How to Place End Tables in a Living Room
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- What Are End Tables?
- Things To Remember Before You Start Positioning The End Tables
- 6 Simple Ways By Which You Can Place The End Table
- Use One End Table On Each Side (But Not Always)
- Let The Layout Lead You
- Keep It Beside A Chair Or Recliner
- Floating In A Corner
- At The End Of A Sectional
- In Front Of A Window Or Beside A Wall
- Final Words
You really liked this end table when you scrolled an online store and bought it home and are now thinking where exactly you should place it, right? Or, let's keep it simple. You have an end table and want to know what you can do with it and make it a more functional piece of furniture. Whatever reason you have in mind, you can get help from us by reading this blog.
What Are End Tables?
An end table is a small, functional table that's placed beside a sofa, chair, or bed to provide a convenient surface to place everyday items. It can hold things like lamps, drinks, books, remote controls, or decorative accents such as candles or photo frames. End tables are usually about the same height as the arm of the furniture they sit next to, so that it's easy to reach for anything placed on top.
While end tables may seem like small pieces, they can make a big difference in both the functionality and flow of your living room.
Things To Remember Before You Start Positioning The End Tables
Here's a simple, room-friendly guide to help you do it just right.
Start With The Basics: What's The End Table For?
Why do you invest in an end table? This is a question you should ask before deciding where to place your end table, and then think about how you will use it. If you don't have an idea, ask these questions yourself:
- Do you want a place to set down drinks or a book?
- Need a spot for a lamp?
- Just looking to add symmetry and style?
Once you know the purpose, it's easier to place the table where it will actually be useful and not just remain as a decoration.
Follow The "Arm's Reach" Rule
A good rule of thumb for placing your end table? Keep your end table within arm's reach of the seat next to it. It can be beside a sofa or an accent chair, and you should be able to set down a drink or grab the remote without having to lean or stretch.
Tip: The top of your end table should ideally be no more than 2–3 inches taller or shorter than the arm of the furniture it's next to. This keeps the flow comfortable and practical.
6 Simple Ways By Which You Can Place The End Table
There are multiple ways to place the end table in your living room, but these are the best ones.
1. Use One End Table On Each Side (But Not Always)
Placing end tables on both sides of a sofa can give your space a balanced, symmetrical look, especially in more formal living rooms.
But don't feel boxed in! If your layout is more casual or eclectic, one end table is often enough, especially if it's paired with a coffee table or console.
Design tip: If you are using mismatched end tables, try to keep them at a similar height so things still feel close-knit.
2. Let The Layout Lead You
The overall shape and size of your living room can also guide your table placement:
- If you have a small room, adding a single slim-end table next to the main seating might be all you need.
- In a larger, open-concept space, you can add a pair of end tables and place them at different angles.
Just be sure to leave enough room to walk around without bumping into corners. A minimum of 18 inches between furniture pieces is considered a safe bet for comfort.
3. Keep It Beside A Chair Or Recliner
Placing an end table next to your favorite reading chair or recliner is all about comfort and convenience. This setup creates a little personal zone where everything you need is right within reach.
You can enhance the comfort factor by adding a small table lamp for soft lighting, which makes it a perfect spot for reading or unwinding in the evening. So, this is a simple placement that turns any corner of your living room into a relaxed and thoughtful space.
4. Floating In A Corner
Corners often get ignored in a living room, but they are actually a great opportunity to make a more functional space. So, adding an end table can really shine here.
If you have an empty or awkward corner, especially one that doesn't quite fit a chair or large piece of furniture, you can place a small end table there to help soften the sharp edges and fill the space in a natural way.
Maybe you can also top it with a table lamp for extra lighting or a leafy plant or any kind of decoration. This placement also helps draw the eye to different parts of the room.
5. At The End Of A Sectionals
Sectionals offer tons of seating, but they can lack space for cupholders, which makes it difficult to grab a cup or keep small things on the furniture. That's where an end table comes in handy. One should be placed at the outer edge of the sectional. It can be at the end of the chaise or the armrest side.
This spot is also great for adding a table lamp, which helps bring balance to the lighting in the room and creates a cozier atmosphere for evening lounging. And if your sectional floats in the middle of the room, an end table at the end can help visually anchor the space.
6. In Front Of A Window Or Beside A Wall
An end table doesn't always have to sit next to a sofa or a chair. It can work beautifully as a mini console or accent piece in other parts of the room, too.
So, placing one in front of a window or against a blank wall is a clever way to fill empty space without overwhelming it. It’s especially useful in smaller living rooms or open layouts where a full console table might feel too bulky.
Final Words
End tables are a great place for décor, but don't overdo it. You still want space to actually use the surface. If you have an end table, think about how you use your space, where you sit, what you reach for, and how the room flows, and then think about your table placement.
With a little planning, your end tables won’t just be useful, but they will also make your living room feel more complete and thoughtfully designed. See what end table styles Jennifer Furniture has in store.
