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    Decorating a Side Table

    What Should I Put on My End Table?

    Side Table Styles and Decor

    When it comes to decorating your living room or den, many people focus on the major players such as the sofa, coffee table and entertainment center. Although these larger furnishings are important, you should also make room in your design plan for accent items like chic and practical side tables.

    Despite their small stature, side tables play a big role in the overall look of your layout. In fact, a well-placed side table can enhance the comfortable feel of your space and tie your chic setup together. With the handy information in this guide, you’ll be able to choose side tables that suit the style and function of your space.

    Overview

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    Side tables let you display essential items and small knick-knacks that personalize your layout.
    Side tables let you display essential items and small knick-knacks that personalize your layout.

    What Should I Put on My End Table?

    Before you start decorating your side tables or end tables with flashy, eye-catching accents that show off your unique personality, it’s important to remember the table’s intended purpose. Along with framing your sofa or sectional or complementing your recliner, loveseat or settee, these small tables provide a landing spot for various living room essentials.

    Having a side table next to your arm chair or sofa lets you keep drinks, TV remotes, cell phones and other odds and ends within reach while you relax. To get the most practical use out of your side tables, you’ll need to dedicate most of the surfaces to these crucial items. Once you decide on your side table must-haves, you can fill the remaining space with accents that put a unique flourish on your design.

    First, top your table with essential items, then incorporate a few decorative trinkets.
    First, top your table with essential items, then incorporate a few decorative trinkets.

    Choosing Side Table Decor for Different Table Types

    After designating tabletop space for all your must-have side table items, you can decide what types of decorative accents you want to add. Details like the table’s shape and size, design style and finish play an important role in selecting end table knick-knacks and keepsakes that make your overall layout look better.

    Side Table Shapes and Sizes

    Your side table shape and surface size plays a huge role in the type and amount of decor you can put on it. For example, square and rectangular options usually have wider table tops that can hold larger accents. Meanwhile, you may only be able to set one small item on a compact nesting or c-shaped side table, or add two to three accents to a pair of round or oval end tables.

    End Table Decor Styles

    To ensure a cohesive look for your layout, your side table decor should also feature similar design elements to the table itself. Narrow your search for end table accents by creating one of the following coordinated style pairings that promote your chosen aesthetic:

    Select decor that suits the classic, modern, rustic or contemporary design of your side table.
    Select decor that suits the classic, modern, rustic or contemporary design of your side table.

    Side Table Colors and Finishes

    While coordinating your decor and side table styles creates a cohesive look, contrasting the colors of your accents and table finishes helps your fixtures stand out. A black, white, gray or glass-top end table makes an excellent backdrop for bold orange and yellow decor. Meanwhile, placing green, gray and blue accents on a brown, espresso, or light wood table adds a soothing touch to your earth-tone palette.

    Striking white tabletop decor can help brighten up a traditional-style space with muted hues and glossy cherry and dark wood end tables. On the other hand, setting darker black and brown accents on a metal table with a polished silver, brass, chrome or gold finish can tone down your overall color scheme.

    Create chic contrast by pairing dark-colored decor with light-colored side tables or vice versa.
    Create chic contrast by pairing dark-colored decor with light-colored side tables or vice versa.

    Side Table Decor Ideas

    Once you decide on the amount, style and color of decor you want for your side tables, it’s time to start decorating. Again, you’ll need to prioritize practical accents, then incorporate a few fun pieces that showcase your unique personality. Consider using some of these popular side table decor ideas when topping your end tables.

    End Table Lamps

    Coordinated table lamp sets are a staple of living room side table decor. Place one of these light fixtures on your side table for extra illumination as you read or complete crossword puzzles. Again, be sure that your lamp complements the modern or