How to Decorate End Tables
End tables are not just functional pieces of furniture, but they can also be stylish focal points in your living room, bedroom, or any other room in your home. Decorating end tables can add personality, style, and functionality to your space.
From choosing the right accessories to arranging them in an aesthetically pleasing way, decorating end tables requires thoughtful consideration of design elements to create a cohesive and visually appealing look. In this article, we will explore some tips and ideas on how to decorate end tables to elevate the overall aesthetic of your home.
What Is an End Table Used for?
An end table is a small piece of furniture with four legs and a flat surface, typically used to complement seating in living rooms or bedrooms. End tables can provide additional storage for books, magazines, and other items, as well as provide an attractive accent piece. The use of an end table depends on the design, size, and style of the space it’s placed in.
For example, if you have a large sofa in your living room, an end table with drawers or shelves would offer extra storage while adding a stylish touch to the area. Another option is to place two matching end tables on either side of your sofa – this creates balance and symmetry in the space.
End tables also work well when placed at the ends of chairs or love seats, and they can be used in bedrooms as nightstands. When decorating an end table, you can use a variety of decorative elements such as lamps, baskets, vases, and books to create a stylish look.
Using accessories that are either in the same color family or have similar shapes helps to unify the overall design of the room. When selecting items for your end table, consider their size and scale – smaller pieces will help keep it from feeling cluttered and overwhelming.
Additionally, make sure that any functional pieces like lamps or clocks fit comfortably on the surface of your table without taking up too much space. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to find the perfect end tables for your home!
10 Methods How to Decorate End Tables
1. Consider the Style
Choose accessories that complement the overall style of your room and end table. For example, if you have a modern end table, opt for sleek and minimalist accessories, while a traditional end table may benefit from more ornate or classic pieces.
If you’re unsure, look for accessories that have a mix of both contemporary and traditional elements. To complement a more eclectic look, try mixing and matching different styles. However, be sure to keep the overall look cohesive when combining styles.
2. Play with Height
Vary the height of your accessories to create visual interest. Use tall items like table lamps or tall vases, along with shorter pieces like small figurines or candles, to add dimension to your end table decor. This will create a pleasing, balanced look.
Place larger decor items at the back of the table and smaller objects toward the front. You can also vary the height of items on different layers of your end table. For example, place a tall item, such as a plant, on the bottom shelf and smaller decor items on the top shelf. This will help create depth and interest in your end table decor.
3. Use Color Wisely
Choose accessories that complement or contrast with the color scheme of your room. A pop of color can add vibrancy to your end table while sticking to a monochromatic palette can create a cohesive and sophisticated look.
If you’re not sure what colors to use, consider the 60-30-10 rule. Paint your walls in a light neutral hue that’s 60 percent of the room. Add a secondary color for 30 percent and use an accent color throughout the remainder of the space, 10 percent. However, if you have more than three colors, it will appear busy and overwhelming.
4. Consider Proportion
Take into account the size of your end table when selecting accessories. Too large or too small items can throw off the balance of the table. Aim for a balanced and visually pleasing arrangement. If you have a large end table, consider adding multiple smaller items of similar sizes, such as two lamps or a tray with two bookends.
Conversely, if you have a small end table, opt for one larger centerpiece, such as a vase or candle holder. To add texture and depth to your table, incorporate items in different shapes and heights. But keep it orderly and clutter-free!
5. Mix Textures
Incorporate different textures in your end table decor to add depth and visual interest. For example, you can use a textured vase, a smooth metallic sculpture, and a woven basket to create a dynamic and textured display. Try adding a velvet pillow or a fur throw to the mix for a true luxe look. You can also add texture with greenery, like a succulent in a pot with a geode, to create an earthy yet modern feel.
Whatever your style, experiment with different textures to achieve the look you’re after. While it may be tempting to choose furniture pieces that all match in color and size, adding a variety of textures will add depth and interest to your end table’s design.
6. Create Symmetry or Asymmetry
You can arrange your accessories symmetrically, with matching items on both sides of the end table, for a formal and balanced look. Alternatively, you can create an asymmetrical arrangement for a more casual and eclectic vibe. If you choose the latter option, make sure to group objects of similar colors and shapes together.
Place heavier accessories at the bottom and lighter ones up top. You should also consider the size of your items, with larger ones placed lower and small pieces higher. Additionally, make sure that all sides are visible, making sure to rotate and rearrange your accessories so that all sides of the end table are visible.
7. Think Functionality
End tables are not just for decoration but also for functionality. Consider adding items like a tray for holding remotes, a coaster for drinks, or a small tray for jewelry to make your end table both stylish and practical.
You can also find decorative storage baskets to store items like books and games. Add a lamp to your end table for extra light when you’re reading or need a little extra light in the room. For even more functionality, look for end tables with additional shelves or drawers so you can store items out of sight.
8. Add Personal Touches
Incorporate personal items such as family photos, mementos, or souvenirs that have sentimental value to you. These can add a personalized touch to your end table decor and make it more meaningful to you. If kids are involved, place their artwork or favorite toys on the end table. This can be a great way to show your appreciation for their creativity.
You can also use flower vases, candles, and other decorative items to create an appealing end-table display. If you have a lot of items to display, use trays or boxes as containers. This will help keep the space organized and clutter-free. In conclusion, decorating end tables can be a fun and creative way to give your home an updated look.
9. Play with Shapes
Experiment with different shapes of accessories to create visual interest. Mix round and square shapes, or use geometric or abstract shapes to add a contemporary and artistic touch to your end table decor. Find items made out of glass or metal for a modern feel, and incorporate vases, books, sculptures, figurines, and other objects to personalize the look.
Be creative and add a unique flair to your end tables by mixing different shapes and materials in interesting ways. To avoid making your end table too cluttered, select just a few items in different shapes that you love.
10. Keep it Clutter-Free
Avoid overcrowding your end table with too many accessories. Keep it clean and clutter-free to maintain a visually appealing and organized look. Less is often more when it comes to end table decor.
Be mindful of the size and number of items you place on the table to avoid an overcrowded appearance. With the right balance of decor and other accessories, your end table will be stylishly dressed and ready to impress.
In conclusion, decorating end tables can be a fun and creative process that allows you to showcase your style and personality while also adding functionality to your space.
Conclusion
In conclusion, decorating end tables can transform them from functional pieces of furniture into stylish and eye-catching elements of your room’s decor. By carefully selecting accessories that complement your room’s style and color palette, considering scale and proportion, and arranging them in an aesthetically pleasing way, you can create a visually appealing and cohesive look for your end tables.
Hopefully, this article gave you some helpful tips about how to decorate end tables successfully, so now that you have the proper knowledge on how to get the job done, why not give it a try today?
Angela Ervin
Angela is the executive editor of DIY quickly. She began her career as an interior designer before applying her strategic and creative passion to lifestyle and home. She has close to 15 years of experience in creative writing and online content strategy for housekeeping, home decorations as well as other niche efforts. She loves her job and has the privilege of working with an extraordinary team. She lives with her husband, two sons, and daughter in Petersburg. When she's not busy working she spent time with her family.
