden end tables but want them to be drink-friendly, try using a tray on top.
4. Consider The Width, Too
Some side tables are super narrow, like 10 inches across, which can work for small or tight spaces. Tiny tables can be cute, but they don't do much more than a cup of coffee. If you want to actually use the table for more than that, maybe add a lamp, some books, or some decoration; go for an end table that measures 18 to 22 inches and more.
5. What Shape do you Prefer?
This is more about how the table feels in your room. Let's take an example: a round or oval table = instant win, like Jennifer Italia Ricochet round top end table.
It’s usually the most stylish option because it breaks up all the straight lines in a living room and is easier to walk around, especially if it's a small space.
This doesn't mean that square or rectangular end tables aren't worth it. They show their full potential when put against the wall or in a corner. They offer more surface area and often come with handy extras like shelves or drawers underneath. Take a look at the Global Furniture Lilly End Table with Clear Glass Top, the Jennifer Italia Ovni Rectangle End Table, and the Asher Rectangle End Table.
When you are shopping, check if the end table shape will complement the furniture you already have in place.
6. Have You Heard About End Tables With Storage?
If you feel that your living room is collecting more clutter, an end table with built-in storage is best.
There are a few ways this can look:
- Open shelves underneath the tabletop are good for stacking books, storing small baskets, or at least keeping things within reach.
- Drawers or cabinets give you hidden storage, which is perfect if you want to keep clutter out of sight and make the space look tidier.
If your space needs function and style, go for an end table that helps manage the mess. Check out our end table with storage collections like Paolo End Table, Modern Craftsman End Table, and Grand Haven Rectangle End Table.
7. How Many End Tables Do You Need?
Thinking about the placement of end tables is okay. But what if you need more than one? Here's a simple formula that works well. A good rule of thumb is one side table for each seat in the room. Every person has somewhere to set down their phone, book, or just a drink.
So, if your setup has one sofa and two chairs, you can have:
- One side table on each end of the sofa
- One table between the two chairs
That gives you three side tables in total, covering all the seats.
But if you are working with limited space or a smaller room, you could have one side table between the chairs and maybe just one on one end of the sofa.
Note: The key idea is to ensure that every seat has access to a table within arm’s reach because no one wants to lean across a coffee table or ask someone else to hold their cup.
8. Mix, But Don't Match Too Much
Having two matching side tables is fine, especially if you put them next to a bed or a sofa bed. But once you have decided to add more, it's more interesting to mix things up a bit. Matching everything can make a space feel too stiff or catalog-like, isn't it?
Follow the tips to mix styles or shapes to tie everything together:
- Use different end table styles or shapes, but all should have the same wood tone.
- Choose various shapes or finishes, but let all the end tables have similar metal accents.
This approach makes your space feel layered and personal, but still thoughtfully pulled together.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the perfect end table is of great use to your living space and also stands as a statement piece. So, while you go shopping, think about how you will use the end table, how much room you have, and what materials or colors will tie in with the rest of your decor.
